Lacy Cotter Vardeman

Slaton, TX

Lubbock County Soil and Water Conservation District

Lacy Cotter Vardeman is a respected authority in regenerative farming and ranching, known for her unwavering dedication to conservation, sustainability, and agricultural innovation. With deep roots in the American Southwest, Lacy descends from a long line of New Mexico ranchers and married into a multi-generational cotton farming family, making agriculture both a heritage and a lifelong calling. Her life’s work reflects a profound understanding of the land, shaped by firsthand experience and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Raised in the ranching tradition, Lacy and her family have owned and operated the Cotter Ranch along the New Mexico-Texas border, where she has worked tirelessly to restore marginal lands. Over the course of a decade, she and her father successfully rejuvenated 13 springs and revitalized native grasses to support a thriving cattle operation that supplies Whole Foods. Since 2010, she has implemented practices such as interseeding multi-species grasses and removing invasive species like salt cedars through NRCS programs. These efforts have dramatically improved the resilience and productivity of the land.

Lacy’s influence extends far beyond her ranch. She is an outspoken advocate for sustainable cotton production, pushing for fair trade practices, reduced input costs, and water conservation. On her 9,000-acre farm in Lubbock County, Texas, she began integrating no-till, multi-species cover crops in 2017, allowing her to rotate cattle for grazing while enriching the soil. These efforts have significantly increased yields—by as much as 25% on cattle-integrated fields—while reducing input costs, fuel consumption, and irrigation needs. Her use of regenerative practices has saved up to 30,000 gallons of fuel annually and improved soil water retention, mitigating runoff and enhancing rainfall absorption.

Recognizing a gap in conservation support for her region, Lacy founded the Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering local farmers and ranchers through conservation-based initiatives. Under her leadership, SARA has secured grants from prestigious organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and the Audubon Society. These funds have been used to purchase specialized equipment, enabling producers to participate in federal conservation programs. Through grassroots outreach and word-of-mouth, SARA has played a key role in preserving approximately 50,000 acres of land and continues to grow as a hub of agricultural advancement and education. More information can be found at www.sara-conservation.com.

In 2017, Lacy expanded her research to explore the impact of her farming practices on soil microbial life, partnering with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to collect and analyze data. The results of this important work will be presented at SARA’s Ag Dialogue Conference, where Lacy will share her findings with the broader farming community.

Beyond the fields, Lacy is an influential voice on the national and global stage. She has spoken at renowned venues including the World Trade Organization, Better Cotton Conferences, and numerous national agricultural forums, offering deep insights into the challenges and solutions of sustainable agriculture. Her talks inspire and educate policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow producers alike.

Currently serving as Secretary of the Lubbock County Soil and Water Conservation District, Lacy continues to lead by example. She promotes soil health principles such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, multi-species rotations, and building organic matter—all of which contribute to a healthier, more sustainable agricultural system.

Despite operating in a semi-arid region with dwindling water resources and cultural resistance to change, Lacy has overcome challenges through persistence, data-driven success, and a willingness to take risks. By rotating cattle daily and managing grazing with precision, she has dispelled myths about livestock damaging cropland and demonstrated that conservation and productivity can go hand-in-hand.

Lacy Cotter Vardeman’s story is one of resilience, vision, and a deep-rooted commitment to the land. Her work proves that innovative, science-based agricultural practices can regenerate soil, conserve water, support rural communities, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.

Posted May 2025