HICKORY NUT GAP FARM
Regenerating Appalachia Through AMP Grazing
A model farm pioneering data-driven regenerative agriculture across the Southeast.
REGENERATIVE AGRICUTLURE
AS A REGIONAL BLUEPRINT
This project showcases a bold collaboration between Hickory Nut Gap Farms and the Savory Institute to demonstrate how Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing—combined with Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV)—can regenerate farmland, restore ecosystems, and scale region-wide impact.
By establishing a Southeastern Savory Hub, training farmers in regenerative grazing, and collecting long-term data on soil, water, and biodiversity, this initiative is setting a new standard for what resilient agriculture can look like.
Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) Grazing
AMP grazing is a regenerative livestock practice that mimics the natural movement of wild herds. Cattle are rotated through many small paddocks in short, intense bursts—followed by long rest periods that allow grasses to fully recover.
It’s a climate-smart, science-backed approach that restores ecosystem function while improving farm productivity and resilience.
BENEFITS OF AMP GRAZING IN ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION
Soil Regeneration
Carbon Sequestration
Water Retention
Increases organic matter, prevents erosion, and boosts microbial life
Draws down carbon and builds long-term soil fertility
Improves infiltration and reduces runoff and drought vulnerability
Biodiversity
Livestock Health
Encourages diverse grasses, insects, and wildlife
Reduces parasites, stress, and improves forage quality
Economic Resilience
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Cuts feed costs, improves yields, and strengthens farm systems
PROJECT GOALS
Demonstrate AMP Grazing
Host 5 events & field days
Launch EOV Network
Enroll 10 farms, 2500 acres
Train 100+ Farmers
Hands-on education across region
IMPACT OVERVIEW
Demonstrate AMP Grazing
2,500 ACRES
of farmland regenerated
Train & Educate
100+
trained in regenerative practice
Launch EOV Network
10 FARMS
enrolled in long-term monitoring
Collect Impact Data
VERIFIED METRICS
in biodiversity, water,
and soil health
HOW YOU CAN HELP
A $200,000 investment will launch our regenerative agriculture pilot in Appalachia—paving the way for a model that can scale far beyond the region.
Workshops & Field Days
$20,000–$30,000
EOV Monitoring (10 farms x $18k)
$180,000 (6-year total)
Your contribution helps establish a regional regenerative hub—
one rooted in science, stewardship, and the success of Appalachian farmers.