Regenerative Agriculture
Exploring the Power of Regenerative Agriculture at B Creek Farm
We recently had the opportunity to visit B Creek Farm, and we were absolutely blown away by their approach to regenerative farming. From the care they take with their animals to the purity of their practices, B Creek Farm is a model for sustainable agriculture. We’re excited to share our experience with you!
A Shift in Perspective: From City Life to Regenerative Farming
In 2020, everything changed for three families who once lived normal city lives. They had professional careers in various fields, but a growing awareness of the fragile food system led them to rethink their priorities. They realized the importance of having access to real, healthy food and fresh air. Their new focus? Regenerative agriculture.
What is Regenerative Agriculture?
You might be familiar with organic farming, but regenerative farming takes things a step further. While organic farming avoids chemicals, regenerative farming uses livestock to build healthy soil. By using cows (or other ruminants like buffalo), farmers can regenerate the land and improve the health of the soil. The key is using perennial plants, like grasses and trees, whose roots communicate with the soil. This natural process supports the ecosystem and promotes sustainability.
The Role of Animals in Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative farming turns conventional thinking on its head. For years, we’ve been told that the best way to protect land is to keep animals off of it. But in nature, animals are crucial to the health of the land. Cows, for instance, graze in tight herds and move frequently from place to place, allowing the land to rest and regenerate. At B Creek Farm, they mimic this natural process by using movable electric fences, ensuring the cows only graze a small area at a time. This approach promotes intense grazing followed by long periods of rest for the land.
Challenging Common Misconceptions About Cows and the Environment
There’s a lot of negative propaganda about cows and their environmental impact, particularly in relation to methane gas. However, when cows graze in a regenerative system, they actually help sequester carbon into the soil. This is because their grazing stimulates plant growth, which in turn strengthens the soil and roots. On the other hand, industrial agriculture practices like monocropping deplete the soil, releasing carbon into the atmosphere. By integrating cows into farming, regenerative practices actually benefit the environment.
The Importance of Heritage Breeds and Pasture Rotation
At B Creek Farm, they also use heritage pig breeds, such as Gloucester Old Spots and Red Waddle. These pigs thrive on pasture and forest, and they rotate the pigs between different areas of the land. Unlike cows, pigs are monogastric animals, meaning they don’t graze on grass. Their diet is carefully managed to ensure the best quality meat. By rotating the pigs and letting the land rest, B Creek Farm helps maintain the health of the ecosystem.
Living the Dream: From Tech to Farm Life
The transition from a tech career to farming might seem drastic, but for one of the farm’s founders, it was a natural progression. After years of working in Silicon Valley with companies like Google and Pinterest, he decided to return to his roots in North Carolina. With the world changing rapidly, his brother suggested they start a farm—a farm that would make a positive impact on the world. Today, B Creek Farm offers grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and organic, chemical-free apples.
Supporting Local and Sustainable Agriculture
If you’re in the Chattanooga area, you can find B Creek Farm’s products at local farmers markets. They sell their goods at the St. Albans Market in Hixson, the Chattanooga Market, and the Ulaa Market on Thursdays. For more information, you can follow them on Instagram @bcreekTN or visit their website at bcreektn.com.
At B Creek Farm, they’re proving that regenerative farming isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to restore the land, improve the food system, and create a more sustainable future. We can’t wait to see how this approach continues to thrive!
*The statements made in this video have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health practitioner before starting any new health or supplementation regimen.