As people become more aware of climate change and their concern for the environment increases, the environmental impact of eating meat has become an integral part of the conversation. While not all farming systems are created equal, regenerative farming offers a promising alternative to factory farming by having livestock roam freely on open pastures and graze on fresh vegetation. By prioritizing soil health and biodiversity, regeneratively farmed meat actually has the potential to play a positive role in building a healthier planet.

Healthier Soil That Stores Carbon and Water

One of the more significant environmental advantages of regeneratively farmed meat is its impact on soil health. Regenerative practices, such as rotational grazing, give land time to recover between grazing periods, which in turn allows plants to regrow stronger root systems and improves soil health. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, so when a pasture experiences heavy rainfall the soil is able to hold more water. This is important as it helps the land stay resilient in the face of a potential drought. Healthy soil also stores more carbon, which helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and keep it locked in the ground, mitigating climate change.

Stronger Ecosystems and Greater Biodiversity

The advantages of regeneratively farmed meat don’t just stop at the soil-level. By avoiding overgrazing and encouraging diverse plant life, regenerative systems create habitats for insects, birds, and native wildlife. Livestock, like our New Zealand lambs for example, become part of a natural cycle that helps to fertilize the soil and stimulate plant growth instead of further degrading the land. Increased biodiversity is vital as it strengthens an ecosystem’s resilience against environmental stressors like extreme weather and erosion.

A More Resilient Future for Food and the Planet

Regenerative farming shows that meat production can actually support environmental restoration. By improving soil health and fostering biodiversity, regeneratively farmed meat contributes to more resilient ecosystems and a more sustainable food system. While regenerative farming can’t solve every environmental challenge, it can offer a hopeful path forward where a mindset focused on cultivating a better future can help protect the planet for generations to come.