In 2015, Rusted Gate Farm planted more than 700 white oak trees that were treated with the fungus which produces the prized European Black Truffle. As efforts continue, this trial aims to model how limited acreage can be used to boost income by cultivating high-value, niche crops. These trials serve as a de-risked blueprint for creating a more diverse, profitable, and sustainable agriculture future.

RGF is testing the grain known as Kernza for its potential use as drought-tolerant cattle forage. The ultimate goal is to help producers adapt to water scarcity and increasingly unpredictable climates. By evaluating performance in real-world conditions, we identify options that improve efficiency, sustain livestock nutrition, and reduce pressure on limited water resources. This work turns environmental challenges into practical tools for resilience, helping working lands—and the herds they support—thrive over time.

By integrating virtual fencing and systematically managing herd genetics, we improve land stewardship to reduce emissions, safeguard ecosystems, and produce healthy food for the community. We implement regenerative practices that are intentional and adaptive, keys for climate resilience and biodiversity.

Working through the complex challenges of regulations, zoning, and financial hurdles, Rusted Gate Farm helped to reintroduce USDA-inspected livestock slaughter, which had disappeared over 30 years ago. Developed in partnership with a local operator, the facility blends the flexibility and cost savings of a mobile unit with the capacity of permanent infrastructure. This unique model lowers costs and boosts efficiency, expanding market access for regional ranchers, while building a more resilient local food system.