Winter Updates from the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens  

As winter blankets the Midwest, the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture (MCRA) at Powell Gardens is bustling with activity. Launched in early 2024, the MCRA is a key initiative of Kansas City’s botanical garden, dedicated to expanding conservation, farming, and land management practices across Powell Gardens’ 900+ acres. The MCRA exemplifies Powell Gardens’ mission to highlight the importance of plants in our lives. Here’s what’s happening this season and what’s on the horizon. 

Sheep 

In early December, the MCRA rams rejoined the ewe flock for the annual breeding season. This strategic timing ensures new lambs will be born in May, when grass and forage are at their peak. It also aligns with the local deer population dropping fawns, easing the pressure on our guard dog, Nelly, during lambing season. We’re looking forward to welcoming a new batch of healthy lambs this year!  

Cattle 

The MCRA cattle herd ended 2024 with the birth of our eighth calf of the year—another girl! Remarkably, all eight calves born this year were female, an unexpected blessing for our goal of growing the herd. These young cows will form the backbone of our future herd, preserving an ancient bloodline that is vital to the ecosystem. 

Hogs 

The hogs have moved to their winter paddock, a dense, overgrown 7-acre pasture. Throughout winter, they’ll clear pathways to aid spring restoration efforts. The sounder includes 22 healthy piglets, each weighing over 100 pounds. Their pasture-raised pork will be available next spring and summer, offering a sustainable and delicious meat option for purchase.  

Land Restoration 

The Good Oak team, in collaboration with Mark Debrot (Manager, Property & Facilities) at Powell Gardens, is accelerating land restoration efforts this winter. Overgrown areas are being cleared and resulting brush piles are being prepared to grind into woodchips. Apprentices are honing their tree identification and timber stand improvement skills, flagging 10 acres of woodland to identify valuable trees for a savanna backbone. The cleared areas will be seeded with over 60 pounds of native grasses and wildflowers from Pheasants Forever, setting the stage for a flourishing prairie ecosystem. 

Agroforestry 

A 7-acre pasture near the main entrance is being transformed into the MCRA’s first agroforestry site. This area will feature rows of elderberry, persimmon, asparagus, and native grasses, and will eventually host bee hives and poultry production. Additionally, 700 pounds of bur oak acorns, generously donated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, have been planted along Highway 50 and the eastern property border. These majestic trees, which can live over 400 years, will provide food for wildlife, livestock, and those who appreciate their enormous acorns. 

Support the MCRA 

The transformative work of the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture is made possible by the support of our community. Your donations help us restore landscapes, preserve time-tested agricultural practices, and educate future generations about sustainable land stewardship. If you’re inspired by the work happening at Powell Gardens, consider making a donation to support the MCRA’s efforts. Together, we can ensure a thriving, sustainable future. 

Donate Now 

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Stay tuned for more updates from the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens!