At Kalona SuperNatural, we believe that exceptional dairy begins beneath our feet. While many focus on what happens in the barn, we know that the real magic starts in the soil—a living ecosystem that powers everything we do from soil to super milk.
The Hidden World Beneath Our Pastures
Did you know that a single tablespoon of healthy soil contains more microorganisms than the entire human population on Earth? This incredible underground economy is the foundation of our regenerative approach, creating the nutrient-dense grass that feeds our pasture-raised, grass-fed cows.
When you choose Kalona SuperNatural, you’re supporting more than just great-tasting dairy. You’re backing a system that works in harmony with nature:
- Small family farms practicing time-tested stewardship
- Healthier soil ecosystems that grow stronger each year
- Pasture-raised, grass-fed cows living as nature intended
- Low-temperature vat pasteurization that preserves nutrition
- Non-homogenized, “Almost Raw” dairy with unmatched quality
Why Our Approach Matters
Conventional farming often depletes the soil over time, creating a cycle of dependency on external inputs. Our regenerative approach flips this model entirely, building soil health year after year through:
Organic Matter Building: Each grazing cycle adds organic material back to the soil, creating a rich foundation for future growth.
Enhanced Water Management: Healthy soils act like sponges, increasing water retention during droughts and reducing runoff during heavy rains.
Climate Resilience: Our drought-resistant pastures remain productive even under challenging weather conditions.
Superior Nutrition: Improved soil grows more nutritious grass, which translates directly to more nutrient-dense milk.
The Regenerative Cycle That Changes Everything
Nature has perfected a simple yet powerful cycle, and we’ve learned to work with it rather than against it:
- Grazing stimulates plant growth – Our cows’ natural behavior encourages deeper root development
- Managed rest allows plants to recover – Rotational grazing gives pastures time to rebuild
- Manure returns nutrients to the soil – Natural fertilization that feeds the soil ecosystem
- Improved soil grows more nutritious grass – The cycle strengthens with each rotation
Scientists confirm that regenerative agriculture practices have “the biophysical capability of contributing significantly to soil health and climate change mitigation.” This cycle gets stronger with each rotation, creating a truly sustainable system.
The Secret Power of Grassroots
Grassroots are the soil’s secret heroes, working tirelessly below ground to:
- Create pathways for water to penetrate deep into the soil
- Build soil structure that prevents erosion
- Store carbon deep underground where it belongs
- Feed microorganisms through root exudates
Research shows that rotational grazing can increase soil carbon sequestration by 5.3% above current stocks after just ten years—the highest potential among regenerative agriculture practices. Our pasture-raised cows help stimulate deeper, stronger root growth that makes this possible.
Building Stronger Soils for a Changing Climate
Climate resilience isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s essential for ensuring stable milk production for generations to come. Research demonstrates that soils rich in organic carbon are more resilient to climate extremes like droughts and floods, helping ensure stable production even under adverse weather conditions.
Our approach creates this resilience naturally, building soil organic carbon that serves as the foundation for:
- Better soil structure and fertility
- Enhanced water retention capabilities
- Improved nutrient cycling
- Greater ecosystem stability
The Magic of Soil Science
At Kalona SuperNatural, we believe great dairy begins beneath our feet. Healthy soil isn’t just dirt—it’s a living ecosystem that powers our regenerative farming practices. Soil organic carbon is a key component of soil health, contributing to structure, fertility, and water retention capabilities that make our “Almost Raw” dairy possible.
A Promise That Restores
While conventional milk production drains the land gallon by gallon, our milk restores it. Every glass of Kalona SuperNatural dairy represents:
- Carbon stored in healthy soils
- Water cycles protected and enhanced
- Biodiversity fostered and maintained
- Small family farms supported and sustained
- A food system that gives back more than it takes
This is the difference regenerative agriculture makes. This is why soil health matters. And this is how we’re working to ensure that future generations inherit farmland that’s healthier and more productive than what we started with.
Taste the difference healthy soil makes. When you choose Kalona SuperNatural, you’re not just choosing superior dairy—you’re choosing a future where farming works with nature, not against it.
Resources
Kumar Aralappanavar, Vijay, et al. “Effects of Microplastics on Soil Microorganisms and Microbial Functions in Nutrients and Carbon Cycling – A Review.” Science of The Total Environment, Elsevier, 2 Mar. 2024. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724015766
Reed, Rob. “15 Benefits of Soil Carbon Sequestration in Farming.” Agricarbon, 19 Aug. 2024
Shanmugam, P. M., et al. “Crop–Livestock-Integrated Farming System: A Strategy to Achieve Synergy between Agricultural Production, Nutritional Security, and Environmental Sustainability.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 21 Feb. 2024
Taylor, Betsy, et al. “Regenerative Agriculture Can Play a Key Role in Combating Climate Change.” Edited by Nuna Teal, One Earth, 16 June 2024
Telo da Gama, José. “The Role of Soils in Sustainability, Climate Change, and Ecosystem Services: Challenges and Opportunities.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 16 Aug. 2023
Wiltshire, Serge, and Brian Beckage. “Integrating Climate Change into Projections of Soil Carbon Sequestration from Regenerative Agriculture.” PLOS Climate, Public Library of Science, 15 Mar. 2023