REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
Regenerative agriculture to us is an approach to farming that entails good ecological management that encourages a natural symbiotic relationship between all beneficial biology on the farm from microbes, to bacteria, fungi, plants, animals and humans.
Regenerative farming optimises the undeniably powerful link between soil health, plant health, animal health and human health.
We believe it’s our job as the farmer to use intuition and practical methodology that works with nature to help build and manage ecological support systems such as humus, water cycle, mineral management, and biodiversity to help this symbiotic relationship to thrive. If the right decisions and methods of action are put in place, our farm will continue to progress towards becoming a healthier, more resilient and productive ecosystem.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE BEEF?
Regenerative grazing is a method of managing livestock in a way that promotes soil health, biodiversity and ecological resilience. Regenerative grazing uses livestock as a tool for improving ecological outcomes, but like any tool it is how it is used that determines the level of success attained for these outcomes.
At Highlands Natural, we use regenerative grazing techniques as a part of our holistic management plan to help ascertain the ecological outcomes for our farm.
As consumers are now beginning to ask producers for more transparency on how their livestock is managed, soon it will be not just what they are grazing but also how they are grazing that will become as equally important. This will hopefully result in an increased demand for produce that is proven to be both beneficial for farm and human health.
The following regenerative grazing principles influence how we manage the livestock on our farm:
MIMICKING NATURAL GRAZING PATTERNS
Regenerative grazing aims to mimic the grazing patterns of wild grazing herbivores such as buffalo, wildebeest, bison, goats and elk. This involves keeping livestock in a single herd that mob graze moving them frequently to healthy fully recovered pastures, and allowing them to graze and trample the land in a way that mimics the natural disturbance caused by wild herbivores.
REST AND RECOVERY
In order to promote the growth of healthy grasses and other vegetation, regenerative grazing involves giving pastures adequate time to rest and recover between grazing periods. This is generally between 30-35 days in the growing season and 60-70 days in the non-growing season. This allows for the regeneration of root systems and the buildup of soil organic matter, which in turn improves soil health and reduces erosion.
TIME CONTROLLED INTENSIVE GRAZING
Regenerative grazing typically involves more intensive grazing than conventional methods, but for shorter periods of time. By letting the cattle only graze the top third of each plant and not revisit it until the next rotation can help promote the growth of new plant shoots and stimulate the growth of root systems and sequestering carbon through photosynthesis. This is in contrast to more conventional methods of overgrazing which leads to plant stress and soil damage through nutrients being drawn out of the soil to aid in plant recovery.
SOIL HEALTH
Regenerative grazing places a strong emphasis on soil health, as healthy soils are essential for the growth of healthy plants and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems. Soil testing and Brix testing is paramount to figure out exactly what the soil needs in the pastures. Practices like no-till planting, cover cropping, and the use of compost and other organic fertilizers that are tailored with the nutrients that are required can help to improve soil health and fertility in a more sustainable way.
BIODIVERSITY
Regenerative grazing promotes the growth of a diverse range of plant species, which can support a wide variety of wildlife and beneficial insects such as dung beetles earthworms. By promoting biodiversity, regenerative grazing can help to support healthy ecosystems and promote the resilience of the landscape by keeping a natural balance of key minerals and nutrients in the soil.
ERADICATION OF CHEMICAL INPUTS
Regenerative grazing eradicates the use of chemical inputs such as synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of farming and promotes a more natural ecosystem by preserving and supplementing healthy and natural living soil biology.
IMPROVING ANIMAL WELFARE
Regenerative grazing practices aim to improve animal welfare by providing animals with access to a natural diet and environment. The constant moving from paddock to paddock using low stress stock handling techniques teaches the animal to be familiar and comfortable with the pressure and release applied by the grazier. This helps to reduce anxiety and improve overall health and well-being. Regenerative graziers prioritize the welfare of their animals by ensuring they have access to ample forage, clean water, and appropriate protection from the elements when required through the provision of wind breaking tree lines around the paddocks.
PROTECTING WATER SOURCES
Regenerative graziers take steps to protect and improve water sources on their land by fencing dams systems to improve water quality and promote the growth of wildlife and vegetation along waterways. Also promoting the preservation of water in the pastures by introducing cover crops they help act as a sponge reducing soil erosion, while increasing water retention and infiltration.