Many growers struggle to incorporate practices consistent with agroecology into high tunnel production. High tunnels are hoop buildings that support crop production in the ground over an extended season, often allowing a farm to produce into the colder months. A 2026 webinar hosted by the South Dakota Specialty Growers Association (SDSPA) and South Dakota Soil Health Coalition (SDSHC) featured PAN’s Communications Manager and Iowa farmer, Rob Faux, as part of a panel of experts. Titled “Regenerative High Tunnel Grower Panel,” the focus of the webinar was on how growers could follow the principles of agroecology by implementing regenerative techniques in high tunnels.
Agroecology and regenerative practices
Agroecology combines social change, scientific discovery, cultural and inherited knowledge with agricultural practice to create holistic food production systems that respond to community need as opposed to corporate profits. For example, food systems based on agroecology focus on the relationship between the community and food producers. While this webinar focuses on agricultural practices, the scale of production is clearly intended for small to medium sized producers with local markets in mind.
You can view the webinar in its entirety here. Listen as moderator Dr. Kristine Lang (SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist) leads panelists Chris Goldade, Shannon Mutschelknaus and Rob Faux through a conversation about everything from no-till high tunnels, deep winter high tunnels and movable high tunnels.
What is Regenerative Agriculture ?
Regenerative agriculture was originally envisioned as a series of principles that could be adapted to more than the production of food. J.I. Rodale championed these ideas even before USDA organic standards and certification existed.
Rodale proposed seven principles that have many similarities to agroecology. In fact, there is still support for this broader philosophy today. Unfortunately, regenerative agriculture is often reduced to a set of six practices which neglect the original philosophy that sought to reduce social inequities in agriculture and nurture the connections between food production and communities. By drawing the parallels to agroecology, perhaps we can strengthen the shared cause to build better, and more resilient, agriculture and food systems.
As a framework for this discussion, Dr. Lang referred participants to what is a generally agreed upon “top 5” practices growers should follow:
- Keep the soil covered
- Minimize soil disturbance (physical, chemical or biological)
- Increase plant diversity
- Keep living roots in the ground
- Integrate livestock
Meet the Panelists
Chris Goldade owns and operates Flat Rock Farm, a small acreage just outside of Aberdeen, SD where he grows a mixture of crops for local farmers markets and restaurants. Chris also serves at the Small Scale/Urban Ag Soil Health Technician for the SD Soil Health Coalition. Chris is passionate about wildlife habitat, pollinators, and all types of gardening.
Shannon Mutschelknaus owns and operates Wayward Spring Farm outside of Aurora South Dakota where he raises Scottish Highland beef, Jacob sheep, exotic fruit trees, super-hot peppers & two children. He has custom designed a solar high tunnel that allows him year-round, deep winter growing in zone 4B’s frigid winters.
Rob Faux owns and operates Genuine Faux Farm in northeast Iowa, a small-scale, diversified farm. Rob is a passionate advocate for agroecology, sustainable growing, and was certified organic from 2007 to 2020. Rob also serves as the Communications Manager for Iowa for the Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network (PAN).
This webinar was funded through a Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreement between the Natural (NRCS) and South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA), to promote sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA or NRCS.
