Excellent questions, my friends. I'm glad you asked.
You've likely heard the terms "conservation" and "sustainable" in regard to agricultural practices and soil health. Right?
But here's a problem:
In the last 150 years, an estimated 57 BILLION TONS of soil has eroded from the Midwestern United States alone.
Where is it going? Why does it matter?
All food - for all of creation - can only be as healthy as the soil in which it's grown.
When our God-given-resources are degraded, every living thing on earth suffers the consequences.
"Sustaining" our status quo just stops the bleeding. "Conservation" just minimizes our losses.
At Seek First Ranch, we don't think that's good enough.
Like other Regenerative Land Stewards, our goal is not only to produce the healthiest food we possibly can....
We also work to heal and strengthen our entire ecosystem while we do it.
We call this kind of soil-microbe-building and land-healing: "Regenerative Agriculture." Regenerative farms and ranches strive to uphold all 5 of these Soil Health Principles.
You, dear friends and valued customers, are a HUGE part of our ministry.
As most of you know, Joshua and I moved our family to this ranch because we believe God gave us the conviction to do so.
Has it been easy?
Absolutely not.
The Seek First Ranch Mission:
Seek first God's will,
Steward & nourish His creation,
Ask the right questions
Here's How You can Continue to Support this Mission
Seek first God's will: Above all else, we believe it is the most impactful. Would you pray for God's Divine Influence over our decision-making? Let's just say that keeping all these animals alive & thriving when things (like weather, environmental hazards, predators, and big-company agendas) are beyond our control...feels overwhelming and defeating sometimes. It's mentally, physically, and emotionally draining. We know cannot do this without our ability to surrender ourselves to full trust in God's sovereignty, strength, and direction.
Steward & nourish His creation: By purchasing 100% pastured, grassfed & grass-finished meats from us, you help us use our livestock to bring healing and harmony to the land. See Soil Health Principle # 5
Ask the right questions: Every Regenerative operation applies the 5 Soil Health Principles in their own way. Ask all of your farmers and ranchers how they raise your food - and WHY. Also understanding that we cannot run our businesses and provide for our families without profit will help explain why the regenerative-raised products we sell may be higher than what is available at grocery stores. (Can I tell you a sad truth? Most farmers and ranchers do not pay themselves an hourly wage or salary. When they set pricing, they tend NOT to include their labor. If they did, you'd probably pay $30-40 or more for a single meat chicken to stick in your freezer.)
Can I offer one more suggestion if you're still with me?
Question mainstream narratives and political agendas.
As you know, once again - election season is upon us. I'm the kind of person who believes there is only one savior, Jesus, and I do not sit here thinking that anyone else is going to wisk into (or return to) the political arena and "save us."
I'm the kind of person who believes it's up to all of us to protect ourselves and our neighbors (with divine influence - see point number 1.)
This part is tough to type. The borders of Seek First Ranch are about to be bombarded by wind towers, CO2 pipelines, and possibly solar panels.
It feels like a slap in the face to our regenerative mission.
And did you know that the US Department of Defense intends to spend $500 Million to experiment with lab-grown meat to feed our US Soldiers?
At this very moment, I do not have the energy to write out my thoughts regarding the impact these decisions will make on the safety and security of our health, our food supply, and our national defense. Maybe that conversation will come in a future blog post or in person over a cup of coffee.
But in the meantime, if you are willing to join me in prayer:
to seek first God's will,
to each do our part in protecting the integrity of His creation,
to ask the right questions
in order to
do the mission we are each called to do
then the rest is up to God.
I believe He is able to equip each one of us with the tools we need.
and I can rest in that.
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