2023 was a challenging year for Canadian farmers and ranchers and for humanity in general. We had droughts, wildfires, floods, an affordability crisis and a number of armed conflicts. According to scientists working with the European Union, 2023 smashed temperature records globally.

And yet, someone like Nova Scotia agricultural producer Rachel Lightfoot still finds ways of being optimistic even after her farm got hit by a polar vortex, a dry spring and a very rainy summer all in the same year.

Welcome to Stories of Regeneration, a podcast series brought to you by Rural Routes to Climate Solutions and Regeneration Canada. Join me, your host Derek Leahy, as we delve into the importance of supporting an agricultural system that not only prioritizes the health of our land and ecosystems but also ensures the sustainability of our farmers and ranchers. Get ready to explore the transformative power of regenerative agriculture.

Highlights:

• 3:19 – Rachel shares her farming story.
• 8:12 – Rachel shares more about where she farms and the different types of products Lightfoot & Wolfville produce.
• 9:47 – What types of farming happen at Lightfoot & Wolfville?
• 12:43 – What styles of wine are produced?
• 16:51 – What is biodynamic agriculture?
• 26:19 – How was Lightfoot & Wolfville established?
• 30:40 – Rachel explains how reciprocity works on her farm.
• 41:31 – How is biodynamic agriculture helping make Rachel’s farm more resilient?
• 46:50 – By implementing these practices, are there benefits that extend outside of the farm?
• 51:51 – Why should consumers care about regenerative agriculture?
• 58:15 – Why does Rachel care about regenerative agriculture?
• 59:21 – How does the winery connect people with their product?

Useful links:

• Stories of Regeneration
• Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series
• Lightfoot & Wolfville
• Regeneration Canada Farm Map

Want to learn more?

If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following:

• Regenerating Rural Opportunities
• Regenerating Humility
• EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1
• EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2
• EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3
• EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4

Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities.

This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada