Burroughs Family Farms
For over 100 years, five generations, and counting, the Burroughs family have farmed the northern San Joaquin Valley near Yosemite National Park. Today, Burroughs Family Farms offers certified regenerative and organic almonds and pastured proteins directly to consumers while protecting soil and water for future generations. Sheep and chickens graze their orchard floors, leaving excellent residual biomass to protect the soil biology and conserve moisture. They work hard to preserve and stimulate a high level of biodiversity on the land, prioritizing native plants and habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects. The Burroughs are extremely active in educating others in the methods and possibilities of regenerative and organic farming.
Product Types
Operation Highlights
Region Conditions:
Central California
California’s climate varies widely from region to region, ranging from Mediterranean along the coast to desert and alpine in the interior. Coastal areas enjoy mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers, while inland regions experience greater temperature extremes. The state’s diverse geography includes fertile valleys, mountain ranges, and arid deserts, each presenting unique challenges for agriculture, water management, and natural resource conservation. Southern California is prone to wildfires and occasional droughts, emphasizing the importance of fire prevention and water conservation measures.
The Principals of Soil Health Put Into Practice on Burroughs Family Farms
Nurturing the soil is the foundation of regenerative agriculture. At Regenified, we measure the implementation of all six soil health principles because they are essential for regeneration. Each principle contributes to the soil’s overall health, creating a system greater than the sum of its parts.
Right Context
100% of crops grown are appropriate for region
Right Context
Farmers prioritize growing plants and animals suited to their specific environment. By understanding their unique context, they can optimize production while minimizing external inputs.
Minimized Disturbance
100% no-till and no chemical inputs
Minimized Disturbance
Rather than tilling or using chemicals that disrupt soil structure and microbial life, regenerative farmers embrace no-till practices and minimize chemical inputs to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Soil Armor
99% of the operation meets the “fully applied” level of this principle
Soil Armor
Keeping the soil covered with organic matter such as cover crops or crop residues prevents erosion, improves water infiltration and retention while also providing habitat for beneficial organisms.
Enhanced Diversity
99% of the operation meets the “fully applied” level of this principle
Enhanced Diversity
Maximizing diversity within both plant species and beneficial organisms above and below ground enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes natural pest control.
Living Root
Living roots across the growing season, benefitting soil biology colonization and root development
Living Root
Maintaining living roots in the soil at all times ensures continuous nutrient cycling by supporting microbial activity crucial for healthy soils.
Animal Integration
Well-managed livestock integration for grazing and natural fertilization
Animal Integration
Integrating livestock into farming systems allows for the symbiotic relationship between animals and the land. Their grazing patterns contribute to nutrient cycling and improve soil fertility.
Right Context
100% of crops grown are appropriate for region
Right Context
Farmers prioritize growing plants and animals suited to their specific environment. By understanding their unique context, they can optimize production while minimizing external inputs.
Minimized Disturbance
100% no-till and no chemical inputs
Minimized Disturbance
Rather than tilling or using chemicals that disrupt soil structure and microbial life, regenerative farmers embrace no-till practices and minimize chemical inputs to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Soil Armor
99% of the operation meets the “fully applied” level of this principle
Soil Armor
Keeping the soil covered with organic matter such as cover crops or crop residues prevents erosion, improves water infiltration and retention while also providing habitat for beneficial organisms.
Enhanced Diversity
99% of the operation meets the “fully applied” level of this principle
Enhanced Diversity
Maximizing diversity within both plant species and beneficial organisms above and below ground enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes natural pest control.
Living Root
Living roots across the growing season, benefitting soil biology colonization and root development
Living Root
Maintaining living roots in the soil at all times ensures continuous nutrient cycling by supporting microbial activity crucial for healthy soils.
Animal Integration
Well-managed livestock integration for grazing and natural fertilization
Animal Integration
Integrating livestock into farming systems allows for the symbiotic relationship between animals and the land. Their grazing patterns contribute to nutrient cycling and improve soil fertility.
A Word From the Farm
Ecosystem Outcomes
Ecosystem processes are the interconnected systems that drive the health and resilience of our land and water resources. Good land management positively impacts those ecosystem processes. Our Verification Standard evaluates these vital processes, ensuring the regeneration of the ecosystem.
Energy Flow
Energy capture is on the right path, enabled by thoughtful management practices.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is all about solar energy or photosynthesis. Unlike the water cycle and mineral cycle, solar energy does not cycle. It flows from the sun to the earth. It is necessary for everything on the planet to survive. Leaving enough plant material behind for its process to occur is crucial to all life.
Water Cycle
Water infiltration and retention is steadily improving.
Water Cycle
In the water cycle, when precipitation reaches the land, farmers and ranchers play a crucial role in determining the water available for plants and animals. With good management practices, they can capture and retain more water, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
Nutrient Cycle
Fewer inputs will be needed to grow crops as soil biology recovers season by season.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle only works effectively when we have good soil biology and microbiology working for us. Bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life in the soil play important roles in cycling nutrients from air and water, making the nutrients accessible to plants.
Diversity
Biodiversity is increasing as soil health profile continues to improve.
Diversity
The greater the diversity that exists in our ecosystem, the better everything functions. This includes plant, insect, bird and other wildlife species diversity. This is also sometimes called biological succession. It involves the changes in the development of all living things.
Energy Flow
Energy capture is on the right path, enabled by thoughtful management practices.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is all about solar energy or photosynthesis. Unlike the water cycle and mineral cycle, solar energy does not cycle. It flows from the sun to the earth. It is necessary for everything on the planet to survive. Leaving enough plant material behind for its process to occur is crucial to all life.
Water Cycle
Water infiltration and retention is steadily improving.
Water Cycle
In the water cycle, when precipitation reaches the land, farmers and ranchers play a crucial role in determining the water available for plants and animals. With good management practices, they can capture and retain more water, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
Nutrient Cycle
Fewer inputs will be needed to grow crops as soil biology recovers season by season.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle only works effectively when we have good soil biology and microbiology working for us. Bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life in the soil play important roles in cycling nutrients from air and water, making the nutrients accessible to plants.
Diversity
Biodiversity is increasing as soil health profile continues to improve.
Diversity
The greater the diversity that exists in our ecosystem, the better everything functions. This includes plant, insect, bird and other wildlife species diversity. This is also sometimes called biological succession. It involves the changes in the development of all living things.
Burroughs Family Farms - Gallery
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