Last week, Grassroots Carbon joined Food Tank’s 7th Annual “All Things Food” Summit at SXSW for a day of spirited conversations, connections, and shared momentum around the future of food, agriculture, and land stewardship. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Barr Mansion in Austin, Food Tank brought together leaders, practitioners, advocates, and attendees from across industries to explore practical solutions that build a more resilient future.
For Grassroots Carbon, the day was an opportunity to bring soil health and regenerative ranching into the conversation in a tangible, accessible way. Through on-site dialogue, live rainfall simulations, and engaging keynotes, our team helped highlight the role working lands can play in strengthening water systems, supporting biodiversity, sequestering soil carbon and building long-term agricultural resilience.
Bringing soil health to life on site
One of the most engaging components of the day came with rain – literally. Our live rainfall simulations hosted by Dr. Allen Williams provided attendees a clear visual of how land management practices can influence water infiltration and runoff. By comparing how water moves through differently managed soils, the simulation helped translate a complex topic into something immediate, visual, and easy to understand.
Throughout the event, these demos created a natural point of connection. It invited questions, sparked conversation, and gave people a chance to see the relationship between soil function, land stewardship, and ecosystem outcomes in real time.
Sharing Grassroots Carbon perspective
On the main stage, Grassroots Carbon CEO Brad Tipper shared more about the mission to “Keep the Cowboy on the Ranch,” bridging the connection between America’s largest climate opportunity in grasslands, soil carbon storage, and the loss of working lands. Alongside partners and fellow speakers like Katie Collins, Dr. Allen Williams, and EarthOptics own James Clement, the conversations helped show how regenerative practice is not a trend, but a practical, outcome-driven approach rooted in ranching with tangible impact.
For our team, it was meaningful to contribute to a broader discussion that included food, land, and the systems that connect them. Events like Food Tank create space for new audiences to engage with the realities of stewardship on the ground and the importance of supporting producers who are doing that work every day
Conversations that continue beyond the event
Beyond the stage and demonstration area, the day was filled with thoughtful conversations about the future of agriculture, the importance of healthy soils, and the value of connecting environmental outcomes to real-world land management. We were grateful for the opportunity to meet attendees, exchange ideas with partners, and take part in a program centered on progress, collaboration, and practical action.
Food Tank has built a strong platform for conversations like these, and we were proud to be part of this year’s summit alongside organizers, speakers, and participants committed to building a stronger food system.
Looking ahead
As Grassroots Carbon continues to work with ranchers across the country, opportunities like this help bring the story of working lands to a broader audience. They also reinforce something we see every day: when stewardship is supported, the benefits extend far beyond the ranch gate.
Big thanks to the amazing people at Food Tank, all the event partners, and everyone who stopped by to learn more, ask questions, and engage with our team at SXSW. See you next year!
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