Healing Soils Foundation Awards Second Paul Bickford Legacy Grant to Historic Freitag Farm
We are thrilled to announce that Healing Soils Foundation has awarded the second Paul Bickford Legacy Grant to Freitag Farm in support of their ambitious efforts to transition 100 acres of conventional row-crop corn into a thriving, regenerative grazing system. This $20,000 grant honors the legacy of Paul Bickford, a trailblazer in regenerative agriculture, and supports a project with the power to inspire transformative change across the Midwest.
Freitag Farm's vision aligns perfectly with Healing Soils' mission to advance soil health, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. By converting these acres to rotational grazing, this project will:
Restore soil health by increasing organic matter and fostering biodiversity below ground.
Increase carbon sequestration, creating a measurable impact in mitigating climate change.
Serve as a regional model for farmers curious about regenerative methods but uncertain about the steps to begin.
The Paul Bickford Legacy Grant is a cornerstone of Healing Soils' efforts to support and empower farmers transitioning away from extractive agricultural practices. This award reflects our commitment to directly funding farmers, ensuring that resources reach those making real changes on the ground.
The Freitag Family Farm was founded in 1848 by their Swiss forbearers. Great-great-grandpa Nic Freitag carefully tended his apple orchard, grazed a herd of cows and made cheese. The farm was the site of the first Swiss-cheese factory in Wisconsin. Through collaborative funding, Freitag Farm is now able to return to its roots in grazing. Freitag Farm’s project is particularly significant because it provides a tangible example of how regenerative practices can restore productivity and resilience to land previously dedicated to industrial row cropping. With rotational grazing and diversified pasture systems, this approach promises benefits for the soil, water systems, and local wildlife while contributing to the broader regenerative movement.
We hope that Freitag Farm’s success will inspire neighboring farmers to embrace regenerative principles. The grant not only supports their transition but also helps fund educational opportunities, technical assistance, and community outreach to extend these practices throughout the region.
At Healing Soils Foundation, we believe that fostering a network of regenerative farms creates ripples of change far beyond individual fields. We are proud to honor Paul Bickford’s legacy by supporting farmers like the Freitags, who are leading the way toward healthier soils and a healthier planet.