Regenerative agriculture is a movement aimed at improving soil health, reducing dependency on chemical inputs, and fostering sustainable farming practices. However, Jay Young, a cattle rancher and regenerative agriculture advocate from Young Red Angus, recently highlighted significant challenges with the movement.
While Young is a strong proponent of regenerative methods and has applied them on his farm since 2016, he voices concerns about how some aspects of the movement hinder its wider acceptance among farmers.
The Challenge of Focusing Solely on Success

One of Young’s main points is that the regenerative agriculture movement has become overly focused on success stories. He believes this emphasis creates an unrealistic picture for those new to regenerative methods. He explains, “People want to see the success, the magazine covers, the high yields without chemical inputs, and everything going perfectly.” However, farming is rarely that straightforward. By only promoting success, the movement risks alienating those who are struggling or experiencing setbacks, a reality that Young insists is essential to discuss openly.
The Need for Honest Conversations About Failures

Young advocates for more transparency about failures in regenerative agriculture, noting that farming is full of variables beyond a farmer’s control. For example, cover cropping, a common regenerative practice, can yield poor results in regions with limited rainfall. “It was a colossal failure,” Young says about his attempt to interseed cover crops with corn in dry Western Kansas. But he’s not giving up, understanding that such setbacks are part of the learning process. His openness about this failure is refreshing, and it reinforces the value of resilience in agriculture.
Unrealistic Expectations for New Farmers

In the regenerative agriculture community, it’s common for newcomers to feel pressure to achieve quick results. Some advocates tend to place blame on farmers for failing to see results, arguing they “just need to follow regenerative principles more closely.” This kind of criticism can be counterproductive, especially when it discourages farmers who are genuinely trying to adopt sustainable practices. One viewer, @miraclefarm1927, commented, “Thanks for being real. We don’t do everything right and we are just learning… if you don’t share your failure, us new guys are destined to do the same without even knowing.”
The Problem of Comparisons

Young is critical of comparing regenerative success in diverse environmental conditions. What works well in one area might not apply to another, particularly in regions with vastly different climates. He points out that many successful regenerative farms are located in areas with adequate rainfall, making practices like cover cropping far more feasible than in dry, arid regions like his in Kansas. “In Eastern Kansas, people may assume no one in Western Kansas is doing regenerative agriculture simply because we don’t see the same immediate success,” he says, underscoring the importance of context.
Handling Criticism and Skepticism

Despite his advocacy for regenerative methods, Young often encounters skepticism and criticism. He explains that some people label him a “liberal plant” trying to disrupt conventional farming. But rather than being discouraged, Young remains committed to his message and emphasizes the need for mutual understanding. He believes approaching conventional farmers with empathy and acknowledging their struggles is crucial for gaining their trust and fostering interest in regenerative practices.
Encouraging Dialogue Over Dogma

Young is concerned about the rigid mindset some in the regenerative movement have adopted. He emphasizes that regenerative agriculture is not a one-size-fits-all solution, nor a fail-proof method. “When people talk as if regenerative agriculture never fails, it turns potential advocates away,” he says. Highlighting failures and struggles openly helps create a more relatable and trustworthy image of the movement. As @aaronswanson6719 commented, “Too many pie-in-the-sky stories leave out crucial bits of context… I tried regenerative techniques for years but couldn’t see results until I made changes based on my own needs.”
Redefining Failure as Learning

Young argues that the movement needs to redefine failure as a learning tool. He states, “Failure isn’t bad; it makes us better farmers.” By embracing mistakes, farmers can adapt regenerative methods to their unique environments rather than blindly following prescriptive advice. This approach fosters innovation, encourages resilience, and allows regenerative agriculture to evolve. In this spirit, @happytomeetyou.3027 shared, “I appreciate when a man shares his failures… even physicians lose a patient once in a while while practicing medicine, so keep the good work, Jay.”
Finding Solutions That Work Locally

A significant part of Young’s advocacy involves adapting regenerative techniques to fit specific regional challenges. He explains that instead of promoting a universal regenerative blueprint, the movement would be more effective if it emphasized the need to test and refine practices based on local conditions. This philosophy resonates with commenters like @patricktoomey8249, who observes, “In reality, regenerative ag is about taking back decision-making… which comes with risk and failure. A hard pill to swallow for farmers used to prescribed solutions.”
Building a Resilient Community

Young sees regenerative agriculture as a movement that should champion resilience. He urges regenerative farmers and advocates to support each other through both the highs and the lows. Offering constructive feedback and encouragement, he believes, will foster a community that people want to join. This notion is echoed by @organicentourage, who states, “The fact that you are willing to share the good and the bad speaks volumes about your character… Half the problem is we’re all so overworked that it’s hard to get everything right on the first go.”
The Role of Public Perception in Regenerative Agriculture

Young also touches on the importance of public perception. When people outside the movement see regenerative advocates dismissing or downplaying failures, it can give the impression that regenerative farming is disconnected from real-world challenges. He argues that by showing the “warts and all” side of regenerative farming, the movement can appear more genuine and attainable. “People will see that we’re resilient,” Young says, emphasizing that authenticity is key to gaining respect.
Shifting the Focus from Results to Process

Young encourages regenerative agriculture advocates to focus less on immediate outcomes and more on the long-term process. Regenerative farming is, after all, about gradual improvement of soil health and biodiversity. The process is complex and requires patience, experimentation, and an openness to setbacks. As @KPVFarmer notes, “Your honesty and dedication to showing the good, bad, and ugly is what I want to see… I want to see the lessons you learn in your area when things don’t go as planned.”
The Future of Regenerative Agriculture

Despite the challenges, Young remains optimistic about the future of regenerative agriculture. He believes that a more honest and flexible approach will inspire other farmers to explore sustainable practices. While the journey may be difficult, Young’s commitment to transparency offers a valuable lesson for the movement. By acknowledging both the successes and struggles, regenerative agriculture can evolve into a more inclusive, adaptable, and respected farming approach.
In the end, Young’s message is clear: regenerative agriculture has great potential, but only if the movement embraces honesty, adaptability, and empathy. He continues to advocate for sustainable practices while reminding others that setbacks are part of the journey.

Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.