Have you ever looked at our lunch menus and wondered, “What is a ‘Regenerative Burger?'” Well you aren’t alone- we’ve been getting that question a lot and are glad to have an opportunity to explain!
Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and strengthening the ecosystem. In ranching this means the livestock are raised in a way that focuses on the way soil, water, plants, and animals can work together in a healthy and balanced way.
Our burgers are sourced from Cream Co. Meats, a company committed to responsible land stewardship and bringing sustainable products to consumers. While they source from many ranchers to get the burger to the cafeteria, one of the primary reasons we opted to work with them is their partnership with Richards Regenerative, a local ranch right here in Oregon House. However this family doesn’t just raise the cattle to feed us- they also have kids attending schools served by Community Roots- talk about full circle! Let’s have them explain more about regenerative agriculture:
“Regenerative ranching goes beyond “sustainable”—it actively improves soil health, biodiversity, and the environment. Through rotational grazing, cover cropping, and holistic land management, our cattle contribute to rebuilding ecosystems rather than depleting them.
Healthy soils become carbon sinks, pastures flourish, and animals thrive naturally without the need for antibiotics, hormones, or grain-based feed. This method was highlighted in the documentaries “Kiss the Ground”(2020) and “Common Ground”(2023), as well as in our own feature film, ‘A New (Re)Generation.'”
– Excerpted from www.richardsregenerative.com
Thank you to the Richards Family and all of the ranchers working to bring high-quality, sustainably-raised meat to students in our community!