Describe where you live and work and what is it you do.
I live in Potomac, Maryland, near Washington DC. From this oasis, amidst an ever increasing urban environment, I operate a start-up, grass-based livestock farm called ‘Grassential LLC’.
We focus on encouraging animals to eat as much forage (grass, herbs, legumes) as they can. For lambs this is 100% and for chickens about 35% of their total diet. These greens provide a wealth of nutrients and health benefits for the animals as well as for those of us who like to eat responsibly-reared meat.
Matt Rales, founder of the bio-diverse animal farm,”Grassential LLC’
Does your work allow you to feel a connection to life and its sustainability, not just through the product you provide but by how you acquire it and work with that product?
The connection to life and its energy cycles is a natural by-product of grass farming. We are essentially farming with the sun. Solar energy is converted to green plant material through photosynthesis, and then into nutrient-dense animal foods, specifically animal fats converted by the animal itself. Ruminants (cud-chewing herbivores) are the champions of this process.
We also buy and sell animals locally and grow as much feed on the farm as we can in order to maintain this essential connection to a sustainable life cycle.
What makes you happy and content? How do you spend your moments of leisure if there are any? What do you give thanks for?
I am as happy as can be when working for my animals and educating people how important they are to ecological enhancement and human health. My animals return the favour ten-fold.
Is your work part of what defines you as a person? If so, why?
My work very much defines me as an individual. My mission is to provide people with real food that is healing to both people and the environment. Our production methods build up soil and sequester carbon, and we provide consumers with food that enhances the immune system and builds lasting, vibrant health.
We also believe that freedom in food commerce will ensure consumers have access to these products.
