From Cowboys to Carbon: Grazing Solutions for Carbon, Water, Biodiversity.

“From Cowboys to Carbon: Grazing Solutions for Carbon, Water, Biodiversity & Supply Chain Resilience”

Thursday, March 12, 2026
7th Annual “All Things Food and Environment” SXSW Summit
Presented in partnership with SXSW, Food Tank, Organic Valley, the City of Austin, and Huston-Tillotson University

Barr Mansion
10463 Sprinkle Rd, Austin, TX 78754

Farmstead Stage | 1:20PM–2:30PM
In collaboration with Grassroots Carbon

This session explores how regenerative grazing is reshaping carbon markets, strengthening rural economies, improving water systems, and enhancing biodiversity while building more resilient food and supply chains. Through storytelling, expert insight, and short film clips, speakers share real-world examples of land stewardship and innovation across Texas ranchlands and beyond.

The program opens with remarks from Brad Tipper, CEO of Grassroots Carbon, in conversation with Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, framing the role of grazing systems in climate solutions and agricultural resilience.

The first session features Allen Williams, Founder of Understanding Ag, examining the economic opportunities regenerative agriculture creates for rural communities, accompanied by a short film segment highlighting on-the-ground impacts.

Katie Collins, Co-Founder of ROAM Ranch, follows with a discussion on water stewardship, ecosystem restoration, and adaptive grazing practices that support biodiversity and long-term land health.

A case study on family-owned land transitions to regenerative management highlights emerging technology supporting producers, featuring James Clement, Senior Vice President of Grass and Rangeland at EarthOptics, exploring tools that help measure soil health and guide land management decisions.

The session concludes with Finian Makepeace, Co-Founder of Kiss the Ground and Producer of Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, offering a forward-looking perspective on the future of carbon markets and regeneration, and how storytelling can accelerate adoption and cultural change.

All sessions are moderated by Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank.

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