Lacy Cotter-Vardeman

SARA & Cotter-Key Farms

Lacy Cotter-Vardeman is a distinguished expert in regenerative farming and ranching hailing from a long line of New Mexico ranchers and married into a multi-generation cotton farming family, she has spent her entire life working on farms and ranches and developing a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges that agriculture brings. Over the years, she has helped develop environmentally responsible practices that promote soil health. She is a passionate advocate for conservation, believing that it is the key to creating a sustainable food system that benefits both the environment and human health.

Lacy has been a driving force in promoting sustainable cotton, advocating for fair trade practices and the use of techniques that improve production, conserve water, and reduce the need for costly inputs. Through her tireless efforts, she has helped to create a more responsible cotton industry that benefits both farmers and consumers alike.

While actively engaged in farming alongside her husband, Dean, she managed to grow a 20,000-acre ranch and raise three children. Seeing the need for a conservation non-profit for her region, Lacy founded the Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Lacy utilized SARA as a means to acquire grants from prominent organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the Audubon Society. These grants were used to purchase specialized equipment, enabling farmers to participate in federal conservation programs. Simple through word of mouth, SARA has contributed to the conservation and preservation of approximately 50,000 acres of land to date.

Today SARA has expanded and grown to empower farmers and ranchers, helping them seize opportunities and thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape. www.sara-conservation.com

In 2017, Lacy expanded her research efforts to explore the impact her farming techniques are having on the microbial life in her soil. This valuable research, conducted in collaboration with ARS (Agricultural Research Service), will be made public at SARA’s Ag Dialogue Conference.

Despite her busy schedule, Lacy will find the time to share her knowledge and experience with others. She has spoken at esteemed institutions around the world, including the World Trade Organization and Better Cotton Conferences, along with local and national farming conferences and meetings where she has shared her insights and ideas with policymakers and industry leaders alike.

If you attend one of her talks, you can expect to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable agriculture and how we can all play a part in creating a more sustainable future. With her vast knowledge and experience, she is sure to inspire you!