GAP,

not the clothing store or a seam in between walls, and not even Good Agricultural Practices, but Global Animal Partnership (GAP).

We spent our afternoon being inspected by a GAP agent. We were inside looking over paperwork and going through a slew of questions for most of the time the inspector was here. It was neat to sit in on it, but I do not know if I would want to do it too many times a year. The ranch is GAP certified because of our wholesale marketer who sources co-op meat, and requires this of every producer. Mainly, so they can sell it under a welfare/organic label at Whole Foods. The inspector was very nice and thorough. I also walked around with her and George, while she inspected the herds and facilities. Since I am adjusting and trying to learn as much about the operation, I find it important for me to listen to everything G&J have to say about the ranch. One day, I need to be able to articulate their values and goals as I sell their meat to others.

Tonight, George and I had some good conversation on sustainability, grazing, soil, and water, some of the major topics I would like to focus on in the future. Our conversation leaned towards philosophy and ethics, but also on how to articulate to others that raising beef in this valley (sustainably, MIG, Mob, etc) is sustainable and will grow soil. Soil…oh, my favorite word and living creature. Protecting and feeding the soil can protect animal and plant biodiversity, save and keep water in its place and not downstream, and keep the soil beneath our feet and not in the air (where it might travel to far distant lands). The reality is that we are soil growers, we grow plants and pass them through a ruminant’s digestive track to replenish minerals and nutrients back to the hungry microbes who are breaking down the large carbon chains to smaller molecules that bind further with the soil matrix to make up humic acid…one of the most interesting molecules on earth.

Healthy soil = healthy plants…healthy animals…healthy people.