In this episode, Juan Whiting, President of the Hinterland Institute, shares how a group of veterans is pioneering a new model of regenerative land management — transforming 24 million acres of Department of Defense land into thriving, productive ecosystems.

The Hinterland team calls their participants “regenerates” — veterans who are finding purpose and healing through the work of restoring soil, raising livestock, and feeding communities. Juan explains how the program connects these regenerates with local producers, military base commanders, and conservation partners to regenerate land and livelihoods at the same time.

🔑 Key Points Covered:

A Mission of Restoration: How Hinterland Institute empowers veterans to transition from military life into regenerative agriculture and land stewardship.

Hands-On Training & Partnerships: A look inside the pilot program with the Naval Postgraduate School, featuring experts from Understanding Ag, Alejandro Carrillo, and Will Harris.

Transforming Military Lands: Examples from Camp San Luis Obispo and Fort Benning, where regenerative grazing replaced controlled burns and reduced erosion and flooding.

Collaboration with Local Ranchers: How Hinterland provides skilled labor to help ranchers implement holistic practices without competing with them.

Feeding Communities & Building Resilience: A vision for getting regenerative meat into schools, food pantries, and local communities — without relying on “big ag.”

🌱 Actionable Insights:

Leverage partnerships between producers, veterans, and institutions to expand regenerative impact.

View weeds as indicators, not enemies — a lesson mirrored in both land management and leadership.

Invest in people as much as land — training the next generation of graziers creates lasting resilience.

📌 For more insights, resources, and Jim Gerrish’s live and recorded schools, visit us at stockmangrassfarmer.digitalfor our latest specials and educational opportunities.