Who can build the best regenerative grazing system?

BREESE, Ill. — Teens and young adults will test their knowledge of regenerative agriculture at a contest held during this summer’s Heart of American Grazing Conference in Effingham. The contest check in begins at 10 a.m. Friday, July 16 at the Effingham Conference Center.

‍The contest, open to participants 14 through 22 years of age, will include a short quiz on adaptive grazing practices. Contestants will then apply what they’ve learned by mapping out a grazing system that includes regenerative strategies for forage maintenance, infrastructure design, and grazing rotation.

‍Participants may compete as individuals or group up to forms teams of two or three. A study guide will be available after June 1.

Registration closes July 11.

“This contest is very similar to the type of project work college students majoring in agriculture are expected to know,” says Trevor Toland, Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition vice president. Toland was a schoolteacher, coach, and administrator for 32 years. He regularly hosts students at his River Oak Ranch to demonstrate his regenerative livestock operation.

All experience levels are welcome to attend.

“Seasoned forage and livestock producers will serve as mentors to teams during the contest,” Toland says, “so everyone will have the resources they need to have fun, learn, and compete.”

Regenerative grazing is a livestock management approach that works to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and improve ecosystem function. It involves rotating herds between paddocks to graze intensively for short periods, allowing long rest periods before being grazed again.

“Regenerative grazing is flexible and adjusts daily based on environmental conditions, so there will be no one correct answer to the contest,” Toland says. “Participants will need to explain the choices they make in designing their ideal grazing operation.”

Prizes will be awarded in two divisions: high school age (fall 2026) and post high school through age 22.

The contest is held in conjunction with the Heart of America Grazing Conference and co-sponsored by ILGLC Illinois Forage and Grassland Council. Contestants can register for the conference at a reduced rate of $35.

For more information about the Heart of America Grazing Conference, visit the ILGLC event website.