Raelynn Henson

I'd not heard of silvopasture before now. It seems the biggest advantage is the benefit the land receives. The land's success contributes to both the farmer's success and the success of the animals. A win-win for all.   

This reflection question asks "In what ways can you support your closest regenerative agriculture farm?" First I would have to find out which farms are using regenerative agriculture practices, and second, where I can access their products. I'm pleased to learn about this style of agriculture, which goes beyond not using chemicals (which is perhaps what most people think of when they think of an organic farm). How interesting that regenerative practices focus on the more ancient methods of raising crops.   

Using every part of a vegetable, including the skins, tops and stalks, is not something I have thought about because we are avid composters. What we don't eat goes in the compost bin, which in times fuels our garden's growth. We don't view it as "waste" because it still exists, just in a different form. I'd be interested to hear what others are doing with the skins, etc. of fruits and veggies.

"The average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Where would you rather use this money?" I'd rather use it for travel and visiting with family. One of our topics of discussion should be how to get more out of what we buy! One thing I started this past year is freezing unused food. I used to be wishful about leftover food; I'd leave a dish in the fridge hoping someone would eat it and then it would go bad. Now I pop it into a pint or quart canning jar while it's still good and freeze it (yes, the jars do great in the freezer). This gives us easy access to healthy lunches and we waste far less.