By Blake Jackson
Documentary filmmaker Peter Byck will visit the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to discuss his documentary series, “Roots So Deep,” and present an abridged screening.
The free public event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Kinnickinnic River Theater at the University Center, located at 501 Wild Rose Ave.
Byck will be joined by Jason Rowntree, a professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Animal Science and co-director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture. Rowntree is among the researchers featured in the documentary series.
Byck describes “Roots So Deep” as “a four-part documentary series all about inventive farmers and maverick scientists building a path to solving climate change with hooves, heart and soil.”
The project explores adaptive multi-paddock grazing, a livestock management approach modeled on the historic movement of bison across grasslands.
The series examines how the practice could help restore soil health, improve wildlife habitat and capture atmospheric carbon while potentially strengthening farm profitability.
“Peter Byck’s documentary, ‘Roots So Deep,’ was a monumental effort to study the benefits of adaptive multi-paddock grazing,” said Michael Orth, dean of UWRF’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
“The project spanned several years and included many different scientific disciplines. The results of the research generated will be of great interest to our students, faculty and agricultural community.”
Byck is a professor of practice at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability and Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. His previous work includes “carbon nation” and “carbon cowboys,” both focused on climate solutions and regenerative grazing.
Photo Credit: peter-byck
Categories: Wisconsin, Education