Ned Sullivan’s Post

In farming, context matters. The first of the six soil health principles is understanding context. And it's probably the most important principle. It’s also probably the most overlooked. Without it, we deduce farming down to black-and-white methodologies. We remove nuance when we simplify farming into best practices or approaches. Each farm is a microcosm with its unique soil type, rainfall, weed pressures, etc. Every farmer has their own relationship with risk, openness to new ideas, and past history. Each farming business has its financial realities, constraints, and market opportunities. There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to empowering farmers. Regenerative agriculture's adoption is not about telling farmers what to do. It's about identifying the desired outcomes that empower farmers to succeed. Helping farmers understand their entire context sheds light on the opportunities and unique limiting factors while illuminating a pathway to regenerative outcomes on their land specifically. Once farmers understand their context, they can apply the remaining five soil health principles more effectively. Some practices can be regenerative or degenerative depending on context. And some outcomes can be achieved through various practices and methods. But we can all agree on universal outcomes that benefit all farms, no matter their context. These outcomes are our North Star, not the practices themselves. The route to achieving regenerative outcomes reveals itself in the farm's context. #soilhealth #sustainableagriculture #farming #agriculture #organicfarming #regenerativeagriculture #farm #organic #regenerative

Well, there's a headline you don't see every day. 😁 And as the article points out, "In Scotland, where agriculture policy is devolved, the government’s Vision for Agriculture aims for the country to become a 'global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture'." Let's see what we get when the Agriculture Bill arrives next month... #farming #sustainability #regenerativeagriculture https://lnkd.in/d2y9DYVS

Study from Northern Ireland shows that nature-friendly farming is actually MORE productive in the long term https://lnkd.in/e9faF5bg #regenerativeagriculture #regeneration #nature #farming We Are The ReGeneration Regenerative Organic Alliance Regenerative Agriculture Alliance Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food Regenerative Agriculture Podcast Regenerative Agriculture Foton Regenerative Agriculture

Hit the nail on the head with this post. Infact, I would posit that context is the first principal in everything. So many, including me, jump straight to black and white, rigid opinions, about a topic/subject and how it should/could be done better and miss the opportunity to adapt that same opinion to the particular “thing” under discussion/investigation. This leads to closed mindedness and missed opportunities for improvement or discovery for broarder understanding. I will definitely be applying this principle in my life from now on.

Cultivating Tomorrow: A Year of Sustainable Farming Innovations Unveiled #SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #RenewableEnergy #CommunityEngagement #AgriculturalInnovation #FarmResilience #EnvironmentalSustainability #GlobalAgriculture #McCainReport #AgriculturalProgress In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, sustainability has become more than a buzzword; it’s a commitment to the future. The 2023 Global Sustainability Summary Report provides a comprehensive overview of the remarkable strides made in regenerative farming practices. Adopting Regenerative Agriculture:A significant highlight of the […] https://lnkd.in/gDanbiNg

How can #regenerativeagriculture put farmers at the forefront of sustainable farming practices? This brief from the Yale Center for Business and the Environment (CBEY) explores the barriers farmers face to accessing #finance for regenerative practices and proposes innovative solutions for bridging the gap between investors, finance professionals, and farmers to support thriving landscapes and communities. Read more below! #farming #financeinnovation #agricultureinnovation #thinklandscape #financesolutions #holisticfinance https://lnkd.in/ehmSpsvX

🌱 Biodynamic agriculture is an alternative method of farming that takes an ecological and ethical approach to raising crops and livestock. It was first introduced in the 1920s by Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner. [1]. Biodynamic farming treats soil, plants, and animals as a single system and emphasizes the integration of different species and phases of growing cycles to increase biodiversity and reduce waste. 🌱 🌱 Some benefits of biodynamic agriculture include improved soil fertility, better quality crops, and a healthier environment . 🌱 🌱 [2]. Biodynamic farming methods aim to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of soil, plants, and animals, which reduces the need for artificial fertilizers and pesticides, thus minimizing potential harm to the environment and surrounding ecosystems. Biodynamic farming also encourages the development of on-site resources such as compost, which can increase soil fertility and support healthier plant growth. 🌱 🌱 [3]. Biodynamic agriculture has received growing attention in recent years as farmers, consumers, and policymakers increasingly recognize the benefits of sustainable and environmental-friendly farming practices. #organicfood #organicfarming #organicfarmer #agriculture #TheOrganicInvestor

Soil Health Matters! Our new blog breaks down the core principles of regenerative agriculture and how it can transform farming practices. Join the movement towards a greener and more prosperous future. 🌍 Read the blog here... #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment

With rising excitement around regenerative farming, there can also be confusion about how this relates to organic. I'm really pleased to share some fantastic infographics we've developed with OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers CIC) to provide clarity for the organic sector in the UK. Whilst organic and regenerative farming can share some common goals, it is important to recognise that there are distinct differences between the two farming systems. Our infographics explore: 🌍The urgent need for a shift away from today’s prevailing degenerative farming systems, towards ones that restore our world, such as organic and ones that adopt regenerative farming practices 🧑🌾The differences and similarities between organic systems and regenerative farming practices 🌱How organic is consistently delivering on key restorative outcomes for climate, nature and health Download the infographics here >> https://lnkd.in/eWUkNR_y #Organic #Regenerative #Regen #Certification #Farming

“We can’t lead nature. We have to follow it.” That statement seems so obvious, right? It’s the basic premise behind regenerative agriculture, while most global conventional farming is the exact opposite. Over the last 20 years since we changed our management practices we have noticed a drastic difference between the land then and now. Full of carefully selected herbal leys,flowers, hedgerows, and cover crops, the soil has slowly but surely improved over those years, thanks to a combination of regenerative practices like mob grazing, composting, cover cropping, biodiversity margins, and no-till farming. This has led to more disease resistance, less need for irrigation, and healthier crops, especially during droughts. Seeing the positive impacts of regenerative practices firsthand inspires us to keep pushing this transition. Some farmers already see this success — so the next focus is on scaling up to make thriving, regenerative farms the norm. Patience is key to regenerating soil, while trust, collaboration, and support for farmers will help change our food system. Source local ethical food and shake the hand that feeds you! #regenerative-farming #farming #covermecrop #commonground #soilhealth #sexysoil