The Farm
Your Health
We've all heard and likely chuckled over the phrase "You are what you eat." Typically you'll hear this about the time you're about to consume something you know is not really good for you! But the reality is, what we eat has a profound effect on not only our health, but if you're a parent, on your children's health and their future wellness. Good nutrition goes beyond merely avoiding "junk food" and trying to "eat clean," it's important to know where your food came from, what practices were used to produce it in order to trust that it's the very best. Our regenerative farming methods prioritize animal health without the synthetic props of hormones, antibiotics and de-wormers; this ensures that you are getting a product that you can feed to your family without fear. A growing body of research shows that these additives can cause serious chronic health issues over time. Secondly, grass-fed beef is better for you. According to health.com, "It's much leaner than its conventional counterpart. It's also higher in key nutrients , including antioxidants, vitamins, and a beneficial fat called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), that's been tied to improved immunity and anti-inflammation benefits."
Soil Health
Good nutrition begins with healthy soil. The vitamins and minerals in the meat and plants that we eat, all started in the soil. When the soil is depleted, those minerals and key elements never make it into our food. At Rocky Ridge Farm, we're working to build regenerative landscapes that sequester more carbon, absorb more clean water and photosynthesize more sunlight.Years of industrial farming practices have destroyed the soil across much of America's farmland. Synthetic fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, over-tillage, all kill the essential populations of micro-organisms and earthworms that give life to the soil. Lack of vegetative cover caused by over-grazing and tillage leads to wide spread erosion as tons of topsoil washes out to sea every year. Farming for health and sustainability must prioritize soil health. This is why we refuse to use fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides or plows at Rocky Ridge Farm. We measure our success by the health of the soil. By using careful management of the grazing herds, we can actually rebuild the soil, clean the atmosphere, retain more water and undo years of damage.
Animal Health
As a faith-driven farm, we believe we are to be found faithful in honoring our Creator's intended design. To us this means that our animals spend their days on open fields with fresh air and clean living environments where they can express their natural behaviors. We refuse to use growth hormones, antibiotics, de-wormer or other artificial supplements to "prop up" animal health. Instead we prioritize cleanliness, healthy diet and low stress to deal with all of these problems as nature intended. We believe that God intended humanity to steward and manage His creation so that all creatures can thrive not just survive. Proper, humane management creates synergy between the land, animals and humans so they all benefit. Plus, happy animals just taste better!