Cows Save the Planet
As part of my NTP program we were assigned a personal choice reading assignment. We were given a list of 6 books to choose from, I chose Cows Save the Planet. I have been interested in organic farming for about 20 years.
Growing up as a little child I lived in central California, the mecca of agriculture. I have too many memories of crop dusters flying over fields spraying their toxic chemicals. I'm grateful that my parents moved our family to northern California when I was 12. All of my family (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc.) have or were in farming at some point in my lifetime. To my knowledge none of them ran their farms organically or in a regenerative way.
When my husband and I purchased our farm (only 10 acres) in 2005 we worked hard to limit our use of chemicals. Eventually going organic. All of my garden beds were organic and we used the fertilizer from our alpacas as they were on pasture without any chemicals. I've never grown such amazing vegetables in my life!
Our assignment for reading selection was a reflection piece. I thought I'd share my takeaways with you. If you are interested in organic and regenerative farming this is a wonderful book full of well researched information.
What I learned/My perspective:
I learned many things reading this book. Besides the shocking statistics about our foods nutrient weakness due to years of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc. I thought it was really interesting to learn about the impact that cows (regenerative ranching) can have on our climate. That was a new idea for me. But after reading the book and processing the information it makes complete sense. I appreciated how the author traveled and spoke with ranchers and farmers in all parts of the country. Hearing the individual stories helped cement the idea that regaining not only the rich soil to grow our food and graze our cows, but also to help positively affect our climate is not really all that difficult or would it take that many years. I was surprised to learn how quickly some people were able to see a significant positive change in their soil and water retention.
I was born and raised in California and although we had forest fires they were never to the extent we see each year these days. I have long thought that it had more to do with the fact that the laws changed and you aren’t allowed to take fallen wood from the forest floor. Which I still think would be helpful to eliminate fuel for fires. But after reading this book I think of all the ranchers that if they followed regenerative farming the soil would hold more water, that would cool the earth and air, not to mention save tons of water usage, we’d also have healthier crops and cows. According to Schwartz (2013) a 1.5 acre fire puts out more damaging, atmospheric pollutants per second than four thousand cars. That is a terrifying thought when you consider the 10 million acres that burnt in the United States last year (Congressional Research).
I was very surprised to learn that many large countries are buying up or long-term leasing vast acres of land all over the world. Governments recognize that controlling land and providing food for their people will become one of the most important things they do in the future. But I think that opens up many new areas of concern. Again, reading labels on your food to see where it is grown and processed is very important.
I recognize that most of us don’t live on homesteads where we chose how to raise our cows, pigs, chickens, nor do most people even grow their own food anymore. But, we can be more aware and think more about where our food comes from. We can go to Farmers markets and talk with them, ask questions and educate ourselves. We can connect with our food. This connection will, I think, lead to an awareness that will inspire people to spend their money more carefully.
How can I apply what I have learned:
I will also continue my own education surrounding the chemicals used and learn more about what possible affects are so that I can spot them with clients and help guide them to see the connection between the quality of their food and the strength of their health.
I plan to have a handout for when I offer group or individual coaching sessions. I think putting big ideas in a simple one-page format helps introduce it in an understandable way that is not overwhelming.
Also, I believe that using heirloom and non-GMO seeds is super important for our health. I have used Baker Seed Company https://www.rareseeds.com for over a decade and love the approach to seed saving heirloom varieties and they are all non-GMO. I think it is a disgrace how the big seed companies basically knowingly create seeds that don’t allow for seed saving due to the chemicals and how the powerful seed companies use almost mafia style tactics to force farmers to use their seeds. I want to further educate my followers on such dealings and offer ideas and resources so when they decide to grow their own salad greens they buy from reputable sources.
Two of my favorite quotes from the book are:
- “It is simpler to cure sick soils than sick people, which shall we choose?” – Dr. Charles Northern, 1936.
- “Once you get a good living system in your soil, it will build the nutrition you need.” - Schwartz, 2013.
All these regenerative efforts affect the nutrient density of our food and thus directly affect the nutrients we are able to utilize from this food. Many people who eat well can still be undernourished and have deficiencies due to the depleted soil. I look forward to helping my clients with autoimmune diseases and/or menopause issues learn more and be armed with knowledge to help them make wiser choices.
