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What is-

Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is about the interconnection between species within an ecosystem. On farms raising animals in this way, humans, cows, sheep, birds, bees and other pollinators, insects, plants, earthworms, soil bacteria, and mycorrhizal networks are all interconnected with each organism playing a critical role in this web of life.

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ABOUT Fairfield Good Earth Works

Hi! I’m David,

And I want to tell you about the Fairfield Good Earth Works!

 

Currently, there is a lack of entry to intermediate level opportunities for people desiring education on organic and regenerative processes. To remedy this I have created the Good Earth Works, and it's a cooperative and transformational ecovillage in Southeast Iowa. We empower individuals and local communities by hosting several events and hands-on courses to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange thereby helping to create a regenerative global community.

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Currently, the plan is the construction of a single cabin, outdoor gardens, a walipini, and a pond. This is part of a senior project I am completing for my degree in Sustainable Living. The goal will be to write everything down into what I hope will become a book. I want to chronicle every success and failure about building something regenerative with the purpose of reconnecting to the land. Think of this experiment as a modern take on "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau.  

 

I believe that as a species we are meant to be stewards of the land and not its master. We were meant to live with the land in a symbiotic relationship and somewhere along the way well, we lost our way. 

After the senior project is wrapped up, I am planning on moving into the next phase of the project with the construction of five cabins total the first year on the EarthWorks property. Where we hope to house and educate a total of 25 eco villagers.

 

The eco villagers will be trading work at one of the (currently) five organic farms we have agreements within and around the Jefferson County area or on the property gardens and Walipini for their education, room, and board.

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The five principles of soil health are:

  1. Limited disturbance. Limit mechanical, chemical, and physical disturbance of soil. 

  2. Armor. Keep soil covered at all times. 

  3. Diversity. Strive for diversity of both plant and animal species.

  4. Living roots. Maintain a living root in soil as long as possible throughout the year.

  5. Integrated animals. Nature does not function without animals. It is that simple.

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