Texas' First Resilient Farm Plan with Matt Simon

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, gain insights into Texas' first resilient farm plan (aka carbon farm plan) with Matt Simon, the farm director at the Refugee Collective Farm in Elgin, Texas. Matt shares the origins of the Refugee Collective, a nonprofit supporting refugee livelihoods through sustainable farming and textile production. He explains the unique features of their 20-acre certified organic farm, which is part of a broader conservation effort. Dig into their resilient farm plan, the use of chickens in cropping systems, large-scale composting methods, and strategies for securing funding for regenerative agricultural projects. The episode also highlights community involvement and the necessity of policy support in advancing regenerative farming practices. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the future of farming and how regenerative efforts can benefit both the environment and local communities.Sign Up Here to Attend Either of These Upcoming Resilient Farm Events (free of charge):FREE Resilient Farm Webinar on October 28, 20256:30p-7:30p Central TimeFREE Resilient Farm Field Day on November 8, 2025. At Refugee Collective Farm in Elgin, Texas.8:45am (registration) 9am - 3pm (Farm Day)Includes LunchTime Stamps & Links00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast00:36 Introducing Matt Simon and the Refugee Collective Farm01:49 The Mission and Operations of the Refugee Collective Farm03:32 Community Supported Agriculture and Refugee Food Access05:07 Cultural Foods and Value-Added Products07:51 Resilient Farm Planning and Carbon Sequestration13:39 Challenges and Benefits of Carbon Farm Planning20:38 Soil Testing and Organic Matter25:38 Organic vs Regenerative Farming Practices34:02 Organic Farming and Tillage Practices35:23 Introduction to No-Till Farming39:01 Composting Techniques and Challenges45:45 Funding and Financial Strategies for Regenerative Farming51:04 Community and Policy Support for Sustainable Agriculture55:15 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts  💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey.Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.