Montana should lead in regenerative agriculture and ranching

We are members of Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, an organization formed by a broad coalition of health professionals, working together to address climate change as a public health issue, due to the threats the climate crisis poses to the health and future of our communities.

The food we eat is a significant contributor to chronic medical conditions, and even death in the US. Despite providing bountiful food, industrial agriculture also yields many products used for highly processed foods which are associated with increased risks of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and up to one third of all cancers. Our current food system contributes 33% of greenhouse gases, and causes air, water and soil degradation. Current policies and incentives make it difficult for our ranchers and farmers who want to use more sustainable methods. We are advocating for a transition to healthier agricultural methods and production of more wholesome foods.

Health care professionals are increasingly concerned about their patients’ mental health. Up to 85% of children are worried or very worried about climate change. For people in the agricultural sector, whether it’s concerns about the increasingly erratic weather, higher production costs, access to adequate water, or policies that favor big business rather than family farms and sustainable agriculture, health care professionals are recognizing worsening mental health among their patients working in agriculture and ranching.

Montana can be a leader in regenerative agriculture and ranching practices. Soils store more carbon than the atmosphere and vegetation combined. With support and financial incentives for better agricultural practices, Montana soils can rebuild. By reducing herbicide and pesticide use, decreasing tillage and promoting crop diversity, regenerative farming methods can rebuild soil organic matter, and sequester carbon. Finally, regenerative practices result in more nutrient-dense foods that have higher levels of micronutrients beneficial for our health.

Regenerative ranching, with livestock grazing on living plants on sustainably managed pastures, also benefit the planet and our health. When animals are pastured, rather than being fed in feedlots, nutrients and microbes are returned to soils, sequestering carbon and improving soil health. Meat and dairy products from 100% grass-fed cattle are much higher in many nutrients including beneficial omega-3 fats.

Montana recently passed a resolution designating the first week of April as Montana Soil Health Week. This will raise awareness about how healthy soils can increase crop yields, strengthen food security, create greater climate resiliency, help restore the carbon debt, and improve nutrition. Let’s thank our organic and regenerative farmers and ranchers, and support them by buying their produce and helping where we can. Discuss and speak out for laws and policies that help farmers and ranchers transition to more restorative practices. Encourage our elected officials to learn about and make changes that improve human and environmental health.

Regardless of whether your concerns focus around your own or your family’s health, better incentives for sustainable agricultural practices, or climate change itself, we urge citizens to educate themselves and talk with friends, family and elected officials as we address these important issues together. Montana Soil Health Week indicates the growing awareness and positive change occurring in Montana.

As a society we are becoming more aware of the significance of clean air and water, rich soils, healthy foods, and the connection to human and planetary health. Dietary and agricultural transition along with human health and planetary health improvements can be accomplished in Montana if we work together.

——

Colette Kirchhoff, MD, FAAFP, Bozeman

Robert Byron, M.D., Red Lodge

Hillery Daily, ND, LAc, Hamilton