Doug Peterson was a USDA-NRCS employee for over 32 years. He started his career as a Soil Scientist. In addition to several positions in the field, he has been a State Grassland Specialist, State Soil Health Specialist and Regional Soil Health Specialist helping row crop and livestock producers around the country understand soil health and regenerative agriculture, how it impacts virtually all natural resource processes, and what type of management it will take to effectively regenerate our soils health, function and productivity. After retiring from NRCS Doug spent 4 years as the Science Officer for Regenified, a regenerative verification and certification company. There he developed a practice and outcome-based land verification and product certification program driving the growth of regenerative agriculture and the adoption of certified products. It allows farmers to adopt regenerative practices confidently and enables brands to have the verification and validation needed to scale regenerative agriculture across the country.
He attended college at Missouri Western State University graduating in 1986 with a B.S. degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in Economics and Agronomy. He grew up on a crop and livestock farm near Newtown in north Missouri. For the last 35 years he has also operated his own 250 head cow/calf and contract grazing operation. He utilizes Adaptive Regenerative Grazing to regenerate soil health, eliminate the need for most purchased fertilizer and limit hay needs to about one bale per cow per winter. Doug’s NRCS training coupled with his real-world hands-on experience make him a unique speaker and consultant that is relatable to row crop and livestock producers in all parts of the country.
“As a private consultant, I am excited to continue down this path helping others understand how to regenerate their land, improve our environment and be profitable while doing those things. It seems that I have spent my entire adult life learning about soil, plants and animals. Overcoming the human tendency to have absolute control over everything is the first step we have to take. Learning to work with natural ecosystems and not against them is without a doubt one of the hardest things to learn. I believe the best learning comes from doing. Growing up on a farm and then spending many years with NRCS evaluating farms and ranches across the Midwest has allowed me to learn a tremendous amount about managing the land. Running my own farming operation for the last 35 years has been the ultimate learning experience. Whether it be selecting the right fence, waterline, water tanks, adapted livestock, or cover crops and no-till equipment, I can help.”
“Regenerative Agriculture has the ability to improve our environment as well as the health of its people. Without a doubt regenerative agriculture is the future of all agriculture. I look forward to helping you gain the knowledge and confidence to allow you to make the right decisions for your operation.” – Doug Peterson