Regenerative Agriculture- What it is, Why it's important and How we do it

There are a lot of labels for farms these days, which has led to a lot of confusion and misunderstandings. Conventional… Sustainable… Regenerative… what do they all mean? 

First and foremost, Willow Farm is a regenerative farm and always has been. Since the beginning we have been committed to doing things in a way that is best for the land, the animals, and for the people around us.  So what is a regenerative farm? Here’s some definitions: 

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Rodale Institute says that “Regenerative agriculture improves the resources it uses, rather than destroying or depleting them. It has a holistic systems approach to agriculture that encourages continual on-farm innovation for environmental, social, economic and spiritual well being.” 

Another definition, this one from the Regenerative Agriculture Foundation, “Regenerative agriculture is a practice, process or management technique which serves to enhance the functioning of the core ecosystem cycles of water, energy or mineral by enhancing biological function. In other words, anything that makes the land healthier year after year.” 

Both of these definitions fit in well with our mission to grow good food that nourishes you and your family while simultaneously working to heal the Earth. 

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So why is this so important? Where do I even start with this one? 
There are benefits to human health, livestock health and welfare and perhaps most important benefits are to the Earth itself. 

The majority of farmers in America practice conventional agriculture (practices include synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, heavy tillage and many other harmful methods). These methods leave the soil bare- vulnerable to both wind and water erosion, depleted of nutrients, and food so altered and covered in pesticides that it’s no wonder that 45% of the American population has a chronic disease, and quite often multiple illnesses. 

Now, before you start hating on me for dissing the conventional farmer, I’m not. I am pointing out that their methods are flawed. That they have been taught wrong by our educational institutions and the industry itself. I also understand the importance of doing your own research and when you know better you do better. Gabe Bown, regenerative agriculture spokesman, started as a conventional farmer. Now he is leading the charge and revolutionizing farming. When you know better, you do better. 

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Over time we are working to rebuild the soil and get it teaming with a vibrant diversity of insects, fungi, microbes and protozoa.To do this we are employing a variety of methods like adding manure and compost to fields to return nutrients and organic matter; using different plants to break up tough and  compacted soils, so roots can go deep for water, nutrients and stability; and planting a variety of plants to increase diversity. When was the last time you only saw a monoculture in nature? Nature always has variety. 

Once the soil has been rebuilt we can finally start to grow crops, forages and livestock that are full of nutrition. 

Here’s some statistics for you: 

• Fruit and vegetables grown without pesticides and herbicides contain 50-60% more antioxidants than their sprayed counterparts. 
  
• Pesticides can affect the plant’s functions, leading to abnormal levels of nutrients, plus lower taste and quality
  
• Pesticides are capable of killing 64-95% of beneficial soil organisms including earthworms, nitrifying bacteria, ground beetles and more. 
  
• Because of soil depletion: 
  
  • Steak has 50% less iron
    
  • Apples have 50% less calcium and 80% less phosphorus, iron and magnesium
    

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“A nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself.” Franklin Delanor Rosevelt

And that is what the United States is working towards. We treat soil like dirt. Like it doesn't matter. But it does! Soil is the start of it all. Because when you have healthy, flourishing soil then you have crops and plants that grow and thrive. And when humans and animals eat those healthy plants, then they flourish and thrive. 

Here at Willow Farm we practice regenerative farming by implementing the following: 

• No GMO seeds planted or GMO feed for the livestock
  
• We do not leave the soil bare and vulnerable
  
• No herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or other -icides
  
• Our fields are covered in lush (carbon sequestering) grasses, forbes and legumes. Because monocultures do not do as well. 
  
• Multiple species of livestock work in harmony. We take this even further by having multiple breeds of the same species. 
  
• We have our own pollinators with Tom’s beehive and plant things for them to feed off of.
  
• Planned grazing management to best optimize forage quality, animal performance and soil health
  
• Replanting trees to add diversity, fruit and nut crops, shade and windbreaks.
  

While there have always been people that have practiced regenerative agriculture, it is just beginning to become more known. Now that you have a better understanding on what regenerative agriculture is and just why it is so important for farmers to practice, you can take steps to support regenerative farms. 

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