Regenerative Agriculture

July 18th, 2023

6 minute read

Big Picture Ranch Newsletter

Regenerative Agriculture

As you see our initial rollout of Common Ground, you may be asking yourself: what do they mean by “regenerative agriculture”?

Regenerative agriculture is about reviving our soil, encouraging biodiversity, and ultimately creating a thriving farming ecosystem. Unlike conventional farming, which often depletes soil health and contributes to climate change, regenerative practices aim to restore and enhance natural resources. It’s about working with nature, within the context of nature.

This way of farming is better for our soil, our farmers, our food, our health, and our economy. It is truly common ground for everyone.

THE FOUR PRINCIPLES

1. NO TILLING

Tillage is the process of breaking the soil with a disc or plow to eliminate weeds and plant seeds. Regenerative agriculture does not till to preserve mycorrhizal networks.

2. COVER CROPS

Planting different species of cover crops protects the soil so it is never exposed to the elements. Later, the dead cover crop will protect against weeds, AND becomes food for the microbes.

3. NO TOXIC CHEMICALS

This vastly reduces the use of chemicals, herbicides or fungicides or insecticides. Instead, relies on making plants and soil healthy so they can resist pests.

4. PLANNED GRAZING

Just like in nature herds of animals are used to eat weeds and fertilize the soil. Cows and other ruminants break apart the top soil, and their grazing promote biodiversity and more resilient crops.

THE GOAL

REGENERATIVE

NO-TILL

AGRICULTURE

100M ACRES CONVERTED

THE RESULT

HEALTH

FOOD SECURITY

FARMER PROFITABILITY

CLIMATE STABILITY

Impacts Beyond the Soil

The benefits of regenerative agriculture extend beyond carbon sequestration. According to the experts in Common Ground, these practices can lead to healthier, more nutrient-dense foods, more resilient farms, and even more profitable farming businesses. Our very own heroes who joined us at the Tribeca Film Festival can attest – transitioning to regenerative agriculture is not only about ensuring a healthy future for the generations to come but it can have life-changing results in only a few years - for our health and our economy!

As of now, it is estimated that only 8 cents of every dollar flow back to farmers. The rest flows to the seed or chemical manufacturers who have created an vicious cycle of profit that deteriorates the soil and our health. In regenerative agriculture, much more of the profit is redirected to the producers and ends up putting millions of dollars back into rural America.

Hawaiian Farmer inspired to change to #RegenerativeAgriculture Practices - Maui Film Festival 2023

CHANGE IS ALREADY UNDERWAY

Watch this Hawaiian Farmer make a promise to convert his entire farm to regenerative agriculture after watching Common Ground at the Maui Film Festival last week.

A Real Example with Real Profits

Regenerative practices are not just theoretical; they're being implemented successfully. One of the ranchers featured in Common Ground, Rick Clark, from Indiana, has successfully turned his 7,000 acres of previously conventional farmland into a thriving example of the benefits, both financial and physical, of regenerative agriculture. Since transitioning, he no longer takes crop insurance, and hasn’t taken a single government subsidy loan. THAT is the power of regeneration.

The Math is Simple

When Rick transitioned to regenerative agriculture he starting saving money in four different ways. First, he stopped tilling. That saved him and his team time and diesel fuel that could then be used in other areas of the farm. Secondly, he stopped purchasing chemical fertilizers and other synthetic products, which are enormously expensive. Thirdly, with reduced crop failure, he was able to mitigate his debt, which over time saved him from accruing interest, and instead have increased yield.

Finally, by transitioning to regenerative agriculture, he saved himself and his family tremendous amounts of money that would have otherwise been spent on medical bills. A healthier soil which creates more nutrient-dense food, and less exposure to toxic chemicals, is a game-changer for human health.

The benefits of regenerative agriculture are undeniable, and you will hear many more inspiring stories of hope for our land and our future when you watch Common Ground.

In a Nutshell

Regenerative agriculture, in a nutshell, is about honoring traditional ecological knowledge. Much of what we call regenerative agriculture has been practiced by indigenous people for generations. A significant step to transitioning to regenerative agriculture is to honor the original care takers of the North American continent and their way of cultivating the land. Let's relearn how to work with nature, not against it.

Protecting Pollinators with Regenerative Agriculture

Thank you for being a part of this movement. We cannot wait to share the documentary with you and change the world, one acre at a time.

With gratitude,

Rebecca and Josh Tickell, and the team at Big Picture Ranch

Big Picture Ranch

For Festivals: Contact Jeffrey Winter at The Film Collaborative at [email protected]

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