Regenerative farming: Old soil-focused practice saves Mount Olive family farm
An old soil-rich farming practice called regenerative farming is making a comeback and having a positive impact on a family farm in Mount Olive.
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Agriculture is North Carolina's number one economic driver, bringing more than $90 billion to the state. Despite those numbers, N.C. ranks number two for farmland loss in the United States, according to the American Farmland Trust.
"There was literally no profit in it," she said. "You were always using what you made the year before to farm again the next year."
Six years ago, KH Farms turned to a practice called regenerative farming, and she hasn't looked back.
"By going to regenerative farming and returning to managing the soil with mother nature we reduced our expenses by 30%, even up to 40%," she said.
Regenerative farming is a land management philosophy emphasizing soil health and its impact on the entire ecosystem.
Regenerative farmers also don't use fertilizer or pesticides, or till plants, which Scalf said produces healthier soil and grass, healthier cattle and better beef.
"It's very dark," Scalf said of the soil. "It holds together and has a nice, earthy smell to it, and there are a lot more microbes in the soil and it produces healthier grass."
"The cattle, the fertility would be higher, they have fewer parasites," she said. "This will keep them on the land."
"Would the Karen of 10 years ago believe what the Karen of now is doing? Probably not," Scalf said. "You have to see it to believe it."
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