Trisha Nieder, a farmer and advocate for sustainable agriculture based in Missouri, authored "Groundwork: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Pasture, Poultry & Orchards in Missouri" to tackle the significant challenges facing farmers in her home state. Drawing from her experience in transforming a traditional cow/calf operation into a diversified farming system, Nieder offers a practical, localized approach to rebuilding resilience.
Nieder blends personal insights from her initial two years of farming with actionable steps. Her online guide offers a practical, experience-based approach for Missouri farmers—especially those transitioning from traditional cow-calf operations—to more diversified, sustainable, and community-oriented agricultural systems.
Purpose and Approach
The guide is structured to assist farmers in:
- Starting small and building strategically,
- Enhancing soil and livestock health,
- Diversifying income sources, and
- Strengthening ties to local markets and communities.
Nieder offers not only technical recommendations but also candid reflections on mistakes and lessons learned, lending the guide a practical and accessible tone.
Chapter Overview
- Getting Started
Outlines infrastructure planning, goal setting, and self-assessment strategies tailored for new or transitioning farmers. - Rotational Grazing
Introduces managed grazing systems that enhance forage quality, improve soil structure, increase water retention, and increase drought resilience, while reducing input costs. - Raising Steers
Covers pasture-based cattle finishing, including breed selection, castration, timing, and relationships with local processors. - Pastured Poultry
Describes the use of mobile coops ("chicken tractors") to integrate poultry into grazing systems, enhancing nutrient cycling, pest control, and revenue. - Orchard Management
Explores fruit tree integration as a long-term diversification strategy, complementing animal systems and building perennial income streams. - Local Resources
Provides a curated list of regional organizations, publications, and programs that support regenerative agriculture in Missouri.
Nieder presents a compelling model for the future of Missouri agriculture through a combination of technical guidance and personal experience, emphasizing ecological health, economic sustainability, and community connection.
URL: https://www.niederfarms.com/groundwork
Want more information? See the related SARE grant:
- Regenerate a Fifth Generation Farm for Sustainability and Profitability While Revitalizing an Aging Farming Community (FNC23-1386)
This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.