Farming with Trees and Livestock

Advocating for an Ancestral Diet Beneficial to Both Humans and the Planet or Why Agroforestry Welcomes Cattle

Cattle Agroforestry in Brazil - an explanation.

In our relentless quest for a more sustainable future, our goal is to shift all the world's cattle into integrated agroforestry systems. Here, they will graze on grass instead of being fed grains, enjoying free and contented lives in herds.

Although transforming global dietary patterns, beliefs and perceptions presents a monumental task, providing our herds with more dignified lives is well within our grasp.

The very act of herding itself transforms the environment by cycling water and nutrients. In regions lacking the natural capacity to cycle nutrients sufficiently, herds play a crucial role in enriching and fertilizing entire ecosystems.

For instance, the Savory Institute classifies planetary zones on a brittleness scale, demonstrating that in certain areas, cycling "grey matter" (organic matter) can only occur effectively when substantial herds are present. The bovine stomach and intestinal microbiome perform the role of soil in a suspended nutrient cycling system, especially where climatic or soil limitations exist.

In essence, intelligent and regenerative livestock farming can achieve carbon neutrality or even become carbon positive. It can provide more environmental benefits than if there were no cattle at all. Livestock farming is not the adversary of the environment; instead, it can potentialize it.

Not only by considering carbon sequestration in the soil, plus the formation of humic carbon in the subsoil from the mineralization of grass root systems, and yet the nutrient cycling in the topsoil due to the presence of the herd itself (which wouldn't exist in the same intensity without it), but we must also take into account the three-dimensionality of agroforestry.

The concept of stratification in agroforestry, or biomass production layers above the ground, creates 'levels' of suspended carbon per hectare (unit of area). Note that certifying/accrediting organizations like VERRA are still far behind in developing robust methods when considering complex production systems.

In Brazil, Embrapa has pioneered the integration of crop-livestock-forestry systems, commonly referred to as ILPF .

This innovative approach has experienced substantial growth in recent years. The ILPF strategy involves the simultaneous utilization of diverse production systems, including agriculture, livestock, and forestry, within the same geographical area. This integration occurs through various methods, such as intercropping, succession, or rotation, resulting in mutually beneficial outcomes for all these agricultural activities.

In addition to the ILPF network (Associa??o Rede ILPF) in Brazil, developers of intricate agroforestry systems, exemplified by organizations like PRETATERRA (www.pretaterra.com), have gained remarkable prominence in the development of more sophisticated three-dimensional pilot systems. These initiatives have been undertaken in collaboration with prominent industry players such as Vital Proteins , AGS Agronegócio Sustentável , and Luxor Agro 's Pasto Vivo project, elevating the potential of livestock farming as a carbon sink to unprecedented levels.

Shifting our focus towards nutrition and the circular economy of waste, it becomes apparent that the most significant nutrition lies within organs and bones. Embracing the "nose-to-tail " eating philosophy reconnects us with our ancestral respect for and utilization of every part of the animal, not just the select "noble" cuts.

In a world striving to feed its growing population, discarding these parts as waste is morally unacceptable, especially given the coexistence of obesity and malnutrition.

Animal bones and fat represent foods of exceptionally high nutritional density. Actually, it is believed that our leap in intelligence during evolution was linked to the consumption of marrow. This transformation occurred as we learned to use tools and break bones from carcasses, as explained by Professor and food archaeologist Dr. Bill Schindler creator of the Modern Stone Age Kitchen in a remarkable presentation titled "Food Archaeology " at the FRU.TO - Food Dialogues event.

In fact, we should no longer measure food solely in kilograms or tons; it's time to shift our focus towards assessing "nourishment" or nutrient density. The true question lies in understanding the nutrient-to-area ratio, empowering us to unlock the potential for optimizing the Earth's productive land area. This concept not only reshapes how we perceive food but also enables us to envision a more efficient and sustainable use of our planet's resources.

Deeply understanding ecosystemic relationships helps us overcome misconceptions. Note that scant findings stemming from dubious observations lead us to erroneous conclusions. When referring to meat vs. vegetable production data, articles rely on North American feedlot data alone, not grass-fed cattle within America and around the world.

Furthermore, the omission of weighing consumption against production elements is deliberately and malevolently left out, as in the case of considering water consumption for meat production, according to the evidence found in the book Sacred Cow .

In free-range cattle, this water comes from rainfall (without irrigation) and does not actually "consume" or divert the water resource as commonly believed, given that the rain would fall anyway, with or without cattle. Yet, cow's manure and urine, which return water and nutrients to the soil, are entirely omitted, disregarding the nutrient cycling of herds.

Still, among a series of misconceptions, the most egregious is the belief that saturated fat is the cause of deaths and heart attacks. The true culprits are processed industrialized foods, coupled with processed vegetable oils (derived from grains), sugar, and carbohydrates. Many physicians have failed to keep abreast of current research. Deceptive studies, driven by an agenda to promote margarine and soybean and corn oils, propagated this false narrative.

Our grandparents and great-grandparents did not suffer, at the same rate, from diabetes, obesity, and depression. These modern afflictions result from reduced consumption of animal fats and excessive intake of Omega-6 fatty acids (highly inflammatory), the true instigator behind arterial dilation.

We are acutely aware that pesticides pervade our environment, affecting both animals and plants. Nonetheless, pasture land, such as Brachiaria sp. and other grasses, receive significantly fewer or zero chemicals compared to soybeans, corn, and other crops. Consequently, the accumulation of pesticides in pasture-raised cattle is virtually negligible. Conversely, the use of systemic pesticides, including glyphosate, in soybean cultivation (which permeates nearly all aspects of our food supply) is alarmingly high. This is the genuine issue at hand.

In conclusion, the primary threat wreaking havoc on our ecosystems, soil, and society at large is the monoculture of grains destined for vegetable oil production, coupled with feed derived from the agrochemical package of massive industrialized agriculture and synthetic-food imposters.

Authentic agroforestry operations must prioritize biodiversity and include animals. This approach embodies the ultimate concept of homesteading and resilience, offering us the chance to live in a manner that aligns with our ancestral roots, healthfully, harmoniously, and, above all, free from the bondage of a system imposed upon us.

Finally, only as a disclaimer, this article does not endorse feedlots, let alone the industrialization of animal production processes or the dehumanization of animal production. Above all, the primary objective here, even if it contradicts non-scientific agendas and common misconceptions, is to advocate for a better life, dignity, and animal welfare for all species currently produced as food on this planet. Agendas that fail to comprehensively, holistically, and rigorously consider scientific and empirical data to truly understand what would genuinely make sense for the preservation of life on Earth, promoting greater equity among species and peoples, likely harbor questionable intentions that are not sincerely concerned with climate, human health, or animal welfare.

Who among you is ready to embark on this journey of self-responsibility and stewardship for our planet?

Insights are encouraged.