This may seem like a silly or simple question to some, but to many it may not be so obvious, as there are many facets to why it is so important for pasture-based, regenerative livestock farms to be profitable. Let’s look at some of those reasons.
As you have read in many of our newsletters this year, we believe that the type of farming that we do is best because it most closely mimics nature. Natural ecosystems tend to perpetuate themselves. Therefore when we mimic nature and natural environments in agriculture, we see resiliency and benefits all around.
So while we as a farm business attempt to produce a desired product through regenerative means, we still have to find a way to not only pay our bills today, but also to make sure that our farm business is healthy enough to weather economic challenges for decades to come so that we can continue rejuvenating the land.
If it is good thing to build some soil or sequester some carbon this year, then how much greater would it be to have a decades- or centuries-long legacy of doing these things?
This is the type of thing that we try to set our minds on, which brings us to the question of what are the vehicles that allow us to do this for decades to come. One such vehicle is profit.
This vision of allowing all the benefits of regenerative agriculture to compound for decades to come is truly the driving force behind what we do here at Watson Farms when it comes to profitability. We don’t spend a lot of money of unnecessary equipment or fancy buildings. A good used truck or tractor often costs far less and works just as good as the new ones. Salatin-style broiler shelters are much more cost-effective than the fancy and expensive pre-fabricated products. If we can do without a few of the latest and greatest things, we feel like we positively impact the land, animals, and our customers far longer into the future.
In 2019 we served about 400 families. In 2020 we served about 800. If we continue this type of growth (although not necessarily doubling each year) think of the number of families that could be impacted positively by wholesome pasture-raised proteins. Think about how many diseases might be prevented in the decades to come. Think about the years that literally could be added to people’s lives through the consumption of life-giving food instead of that which is chemical-laden. This vision of health and vitality for the families that we serve is truly a motivation for us to keep producing the best food on the planet.
A good perspective that we like to maintain is that our customers are investors. They generously invest in good agriculture by purchasing from our farm. We then feel we have an obligation to continue these methods as well as finding innovations and improvements wherever possible. We want to maximize the return on your investment!
Another impact that we remain conscious of is the way our animals live versus their industrial counterparts. The healthier our farm is financially the more likely it is that we stay in business. When we stay in business, we get to continue raising more animals they way they were designed to be. More pigs get to express their “pigness” as Joel Salatin might say.
All of these things are worth continuing and doing more of, and we hope you continue to invest in food systems that honor the lives of the animals, the consumers and the farmers.
Take a look at a couple videos we shot this week! The first shows how we add whole grains (roasted soybeans in this case) to our non-GMO feed ration. A certain amount of each of the grains are ground and mixed uniformly then fed to our chickens or pigs.
The second is a quick look at a paddock shift. Our cows never stop moving – year round!
Product Spotlight
We have an excellent category for those who are flexible with their culinary endeavors. It’s called “Get Creative” and it features products that move a little slower than the staples do. But moving these products is crucial to our profitability like we discussed above.
For example, we placed a new flock of pullets a few weeks ago and they are really starting to lay now. The only problem is when pullets begin to lay, their eggs are kind of small as their bodies get used to the new routine. Help us move these medium eggs so they don’t lay in vain! You can get these at a great price as well. (Just hit the dropdown menu to select Medium. If they happen to be sold out just check back in a day or two since we are getting plenty each day!)
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Backs and Necks$17.96 -
Bulk Eggs (flats)$37.50 – $83.85 -
Bag of Beef Bones$10.00
You can see ALL of our ON SALE products with the button below.
Farm Day!
We’re pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Farm Day on October 23 from 10am – 2pm! We are building a list of vendors that will be on site, and we are offering FREE hay ride farm tours at the top of each hour. (Arrive at about 9:45am if you want to be on the 10am tour.) Our store will also be open for your shopping needs.
If you know of a vendor or food truck that would like to participate in this please put us in touch with them!
We hope to see you then!
We re-use packaging!
We’ve seen a good response to our efforts in re-using packaging! Thanks and keep it up.
You can help us reduce our carbon footprint by returning your CLEAN egg cartons and meat boxes.
The main reason that we switched to plastic egg cartons a while back was because they are so much more durable than paper which could only be used once. They also protect the eggs much better!
So if you have some egg cartons or boxes to return, you can just place them on your porch on your home delivery day. Farm pickup customers can, of course, drop them off when you come to pick up your new order.
Thanks for helping us re-use our packaging!
Referral Program
If you enjoy our products please consider passing the word along to your neighbors, friends and family! We don’t spend a lot of money of advertising but rather depend on customers like yourself to advertise for us if they are amazed by our products and customer service.
All you have to do is refer someone to us and when they place an order for the first time they will get a link to a form where they can say who referred them. You and the new customer will receive a $15 credit! So make sure they tell us your name. Hit the button for more info!
Order Deadlines and Store Hours
Order Deadlines
Charleston: 12 noon Mondays
GSP: 12 noon on Wednesdays
Charlotte/Rock Hill: 12 noon Fridays
Farm Pickup: Please wait until you receive an email stating that your order is ready to be picked up (usually 1 business day from when you place your order). Farm pickup is done during store hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Closed Sunday and Wednesday
Produce Box Ordering Deadlines
Sundays at 9pm for Charleston or Columbia Home Deliveries
Tuesdays at 9pm for GSP and CLT/Local Home Deliveries
Did you know that we have a webpage that displays all the reviews we have received?
Check it out!
Check out this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review:
“I salute Watson Farms for all the hard work in creating and maintaining a healthy living space for your farm animals.“
We would greatly appreciate it if you would be kind enough to leave us a review. It helps first-time customers purchase with confidence.
Thanks again for being partners in this endeavor of local, pasture-raised proteins that has truly transformed our farm. We look forward to continuing this transition while serving you long into the future.
Sincerely,
The Watsons
Pasture Posts is written by Matt Watson.
[…] It’s important for regenerative farms to be profitable for the reasons discussed in Pasture Posts #33. We have worked hard to minimize the costs to you by waiting out and absorbing these costs […]