Regenerative Agriculture: Animals and Apprentices at Powell Gardens 

Launched in 2024, the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture (MCRA) at Powell Gardens has become a key initiative of Kansas City’s botanical garden. The MCRA has expanded existing and introduced new conservation, farming, and land management practices to Powell Gardens’ 900+ acres.  

The Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture perfectly aligns with the core of Powell Gardens mission— highlighting the importance of plants in our lives. Learn more about fall happenings and what’s next for the MCRA below!  

Ewe Flock on the Move 

The flock (made up of hair ewes and their lambs) have completed their initial grazing circuit around the main gardens and have now taken to the trails along the Byron Shutz Trail System. Their new grazing grounds feature high-quality prairie remnants that are under threat from invasive shrubs and trees. As the sheep graze the trails, they help to clear invasive species, encouraging the prairie to reclaim and expand its ground.  

Over the next few years, the MCRA aims to connect these prairie remnants along Powell Gardens’ trails into one cohesive savanna system. This restoration effort not only improves biodiversity, but also enhances the natural beauty of the trails for visitors. 

The role of sheep in this process is like how bison and elk once roamed and grazed the land, stimulating both soil and plant health. Their grazing efforts benefit native birds and small animals that depend on savannas for survival by:   

1. Creating travel lanes for young birds like quail and turkey to move freely between areas.
2. Increasing the diversity of seeds and insects that serve as food sources.
3. Establishing a mosaic of varied habitats, allowing wildlife to nest, feed, and hide within close proximity. 

Cattle Herd Welcomes New Life 

The MCRA cattle herd, along with our flock of male sheep, is well into their third rotation around the pasture we call the “Front 40”. The herd has grown, with three healthy calves born on-site already this year. (As we look toward the fall, we anticipate two more new arrivals!)  

These rotations ensure the health of both the animals and the land, following regenerative practices that benefit the entire ecosystem. 

Piglets in the Paddock 

One of the most exciting updates on the farm is the arrival of piglets! Over twenty adorable piglets were born in the shaded paddocks of their forested home at Powell Gardens. The new arrivals are busy exploring the world, foraging alongside their mothers. Their soft hair, tiny noses, and playful grunts make them an irresistible sight. As they continue to grow, these pigs will roam forests and pastures, embodying the natural lifestyle pigs of the past enjoyed—rooting, foraging, and thriving in a regenerative environment. 

Growing Our Human Team 

The MCRA is excited to welcome two new full-time apprentices starting in October 2024! Over the next year, these two apprentices will gain hands-on experience in habitat restoration, rotational grazing, and agroforestry. Their work will play a vital role in supporting the ongoing efforts of the MCRA to enrich the land while providing invaluable skills for a future in regenerative farming. We are thrilled to have them on board!  

For future job opportunities with Powell Gardens or the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture, visit powellgardens.org/careers-at-powell-gardens.  

Want to Get Involved? 

The work of the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens is just beginning! We look forward to providing classes, educational moments, and hands-on experiences in the future. Look for seasonal updates here on Powell Gardens’ blog. If you want to support this important initiative, consider making a donation of any size today.  

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