In a sea of one-size-fits-all sustainability programs, AgSpire stands out by helping farmers and ranchers directly benefit from regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. The company’s goal is to increase operational efficiency and ensure longevity by offering free, incentive-based programs that align with each producer’s land and business goals.
“Our programs are producer-centric,” Christina Porter, a veterinarian and technical service adviser with AgSpire, told WLJ. “There’s no one-size-fits-all. We sit down with ranchers, review their herd management, forage and production numbers and help identify ways to increase efficiency. Sometimes that’s as simple as adjusting vaccine protocols. Other times it’s about introducing cover crops or genetic selection strategies.”
Unlike many initiatives that require costly commitments, AgSpire structures its programs around flexibility. Ranchers can participate at no charge, receive a guaranteed participation payment and—if measurable improvements are demonstrated—earn additional incentive payments funded by corporate partners such as McDonald’s.
The incentive system is central to AgSpire’s appeal. Ranchers receive a guaranteed participation payment simply for enrolling and tracking data. Additional payments come if measurable improvements—such as higher weaning weights, improved feed efficiency or reduced inputs—are demonstrated.
For ranchers, the biggest “catch” is sharing operational data such as head counts, weights and mortality rates. But beyond that, producers retain autonomy. “Nobody is coming in to tell you how to manage your cattle,” Porter explained. “You know your herd better than anyone else. We just want to be part of the team.”
Ranching for the Future and Grass is Greener are two of AgSpire’s key programs designed to accomplish these goals, each tailored to help ranchers boost herd performance, improve forage systems and make the most of their resources.
Ranching for the Future
AgSpire’s initiative, Ranching for the Future, was designed for cow-calf producers in the northern Plains and upper Midwest. The program focuses on ways to enhance reproductive success, improve calf survival and reduce feed costs—all while maintaining efficiency as its primary goal.
Ranchers who enroll undergo a baseline evaluation that measures calf weights, feed intake herd health and overall productivity. From there, AgSpire’s team of veterinarians and agronomists tailor recommendations that fit each unique operation. These might include synchronization and artificial insemination to improve conception rates, genetic selection for feed efficiency and growth traits, or adjustments to vaccination and parasite control protocols.
“The most dramatic improvements we’ve seen are in reproduction,” Porter explained. “Synchronization can add significant pounds to weaning weight averages. And if producers use artificial breeding, that opens the door to more advanced genetics—higher efficiency cattle, better carcass traits, even using gender-sorted semen to increase steer production.”
Grass is Greener
AgSpire’s Grass is Greener program focuses on maximizing forage potential through custom seed plantings, cover crops and rotational practices. With land availability shrinking, the program helps ranchers get more production out of the acres they already manage.
“We’re not getting more open prairie back,” Porter said. “But cattle can be incredibly productive on cover crops designed for their region. If we can increase forage availability and quality, we’re giving ranchers more flexibility to feed their herd while also improving soil health.”
AgSpire employs a network of agronomists who work with seed partners to craft region-specific mixes. These may include diverse blends of annuals for grazing, cover crops to extend the grazing season or perennial mixes that improve soil structure and water infiltration. The benefits go beyond forage—cover crops can help manage erosion, improve soil fertility and strengthen resilience against drought.
For ranchers already using such practices, Grass is Greener provides validation and, in some cases, incentives that tip the balance on investments that otherwise may not pencil out.
Rancher’s perspective
For Yale, SD, rancher Jesse Hohm, the decision to join Ranching for the Future was rooted in a family tradition of progress.
“We’re all about continuous improvement,” Hohm told WLJ. “Even though we think we do a decent job, we believe there’s always room to get better. AgSpire has technical ability and ideas to make those improvements. They’re producer-focused, and that’s the kind of people I want to work with.”
Hohm’s family operates a cow-calf operation, where genetics and efficiency have long been top priorities. While many practices recommended by AgSpire were already in place on the ranch, the incentive structure provided an additional push.
“There might be some things that would be good to do, but they don’t quite pencil out,” Hohm said. “With the incentives, it tips the scale. Now it makes sense to do them. The programs are very producer focused on what practices they recommend.”
AgSpire also helps ranchers navigate the sustainability conversation shaping the beef industry. For some, participation is as much about positioning for the future as it is about today’s gains.
Porter emphasized that sentiment. “Farmers and ranchers are natural environmentalists. They care more than anyone about their land, their animals, and their way of life. Our job is to give them tools and support to keep that way of life strong for generations to come.”
The process of joining AgSpire’s programs is simple. It starts with a sign-up, where ranchers provide basic information about their operation. From there, a member of AgSpire’s team will reach out to discuss the best program for their needs.
“We want to be a part of the team to help producers make the most out of what they have,” Porter said.
For more information, ranchers can visit agspire.com and explore opportunities to join Ranching for the Future, Grass is Greener or other programs. — Charles Wallace, WLJ contributing edito
