Regenerative agriculture

A quick drive through the Palouse country will quickly show you that 50% or more of producers have implemented direct seed and no-till systems. There are environmental, economic and food quality benefits of transitioning to direct seed and no-till systems, and often the outcomes cut across any political divide that may exist between landlords and tenants. It is those benefits combined with farm policies that help drive innovation in new conservation-based systems that will keep farms viable and strengthen the relationships between the tenant and the absentee landowner.

Direct seeders in our region have an amazing story to tell as you mentioned in your article (“Farming leased land can mean low profile,” Feb. 8). They have respect for the land they steward and a desire to preserve a resource that is the foundation of our society. It is this sincere regard for the land that builds tremendous respect and relationships between farmers and landlords.

To be clear, few farmers have seen reductions in yields when transitioning, and to imply that landlords could be faced with total crop losses by taking “30% of zero” is at a minimum misleading. These farmers are great stewards of the land protecting the natural resources under their control, and it is not good practice to assume they would make this transition at the expense of their farms, their families, and their landlords. These farmers should be celebrated as they continue to strengthen the ties between urban and rural communities with their common goals of regenerating our land and producing healthier food.

Ty Meyer

Colton, Wash.