Did you know that livestock production, when done using regenerative methods, can actually help to restore ecosystems and sequester carbon? Yes – you read that right… eating meat produced using regenerative methods can actually be good for the environment. Under these circumstances, herds of livestock are actually contributing to the organic matter of the soil where they’re raised. They’re frequently rotated on synthetic-free pastures which, in turn, are rested, minimally disturbed, and allowed to return to a holistic and biologically diverse pasture system. Regenerative agriculture, in essence, differs from more conventional systems in that it’s not extractive – you’re not mining the minerals and biological material (aka grass)  from the soil with no plans to replace it. Instead, emphasis is placed on the health of the soil, and livestock are mere tools to improve the overall system.

The term “regenerative” is somewhat new. There are likely plenty of responsible farmers and ranchers in your area producing food in a way that is beneficial to the animals and the environment. Unlike the USDA Organic Label, there isn’t yet a widely adopted certification body that ensures that producers are actually doing what they claim. The best way to ensure you’re eating meat that is actually good for the environment? Get to know the farmer! Go to your local market or do a bit of online research. 

For a deep dive into the subject and to learn more:  

For the Love of Soil: Strategies to Regenerate Our Food Production Systems by Nicole Masters

Cows Save the Planet by Judith D. Schwartz

Growing a Revolution: Bringing Soil Back to Life by David R. Montgomery