Power to the farmers.
It’s in our roots.

Northeast Grass-Fed Beef Initiative

We partner with farmers to support transitions to regenerative, cattle-based systems that help restore ecosystem health and revitalize rural economies.

Regenerative Methods

Regenerative grazing and pasture management practices can revitalize Northeast landscapes and communities.

Our evidence-based approach combines multi-paddock rotational grazing methods with whole farm strategic planning, empowering farmers to build opportunity and stability.

Healthy Ecosystems

Regenerative grazing builds soil health and fertility, sequesters carbon, and reduces or eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and biocides.

These benefits directly combat climate change and water pollution, and protect against droughts and floods.

Profitable Farms

Farms that adopt these science-based practices save money on feed, fertilizers, and other off-farm inputs, as well as animal healthcare.

Grass-fed products also sell at a premium, bringing more revenue back to the farm.

Resilient Communities

The financial benefits of regenerative grazing provide fair compensation for labor, support viable farm businesses, and build diversified farm income.

Here in the Northeast, we have everything we need to produce grass-fed beef– not only for our rural neighbors, but to supply our own urban areas. We can make our entire region more resilient in times of crises such as pandemics and extreme weather events.

REGENERATIVE GRAZING:
HEAR WHAT FARMERS HAVE TO SAY

“I should have done this ten years ago.”

-RONNIE NUCKOLS

Struggling to manage the herd on his Virginia farm, Ronnie asked himself: “How can I turn this around so that I’m managing the cattle and they’re not managing me?”

After switching to rotational grazing, Ronnie began to see improvements right away. Watch Ronnie describe his journey to grazing.

“Every step of the process, I saw benefits.”

-SCOTT CLEVELAND

Scott wanted to reduce costs on his family’s 80-head Vermont dairy farm. Although he had doubts that grazing would produce enough benefit, he decided to give it a shot.

Over one grazing season, he saved $34,000 in feed costs, plus more in animal healthcare. Read about Cleveland Farms’ transformation through grazing.

RECENT WORK

We’ve been busy! NGBI has been hard at work strengthening our ties around the region. From educational events to partnership development to project planning, our work has caught major attention, and we're not stopping anytime soon. Read on to find out just some of the ways we’ve been working recently to support better agriculture, one farm at a time.

NGBI @ Appleton Farms: NGBI advised farm staff and several statewide staff at Trustees of Reservations’ Appleton Farms. Regenerative grazing topics ranged from success indicators to methane emissions to how to train cows to eat weeds!

NGBI @ NGLC: Congratulations to the organizers and presenters at the 2024 Northeast Grazing and Livestock Conference, and thanks to all for some great discussions! Pictured (left-to-right): NGBI staff Greg, Cristin, and Ridge.

NGBI in the media: Click the links to hear from Ridge!

Working across 12 states and the District of Columbia.

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Will you give today?

NGBI is a non-profit organization.

Thousands of people like you help us support farmers, build climate resilience, and protect farmland in the Northeast. We rely on donations to carry out our mission.

The Northeast Grass-Fed Beef Initiative (NGBI)

We envision a world in which rural communities are vibrant stewards of soil health, water quality, and economic opportunity.

We can’t do it without you. Join us to stay informed and support regenerative agriculture in the Northeast.

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PARTNER WITH US

NGBI provides personalized support for local farmers who use or want to use cattle-based grazing practices.

We’re building a regional network of experienced graziers and farm services. If you’re a(n):

  • Agricultural supplier

  • Chef / Restaurateur

  • Farmer / Landowner

  • Farm equipment supplier

  • Financial planner

  • Lender

  • Livestock breeder / Geneticist

  • Slaughterhouse / Processor

  • Technical service provider

  • Trucker

  • Veterinary service provider

  • Or… another kind of related entity

Please get in touch to discuss opportunities for collaboration.

NGBI is led by Ridge Shinn, a longtime farmer, grazing advocate, CEO of Big Picture Beef, and co-author of Grass-Fed Beef for a Post-Pandemic World.

LET’S GROW
TOGETHER

Northeast Grass-Fed Beef Initiative