Building Better Soil: Why Animals Are Key to Regenerative Farming

At Green River Regenerative Farm, we believe that healthy soil is the cornerstone of a thriving ecosystem, nourishing not only our crops but also our communities and the planet as a whole. Through regenerative farming practices, we’re dedicated to restoring and enhancing soil health, and one of the most effective ways we do this is by integrating animals into our farm system—especially through rotational grazing.

What is Rotational Grazing?

Rotational grazing is a practice where livestock are moved between different pasture areas, allowing the grass and soil in each area to rest and regenerate. This system mimics natural grazing patterns that large herds of wildlife followed for centuries. By rotating animals through specific areas, we ensure that the land is not overgrazed and can recover, promoting healthy, vibrant pastures.

But rotational grazing is not just about giving the grass a break—it’s a key component in building and maintaining healthy soil. Here’s how:

1. Improved Soil Structure

When animals graze, they naturally aerate the soil as they move around, creating channels that allow water to penetrate deeper into the ground. Their hooves disturb the topsoil, breaking up compacted areas and improving water infiltration. This process helps prevent erosion and allows plant roots to establish more effectively.

Additionally, the manure left behind by grazing animals is a rich source of organic matter that contributes to soil fertility. It’s like nature’s compost—nutrient-rich and full of beneficial microbes that help break down organic matter into nutrients that plants can absorb. The manure also supports a diverse community of soil organisms, such as earthworms and fungi, which further enrich the soil and improve its health.

2. Building Soil Carbon

Healthy soils are carbon sinks, meaning they capture and store carbon from the atmosphere. When animals graze in a rotational system, the plants they eat regrow more vigorously. This continuous cycle of grazing and regrowth helps to sequester carbon in the soil, reducing greenhouse gases and mitigating climate change. In fact, regenerative practices like rotational grazing have the potential to reverse soil degradation and increase soil carbon levels significantly, making them a powerful tool in the fight against global warming.

3. Enhanced Biodiversity

Rotational grazing promotes biodiversity—not just in terms of plants, but also soil organisms. By allowing land to rest and recover between grazing periods, plants can regenerate, increasing the variety of species present. A diverse plant community supports a diverse microbial ecosystem in the soil, which is essential for maintaining soil health and ecosystem resilience.

By maintaining a wide variety of grasses, legumes, and wild plants in our pastures, we encourage pollinators, beneficial insects, and other wildlife to thrive, contributing to a more robust and diverse farm environment.

4. Reduces Dependency on Synthetic Inputs

Traditional industrial farming often relies on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to maintain soil fertility and control weeds. However, these chemicals can degrade soil health over time and harm beneficial organisms. By integrating animals into our regenerative farming system, we can naturally fertilize the soil with manure, help manage weeds through grazing, and reduce the need for harmful synthetic inputs. This results in healthier soil, cleaner water, and more nutritious food.

5. Resilience Against Droughts and Flooding

Healthy, well-managed soils are more resilient to extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rainfall. The root systems of plants in healthy soils are better equipped to hold moisture, reducing the risk of drought stress. At the same time, soils rich in organic matter and structure can absorb and retain water more efficiently, reducing runoff and flooding. This means that our farm is more resilient in the face of climate volatility, which is becoming increasingly important as weather patterns change.

The Green River Difference: Integrating Animals into Regenerative Systems

At Green River Regenerative Farm, we see animals as integral partners in our farming system. Whether it’s our cattle, sheep, or poultry, each species plays a specific role in maintaining the health of our pastures and soil. By rotating our animals through different grazing areas, we ensure that each section of land gets the appropriate amount of time to recover, while also maximizing the benefits of grazing.

Our approach is guided by a deep respect for the land and a commitment to long-term sustainability. This means we prioritize practices that enhance soil health, protect biodiversity, and reduce our reliance on synthetic inputs—all while producing delicious, nutrient-dense food for our community.

Why It Matters for You, Our Community

The food we grow at Green River Regenerative Farm is more than just healthy—it’s grown in harmony with the land. By embracing rotational grazing and other regenerative practices, we’re not only improving the quality of our soil, but also the nutritional quality of the food we produce. Healthier soil means healthier food, and healthier food means healthier people and communities.

We invite you to join us on this journey of regeneration and sustainability. By supporting regenerative farms like ours, you’re helping to create a future where the land, the animals, and the people are all thriving together. From the ground up, we’re building a healthier, more resilient world—one farm, one community, and one meal at a time.

From Healthy Soil, Healthy Life & Food!

Thank you for being part of our farm's story. Every time you purchase our farm-fresh produce, you’re supporting a regenerative system that not only grows food but also nourishes the earth. Together, we can continue to care for the land that cares for us—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.