Dan Sanderson’s Journey, Part 2

In part two of our conversation with Illinois Leopold Conservation Award winner Dan Sanderson, we dig deeper into how this Illinois farmer is putting regenerative agriculture into practice and seeing real results.

After hosting a farm-to-table event on his family’s operation, Pasture Grazed, Dan was inspired by his guests’ curiosity about regenerative practices to write his book, Grounded: One Farmer’s Journey to Regenerative Agriculture. His goal: to share the “why” behind his family’s conservation-focused approach with both customers and fellow farmers.

Dan also shares how virtual fencing technology has improved his pasture management reducing stress on both livestock and farmer and offers practical advice for anyone looking to start their own conservation journey.

His biggest tip? Start simple. Adding oats as a fall cover crop can protect the soil through winter without complicating spring planting.

Through every practice, from small grains to virtual fencing, Dan stays focused on one thing: working with nature instead of against it.

Watch Part 2 now to hear Dan’s story and discover easy, practical steps toward healthier soil and more resilient farms.