Episode 09: Regenerative Ranching and Learning from the Land with Doniga Markegard of Markegard Family Grass-Fed

Solving Climate, Naturally

Doniga is a regenerative rancher, wildlife tracker, author and thought leader around nature and our role within it. She and her husband own and operate Markegard Family Grass-Fed, and lease land encompassing over 11,000 acres across the Bay Area in Northern California. In this episode, we explore the lessons Doniga has learned in her many years of actively managing land and applying regenerative practices and witnessing first hand all the climate, biodiversity and systemic benefits that stem from them.

Topics covered in this episode:

Doniga’s journey from wildlife tracking to regenerative ranching

Connection between ranching and biodiversity and soil carbon outcomes

Barriers to switching to regenerative practices

Role of corporations versus policy in promoting regenerative agriculture

Want to learn more? Check out these resources:

Markegard Family Grassfed - Doniga’s regenerative ranching company

Point Blue Conservation - Conservation organization referenced by Doniga in the episode

Move Your DNA: Restore your Health through Natural Movement - Book by Katie Bowman referenced by Doniga in the episode

Doniga’s incredible story as written by her in her books Dawn Again and Wolf Girl

These cattle ranchers are raising better beef, spending less — and reducing carbon emissions (CNBC)

Regenerative Agriculture: Good for Soil Health but Limited Potential to Mitigate Climate Change (World Resources Institute)

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Episode recorded on: February 18, 2022