Northern Great Plains Improved Grazing Carbon Program

A Revenue Stream for Progressive Ranchers

This week, Simple Livestock is excited to spotlight the Northern Great Plains Improved Grazing Carbon Program (IGCP) offered by Native, A Public Benefit Company. This innovative program is designed to incentivize land managers, especially ranchers, to enhance soil organic carbon sequestration through the adoption of improved grazing practices. By boosting carbon levels in the soil, the program offers multiple ecosystem benefits, including better water holding capacity, improved water infiltration rates, and enhanced soil structure. These improvements not only help mitigate drought conditions but also increase the available forage on rangelands.

Financial and Technical Support

The IGCP provides both financial and technical support to ranchers, assisting them in implementing these beneficial practices and enabling them to access carbon markets for up to 40 years. The organization behind IGCP, Native, is committed to ensuring the accurate measurement, reporting, and verification of the carbon sequestered in the soil. This verified data is then used to develop and transact carbon credits in voluntary markets.

HelpBuild Financing Structure

One of the standout features of the IGCP is the HelpBuild financing structure. Native offers upfront capital to ranchers, recognizing the financial challenges faced by producers and supporting their efforts to adopt new land management practices. In return for this funding, Native secures the rights to a fixed quantity of Verified Emissions Removals (VERs), also known as carbon credits. By successfully transitioning to improved grazing practices, ranchers become eligible for outcome-based payments, determined by the amount of carbon sequestered each year.

Targeted Land and Expansion Plans

The program strategically targets land with the highest potential for carbon sequestration, focusing on areas with little to no previous history of regenerative management. As the IGCP undergoes validation in Montana and select Major Land Resource Areas (MLRAs), there are plans for future expansions, prioritizing ranches within the designated geographic zone.

Long-term Partnerships

Long-term partnerships are a cornerstone of the IGCP, with ranchers signing 40-year contracts and securing a minimum fee per metric ton of CO2 equivalent (mtCO2e) stored in the soil. While larger ranches are currently prioritized to streamline data management and carbon verification processes, Native envisions including smaller ranches in the future, ensuring the program's effectiveness in maximizing carbon sequestration potential and promoting long-term soil health improvement.

Conclusion

For progressive ranchers looking for ways to earn additional revenue through better grazing management, the Northern Great Plains Improved Grazing Carbon Program offers a viable and rewarding opportunity. By adopting these practices, ranchers not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also secure a new revenue stream, ensuring the prosperity of their operations for years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Simple Livestock as we continue to explore innovative programs and practices that benefit the ranching community.