about regenerative agriculture
Farming in a way that works with nature, instead of against it.
The alabama prairie
Bois d’Arc Farm is located in the heart of the Alabama Prairie, a once thriving, vibrant ecosystem supporting more than 300 species of native plants, beneficial insect and bird life, and an abundance of grazing and foraging animals (Eastern Bison, elk, and deer). Prairies and grasslands depend on grazing and foraging animals to maintain the native grasslands across North America. Without the action of grazing, prairies and grasslands would quickly become forest.
Since we no longer have the bison and elk roaming freely across the eastern prairies and Savannas, we now use domesticated livestock to create bio and eco-mimicry. Bois d’Arc farm uses cattle, sheep and pigs to mimic what the ruminant species used to do when Alabama was a wild place. By implementing regenerative grazing, we are restoring our lands to a true prairie.
THE REGENERATIVE FARMING PROCESS
Rain or Shine
Both sunlight and rain support plant growth. Plants convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Rainwater nourishes plants.
Grass and Soil
Grasses take CO2 out of the atmosphere and sequester it in the ground, where it can improve the health of the soil biology instead of polluting the atmosphere. Using no-till methods makes sure the CO2 stays in the soil.
Healthy soil uses carbon to retain water and feed soil biology. Good soil biology gives animals and produce greater nutrient value.
Roots from diverse plant species transfer phytonutrients to each other and send carbon deep into the soil, as opposed to mono-cropping, which limits the nutrients that section of land can retain.
Animal Influence
Ruminant animals (such as cows and sheep) graze on grasses which, when properly managed, stimulates growth and root development. Different animals like to forage different plants, so grazing them in the same fields contributes to a more even consumption of plants, better fertilization and regrowth.
Manure left behind helps naturally fertilize soil, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.
Hooves trample and break up the soil surface, which aerates the soil and improves circulation.
Changing it up
Daily rotational grazing benefits both animals and land - the animals get a greater diversity of nutrients from different pastures and the land gets a period of rest and regrowth without animal disturbance.
By grazing different species behind each other, we breakup the parasite/disease cycle, so we do not have to prophylactically treat our animals with antibiotics.
Your benefit
Health-promoting phytonutrients become highly concentrated in the meat and milk of animals finished in biodiverse pastures. Nutrients contained in produce and animal muscle will be passed along to you as you enjoy a good meal from BDA Farm!
Supporting regenerative farms promotes a healthier earth, supports humane treatment of animals, and benefits you and your family’s physical wellbeing. Shop regeneratively today!