Ancient Nutrition highlights sustainability on its annual Field Day

On a sunny day in the rolling hills of Tennessee, Ancient Nutrition hosted its annual Field Day—a gathering of farmers, community members and sustainability enthusiasts—showcasing the company's commitment to sustainable agriculture and community engagement.

Ancient Nutrition was founded in 2016 by Josh Axe, a chiropractor and doctor of natural medicine, and Jordan Rubin, who also founded Garden of Life supplements. The brand makes a variety of dietary supplements such as collagen and bone broth protein powders; probiotics, vitamin and herbal capsules; and supergreens, herbal and mushroom tablets.

A main theme of the event was Ancient Nutrition's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) to add 1 inch of soil to its farms every year. This might sound like a small goal, but it's actually quite ambitious. Soil erosion is a major problem in modern agriculture, and it can take decades or even centuries for soil to naturally regenerate. By actively adding soil to its farms, Ancient Nutrition is working to restore and improve the health of its soil and the surrounding ecosystem.

"We believe how we do what we do is unique and that it's going to work," Ancient Nutrition CEO Jordan Rubin said in his opening remarks.

To help achieve its BHAG, Ancient Nutrition has launched several initiatives, including the Ranch Project, which aims to restore and revitalize degraded grasslands. By using holistic grazing techniques and regenerative farming practices, the Ranch Project is designed to increase biodiversity and improve the health of the soil and surrounding ecosystem.

At the start of the day, attendees had the opportunity to observe Ancient Nutrition's unique grazing system in action. Visitors watched as buffalo, cattle and goats shifted their grazing plot, leaving behind fertilized soil. This rotation not only benefits the soil but also allows the animals to graze on fresh, nutrient-dense grasses.

As the larger animals left, ducks, chickens and turkeys moved in to graze on the newly fertilized plot. This system is known as "flerd"—a combination of "flock" and "herd"—and is an example of how diverse livestock can be used to improve soil health and create a sustainable ecosystem.

Another initiative is the Feed and Seed program, which provides farmers with access to high-quality seeds and feed. By partnering with local farmers and suppliers, Ancient Nutrition helps support sustainable agriculture and improve the health and well-being of both people and the planet.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in this program, collecting seeds from food waste the event generated. These seeds will be used to grow nutrient-dense crops on Ancient Nutrition's farms, further contributing to their regenerative agriculture efforts.

In addition to its educational aspect, Field Day also celebrated community. Attendees enjoyed a farm-to-table lunch, live music and a farmers market featuring locally grown produce and artisanal goods.

As the event drew to a close, Rubin reflected on the day's successes and the future of sustainable agriculture. "We're not just here to make a profit," he said. "We're here to make a difference—to leave the land better than we found it, and to create a healthier, more sustainable future for ourselves and our communities."

Ancient Nutrition's Field Day demonstrated how a company can combine business success with environmental and social responsibility. By focusing on regenerative agriculture and community engagement, Ancient Nutrition shows that it's possible to make a positive impact on the world while running a successful business.

Click through the gallery to see some photos of the ranch.