Project Background
The following reports represent the second phase of a project led by Pasture Project and Delta Institute, titled “Accelerating Regenerative Livestock Production and Value-Chains in Illinois.” The goal of the project was to establish the foundation upon which project partners can develop interventions for producers and buyers engaged in livestock production and the associated value-chain.
The information developed during this project represents an interdisciplinary approach that utilized spatial analysis techniques and in-depth stakeholder research to understand the dynamics that shape the role of grass-fed beef in Illinois.
Support for this project was provided through Food:Land:Opportunity, an initiative of Kinship Foundation and The Chicago Community Trust, funded through the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust
Priority Watershed Selection for Expanding Regenerative Grazing
This memo describes the rationale for selecting a watershed(s) for deepening place-based engagement in the greater Chicago area. Three components for assessing watershed suitability for regenerative grazing and grass-fed beef production were explored: mapping analysis of 14 spatial datasets, stakeholder feedback, and desktop research. Watersheds were ranked and prioritized for further stakeholder engagement.
Regenerative Grazing Transition Analysis
This memo describes analysis and recommendations to advance transitions to regenerative grazing and grass-fed beef production in priority watersheds. The analysis focuses on transition of cropland to permanent perennial pasture, since perennialization of the landscape is shown to have the highest water quality, carbon, and infiltration impacts.
Recommended Interventions for Grass-Fed Beef Production and Value-Chains
This memo describes analysis to identify key businesses currently associated with beef production and value-chains in or connected to the priority watersheds, with an emphasis on grazing and grass-fed beef production. It includes recommended interventions for the transition of production and value chain development, as informed by stakeholders.
Grass-Fed Beef Institutional Procurement Analysis
This report presents potential interventions to be applied by stakeholders at various points in the procurement process including production, aggregation, processing/distribution, food service, and actions taken at the institutional level.
