Things We Learned From Our Community

The Western Sustainability Exchange held its "Expanding Markets Conference" in September, bringing together ranchers and a host of others, to speak to topics ranging from soil health to an emerging movement of doctors prescribing food as part of a preventative care plan.  It was an opportunity to learn and share with a ranching community searching for answers as they navigate everything from environmental to market challenges.

Here Are 3 Takeaways:

1. The Struggle Is Real - Modern food systems, focused on mass production and efficiency, have eroded the foundation of healthy ecosystems—soil. The widespread use of synthetic fertilizers, mono-cropping, and over-reliance on chemical inputs deplete soil health, reducing its ability to store carbon, retain water, and support biodiversity. As a result, the food grown in these depleted soils is often lower in essential nutrients, directly impacting the quality of nutrition available to people. This decline in food quality can contribute to a range of human health issues, from nutrient deficiencies to chronic diseases, revealing the deep connection between healthy soil, nutritious food, and overall well-being.  

2. You Can’t Trust What You Read - “Nutrition labels are worthless and outdated, often representing 1% of what’s in the box or over 30 years old as with poultry.” ~ Tina Owens, Regenerative Systems Leader. Not sure what else needs to be said about this one. Incomplete, inaccurate, and outdated nutritional labels pose a significant danger by misleading consumers about what they're truly eating. Such misinformation can lead to unintended health consequences, especially for individuals managing conditions like allergies, diabetes, or heart disease. Additionally, outdated labels fail to reflect new scientific findings, keeping consumers in the dark about potential health risks or benefits. This lack of transparency erodes trust and prevents people from making informed decisions, which undermines public health and hampers efforts to promote well-being through informed dietary choices.

3. FARMacy vs. Pharmacy - The FARMacy vs. pharmacy movement emphasizes the growing shift towards using food as medicine, advocating for nutrient-dense, whole foods—often locally sourced and sustainably grown—to prevent and treat illness. Unlike conventional medicine, which often relies on pharmaceuticals to address symptoms, the FARMacy approach highlights the power of diet in nurturing overall health and well-being. This movement aligns with regenerative agriculture and holistic health philosophies, recognizing that the quality of our food is deeply connected to the health of our bodies and the ecosystems that sustain us. Needless to say, we are believers in this approach.

The time spent with our ranching community has only strengthened our resolve to play a role in revitalizing our planet and our health.  The bottom line is that we need your help.  We need you to stand with us as partners, using both your voice and values to help feed a movement… that aims to feed a starving ecosystem and humanity. 

~ Morgan