In-Person Training • Crystal River, FL
9-Day Regenerative
Agriculture
Design Course
With Richard Perkins (Ridgedale Farm) & Nick Ager (Growing Back to Eden) • OCTOBER 3–11, 2026
A rare, field-tested training focused on designing profitable farms using ecological patterns, whole-systems planning, and proven regenerative enterprise models.
Overview
Design a profitable, resilient farm grounded in ecological principles and real-world production systems.
This 9-day immersive course brings together Richard Perkins of Ridgedale Farm (Sweden) and Nick Ager of Growing Back to Eden for a rare training focused on whole-farm design, regenerative enterprise planning, and decision-making frameworks used by working farms around the world.
This is not a theory-based workshop. You will go deep into the planning process: land and water design, infrastructure sequencing, enterprise economics, monitoring practices, and practical implementation strategies.
Who This
Is For
• Farmers wanting to design or redesign a profitable regenerative operation
• New & aspiring farmers building a plan before investing heavily
• Producers looking to upgrade infrastructure, water systems, or enterprise design
• Market gardeners & livestock producers who want integrated, closed-loop systems
Key Themes &
Systems Covered
Managing Holistically
Define context, clarify decision-making, and align land, people, ecology, and economics.
Keyline Design & Whole-Landscape Planning
Climate/biome assessment, landform reading, mapping, water systems, access, infrastructure, trees, animals, and soils—organized through a coherent scale-of-permanence style approach.
Trees & Woody Crops (Agroforestry)
Design woody systems that regenerate landscapes and produce long-term yields.
Low-Cost Infrastructure Development
Modular, scalable infrastructure strategies suited for small farms and rented land.
Integrated Animal Systems
Grass ecology, planned grazing, pasture monitoring, and profitable pasture-based enterprises.
No-Till Market Gardening
Soil-building annual systems, composting, crop planning, microgreens, harvesting, storage, and tunnel production.
Closed-Loop Fertility
Compost, bio-fertilizers, compost teas, biochar, and on-farm microbiology strategies.
Regenerative Enterprise
Enterprise design, marketing strategies, and local food models (CSA, buying clubs, and more).
Schedule,
Arrival &
Departure
Course Dates: October 3–11, 2026
Arrival: Friday, October 2 | Arrive 2:00–6:00 PM
Dinner provided at 6:00 PM
Departure: Sunday, October 11 | Plan to depart after 7:00 PM
Optional overnight stay available; depart Monday morning after breakfast.
Important: We cannot accommodate arrivals, departures, or transport assistance outside these times.
Location
& Travel
Venue Address: 8799 W Pine Bluff St, Crystal River, FL 34428 (8 minutes north of downtown Crystal River)
Flying:
• Orlando (MCO): approx. 1 hr 45 min west
• Tampa (TPA): approx. 1 hr 20 min south
Meals
(Catered)
The course is fully catered, including dinner on arrival and breakfast before departure.
Meals are a balanced, whole-foods diet including meat, dairy, eggs, vegetables, and grains, using farm-raised and farm-grown produce supplemented with 100% organic whole foods.
Note: We cannot accommodate alternative diets.
Sleeping &
Housekeeping
(Camping Only)
• Camping only—bring a quality tent, sleeping bag, and layers
• Limited space for camping vehicles (coordinate with Nick if bringing a camper/van)
• Outdoor showers with hot water onsite
• Compost toilets/portable toilets and wash stations provided
General Notice
This is an intensive professional training.
No children or spouses. No dogs allowed.
Tuition &
Booking
Early-Bird Tuition: $2,995 (all inclusive)
Payments accepted: Zelle, Venmo, or mailed check.
Checks payable to: Nick Ager
Memo: “Regen Ag Course”
Mail to:
Growing Back To Eden
8799 W Pine Bluff St
Crystal River, FL 34428
Cancellation Policy
40+ days before start: Full refund minus $250 admin fee
Within 40 days: Non-refundable
If the course is canceled by organizers: Full refund issued (travel costs not covered)