Home Delivery Subscribe & Save Brothers Guarantee
Blog Recipes Manifesto Learning Hub Farm Life Show Meet the Family Virtual Farm Tour Our Farm Partners
Roanoke, IN Farm Store Seasonal Farm Tours Get Directions
Contact Us
Get 5% Off + Free Item for Life When you Subscribe and Save

Farm Life Show (Ep.04) - 5 Principles of Regenerative Agriculture for your Home Garden

written by

Blake Hitzfield

posted on

July 10, 2021

On this episode of The Farm Life Show, Blake and Blaine discuss the joy of applying five principles of regenerative agriculture to your home garden. Since the Hitzfields apply regenerative agriculture principles to farming at Seven Sons, they also share some of the real-world benefits they’ve seen. The concept of regenerative agriculture dates back to the 1980s and largely revolves around practices like minimal soil disturbance and composting. More recently, farmer Gabe Brown outlined five principles of regenerative agriculture in his book Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture.Brown’s book has had a huge impact on Blake and Blaine and comes highly recommended. Here’s a brief outline of five principles of regenerative agriculture — as well as some real-world insights from the Hitzfield brothers. For the full story, don’t miss the video.

1. Minimal Soil Disturbance

Modern agriculture relies heavily on tilling. Tilling can be done by hand with hoes, rakes, or shovels but with large-scale farming, massive machines like rototillers do the heavy lifting. Farmers till for numerous reasons, such as facilitating planting and destroying weeds. But tilling comes with a price…According to Blaine: “When you till the soil, it's like a hurricane and an earthquake to all the soil life and all the carbon goes up into the atmosphere. Nature never ever tills.”For home gardeners, one way to minimize soil disturbance is to build raised garden beds. These simple structures prevent weeds from growing and make it much easier to leave the soil alone. By creating enclosed “boxes” out of wood or metal and first laying cardboard underneath, your garden can be weed-free.

Composting is an excellent way to fertilize the soil and help your garden beds to thrive. On a larger scale, after several years of leaving the soil undisturbed at Sevens Sons Farms, organic matter in the ground has tripled from 2% to 6%. Each 1% increase in organic matter means an acre of land retains 20,000 more gallons of water. This reduces the necessity to irrigate the ground by other methods.

2. Armor on the Soil

Keeping soil covered naturally with crops and vegetation provides a “coat of armor” against wind and water erosion. Armor also increases organic matter in the ground by allowing macro and micro-organisms to thrive.At Seven Sons Farms, all the cows and pigs are raised on lush pastures, but even after a full season of foraging, the animals only eat about 50% of the vegetation. According to Blake: “The other half (of the grass) remains and is trampled down. That creates a blanket over the soil and shades from the sun. It keeps the soil temperature nice and cool.”

3. Plant Diversity

Monocultures don’t exist in nature. Diversity of plant and animal life is crucial to regenerative agriculture. On Seven Sons Farms, having a variety of different plants and insects contributes greatly to all the animals having healthy immune systems.Diversity can benefit home gardens as well. Having a variety of different plants and vegetables growing in your garden will help protect it overall. As Blaine says: “You don't want a garden that just has one or two types of crops in one area. It’s probably a recipe for trouble, and you’ll be more susceptible to insect pressure.”  Insects aren’t necessarily a bad thing, and pesticides are vastly overused. Diversity helps guard against negative insect impact, naturally.

4. Cover Crops and living roots

In mass-scale agriculture, cover crops are planted during the “off-season” for cash crops — like corn and soybeans. Cover crops help protect and maintain soil health and commonly include wheat, barley, and clover. Some cover crops can also be harvested as cash crops at the end of a growing season.You can apply similar practices to your home garden on a smaller scale. For example, as Blake explains: “Last year when our garden was done for the season, and we had harvested the last potatoes and other vegetables, we put down [cool season plants like] wheat and radishes.” Blaine continues: “The number one tool for regenerating your land is having green growing roots in the ground year-round. That's the process of regeneration. Your soil doesn't regenerate unless there are living roots growing. A big no-no is leaving your garden dormant through a third or half of the year.”

5. Animal Impact

This is where things get extra challenging for urban gardeners. At Seven Sons Farms, having chickens, cows, and pigs grazing the land plays a huge part in regenerating the soil. As Blaine says: “One of the reasons Seven Sons have been able to make so much progress so fast in regenerating our soils is because we have that animal impact.”If you have an outdoor vegetable patch and goats or chickens, allowing them to graze the garden beds can be beneficial. If not, applying the first four principles of regenerative agriculture can still significantly improve your home garden.

Quiz Time at Seven Sons!

Did you know that 78% of the air we breathe is made of nitrogen?Nitrogen is also crucial to farming. In fact, one of the main costs a conventional farmer has is buying synthetic nitrogen and applying it to the soil. Regenerative farms don’t have that expense. Instead, they harness the “hundreds of thousands of pounds of free nitrogen floating above every acre of land.”A particular plant captures nitrogen from the atmosphere and distributes it through its root system into the soil…Can you guess what it is?The first person to answer correctly in the YouTube comments will win a $20 online credit with Seven Sons Farms.

Farm UpdateOne of the best things about Farm Life is the diversity of wildlife. Aside from pasture-raised cows, pigs, and laying, we always have some unexpected (and welcome!) visitors. For the last few years, Seven Sons has been home to a den of adorable and outgoing Red Foxes. They can typically be found playing next to the bulldozer Brooks Hitzfield (Son #5) has parked in his backyard.A few more quick updates:

  • We’re restoring and expanding some old ponds by draining, cleaning them out, and waiting for them to refill naturally
  • Preparations are well underway for Farm Fest 2021
  • Renovations on Blaine’s ranch and the old farm store cabin continue to pick up pace and go well

Further Reading

If you’re interested in regenerative agriculture and want some more details, here are some recommended resources:

Regenerative Agriculture and Home GardeningPerennial FoodsChaos Garden: Plant DiversityScaling Down Regenerative AgricultureGuilds for the Small Scale Home GardenThe Beginner’s Guide to Companion Planting

Be sure to tune in for the next episode of The Farm Life Show.In the meantime, don’t forget to plant your pointer on that YouTube Like button and subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode.And don’t forget to “shake the hand that feeds you.”* *Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma

Farm Life Show

More from the blog

French Chefs Visit the Farm

French Chefs Visit the Farm

Earlier this month, Spencer and I had the privilege of hosting some incredible chefs from France for a farm tour. They are here in Indiana competing in the World Food Championships which are being hosted in Indianapolis. Last year, their team actually won the World Burger Championship! 🍔 While prepping for their event down in Indianapolis (about 90 minutes South of us), they looked online for a local farm to partner with to grab the meats they'd use for their competition.

Read more
5 Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients: Quick and Delicious Meals

5 Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients: Quick and Delicious Meals

Ground beef is a kitchen staple, and it’s easy to see why. This incredibly versatile protein source is easy to cook and naturally packed with flavor.  Today, we’re sharing five simple ground beef recipes – needing only a few ingredients – that will bring a little flair to your dinner table. From Mexican to Italian to Asian, these recipes will help you whip up quick dishes that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. The secret to these delicious recipes? We use grass-fed, grass-finished beef – you’ll taste the difference!  Grass-fed beef is also better for you and the planet. No antibiotics or GMOs means better nutritional quality. Plus, we raise our cattle on regenerative pastures where they’re free to roam. They enjoy happy, healthy lives and nurture the natural ecosystem. It’s a farming method that’s a win-win—for your plate, your body, and the environment. So, let’s get cooking! 1. Ground Beef Tacos This speedy, tasty taco dish comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick midweek meal–or a weekend taco party!  Here are the ingredients you’ll need:  1 Lb grass-fed ground beef 8 Taco shells or tortillas 1 Cup shredded lettuce 1 Cup shredded cheese Salsa and guacamole to serve And, of course, our healthy seasoning (no added sugars or preservatives, and MSG-free): 1 TBSP Chili powder 1 TBSP Paprika 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 TSP Cumin 2 TSP Salt And here’s what to do to make this 5 ingredient ground beef recipe: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.  Sprinkle the dry seasonings over the cooked beef. Follow the package instructions, which usually involves adding a bit of water (around 2/3 cup) and letting it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. When cooked, grab your taco shells or tortillas and start filling them with ground beef.  Add the garnishings of your choice. You can add shredded lettuce and a generous sprinkle of cheese to each taco. If you’re using salsa and guacamole, add a dollop of each at this point.  Serve and enjoy while they're warm! 2. Beef and Rice Skillet Cooking with one pot is great on those busy nights when you just don’t want to do the dishes. With maximum flavor and minimal washing up, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.  You’ll need the following:  1 Lb Ground beef 1 Cup Long-grain white rice 2 Cups Beef broth 1 Cup Frozen peas and carrots Salt and pepper to taste Here’s how to make it: Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, break up the ground beef with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked – about 6-8 minutes. Add vegetables, broth, and rice. Stir in the rice, beef broth, peas, and diced carrots. Make sure everything is evenly combined. Bring to a boil. After the pot comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove the lid, stir, and taste. To ensure everything is just right, taste your creation after a quick mix. If needed, season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy. Separate the meal between 4-6 plates and dig in! 3. Beef and Tomato Pasta This hearty, comforting pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also highly customizable. You can add peas, carrots, peppers–whatever needs to be used in the fridge!  To start, assemble these ingredients: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Large onion, diced 1 Can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 8 Oz pasta (any shape) 1 TSP Paprika 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 Cup Shredded cheese (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Here’s how to make this:  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened – about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix everything until the pasta is coated in the beef and tomato mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and stir. Serve and Enjoy! 4. Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry This paleo-friendly stir fry recipe is rich in meaty, umami flavors. It’s a great choice if you’re craving takeout but want a healthy (and quick) alternative! You’ll need these ingredients:  1 Lb Ground beef 1 Small head of cabbage, shredded 1/2 Cup shredded carrot 2 TBSP Bragg’s Aminos or Soy sauce (low sodium) 1 TBSP Honey  2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Inch Ginger, grated Salt and pepper to taste Extra virgin olive oil Red chili flakes (optional) Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve  How to make it. Mix ingredients. Combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked–roughly 6-8 minutes.  Add the shredded cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to wilt.  Pour the soy sauce and honey mixture over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated and cook for another 3-4 minutes. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of your chosen rice. 5. Ground Beef and Black Bean Chili We simply couldn’t share a list of ground beef recipes without including a good ‘ol fashioned chili. This cozy, protein-packed dish is the definition of comfort food—perfect for chilly evenings when you need something warm and hearty. Here’s what you’ll need:  1 Lb Ground beef 1 Can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed 1 Can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chilies 1/2 Cup Water Salt and pepper, to taste Shredded cheese (optional) Sour cream (optional) Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve And our healthy chili seasoning mix: 2 TBSP Chili powder 2 TSP Ground cumin 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 TSP Onion powder 1 TSP Salt ¼ TSP Cayenne pepper Here’s how to make it:  Cook the ground beef. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Add in everything else. Toss in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, dry ingredients, and water to the pot. Give it a good stir. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Taste and season. Add salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls, serving with your favorite rice. For an extra touch, top it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of creamy sour cream! Grab a spoon and dive in! Is Ground Beef Healthy? Ground beef has an excellent nutritional profile. It’s rich in protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals. However, not all ground beef is the same. Meat from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) has been shown to be lower in nutritional quality. If you’re concerned about your health, look for grass-fed and grass-finished beef. This type of beef has a better ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6, and is higher in antioxidants and minerals. Which Ground Beef Is Best? 100% grass-fed and grass-finished ground beef is the best home cooking option. It’s incredibly flavorful, nutritionally rich, and better for the environment.  Of course, there are different types of grass-fed ground beef–and that’s where your personal health and wellness goals come in:  If you’re watching your fat intake, our ground sirloin is the leaner option at 90/10.  Ground beef is great for everyday meals, and comes in at 85/15.  Choose gourmet ground beef for show-stopping meals and entertaining, which is about 80/20.  How Long Will Ground Beef Last in the Fridge? Raw ground beef lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers after cooking, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ready to taste the difference?  Are you ready to taste the difference that high-quality, grass-fed beef can make in your meals? Order Seven Sons’ ground beef today and elevate your meals. 

Read more
3 Super Easy, Super Tasty Chicken Liver Recipes

3 Super Easy, Super Tasty Chicken Liver Recipes

Our commitment to ethically sourced meat includes using every part of our pastured chickens – including chicken liver! It's a delicious way to add nutrition and sustainability to your plate. If you’re unsure how to cook chicken liver, we’ve got you covered! In this post, you’ll find three methods for preparing chicken liver. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, the whole family, or hosting friends, these quick and delicious recipes will surely impress! Is Chicken Liver Good for You? Chicken liver is a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why: Rich in nutrients: Chicken liver is nutrient-dense, loaded with iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, choline, selenium, and copper. These vital nutrients support immune function, help wounds heal faster, aid in developing strong bones, and assist with hormone regulation. All of which keep your body functioning optimally.  High in protein: With 23 grams of protein per serving, chicken liver is a protein-packed choice that supports muscle tone, brain health, and blood sugar stability.  Combat anemia risks: Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia, which means having too few red blood cells. Fortunately, chicken liver is an excellent source of iron and vitamins C and B, which work together to keep your blood cells healthy and lower the risk of anemia. The Best Way to Cook Chicken Livers Offal like chicken and beef liver are best cooked quickly. This is because of their naturally high water content. They'll become dry and tough if you cook them for too long. However, chicken liver turns out deliciously creamy, mild, and tender when cooked right. Here are some of the best ways to cook it:  Sauté: Cook chicken livers in a pan with a small amount of grassfed butter or extra virgin olive oil for 5-7 minutes. This method crisps the liver’s exterior while keeping the inner meat tender and juicy.  Fry: Coat the chicken livers in a little flower, then fry them in a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until they’re crispy on the outside and cooked through. Again, this will take 5-7 minutes.  Grill: Thread chicken livers onto skewers and grill them over medium-high heat for 4 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Stir-fry: Cook chicken livers in a wok or pan with your chosen vegetables and sauce. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes. 3 Quick and Easy Chicken Liver Recipes Ready to unleash the wonders of chicken livers in your kitchen? Here are some recipes to try out.  The best part? They all take less than half an hour to make!  1. Chicken Liver and Onions Liver and onions are a classic flavor combination for good reason. The deep, rich flavor of the liver balances the sweet, caramelized onions. This recipe is so delicious and satisfying, it will turn even the biggest liver skeptics into fans.  To make it, you’ll need: 1 Lb chicken livers 2 Large onions, thinly sliced 3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil 2 TBSP Butter 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 TSP salt 1/2 TSP Black pepper 1 TSP Paprika 1/4 Cup flour (optional for coating) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Here are the steps to follow: Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel. If you like a bit of extra crunch, coat them lightly in flour. In a large skillet, heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil with a teaspoon of butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Toss in the onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and caramelized—this should take about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an extra minute until fragrant. Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add the chicken livers. Sauté until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Stir everything and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy! 2. Chicken Liver Salad with Spinach and Avocado If you’re in the mood for a light and fresh meal, this chicken liver salad fits the bill. It’s full of heart-healthy fats and iron, and packed with crisp, fresh vegetables. Simple, nourishing, and beautifully balanced. For this recipe, you’ll need: 1 Lb chicken livers 3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil 1 TBSP Balsamic vinegar 1 TBSP Dijon mustard 1 TSP Honey Salt and pepper to taste 6 Cups fresh spinach leaves 1 Ripe avocado, sliced 1 Small red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 Cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 Cup chopped walnuts (optional) Here’s how to make it: Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken livers and cook until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make a zesty dressing. In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and walnuts. Add the warm chicken livers to the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Gently toss everything to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!  3. Chicken Liver Stir-Fry with Vegetables This nutritious dish brings all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout without the excess sodium. It’s quick to prepare and a feast for the eyes—bright, colorful, and packed with nutrients.  All you’ll need is the following ingredients:  1 Lb chicken livers 2 TBSP Soy sauce 1 TBSP Oyster sauce 1 TBSP Rice vinegar 1 TBSP Cornstarch 3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil 1 Red bell pepper, sliced 1 Yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 Small broccoli head, cut into florets 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Inch piece of ginger, minced 2 Green onions, chopped 1/4 TSP red pepper flakes (optional) Cooked brown rice, for serving Once you’ve got the ingredients, just follow these steps:  Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, pat dry with paper towel, then cut into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and cornstarch to create an Asian-style marinade. Add the chicken livers and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute. Toss in the bell peppers and broccoli, and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Push the veggies to the side and add the marinated chicken livers to the skillet. Cook until they’re browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center–about 5-7 minutes. Mix everything, adding green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Stir-fry for another minute to bring all the flavors together. Serve hot over a bed of cooked brown rice. How Long Should You Cook Chicken Livers? You should cook chicken livers quickly over high heat. Two great ways to cook this organ meat are sauteing and grilling. To saute, cook the chicken livers in a pan with a dash of olive oil for 5-7 minutes. To grill, simply thread the livers onto skewers and grill over medium-high for 4 minutes, turning halfway through. Why Do You Soak Chicken Livers in Milk? Soaking chicken livers in milk can enhance the tenderness of the meat. If you want a melt-in-your-mouth texture, place the chicken livers in a bowl of milk for 45 minutes before cooking.  Which Recipe Will You Try?  Ready to try one or all three of these chicken liver recipes? Seven Sons’ chicken livers come from ethical, pasture-raised chickens, making them a flavorful and nutritious choice. Give them a try today and taste the difference

Read more
Return To Top

About

Services

Resources

Visit

Featured Articles

Seven Sons Farms

  • 15718 Aboite Road
    Roanoke IN 46783
  • (877) 620-1977

Seven Sons Family of Companies:

FreshEggCo.com | HenGear.com

Privacy Policy and Terms of Service