6 Core Practices of Regenerative Farming

6 Core Practices of Regenerative Farming

As regenerative farmers, we at eatTelfit take an agricultural approach, focusing on restoring and enhancing the health of our ecosystems, soil, and biodiversity while producing food sustainably. We are committed to having a long term, positive impact on our environment, so unlike conventional methods that prioritise short-term yields, our regenerative farming techniques strive towards building soil health, improving water cycles, and reducing carbon levels. In this article, we will discuss the key practices that define regenerative farming. 

  1. Soil Health Management

The foundation of regenerative farming is healthy soil. Without it, everything else fails.

Healthy, organic crops will fail to grow, as does the ability to raise natural cattle which ultimately provides the cornerstone of eatTelfit’s grass fed beef. Practices like no-till or reduced-till farming allow us to improve the structure of the soil and to increase its microbiome. The less the soil is disturbed, the more organic matter is produced.  

Compost is to soil as milk is to a baby. Rich in nutrients, compost enhances the soil fertility and improves water retention capacity.

  1. Diversity of Planting

When it comes to planting, the key to it is – the more, the better. Just like the natural ecosystem, diverse cropping promotes soil resilience and provides a varied diet for livestock. Each plant has its own uses and regenerative farmers will plant them together, each benefiting from the other. Nutrient exchange will occur and integrating trees and shrubs with crops will provide shade, reducing wind erosion, and creating a haven for beneficial organisms to thrive.

  1. Integration of Livestock

The integration of livestock plays a key role in regenerative farming. Our properly managed livestock contributes to the health of the soil, additionally, benefiting the vegetation. One of the ways this is achieved is through rotational or holistic grazing. This method of farming sees the animals grazing in different pastures for a short period of time. This prevents overgrazing and promotes plant regrowth. It also reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers as the manure from the livestock naturally enriches the soil. 

  1. Water Management

Water is the key to life and our farmers are driven to maintaining a high water quality. We focus on promoting efficient and sustainable water to ensure not just long-term agricultural productivity, but to keep our landscape blossoming. Soil is water’s natural purifier, so by prioritising healthy soil, we promote clean, usable water.

Efficient water management also includes harvesting rainwater. By collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation, we’re safe in the knowledge that we will have a steady supply during dry periods. Additionally, by applying organic mulch we reduce evaporation, retain soil moisture, and suppress weeds.

  1. Reduction of Chemical Inputs

At eatTelfit, our is focus is to use natural inputs only. We don’t want to rely on synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides, but instead make use of compost, manure, and seaweed. These natural solutions enrich the soil without harming the ecosystem.

  1. Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resilience

One of the largest benefits of our regenerative farming techniques is knowing that we have the potential to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil. This is achieved by planting deep rooted plants (perennial crops) and trees which act as long-term carbon reservoirs and cover cropping (capturing carbon through photosynthesis and storing it in the soil).

Regenerative Farming is the Future

There are a number of reasons as to why regenerative farming is the way forward. At eatTelfit, we have witnessed manageable droughts, healthier rivers, sequestered carbon and a decrease in flooding. At our Yorkshire Dales farm we aim to continue creating a harmonious relationship between agriculture and the environment. With improved soil health, a reduction in chemical inputs and effectively managing water, we are building resilience in food systems and alleviating climate change. 

We’re not just farmers, we’re ecosystem restorers.

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