Observations When Purchasing Direct From a Farm

Take responsibility as a consumer for seeking out and educating yourself about the highest quality food available on farms. It is vital to visit farms. When you can visualize with your own eyes the practices a farm uses, there is no need for labels and certifications. Let all of your senses guide you as you assess the health of the farm you are supporting. You do no need another person to tell you it is safe to eat. You are your family's best advocate and a farm's open gate policy is a sure way of seeing how your food is grown. Ask for a guided tour, if the farmer has time, most are excited to educate consumers.

1. Are weeds & insects present on the farm?

This question is a critical indicator of the ecological activity on the farm. A farm that does not use herbicides or insecticides will be full of diverse foliage and insects. You will notice butterflies floating about from clover bloom to iron weed bloom; depending on the time you visit, you will notice spider webs glistening from a dewy morning sun rays. You will see verdant pastures of different shapes and sizes of green. These nature inspired clues will support their stated farming practices.

2. Gaze upon the cows

Even if you have not grown up on a farm you can see health. Does the cow have a slick and shiny hair coat? This is an easy indicator of internal health at an outward glance. Are there flies on their back? A few flies on the back is a normal part of living on a farm. Is the cow's tail swishing constantly in annoyance indicating to many flies? If there are NO flies, ask yourself why? What type of parasitic control are they using? Also, notice the cows that have a lot of flies on their back; usually, they will have a thicker, courser haircoat. What is their disposition? Are they flighty or calm? Cows will notice if a stranger is around but their general attitude should be relaxed. Farms may have, at times, a few cows that do not meet this criteria but notice what the majority of cows look and act like.

3. Is the beef grass finished?

Consumers see grass fed on a label and think they are getting an animal that was raised 100% on grass. They do not realize it does not mean there was no grain involved in their diet. To obtain the optimum nutrition in meat you must purchase meat that has been raised grass fed AND finished. Ask if there is any grain rations present in their diet.

4. Are regenerative practices present?

Regenerative is a term in ranching that exemplifies beyond organic. Observe if the farm you are supporting is healing the land through farming practices. What does healing look like? Before you place judgement though, know regenerative farming is not a change that occurs overnight. It is a financial strain, knowledge seeking, and time commitment endeavor for any farm. Please read Niti Bali's book Farm to Fork Meat Riot for a complete report card like description of what a farm should look like during the regenerative transition.

A couple of practices you might see if a farm is on the regenerative path:

• What minerals are being supplied free choice to the cows? Some producers use lick tubs, which are considered protein/minerals, labels should be examined for any unwanted ingredients which may cause toxicity in the cows.

• Are multiple fences present indicating paddocks for rotational grazing?

• How and where do the animals water?

This is just a very brief description of what a regenerative farm will look like. It is so much more complex and intriguing than a simple blog post can describe, but if you have never been on a farm, it is a good place to start. As with farming and ranching, consumers must continue to seek knowledge on regenerative food practices.

Life long learning is vital to all aspects of life, including food production and acquisition. If you do not personally want to farm, find a local regenerative farmer who wants to grow/raise food for you. Buying your food directly from a farm will not only support a small family farm, but it will also support the belief of caring for the land so generations to come will also have opportunities for nourishing food.