Farm & Ranch Hosts
The farms and ranches listed below implement sustainable and regenerative practices, and have graciously opened their farm doors to SPI and our community in order to share their experiences and expertise.
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Fulton Family Farm, Bryan TX
The Fulton Family Farm, owned and operated by Tara and Michael Denham, has been part of Tara’s life since it was purchased in the 1930s. After moving permanently to the 78-acre homestead, the couple focused on restoring the land by working with its natural environment, selecting cattle, goats, pigs and poultry breeds suited to their surroundings. Their efforts have revitalized the property, bringing back native grasses, increased wildlife activity, and a thriving ecosystem.
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Pure Pastures, Canyon Lake TX
Pure Pastures is a family-owned, multi-species grazing operation focusing on beef, lamb, pork, and poultry. They use rotational grazing and regenerative practices to raise animals on pasture, ensuring high-quality, nutrient-dense meats while promoting the restoration of native prairie landscapes. In addition to their on-site ranch store, Pure Pastures provides recipes on their website to help customers make the most of their sustainably produced products.
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The Regen Ranch, Oakwood TX
Christine Martin, a rancher, consultant, and HMI-certified educator, is dedicated to holistic and regenerative agriculture. Starting her homesteading journey in 2001 and transitioning to full-time ranching in 2015, she transformed The Regen Ranch into a thriving operation with Dexter cattle, Dorper sheep, Standard White turkeys, and egg-laying chickens. By embracing regenerative practices, Christine tripled her ranch's carrying capacity in just two years while restoring ecosystem balance and fostering sustainable land management.
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Bodega Loya, El Paso TX
Bodega Loya is a 100-year-old generational family farm owned by Ralph and Marty Loya. The farm supplies fresh, local fruit and produce to its on-site farm stand and café, both housed in beautifully repurposed adobe buildings. In addition to nourishing the community, the space features an art gallery, artisan boutiques, and a refurbished adobe fire pit, creating a vibrant hub for culture and connection.
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DWD Longhorns, Hondo TX
DWD Longhorns is dedicated to preserving the pure genetics of the majestic Texas Longhorn, a heritage breed. Committed to maintaining these resourceful and hardy cattle in their natural state, DWD avoids genetic augmentation, focusing instead on functional efficiency and holistic stewardship of the land. By prioritizing sustainable agriculture, they enhance soil health, support native plant and wildlife diversity, and produce wholesome, uncompromised food for future generations.
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Swift River Pecans, Lockhart TX
With over 266 acres of orchards and 1,000 pecan trees, Troy Swift and his team have embraced a more sustainable and ecological approach to farming. They’ve eliminated the use of herbicides, incorporated by-products from local breweries and distilleries as organic matter, and installed bat houses as a natural alternative to conventional pest control. Swift River Pecans exemplifies a comprehensive strategy that continues to benefit both their farm and the environment.
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Passion Gardens, Waco TX
Passion Garden’s mission is to "bring people back to growing their gardens and eating more from the Earth for better health." Kay Bell’s three-acre farm produces fruits, vegetables, and herbs using organic practices while focusing on soil health. She sells her produce at local farmers' markets and her herbal teas at local health stores. In addition, Kay is the Texas president of the National Women in Agriculture and founded Global Revive, an organization that launched the Raising Organic Wealth (ROW) project to help landless farmers by providing them with three rows to grow their crops.
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Menke Farm & Ranch, Waller TX
Menke Farm and Ranch, a family-owned operation founded in 1847, transitioned its 3,000-acre ranch to regenerative practices after 6th generation rancher Matthew Menke witnessed the slow degradation of his soil. Inspired by his experience and education through the Soil Health Academy, Matthew shifted away from synthetic fertilizers and chemicals, focusing on building soil health and working in harmony with nature. Guided by the motto "regenerating ecosystems from the ground up," he now shares his journey, challenges, and successes in regenerative agriculture with fellow producers.
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Farmshare Austin, Cedar Creek TX
Farmshare Austin is a 10-acre organic vegetable farm committed to creating a healthy, just, and equitable local food system. By growing organic produce, the farm supports community food access through their Fresh For Less markets, which provide affordable, fresh vegetables to underserved areas. Farmshare also works to cultivate the next generation of sustainable farmers through their Farmer Starter training program which provides aspiring farmers with hands-on education and resources to start their own agricultural ventures.
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Eveler Farms, Clint TX
Eveler & Eveler Farm, a family-owned agricultural business in Clint, Texas, specializes in sustainable farming practices, producing pecans and cotton for local distribution. In addition to traditional farming methods, the Eveler family has successfully implemented drip irrigation systems for their crops in the El Paso Valley, enhancing water efficiency and crop yields.
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San Antonio Food Bank, San Antonio TX
The San Antonio Food Bank, established in 1980, serves a 29-county area in Southwest Texas, providing food assistance to approximately 100,000 individuals each week. Beyond food distribution, it offers programs focused on education, advocacy, and self-sufficiency to combat hunger and its root causes. The organization's mission is to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education, and advocacy.
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Garcia Street Urban Farm, San Antonio TX
Garcia Street Urban Farm, situated on San Antonio's Eastside, is a 4.1-acre urban farm dedicated to fostering sustainable, local food systems. Established through a partnership between the Alamo Colleges District and Opportunity Home San Antonio, the farm offers educational programs on organic, regenerative urban farming, nutrition, and food security. It also features a farmers market, cut flower garden, and serves as a community hub for various events and workshops.
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S3 Legacy Ranch, Luling TX
S3 Legacy Ranch is a family-owned regenerative farm led by Deydra King. Spanning 220 acres, the ranch focuses on raising cattle, goats, and poultry using holistic management practices to improve land health and maximize profits while caring for the environment. Through her ranching journey, Deydra has become a strong advocate for both sustainable agriculture and her local community, offering educational resources and workshops to promote regenerative practices.
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SKM Ranch, Fentress TX
Owned and operated by SPI Director Dr. Ken Mix and his wife Sheyanne, SKM Ranch was established as a way for Dr. Mix to explore regenerative practices firsthand, beyond the lab and classroom. The ranch raises cattle, turkeys, chickens, and bees, with Dr. Mix applying the lessons from SPI workshops to his own land. The ranch also serves as an outdoor classroom and event space for hosting workshops.
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Growin' on Faith Farm, Bremond TX
A graduate of Holistic Management Institute’s Beginning Farmer/Rancher Program, Erin Kimbrough emphasizes holistic and regenerative practices on her family’s 300-acre ranch. Alongside her husband, John, she raises a variety of livestock, including goats, cattle, horses, and chickens. Together, they are passionate about educating others on the benefits of sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
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Mesquite Field Farm, Nixon TX
Mesquite Field Farm, owned by Melissa and Doug Havemann, focuses on producing high-quality, nutrient-dense food. The farm raises grass-fed beef and pastured poultry, using rotational grazing to improve soil health while incorporating advanced techniques in animal husbandry, fencing, geospatial mapping, and renewable energy. By blending modern innovations with pre-industrial regenerative practices, Mesquite Field Farm is committed to regenerating soil and water, sequestering carbon, and promoting sustainability for future generations.