Regenerative Meat
With every dollar we spend, we choose what system we support.
What does Regenerative Meat actually mean?
Regenerative meat refers to meat that is produced using regenerative agriculture practices that aim to rebuild soil health, reduce carbon emissions, and promote biodiversity. This type of meat is often produced using rotational grazing methods that mimic the natural grazing patterns of wild animals, and is typically free from antibiotics and hormones.
Benefits of Regenerative Meat
Regenerative meat offers a number of benefits, both for the environment and for consumers. By promoting healthy soil, regenerative agriculture practices can help to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, regenerative meat is often higher in nutrients and free from harmful additives, making it a healthier choice for consumers.
According to DBA Farm, True Grass-fed is a practice that involves the regenerative approach to farm/ranch management designed to enhance land, water, and air quality. Grass-fed ruminant animals are born and raised on grasslands. This helps produce a more nutrient-dense meat compared to conventionally-raised beef or sheep. These animals mimic wild species that have evolved on grasslands for millions of years. But due to the rise of monoculture farming, grain production plowed through our grasslands. Today consumers are used to the taste of grain-fed cattle and the USDA even grades meat based on the amount of intramuscular fat.
Animals fed a grain diet have a higher content of “Linoleic Acid,” a polyunsaturated fatty acid which is derived from plant oils. This acid is notorious for causing inflammation, obesity, and heart issues. Grass-fed beef does not have the same amount of linoleic acid because they are fed a diet of grasses instead of processed grains that help fatten up our livestock. Our grass-fed beef is leaner and even replicates the dark red color used see in wild game.“
How Regenerative Meat makes its Way to Your Plate
If you're interested in trying regenerative meat, there are a number of places where you can buy it. Many local farmers markets and co-ops offer regenerative meat options, find your local farmer here. There are also a number of online retailers that specialize in regenerative meat.
Here are a few options to consider:
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White Oaks Pastures - THE Ultimate Regenerative Farm and one of the leaders in the movement. Check out their huge array of regenerative meats, tours, stays and about how they transformed regenerative farming for the world! Savory Hub, Humane Certified, and tested and proven carbon negative farm! Visit their site here.
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Pasturebird - Pasturebird is known for being a leader in the regenerative movement and making amazing chicken products available. Visit their site to order or to build a subscription box of regenerative chicken right to your door. Also check out their Instagram for their amazing grazing pictures! Use REGEN10 for 10% off. Visit them here.
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Regenerative Seafood?! What!?
Check out their huge variety of seafood products along with other items like grains, soups, dried fruit, spices, and more. Ready to eat foods never looked so good! Visit them here.
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The Honest Bison was founded on one very simple truth: we believe everyone deserves access to food they can trust. When we realized just how hard it was to find unprocessed, humanely raised, quality meats in today’s markets, The Honest Bison was born.
Land to Market Verified so you know that holistic, regenerative practices are used in every step of this amazing farm. Visit their site here.
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Get amazing high quality regenerative meats from a farm making a big difference! Get beef, chicken, along with ancestorial cuts and bone broths!
Use coupon code REGENERATIVE for $10 off.
Health and Environmental Benefits
Health Benefits:
Leaner and Nutrient-Rich: Regenerative meats are often leaner and contain higher levels of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. They typically have lower levels of saturated fats compared to grain-fed meats.
No Antibiotics or Hormones: Regenerative farming practices prioritize animal health, reducing the need for antibiotics and synthetic hormones. As a result, the meat is less likely to contain residual antibiotics or hormone residues that can potentially affect human health.
No Synthetic Chemicals: Regenerative meat production avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides. This means that consumers are less exposed to potentially harmful chemical residues commonly found in conventionally raised meat.
Improved Animal Welfare: Animals raised using regenerative practices are often provided with more natural living conditions, access to open pastures, and humane treatment, contributing to the ethical treatment of animals which leads to less need for pharmaceutical inputs and less health issues.
Environmental Benefits:
Carbon Sequestration: Regenerative agriculture emphasizes soil health and carbon sequestration. Healthier soils can store more carbon, mitigating climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Reduced Erosion: Practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage help prevent soil erosion, which can lead to sedimentation in water bodies and the loss of fertile topsoil.
Enhanced Biodiversity: Regenerative farms often support a wide variety of plant species, providing habitats for pollinators and wildlife. Increased biodiversity promotes ecosystem resilience and contributes to overall environmental health.
Water Quality: By reducing chemical inputs and promoting healthy soil, regenerative farming practices can help improve water quality by reducing nutrient runoff into rivers and streams, which can lead to water pollution.
Resilient Ecosystems: Regenerative agriculture encourages the development of resilient ecosystems, which are better equipped to withstand environmental challenges such as droughts and extreme weather events.
Deciphering Labels and Certifications in Meat Products
Deciphering labels can be a valuable skill for consumers looking to make informed choices that align with their values and priorities.
Here's a guide to understanding regenerative meat labels and certifications:
Regenerative Agriculture Certifications: These are certifications given by specific nonprofits and advocacy groups for the highest level of Regenerative Standards. There’s a few on the market and more emerging.
Grass-Fed: A "Grass-Fed" label indicates that the animals were primarily raised on natural pastures and grazed on grass and forage, rather than being fed grain-based diets. While not exclusive to regenerative practices, grass-fed meat is often associated with more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming methods.
No Antibiotics or Hormones: Labels such as "No Antibiotics Ever" or "No Hormones Added" indicate that the meat product was produced without the use of antibiotics or synthetic hormones. While not specific to regenerative farming, this can be an important aspect of ethical and sustainable meat production.
Local and Farmers' Markets: Consider purchasing meat from local farmers' markets or directly from farmers you trust. Engaging in conversations with producers can provide valuable insights into their farming methods and commitment to regenerative agriculture. Find a farm near you with our map here.
Understanding the Unique Practices in Regenerative Meat Production
Regenerative meat production embodies a holistic and sustainable approach to livestock farming, emphasizing several unique practices:
Rotational Grazing: Regenerative farmers implement rotational grazing systems, moving livestock regularly to different pasture areas. This prevents overgrazing, allows vegetation to recover, and encourages soil improvement. It mimics the natural behavior of herbivores like the buffalo that has huge ecological benefits.
Cover Cropping: Cover crops, like legumes and clover, are, on some farms, sown in between periods of livestock grazing. These plants protect the soil from erosion, fix nitrogen, and improve overall soil structure. They also provide additional forage for animals.
No-Till Farming: Minimizing soil disturbance through no-till or reduced-till farming practices helps retain moisture, preserve beneficial microorganisms, and reduce carbon loss from the soil. Instead of tilling in crops, many farmers use no-till drills to implement cover crops.
Biodiversity Promotion: Regenerative farms encourage biodiversity by maintaining diverse plant, bug, and even animal species, allowing natural vegetation to thrive, and fostering habitats for pollinators and wildlife. This approach creates resilient ecosystems and reduces the need for chemical inputs.
Composting: Effective composting and careful management of animal manure reduce the risk of nutrient runoff and contamination of water sources. Instead, these practices recycle nutrients back into the soil, enriching it naturally. This is largely achieved through rotational grazing.
“It's also important to specify that regenerative farming techniques aren't new. In Indigenous and Native communities, regenerative practices have been the norm since before colonization, regardless of it not having fancy term attached. Regenerative agriculture practices are intrinsic to Indigenous farmers' agricultural practices, which prioritize a relationship with the soil, animals, and people. And it's not about satisfying a checklist; it's the natural way of life and how it's always been done.” - Well + Good
By embracing these practices, regenerative meat production not only yields high-quality, ethically raised meat but also contributes to soil regeneration, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. It represents a promising model for sustainable agriculture, aligning with the broader goal of building resilient and environmentally friendly food systems.
Organic, Regenerative, and Grass-fed Meats - What’s the difference?
Why you may think these things are all the same, they are actually very different!
Organic Meats:
Production Standards: Organic meats are produced according to stringent standards that prioritize the use of organic feed and prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Animals are also typically raised with a focus on humane treatment and access to outdoor space.
Environmental Focus: Organic farming aims to reduce the environmental impact by avoiding synthetic chemicals and promoting sustainable farming practices, although it may not always prioritize soil health and ecosystem restoration to the same extent as regenerative methods.
Consumer Benefits: Consumers choosing organic meats often do so for health-related reasons, seeking products with fewer chemical residues and higher animal welfare standards.
Regenerative Meats:
Production Philosophy: Regenerative agriculture takes a holistic approach, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration. Farmers use practices like rotational grazing, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to improve the land over time.
Environmental Focus: The primary goal of regenerative farming is to heal and regenerate ecosystems, making it a potent tool for combating climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil and promoting overall sustainability.
Consumer Benefits: Regenerative meats are often seen as a sustainable choice that supports the restoration of ecosystems and the long-term health of agricultural land.
Grass-Fed Meats:
Dietary Emphasis: Grass-fed meats come from animals that predominantly graze on natural pastures, emphasizing a diet of grass and forage rather than grain-based feeds. This approach aligns with the natural diet of ruminant animals like cattle.
Environmental Focus: Grass-fed farming is often associated with reduced carbon emissions and a lower ecological footprint compared to grain-fed counterparts, but its sustainability can vary depending on management practices.
Consumer Benefits: Consumers opt for grass-fed meats due to perceived health benefits, such as higher omega-3 fatty acids and lower saturated fats. They may also choose these products for ethical and environmental reasons.
