Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Healing grounds intro + chapter 1

 The intro focused on the historical background of agriculture and some general topics of carbon in regenerative agriculture. Towards the end of it, Carlisle decided to interview a couple researchers/farmers, including Nikiko Masumoto. I was immediately intrigued when a queer feminist owner of an organic orchard was brought into the mix, preaching for diversity. There wasn't much involving her, but one phrase she said lingered in my head afterwards: “The very people who have the skills right now [to implement regenerative agriculture] are the very people who we have marginalized the most in this country." This quote is really solid, and I think that a diverse foundation in agriculture is the beginning of solving a majority of food justice issues. 

From how Bison contribute to carbon cycling, to comparing the pound for pound nutritional value vs. beef, chapter 1 was extremely fluent in covering these animals. I have read nothing but green flags. The  Bison positively encourage carbon deposition into the soil and are even better suited to colder climates when compared to regular cattle.  Carlisle wove all of this information into an interview with Tatsey as well as a few other collaborators. Together, they touched on Native American historical roots and how the benefits of Buffalo in the past could translate to current times. They explained European colonization over Native Americans thoroughly. A story that elementary school curriculums have only brushed the tip of. I see a lot of potential in the reintroduction of this powerful species, and I am looking forward to next weeks chapter. 

1 comment:

Dani Romanoski said...

Declan, I really like the quote you included in your response! It's true, those who are often most qualified and passionate about regenerative farming and practices are often the most marginalized and ignored. It's a shame, so I am glad that this book helps speak for those who are not always listened to.

Chapter 4 and conclusion

  I found reading about rotational swidden agriculture very intriguing. I had never even heard of this before, so it seemed very resourceful...