Ralston Family Farms
Ralston Family Farms is a multi-generational family farming operation dedicated to producing high-quality rice in the Arkansas River Valley near Atkins, Arkansas. By using regenerative agriculture practices, they work to preserve soil health, reduce environmental impact, increase biodiversity, and provide wholesome, American-grown rice to their customers. They practice no-till planting and raise a diverse blend of cover crops at the end of the rice harvest, keeping living roots in the ground to feed microbial activity, reduce erosion and compaction, reduce weed pressures, and enable water infiltration. They are now integrating grazing cattle to further stimulate soil biology. All of Ralston Family Farm’s nutrient-dense rice varieties are stored, dried, milled, and packaged directly on the farm.
Product Types
Operation Highlights
Region Conditions:
Arkansas River Valley
Located in the southern United States, Arkansas has a diverse climate influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Ozark Mountains. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are mild with occasional cold snaps and snowfall, particularly in the northern highlands. Arkansas receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, supporting agriculture and forestry industries, though the state is susceptible to severe weather events such as tornadoes and thunderstorms.
The Principals of Soil Health Put Into Practice on Ralston Family Farms
Nurturing the soil is the foundation of regenerative agriculture. At Regenified, we measure the implementation of all six soil health principles because they are essential for regeneration. Each principle contributes to the soil’s overall health, creating a system greater than the sum of its parts.
Right Context
100% of crops grown are appropriate for region
Right Context
Farmers prioritize growing plants and animals suited to their specific environment. By understanding their unique context, they can optimize production while minimizing external inputs.
Minimized Disturbance
No-till planting directly into previous crop stubble
Minimized Disturbance
Rather than tilling or using chemicals that disrupt soil structure and microbial life, regenerative farmers embrace no-till practices and minimize chemical inputs to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Soil Armor
Armor from sun, rain, and wind has greatly increased due to cover crops
Soil Armor
Keeping the soil covered with organic matter such as cover crops or crop residues prevents erosion, improves water infiltration and retention while also providing habitat for beneficial organisms.
Enhanced Diversity
Diversity is increasing steadily after many years of monocrop farming
Enhanced Diversity
Maximizing diversity within both plant species and beneficial organisms above and below ground enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes natural pest control.
Living Root
Soil biology is propagating to enable stronger root development
Living Root
Maintaining living roots in the soil at all times ensures continuous nutrient cycling by supporting microbial activity crucial for healthy soils.
Animal Integration
Livestock is being integrated in cropland for grazing and natural fertilization.
Animal Integration
Integrating livestock into farming systems allows for the symbiotic relationship between animals and the land. Their grazing patterns contribute to nutrient cycling and improve soil fertility.
Right Context
100% of crops grown are appropriate for region
Right Context
Farmers prioritize growing plants and animals suited to their specific environment. By understanding their unique context, they can optimize production while minimizing external inputs.
Minimized Disturbance
No-till planting directly into previous crop stubble
Minimized Disturbance
Rather than tilling or using chemicals that disrupt soil structure and microbial life, regenerative farmers embrace no-till practices and minimize chemical inputs to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Soil Armor
Armor from sun, rain, and wind has greatly increased due to cover crops
Soil Armor
Keeping the soil covered with organic matter such as cover crops or crop residues prevents erosion, improves water infiltration and retention while also providing habitat for beneficial organisms.
Enhanced Diversity
Diversity is increasing steadily after many years of monocrop farming
Enhanced Diversity
Maximizing diversity within both plant species and beneficial organisms above and below ground enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes natural pest control.
Living Root
Soil biology is propagating to enable stronger root development
Living Root
Maintaining living roots in the soil at all times ensures continuous nutrient cycling by supporting microbial activity crucial for healthy soils.
Animal Integration
Livestock is being integrated in cropland for grazing and natural fertilization.
Animal Integration
Integrating livestock into farming systems allows for the symbiotic relationship between animals and the land. Their grazing patterns contribute to nutrient cycling and improve soil fertility.
A Word From the Farm
Ecosystem Outcomes
Ecosystem processes are the interconnected systems that drive the health and resilience of our land and water resources. Good land management positively impacts those ecosystem processes. Our Verification Standard evaluates these vital processes, ensuring the regeneration of the ecosystem.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is improving as regenerative management practices take hold.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is all about solar energy or photosynthesis. Unlike the water cycle and mineral cycle, solar energy does not cycle. It flows from the sun to the earth. It is necessary for everything on the planet to survive. Leaving enough plant material behind for its process to occur is crucial to all life.
Water Cycle
Water cycle is limited, but progress is evident through better management.
Water Cycle
In the water cycle, when precipitation reaches the land, farmers and ranchers play a crucial role in determining the water available for plants and animals. With good management practices, they can capture and retain more water, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle is still in an early stage of regaining its natural function.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle only works effectively when we have good soil biology and microbiology working for us. Bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life in the soil play important roles in cycling nutrients from air and water, making the nutrients accessible to plants.
Diversity
The process of rebuilding diversity in the ecosystem has begun.
Diversity
The greater the diversity that exists in our ecosystem, the better everything functions. This includes plant, insect, bird and other wildlife species diversity. This is also sometimes called biological succession. It involves the changes in the development of all living things.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is improving as regenerative management practices take hold.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is all about solar energy or photosynthesis. Unlike the water cycle and mineral cycle, solar energy does not cycle. It flows from the sun to the earth. It is necessary for everything on the planet to survive. Leaving enough plant material behind for its process to occur is crucial to all life.
Water Cycle
Water cycle is limited, but progress is evident through better management.
Water Cycle
In the water cycle, when precipitation reaches the land, farmers and ranchers play a crucial role in determining the water available for plants and animals. With good management practices, they can capture and retain more water, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle is still in an early stage of regaining its natural function.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle only works effectively when we have good soil biology and microbiology working for us. Bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life in the soil play important roles in cycling nutrients from air and water, making the nutrients accessible to plants.
Diversity
The process of rebuilding diversity in the ecosystem has begun.
Diversity
The greater the diversity that exists in our ecosystem, the better everything functions. This includes plant, insect, bird and other wildlife species diversity. This is also sometimes called biological succession. It involves the changes in the development of all living things.
Ralston Family Farms - Gallery
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