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Regenerative Agriculture is More Than a Buzzword

written by

Mike Dougherty

posted on

June 8, 2025

As regenerative agriculture becomes more popular, the term is starting to lose some of its original meaning. Companies like Walmart, General Mills, and PepsiCo are now using it (see a related article here). What was once a grassroots approach focused on soil health, biodiversity, and community is now becoming part of corporate sustainability language.

Now, is it a good thing that big brands are embracing regenerative agriculture? Absolutely. More awareness about how food is produced and how it affects the environment is always positive.

However, what we mean by regenerative and what Walmart means by it are likely very different. Frankly, regenerative agriculture has much more potential than being used as a tool for carbon offsets or surface-level sustainability claims.

Regenerative Agriculture as We See It

To us, regenerative agriculture is about the whole picture – the land, the animals, the people growing the food, and the people eating it. Everyone is connected. It’s a system where every part supports the others, and success depends on that balance.

That’s why we focus on four key areas that we believe define what regenerative agriculture is really all about.

Regenerating the Land

It all starts with the land. Regenerative agriculture means restoring soil health and supporting natural ecosystems.

For us, this includes:

  • Reintroducing animals to the pasture
  • Using rotational grazing to mimic natural movement
  • Avoiding harmful chemicals
  • Encouraging biodiversity to rebuild the ecosystem

When we take care of the land, it can begin to heal. Over time, it doesn’t just sustain life, it provides abundance for generations to come.

Respecting the Animals

In a regenerative system, animals are not just commodities. They are living beings with an important role in the overall health of the land.

While it’s true that most animals in this system will go on to nourish others, we believe their lives should be respected and valued along the way.

That means:

  • Creating low-stress, natural environments
  • Encouraging natural behaviours
  • Ensuring dignity and humane treatment from beginning to end

By caring for the animals, we’re supporting the health of the land, the people who raise them, and the customers who depend on them.

Supporting the Farmer

As a farmer and as someone who works closely with others in our local farming community, I can speak to how important and impactful it is to be able to make a living doing this work. 

Industrial agriculture is often focused on:

  • Consolidation
  • Automation
  • Efficiency - usually at the expense of the farmer

Meanwhile, profits increase for large retailers and investors, while farmers are being squeezed out.

For regenerative agriculture to truly work, it has to support the people doing the work. This means recognizing that farmers provide an essential service to their communities. They need to be well, sharp, and supported because when things go wrong, the impact is real, and it ripples out to everyone they serve.

Nourishing the Customer

At the centre of it all is you, the person who eats the food.

You are the reason this system works. Your choices support:

  • Healthy soil and ecosystems
  • Ethical animal care
  • Farmers earning a fair living
  • Your own health and the well-being of your family

When you choose regeneratively raised food, you’re not just buying a product; you’re taking part in something larger. You’re helping create a food system built on values that nourish the planet and people alike.

A System Rooted in Care

So yes, it’s encouraging to see more attention on regenerative agriculture. But we believe it’s important to keep the focus on what really matters, not just catchy terms or carbon credits, but real care for land, animals, farmers, and customers.

To us, regenerative agriculture is about connection. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a long-term approach that restores relationships with nature, with food, and with each other.

Thanks for following along. We appreciate you taking the time!

Wild Meadows Farm

Blog: On The Farm

Grey County

Durham, Ontario

Regenerative Agriculture

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Wild Meadows Farm Ltd.

394265 Concession 2
Durham (West Grey), ON N0G 1R0

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mike@wildmeadowsfarm.ca
(519) 710 5702

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Mon–Sat, 8am–5pm
Sunday by appointment

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