A Healthier Ecosystem For You!

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posted on

May 13, 2021

Hello my friend!

Gabe Brown and and his five principles have been a big influence and encouragement as we learn to bring you healthier food and a healthier ecosystem.

1. Minimal mechanical and chemical disturbance

In the commercial agricultural world, it takes three quarters of a gallon of oil to produce one pound of beef on top of the tremendous amounts of chemical and mechanical disturbance to the soil.

With the grazing system we use to raise your meat, soil disturbance is minimalized and chemical disturbance is eradicated, which is all effectively done to be more in line with the way God created it from the beginning.

2. Armor of the soil (keep it protected by keeping it covered)

With commercial agriculture, many fields are left uncovered for the winter making them very vulnerable to wind and water erosion.

One principle we use when grazing the livestock is to leave one-third of the grass trampled on the ground to protect the soil from erosion and helps keep the microorganisms cool moist and healthy!

3. Promote diversity

Commercial agriculture is the main place you're going to find one crop growing in one place, i.e., a field of soybeans, corn, or wheat sprayed with chemicals to keep anything else from growing alongside that crop. Or you will find only one type of livestock beinyg produced on the farm.

At The Maker’s Meadow, we love diversity! Cows, sheep, chickens, and turkeys all graze on the same land. In the same area where we raise our animals, you will also find plenty of plant diversity -- orchard grass, bluegrass, fescue, alfalfa, red clover, white clover, birdsfoot trefoil, Queen Anne's lace, milkweed, Canadian thistle, foxtail, burdock, plantain, dandelion, and lots of other wildflowers, just to name a few.

4. Leave living roots in the soil

In commercial ag, once the plant dies and is harvested, a lot of times it will be months before there's a living root in the soil again.

In regenerative agriculture, there are living roots in the soil the majority of the time. These living roots feed and support the microbiology in the soil. The microorganisms are the little guys that help make minerals available to the plants so that you can have a more mineral-rich, nutrient dense food.

5. Use animals as nature intended

So many animals are crammed into unhealthy feedlots and fed unhealthy feed.

It's always such a delight to see healthy animals creating a healthy soil and healthy soil feeding healthy animals the way God designed it.

Where you choose to spend your food dollars will determine if animals are raised on grasslands where they can enjoy their lives to the fullest and provide you with the best meat you can get your hands on.

It's not only sustainable... it's regenerative, and it's the way we serve you here at The Maker’s Meadow

Gab Brown

healthier ecosystem

regenerative agriculture

healthier food for you

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Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

When it comes to selecting the healthiest and most sustainable sources of poultry, pasture-raised turkeys offer numerous advantages over their industrially farmed counterparts. Not only do pasture-raised turkeys enjoy a better quality of life, but they also provide a wealth of health benefits for consumers. Let's explore how our turkeys at The Maker's Meadow differ from industrially raised birds and why they are worth considering for your next meal. Higher Nutrient Density One of the standout differences between pasture-raised and industrially farmed turkeys is the nutrient profile. Pasture-raised turkeys, allowed to roam freely and forage for natural foods like grasses, seeds, and insects, tend to have a more diverse diet. This varied diet translates to a healthier, more nutrient-dense meat. More Omega-3 & Less Omega-6: Studies have shown that pasture-raised turkeys contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to turkeys raised in confined, grain-fed environments. Omega-3s are essential for heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function. Industrially raised turkeys often consume a diet rich in corn and soy, which can lead to an imbalance of omega-6 fatty acids. This imbalance is linked to higher inflammation in the body and can contribute to various health problems such as heart disease and arthritis. Pasture-raised turkeys, by contrast, have a healthier omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Higher Levels of Antioxidants and Vitamins: Free-ranging turkeys consume a more natural diet that results in higher levels of important antioxidants like vitamin E, which supports immune function and skin health, and beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A and supports vision and cellular growth. Lower in Harmful Additives Industrial turkey farming practices often include the use of antibiotics and growth promoters to boost production and prevent disease in overcrowded conditions. Over time, this practice has raised concerns about antibiotic resistance and its long-term effects on human health. No Antibiotic Residue: Pasture-raised turkeys are typically raised without antibiotics, allowing consumers to avoid unnecessary exposure to these drugs. This is particularly beneficial for those trying to reduce their intake of antibiotic-laden foods. No Hormones or Synthetic Additives: Pasture-raised birds generally aren’t given hormones or synthetic additives, making them a cleaner option compared to industrially raised turkeys. Improved Fat Profile and Leaner Meat Pasture-raised turkeys tend to be leaner due to their active lifestyles, foraging in fields and moving about naturally. This results in less fat compared to industrially raised turkeys, which are often kept in confined spaces and fed high-calorie, grain-based diets to promote rapid growth. Lean Protein Source: Pasture-raised turkey is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is essential for building muscle, maintaining metabolic health, and supporting various bodily functions. Healthier Fat Composition: The fat that pasture-raised turkeys do contain is generally healthier due to their active, natural lifestyle. Their fat is often richer in beneficial omega-3s and contains lower levels of unhealthy saturated fats, making pasture-raised turkey a better option for heart health. More Humane and Sustainable Practices Though the health benefits of pasture-raised turkeys are significant, it's also important to consider the ethical and environmental impacts. Pasture-raised turkeys typically live in environments where they have room to roam, access to fresh air, and a natural diet. This is a stark contrast to industrial farming, where turkeys are often confined to small spaces and raised in less humane conditions. No Factory Farming Practices: By supporting pasture-raised turkey farms, consumers can avoid supporting the industrial farming practices that contribute to environmental degradation, such as the overuse of pesticides, excessive water use, and pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations. Better Animal Welfare: Turkeys that are raised in pastures experience lower levels of stress and have healthier immune systems due to their more natural and humane living conditions. This often translates into healthier, less disease-prone birds that don’t require intensive antibiotic use. Enhanced Flavor & Freshness Beyond health and ethical considerations, pasture-raised turkeys also offer superior flavor. Because of their varied diet and natural lifestyle, the meat from pasture-raised turkeys is often described as richer, more complex, and with a better texture than that of industrially raised turkeys. This makes them a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Pasture-raised turkeys are also typically fresher for consumers because they are often sourced from local or small-scale farms like ours, which prioritize quality over mass production. These turkeys are usually processed in smaller batches, ensuring they are delivered more quickly and with less time spent in storage or transport. The shorter supply chain means the bird's natural flavors and textures are fully preserved. This freshness translates into better taste and higher nutritional value, giving consumers a superior product compared to turkeys that undergo long shipping times and extended storage in industrial settings. Choosing Better for Your Health and the Planet While pasture-raised turkeys may come at a slightly higher price than industrially farmed options, the health benefits they provide—from better nutrient content to the absence of harmful additives—are well worth the investment. By choosing pasture-raised turkeys, you're not only supporting your own health but also promoting more sustainable farming practices that are better for the environment and animal welfare. The long-term benefits of going pasture-raised and buying from us here at The Maker's Meadow far outweigh the cost differential of your average store-bought turkey. So if you still need a Thanksgiving Turkey, click here to order one!

A Healthier Ecosystem For You!

More from the blog

Have You Ever Wondered What Grass-Fed Cows Eat in the Winter?

Why the Bills family supports our farm

Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

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