Farmer's Footprint

Protein holds a prominent place in discussions about food. It carries varied meanings—from symbolizing strength and vitality to representing care and nourishment. In affluent societies, it’s seen as a marker of a conscientious diet, while elsewhere it signifies prosperity. For many, integrating animals into farming practices is a deeply rooted way of life, reflecting generations of stewardship and connection to the land. Whether associated with traditional livestock farming or modern food technology, protein stands at the center of debates about food systems and ecological health. Understanding how we produce and consume protein—whether plant-based or animal—is crucial for addressing today’s challenges. While plant-based diets are often praised for their lower ecological footprint, not all plant proteins are created equal; some rely on monoculture farming, intensive water use, and chemical inputs that harm ecosystems. Conversely, integrating animals into regenerative systems offers unique benefits. Ruminants like cows, sheep, and goats, when managed through holistic grazing, enhance soil health, improve water retention, and boost biodiversity. Farms that integrate animals often see a 50% increase in wildlife, creating thriving habitats where pollinators and native species flourish—key to a vibrant ecosystem. This conversation isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about understanding how plant and animal systems can coexist within a regenerative approach that fosters ecological balance and honors cultural traditions. Recognizing the cultural contexts that shape these discussions is essential. We must understand the power of protein—how it influences our values, dietary choices, and perceptions of health and environmental impact. By moving beyond the binary debate of plant-based versus animal-based, we can explore how diverse protein production methods complement each other to create a more equitable food future. If you’d like to join us in digging deeper into this topic, head to https://lnkd.in/e3YVPBxr and register for Farm Yarns, Protein & Regeneration. #RegenerativeAgriculture #ProteinDebate #FarmersFootprint #HolisticGrazing #EcologicalHealth #FoodSystems

In a world where every bite counts, the choices we make about the proteins on our plates carry profound implications—not just for our health, but for the ecosystems, communities, and cultures that sustain us. This August, we're bringing together thought leaders who are reshaping our understanding of proteins, both plant and animal, through the lens of regeneration. Join us as Mary Purdy, MS, RDN Eco-Dietitian/Nutrition and Sustainability Expert, Mollie Engelhart, Kate Kavanaugh, and Ricky Echanique delve into the intricate connections between food production, nutrient density, and the long-term vitality of our planet 🌍 Together, we'll explore: The role of regenerative practices in enhancing the health benefits of both plant-based and animal proteins.How traditional knowledge and innovative practices can harmonize to create a more resilient, equitable food system. The impact of these proteins on local and global communities, and how our choices can foster a future where food nourishes both people and the planet. 📅 Date: August 28, 2024 ⏰ Time: 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET Be part of the movement to transform our food system. Register now and take a step towards a healthier future for both people and the planet 🌱

"The seed has been planted through these women,"  ~ Joaquin Carrillo, director of Grupedsac's center in Oaxaca In the arid mountains of Oaxaca, where drought has become a persistent threat, indigenous Zapotec women are reviving ancient water preservation techniques to protect their way of life. When Agustina Ortiz returned to her Zapotec community in the mountains of Oaxaca after a decade in the U.S., she found a landscape transformed by climate change—big trees had disappeared, and the crops struggled under an unrelenting sun. Nearly 80% of Oaxaca was gripped by severe drought, threatening the very foundation of their agricultural way of life. Instead of accepting this harsh reality, Ortiz and other indigenous women partnered with GRUPEDSAC, a nonprofit focused on sustainable development, to revive ancient water preservation techniques. Together, they built 20,000-liter tanks to capture rainwater and store greywater for irrigation, dramatically improving their ability to farm and sustain their families. Through permaculture training, these women have learned to farm regeneratively, growing resilient crops like alfalfa to feed their livestock and native vegetables that require less water. These skills are not only feeding their families but are also providing them with a source of income. "We need to empower these women, but we also need to understand that the word empowerment means different things in our societies," says Carrillo. By gaining self-sufficiency and financial independence, these women are reclaiming their roles as stewards of the land and challenging traditional gender roles within their communities. For a full exploration of this story, we invite you to read the article by Stephania Corpi Arnaud via the BBC. #PositiveNews #BBC #FarmersFootprint #Grupedsac #SustainableFarming #ClimateAction #WaterConservation #WomenEmpowerment #WomenInAgriculture #RegenerativeAgriculture #IndigenousWisdom #ResilientCommunities #Oaxaca #WomenLeaders

Amphibians play a crucial role in our ecosystems as indicator species for environmental health. Sadly, over 40% of the planet’s toads, frogs, salamanders and caecilians are now on the brink of extinction, primarily due to habitat loss from human activity, climate change and disease. Fortunately, local solutions are emerging to address this crisis. Communities are building crossings to help amphibians safely move between habitats, allowing them to cross highways and find optimal living conditions. Click here to learn more about these efforts and how they’re making a difference: https://nature.ly/3SxfGfp

Can Music Really Help Your Plants Grow? Have you ever wondered if your plants might actually respond to the music you play in your garden? The idea that music can influence plant growth has intrigued both gardeners and scientists for decades. But is there any real science behind it? While plants don’t have ears, they do have vibration receptors that can sense sound waves. Some studies suggest that these vibrations could promote growth. For instance, a botanist in the 1960s found that plants exposed to music grew up to 20% taller. But not all music has the same effect—classical music appears to support growth, while loud rock music might cause stress, leading to less healthy plants. It’s an intriguing idea—could the right soundtrack really help your garden flourish? While the research is still evolving, the possibility that sound could play a role in plant health opens up a new perspective on gardening. What about you? Have you ever tried playing music for your plants? Did you notice any changes? We'd love to hear your experiences. Join the Conversation at Orto Hour in The Garden Club! This month at Orto Hour, Andrew will explore how music might influence plant growth, sharing insights from his own experiments. He’ll also cover winter planting strategies and a quick pickle recipe to keep your harvest fresh. Whether you’re curious or skeptical, join us to discuss this fascinating topic and more! Learn more about The Garden Club via https://lnkd.in/e_faRUB8 and become part of our thriving community! ﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏ 🌱📹 Helecho Desarrollandose blooming by the incredible @mandalaexpert #OrtoHour #GardenClub #MusicAndPlants #PlantGrowth #CuriousGardener #GreenThumb

🌿 Txana Tuwe - Huni Kuin, Amazon Brazil 🌿 Haux. Txana Tuwe, a musician and pajé (spiritual healer) from the Novo Futuro Village in Acre, Brazil, is a prominent figure among the Huni Kuin people. The Huni Kuin, known as ‘true humans,’ have a deep, symbiotic relationship with the Amazon rainforest that has sustained them for generations. The rainforest is their lifeblood. It shapes their culture, spirituality, and daily life. Every aspect of their existence, from medicinal practices to the stories and songs passed down through generations, is rooted in the natural world around them. Txana Tuwe embodies this rich heritage, using his music and spiritual guidance to uphold the traditions of the Huni Kuin. As a pajé, he heals, guides, and preserves the ancient knowledge of his people, ensuring that their cultural and spiritual practices continue to thrive. Today, the Huni Kuin face severe threats from deforestation and encroachment on their lands. These challenges jeopardize not just their environment, but their very way of life. Each tree cut down, each piece of land lost, is a blow to their cultural heritage and survival. In their fight to protect their home, the Huni Kuin stand as a powerful reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature. Their resilience and dedication to their traditions offer a compelling message about the interconnectedness of all life. To delve deeper into their world, we invite you to explore Eskawata Film - https://lnkd.in/e9D9z3qu. Filmmakers Lara Jacoski & Patrick Belém have spent years documenting the life of Ninawa and the Huni Kuin people, capturing their enduring connection to the rainforest. We are excited to also announce that their film will have its official premiere in Brazil at the renowned Mostra Ecofalante de Cinema Ambiental in São Paulo, on August 10th at 7 PM. This documentary tells the story of the strengthening of the traditional culture of the Huni Kuin people, serving as a representation of the history of repression, memory, and resistance of many indigenous peoples in Brazil. Thank you to Wisdom Keepers for bringing attention to their story. #HuniKuin #AmazonRainforest #CulturalHeritage #IndigenousWisdom #EskawataFilm

Ever wondered how farmers manage in the driest places in the U.S.? Reintroducing…  Joe and Adrienne, innovative farmers from Fallon, Nevada, who took a bold step in 2017. Did you know that Fallon farmers receive about 5 inches of rain annually if they’re lucky. Those lush green fields of alfalfa, corn, and Fallon’s famous “Heart O’ Gold” cantaloupes? They’re thanks to flood irrigation, with water diverted from the Lahontan Dam built in 1915 and the accompanying reservoir. This water allowed Churchill County farmers to flourish for decades. Yet, with rising temperatures and climate extremes, Nevada farmers, like most Southwest farmers, are increasingly at the mercy of water, or most accurately, the lack of it. 2022 saw the most intense period of drought in Nevada in more than 20 years. Facing this challenge, Joe and Adrienne decided to grow hemp—a move many called "wacky." Why did they choose hemp? Despite being known for needing water, hemp can be incredibly efficient with it. Joe and Adrienne faced rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, pushing them to innovate. Using subsurface drip irrigation, they saved up to 50% of their water while keeping their crops thriving. Joe described this shift as a "necessary evolution" to combat the water scarcity that threatened their farm's viability. Joe and Adrienne’s decision to grow hemp has shown promising results, making their farm more resilient to drought and demonstrating that innovative farming practices can make a significant difference. Curious about their journey? Catch their story in our latest Meet a Farmer feature and if you’re curious to ‘hemp’ up your knowledge even more, why not  join Adrienne at our very first ‘Farm Yarns Live’ community event! Join Us TODAY! 📅 Wednesday, July 31, 2024 🕤 9:30 am PT // 12:30 pm ET Featuring: Adrienne Snow, MBA, Western States Hemp Farm Michael Klepacz, Natural Materials Unlimited Stephen Smith, Onda These experts will share their personal journeys, revealing how hemp is transforming agriculture and beyond. Head to https://lnkd.in/dREaem8s to book your front row virtual seat, completely FREE! Excited to see you there 🌱

At reNourish Studio, they’re wrestling with these questions and more with the support of living systems thinking frameworks in a developmental community of practice. We are thrilled to collaborate with reNourish Studio, finding immense value in their innovative approach and dedication to business effectiveness. Their offerings provide deep insights and practical tools for addressing the fragmented and extractive nature of our current food system. We invite you to join reNourish Studio at their next Open Sessions on the topics of Standards and Measurement on September 5th or Investment on August 29th. You can also join their 6-session Zoom series to dive more deeply into how to integrate living systems thinking into how you do business, or jump into their long-term hybrid in-person/online cohort Oct 25th - Dec 13th. At every session, participants spend time challenging their thinking and growing their capacities within a circle of food industry leaders dedicated to driving business effectiveness in service to the living world. If this is what you’re longing for, they’d love to see you there. Come experience the difference it can make to approach our current business issues and questions through a living systems mindset. Sign up to one of their Open Sessions today: https://lnkd.in/ebyPk2H6 🌱 #RegenerativeAgriculture #LivingSystems #FarmersFootprint #ReNourishStudio #RegenerativePractices #CertificationStandards #RegenerativeCertification #Organic

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes a moment to ask... Will this be the year you discover the magic of hemp? If you’re wondering how hemp fits into the future of regeneration, if you’ve heard about its benefits but don’t know where to start, or if you’re simply curious about its possibilities—this is your opportunity to join us and find out! Consider this your invitation to explore the future of hemp and its incredible potential. We’re excited to host our very first Farm Yarns: Community Webinar on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 9:30 am PT // 12:30 pm ET. This event, in celebration of Hemp Awareness Month, is designed to take you on a journey into the world of hemp and its transformative capabilities. Hemp is a powerhouse plant that can mature in just 100 days, producing four times as much fiber per acre as trees. It’s also a natural soil cleanser, capable of removing toxins and even rehabilitating land affected by nuclear disasters. These incredible qualities make hemp a key player in the future of regeneration. Which is why we’re thrilled to bring you this engaging exploration. Here’s what you can look forward to: Live Panel Discussion: Meet the pioneers: ° Adrienne Snow, MBA, Western States Hemp Farm ° Michael Klepacz, Natural Materials Unlimited ° Stephen Smith, Onda These experts will share their personal journeys and insights, revealing how hemp is not just a crop but a catalyst for transformation. Our Farm Yarns discussion aims to take you beyond the basics, connecting our community to the broader impacts of hemp on food systems, social justice, and environmental health. Join the Conversation: Connect with others who are just as passionate about hemp as you are! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and be inspired by the collective wisdom and diverse experiences within our community.

What more should we consider beyond the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists? Strawberries, often seen as a symbol of summer, top the Dirty Dozen list again this year due to their high pesticide content. In contrast, avocados, with minimal pesticide residues, stand out on the Clean 15 list... But these lists only tell part of the story. Even the Clean 15 list, while highlighting produce with lower pesticide residues, has its own complexities. The methods used to grow these "clean" produce items often overlook the broader ecosystem and the well-being of everyone involved in the food chain. Our food system is deeply interconnected. Each choice we make is part of a complex web of health, environmental, and social factors. While the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists offer guidance, they only provide a glimpse into the broader picture. The journey of our food from farm to table involves many unseen impacts, including economic pressures, environmental degradation, and social justice issues. Consider: How do these complexities influence your food choices? What stories lie behind the fruits and vegetables on your plate? How can we support a food system that prioritizes the health of people, the environment, and the communities involved in food production? 🍎🥕🥑 #DirtyDozen #Clean15 #FoodForThought #RegenerativeAgriculture #FoodJustice #FarmersFootprint