HOT OFF THE PRESS: 'To Which We Belong' with Pamela Tanner Boll
Aug 15, 2023
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Pamela Tanner Boll, the film director of 'To Which We Belong', emphasizes soil health, microbial life, and diverse plant growth in regenerative agriculture. They discuss breaking stereotypes in farming, holistic interconnected farming practices, and the vital role of women in animal agriculture. Film distribution and imagery are also discussed.
Soil health, diverse plant growth, and microbial life are vital in regenerative agriculture.
Breaking stereotypes and fostering collaboration among farmers is essential for innovative and sustainable food systems.
Deep dives
Introduction of the Documentary and Filmmaker's Motivation
The podcast episode features an interview with Pamela Bull, the director of the documentary 'To Which We Belong.' The film was released in 2021 and focuses on the urgent need for regenerative agriculture practices. Bull explains that she was inspired to make the film after hearing a talk by Alan Savory, who is considered the father of holistic land management. She wanted to address the global issues of soil degradation, climate change, and water scarcity, and show how regenerative agriculture can be the solution. Bull highlights the importance of building the fertility and water holding capacity of the soil through practices such as cover cropping and proper animal grazing.
The Role of Soil in Regenerative Agriculture
The film emphasizes the significance of soil health in regenerative agriculture. Before the 1940s, farming involved amending the soil with compost and animal dung. However, the introduction of chemical fertilizers led to the neglect of soil biology. The film promotes the idea of feeding the microbial life in the soil through diverse cover crops, no-till farming, and proper grazing techniques. By increasing soil organic matter and water retention, regenerative practices can help draw down carbon from the atmosphere and reverse climate change. The film showcases farmers who have adopted these practices and have witnessed positive results in soil fertility and productivity.
Incorporating Animals and Cover Crops in Farming Systems
To illustrate the interconnectedness of regenerative agriculture, the film highlights the relationship between animals, cover crops, and water management. It underlines the role of animals, such as cattle, in improving soil health and productivity. By grazing animals in a planned manner, diverse plant species are nourished and different microbial life is supported. The film also explores the use of cover crops, which promote year-round photosynthesis and increase water holding capacity in the soil. It emphasizes that regenerative practices are not limited to large-scale farms; even small plot farmers can implement these methods for healthier soils and improved water retention.
Collaborative Learning and the Power of Sharing Knowledge
The film encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers and different agricultural sectors. It emphasizes the importance of breaking away from stereotypes and recognizing that innovative practices exist both in developed and developing countries. The film showcases female farmers in Africa, highlighting the crucial role of cattle in providing sustenance for families and communities. It advocates for a continuous exchange of ideas and experiences, where farmers can learn from one another to improve food systems and address global challenges. By embracing regenerative agriculture and thinking outside the box, farmers can play a vital role in creating a sustainable future.
108 | This week on the Discover Ag podcast, Nat and Tara are finishing up with their summer "Debunking Series" where they've been debunking negative documentaries about agriculture and food.
In this episode they discuss the film "To Which We Belong" with the films director Pamela Boll.
Nat and Tara, along with Pamela share their first impressions and thoughts of the documentary. Points that are mentioned:
Pamela emphasizes the significance of soil health, microbial life, diverse plant growth and its centrality in regenerative agriculture.
The importance of breaking away from stereotypes and preconceived notions about different types of farms and operations.
The concept of holistic and interconnected farming practices, where various aspects of agriculture, such as land farming and ocean farming, are viewed as interrelated systems.
The vital role of women in animal agriculture, particularly in developing nations. An emphasis that cattle farming can provide crucial resources and livelihood opportunities for women and their families.
To the men and women at Case IH, farming is a way of life. A life they live every day on millions of acres across North America. Get to know the farmers who work at Case IH and see how they bring that perspective into everything Case IH does. Visit BuiltbyFarmers.com to see their stories and even share your own. Built by Farmers. Case IH.
Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
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