Thoughts on 'regenerative'

Apr 04, 2024Sidney Johnson

Regeneration is our why but as the term becomes increasingly trite it is time to revisit what it means for us.

Very simply, for a farm to be considered regenerative I believe it must have a verifiably positive impact on its environment. If it does not - if the side of the road looks healthier than the farm itself - then something is deeply wrong.

On our farm the main engine for regeneration are our cattle, complimented by our sheep and pigs. Grazing animals heavily concentrated in a very small area for a very short period of time fertilise the ground, create ideal conditions for new plants to establish and provide space for biodiversity through their absence for 363 days a year.

This is not prescriptive - some people do fabulous things with poultry - and what matters is results but whatever the approach, ‘regeneration’ must mean something.

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