FAQ
We only work with regenerative farmers and ranchers.
What do you mean by being “Regenerative”?
In short, regenerative means putting back far more than we take from the planet. In the last century, humans have had a big part in land degradation which has depleted our soil health. The health of our soil is important, not only for our nutrition but to sequester the carbon that’s in the air and atmosphere.
It’s our mission at Regenerative Pastures to do our part in reversing climate change through regenerative practices, supporting farmers and ranchers through holistic management and respect of the animals.
To accomplish this, we have outlined a set of practices that all of our producers must abide by, which include:
• Holistic grazing plan.
• Written declaration of grass fed and grass or forage finished.
• Written declaration that no added hormones or antibiotics are used.
• Soil samples that show improved year over year water infiltration and soil biology tests.
Regenerative Agriculture is more than just a set of working principles, it is a shift away from converntionally raised livestock back towards what mother nature intended. We belive that our partner producer validation method is the very best in the world, and helps establish our processing plant and our meat as truly Regenerative.
Why is regenerative agriculture important?
Regenerative agriculture is important because it uses the natural movement patterns of ruminant animals to bring nutrition and health back to the soil. By having multiple species grazing, defecating (fertilizing) and using their hooves to break up the soil to improve water penetration, the biology of the land can thrive in a way that isn’t possible with plowing or feedlots.
How does soil health impact our climate?
The health of our soil is vital to the longevity of humans and the reversal of climate change. When soil biology is healthy it increases water infiltration which mitigates draught and reverses desertification. Increased vegetation creates cover for the ground and improves evapotranspiration (plant sweat) which fixes broken water cycles to create more consistent rainfall.
Not only that, but healthy soil is also able to continue growing to feed the ruminating animals as well as vital microbes, insects, and other wild animals.
Another thing to note, when the soil is healthy it increases the nutritional value in YOUR food. Who doesn’t want that?!
What is carbon sequestration?
Carbon sequestration is the act of using photosynthesis and removing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. When plants capture carbon molecules they are then combined with water, turned into sugar and ultimately feed the the plant itself, roots and the organisms within the soil. During this process the plant releases clean oxygen and the cycle continues.
This is why it’s important to also have cover crops which is used in regenerative practices. Cover crops are able to keep the soil cool in the summer and warm in the winter creating an environment that continues the cycle. Cover crops help to enrich the soil, absorb and retain rainfall.
Therefore, an increase in vegetation per acre increases the amount of carbon tonnes sequestered per acre.
What does healthy soil look like?
The darker the soil the more carbon is being sequestered. We refer to it as chocolate cake.
Healthy soil will clump around plant roots, also referred to as aggregate.
Why are feedlots bad for our environment?
To begin with, feedlots are terrible for animal wellbeing and because there are no plants or grasses the dirt is aerated to a point that it can no longer retain any carbon. When people talk about cows and the negative footprint they have on the environment it’s mainly due to feedlots. Due to the confinement of the animals and nature of the amount of manure they are standing on they require a sizable amount of antibiotics to survive. The dry conditions lead to dried animal waste which combines with dirt and fly into the air creating air and water creating pollution.
What does holistically managed animals mean?
Animal wellbeing is very important to us which is why we only work with farmers and ranchers who keep their animals in wide open pastures where they can graze naturally. Each farm or ranch we work with must adhere to our strict regenerative guidelines. When those animals are brought to us for processing, we make sure the transport is up to guidelines for animal wellbeing transport.
USDA compliant, what does that mean?
According to the USDA’s website their Verified Program is a user-fee-funded, audit-based, third-party verification service designed to provide agricultural suppliers with labeling and marketing tools that assure customers of the consistent quality of the products or services they purchase.
How do you support farmers and ranchers?
Farmers and ranchers are able to increase their bottom line when converting to regenerative practices and working with Regenerative Pastures. This is done by cutting out the middle brokers and going directly to them. Normally ranchers and farmers get .14 cents on the dollar and are barely able to cover costs and feed their families at the end of the year.
By owning the entire supply chain including processing were able to increase the amount that the farmer or rancher is paid. Our goal is to pay our rancher and farmers as close to .40 cents plus on the dollar.
Do you freeze the meat and does it degrade the quality if frozen?
Yes, we do freeze and ship the meat with dry ice. Beef will stay good for as long as a year as long as no oxygen gets into the packaging. Beef can tenderize a little while frozen but it does not degrade the taste!
What does localizing supply chain mean?
I’s estimated that the US imports the equal pounds of beef that it exports, and FOUR companies control 85% of the meat supply chain and its process. This is what led to empty meat shelves during the pandemic in 2020.
When you buy from Regenerative Pastures, you’re buying from a company that supports American ranchers and farmers only.
How does RP provide food security?
Because RP owns its processing, nobody stands between your family's food except UPS. We only offer as many subscription memberships as we have partnerships with ranchers and farmers.
Since we have vertically integrated the supply chain, the savings allows us to cover our customers shipping insurance cost.
Why is grass-fed and grass-finished important for human health?
Grass-fed and finished animal meat is better because they are overall happier and healthier animals. Their meat is higher in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, have more omega-3 fatty acids and higher amounts of vitamin A and E.
What is the cost of shipping?
FREE ground shipping on orders with a product total over $159
$29 ground shipping on orders with a product total over $99
Orders containing ONLY non-perishables ship for $10 nationwide
Orders containing perishables and shipping outside our 3-day ground network must be upgraded to express shipping due to the amount of time they would be in transit.