What does Regeneratively Raised mean?

At Hickory Nut Gap, we have been practicing sustainable farming for over two decades, long before the word “regenerative” entered the mainstream conversation. We believe that farming should work in harmony with nature, not against it. While regenerative farming describes a complex system, the core idea is simple and beautiful: to restore and heal our entire farming ecosystem through the fair and sustainable treatment of our land and animals. We believe regenerative agriculture is farming through the lens of hope.

This philosophy is not just a trend for us; it is woven into the very fabric of who we are. It’s a commitment to a different path forward for our food system, one that honors the planet, respects our animals, and nourishes our community. This guide will walk you through what it means to be regeneratively raised and how we bring this powerful concept to life on our farm every day.

Regenerative Farming: More Than a Buzzword

So, what is regenerative farming? Think of it as a partnership with nature. Instead of simply trying to sustain the current state of the land, regenerative agriculture actively works to improve it. It focuses on building healthy soil, enhancing biodiversity, and creating a resilient ecosystem that can thrive for generations to come.

For us, this means seeing our farm as a single, interconnected system. From the soil under our feet to the animals grazing our pastures and the people who enjoy our products, everything works together. This intentional connection is what allows us to produce high-quality, nutrient-dense meat while leaving the land better than we found it.

"Regeneratively Raised" on Label

We recently received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to add “Regeneratively Raised” to our food labels. This is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly proud of it.

This label claim verifies that our farming practices are committed to reducing carbon emissions and improving soil quality. It’s an official recognition of our dedication to a better way of farming. When you see Regeneratively Raised on our products, you can feel confident that you are supporting a system that benefits the environment, promotes animal welfare, and contributes to a healthier food future.

Animal & The Land

The well-being of our animals is a top priority on our farm. We believe that a high quality of life is essential for raising healthy animals and producing superior-tasting meat. This is why we are committed to grass-fed and pasture-raised practices.

Our cows, pigs, and chickens live their entire lives with the freedom to roam outdoor fields, breathe fresh air, and forage for the healthiest foods. This is not only more humane, but it also allows them to express their natural behaviors.

Rotational Grazing and Carbon Sequestration

One of the key techniques we use is planned rotational grazing. This practice involves moving our animals between different sections of pasture in a carefully managed sequence. By doing this, we give the grass and soil time to rest and recover, preventing overgrazing and promoting robust growth.

This method does more than just keep our pastures green. It is a powerful tool for carbon sequestration. As the grasses grow, they pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it deep within their root systems, enriching the soil. Healthy soil holds more water, resists erosion, and provides more nutrients for our animals. It’s a perfect circle: we work to improve the land, the land improves the livelihood of the animals, and the animals provide us with meat that improves our own health.

Our pigs also play a special role in this process. They love to lounge, graze, and “root” in our pastures. By digging their snouts into the ground, they unearth starchy weeds that are delicious and healthy for them, while also helping us clear our fields of invasive species.

Measuring Our Impact with EOV

To ensure our practices are truly making a difference, we rely on a scientific framework called Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV). This system allows us and our partner farmers to measure the results of our regenerative efforts. Instead of just following a checklist of practices, EOV focuses on tangible outcomes like soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem function.

This data-driven approach gives us confidence that we are making consistent, positive progress. We were also recently certified as a Savory Institute Hub, which permits us to teach and guide other farms on how to implement the principles of EOV. This allows us to expand our impact beyond our own farm and help build a network of regenerative producers.

A Full-Circle Approach to Food

Regenerative farming creates a powerful connection that benefits everyone. Since our animals consume high-quality forage, closer to what nature intended, we can provide you with products packed with nutrients and superior flavor. It is a true win-win: you get more nutritious and tastier options, and we get to support a healthier planet.

For our pigs and chickens, we go a step further by making our own non-GMO animal feed right here on our farm in Fairview, NC. We purchase whole grains like corn, wheat, and barley and use our tractor-powered hammer mill to create a custom feed mix. This process ensures our pork and poultry receive all the vitamins and nutrients they need to supplement the forage they graze.

Ultimately, “Regeneratively Raised” is much more than a label. It reflects our decades-long dedication to pasture-based farming and animal welfare. It is an active choice to embrace practices that can restore entire ecosystems, and it’s a promise to you that the food on your plate was raised with integrity, care, and a deep respect for nature.