The Path to Profitable Sustainable Farming 

Since the dawn of agriculture, farmers have been learning how to produce more with fewer resources. 

Today’s commercial agricultural industry is no different. The success hinges upon efficiently leveraging nature’s bounties alongside appropriate technologies to maximize efficiency and sustainability. 

This can be difficult though. From outdated fertilization methods to fluctuating weather patterns, profitable farming requires a strategic approach that takes into account the balance between profitability and the environment. 

Are you taking advantage of profitable sustainable farming?

What is sustainable farming?

Sustainable farming is a holistic approach to agricultural production. It attempts to reduce the environmental impact of practices, while simultaneously increasing profits. This system emphasizes the use of natural processes, energy-saving technology, and efficient methods. It also recognizes the importance of maintaining soil health and fertility in order to sustain crops over time. 

Through this comprehensive approach, farmers can reduce their reliance on outside inputs such as chemicals. This will ensure that the land remains productive for generations to come. This is done by restoring natural balance, increasing soil fertility and biodiversity, preserving water resources, reducing waste and pollutants, and improving air quality.

Organic Farming vs EM regenerative farming

Organic farming is a popular sustainable system that works to reduce the use of chemical inputs. It focuses on practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and natural pest control. This helps maintain soil health and fertility. At the same time, it reduces environmental liabilities such as runoff and water pollution. 

EM regenerative farming, on the other hand, or Effective Microorganisms regenerative farming takes this concept a step further by introducing a wider range of practices geared toward restoring the land and enriching soil biodiversity. It's about introducing EM into farming practices.

This includes techniques such as composting, growing green manure crops, and utilizing beneficial microorganisms. These strategies work together to create a more diverse ecosystem. It also helps reduce pests and diseases while also increasing carbon sequestration in the soil. 

Effective Microorganisms (EM) is a combination of beneficial microorganisms comprising various groups. This includes photosynthetic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and beneficial yeasts. Quantitatively, photosynthetic bacteria form a minor component of EM. Functionally, they form the key to the way EM works in the environment. The lactic acid bacteria and yeasts on the other hand form partnerships with the photosynthetic bacteria. 

This enhances the activities of other beneficial microorganisms. The result is the production of substances and by-products that are very beneficial to the soil food web and the environment.

What exactly is EM® regenerative farming?

As referenced above, EM-1® is a unique blend of beneficial microorganisms (pioneered by Dr. Teruo Higa in the early 1980s). This method has been used in regenerative farming and organic gardening for many years. The combination of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi works together to form a natural symbiotic relationship that serves multiple purposes. 

The microbes work to break down organic matter into nutrients which are then readily available to plants. This improves soil fertility and also helps to suppress pest populations, reduce disease and improve soil structure. The result is higher yields and better quality produce. 

These characteristics of EM® are considered the key to correcting the shortcomings of the organic farming method. For over 30 years EM farming has been guiding the development of sustainable agriculture.

Transitioning from conventional farming to organic farming

There are many reasons to shift from conventional farming to organic. This involves a number of key steps:

1. Understanding the principles and processes of sustainable farming

This involves learning the basics of organic farming, including soil health and fertility management, crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, and pest control. 

2. Developing a farm plan

This is the key to a successful transition as it provides an actionable roadmap for implementing sustainable practices. 

3. Implementing sustainable practices

This step requires farmers to start using the principles they have learned in their operations. This can be done through changes such as introducing cover crops or utilizing beneficial microorganisms. 

4. Monitoring progress

As with any system change, progress should be monitored to ensure that desired outcomes are being achieved and adjustments can be made if necessary. 

The main issue with organic farming is that it can be costly. It also takes many years and a loss in yields which means a loss in profit that farmers cannot sustain. This is one of the biggest resistants to making the switch from chemicals to natural methods.

The transition to EM regenerative farming

This is an important step in the journey to profitable sustainable farming. By implementing regenerative farming principles, farmers can save money, increase yields and create a more resilient farm system that will ensure future success. 

Many consider the regenerative farming principles to be:

• Don’t disturb the soil (limited disturbance)

• Ensure your soil is covered

• Ensure your living roots are kept in the soil

• Ensure diversity, by growing a range of crops

• Integrate animals back to the land

EM® regenerative farming is becoming an increasingly important part of the agricultural landscape. It provides a comprehensive approach to sustainable farming that works to restore soil health and fertility, reduces inputs and conserves resources. 

By taking these steps towards sustainability, farmers can ensure that their land remains productive for generations to come. 

There are many beneficial microbial products available but only one that contains the Effective Microorganisms, developed by Dr. Tuero Higa. EM-1® is used by farmers in large scale agriculture around the world.

EM-1® from TeraGanix

By applying EM-1 to your soil, it helps to establish a healthier balance between beneficial microorganisms and harmful ones which can help to protect your crops from disease and improve the soil's fertility. This, in turn, can result in increased yields and better quality produce.

EM-1 is a liquid bacterial product comprising three groups of beneficial microbes. This includes Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yeast), Rhodopseudomonas palustris (Phototrophic Bacteria), and Lactobacillus spp (Lactic Acid Bacteria).

With EM-1 you'll benefit from the following:

• Nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits

• You'll have healthy, living soil

• Improved water retention

• Higher yields and better quality produce

If you would like to transition from organic farming to EM regenerative farming, contact an experienced member of our team at 866-369-3678. Our Customer Advocates are standing by to answer any questions that you may have.