Industrial livestock methods produce around 95% of all meat, eggs and dairy, and it’s no secret that these livestock are poorly treated and often abused[1]. Yet the issue is far greater than just animal welfare. Livestock produce around 51% of greenhouse gas emissions [2], and the methane produced has a much higher warming potential than even c02 [3]. Although financially inexpensive, these methods are costing the world.
Regenerative mixed farming is a collection of sustainable farming and grazing methods which focus on soil health, carbon sequestering and ecosystem support and preservation. By farming in harmony with nature rather than fighting against it, we can reimagine agriculture entirely, utilising perennial crops, crop diversity and integrated grazing. Mixed farming uses livestock as a means of regenerating the farmland between crops[4], and emphasises plant diversity with minimal soil disturbance and less human input. This method of farming also works to keep the soil covered, lessening water and wind erosion and naturally preventing weeds from germinating in the soil through the use of cover crops like cereals and legumes[5].
These farming methods lead to a reduction of carbon in our atmosphere, enriched soils, and improved biodiversity within our farmlands. By using this collection of farming methods the need for pesticides and chemical fertilisers is also reduced, lessening chemical runoff. They also improve the nutritional quality of the crops we put on our table, meaning regenerative mixed farming improves the overall health of the people and the planet alike[6].
[1] https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/01/hello-cultured-meat
[2] http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000448/index.html
[3] https://ourworldindata.org/greenhouse-gas-emissions
[4] https://www.innovationforagriculture.org.uk/regenerative-agriculture
[5] https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/land-preparation/soils/regenerative-farming
[6] https://grocycle.com/regenerative-agriculture-ultimate-guide/
Search terms for your own research: Industrial meat methane, regenerative agriculture effects, biodiverse farming
Agroecology, Natural Infrastructure
