In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, gain insights into Texas' first resilient farm plan (aka carbon farm plan) with Matt Simon, the farm director at the Refugee Collective Farm in Elgin, Texas. Matt shares the origins of the Refugee Collective, a nonprofit supporting refugee livelihoods through sustainable farming and textile production. He explains the unique features of their 20-acre certified organic farm, which is part of a broader conservation effort. Dig into their resilient farm plan, the use of chickens in cropping systems, large-scale composting methods, and strategies for securing funding for regenerative agricultural projects. The episode also highlights community involvement and the necessity of policy support in advancing regenerative farming practices. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the future of farming and how regenerative efforts can benefit both the environment and local communities.

Sign Up Here to Attend Either of These Upcoming Resilient Farm Events (free of charge):

• FREE Resilient Farm Webinar on October 28, 2025
  • 6:30p-7:30p Central Time
• FREE Resilient Farm Field Day on November 8, 2025. At Refugee Collective Farm in Elgin, Texas.
  • 8:45am (registration) 9am - 3pm (Farm Day)
  • Includes Lunch

Time Stamps & Links

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

00:36 Introducing Matt Simon and the Refugee Collective Farm

01:49 The Mission and Operations of the Refugee Collective Farm

03:32 Community Supported Agriculture and Refugee Food Access

05:07 Cultural Foods and Value-Added Products

07:51 Resilient Farm Planning and Carbon Sequestration

13:39 Challenges and Benefits of Carbon Farm Planning

20:38 Soil Testing and Organic Matter

25:38 Organic vs Regenerative Farming Practices

34:02 Organic Farming and Tillage Practices

35:23 Introduction to No-Till Farming

39:01 Composting Techniques and Challenges

45:45 Funding and Financial Strategies for Regenerative Farming

51:04 Community and Policy Support for Sustainable Agriculture

55:15 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

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