Animal Welfare on Tyner Pond Farm

Animal Welfare on Tyner Pond Farm

Kennedy on Tyner Pond Farm At Tyner Pond Farm, we prioritize the wellbeing of our animals. We completely believe that regenerative farming practices, guided by holistic management, creates a healthier and more natural environment. These practices lead to robust animals that thrive without unnecessary interventions. It is the definition of food independence. With regenerative practices we are not dependent on any corporate pharmaceutical, pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer inputs.

We Embrace Natural Behaviors

Contrary to the cramped conditions of industrial agriculture, our animals are raised outdoors. Our 4 times a day rotational grazing approach provides diverse pastures for foraging and encourages natural instincts like grazing, exploring, and socializing. This freedom to express their innate behaviors minimizes stress and contributes to their overall well-being.

We Respect Natural Diets

Grassfed Cattle Expressing Natural Behavior We respect the natural digestive systems of our animals. Ruminants, like our cattle and sheep, are designed to thrive on grasses. Their complex stomachs are evolved to break down the tough fibers of pasture plants. We don't feed grain, ensuring their digestive health and overall well-being. Feeding corn to ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, alters their natural grass-based diet, significantly impacting their digestive system and overall health. Corn is a high-energy feed that can lead to faster growth, but it can also disrupt the normal pH balance of the rumen, leading to a condition called acidosis. Acidosis can cause a range of health issues in ruminants, including reduced feed intake, diarrhea, dehydration, and in severe cases, can be fatal. The shift from a forage-based diet to one high in grains like corn also affects the composition of the meat, resulting in changes in fatty acid profiles and potentially impacting human health when these products are consumed.

The Power of Natural Resilience

With a diet rooted in diverse pasture grasses mirrors the natural foraging habits of our animals, supporting a strong foundation of health. This, along with access to fresh air and sunlight, fosters a robust immune system. On our farm, this natural resilience means we never need to resort to the use of antibiotics or medications on our farm.

Beyond Animal Health

Pasture Raised Egg Layer Regenerative farming extends care to the animal as a whole being. Practices that cause pain or distress, such as de-beaking or tail docking, aren't a part of our philosophy, as adequate space and natural behaviors minimize the occurrences that might lead to these procedures. Our animals experience not only improved health but a better quality of life overall.

Can Regenerative Farming Scale?

While we wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of regenerative farming, we remain wary of large-scale, industrialized models. True regenerative agriculture demands careful consideration and a commitment to ecological balance. It's a philosophy we live by in our work at Tyner Pond Farm. Our focus is on our farm, our practices and our customers/collaborators. The more you support this kind of non-corporate, non-dependent direct farming, the more farmers will rise up to serve you.  Regenerative is Independence.