Argyle Acres Farm in Liberty, Utah, is undergoing an agricultural revolution by prioritizing soil health over traditional profit margins, according to a September 30 report by The Ogdenite.
By utilizing a "soil-first" philosophy, the 60-acre farm seeks to restore the local ecosystem naturally through regenerative practices.
Chris Argyle, the farmer behind the operation, stated that decisions are made based on what the soil requires rather than immediate financial gain. This approach uses animal movement to replenish the earth, which Argyle believes will encourage deeper root systems and potentially eliminate the need for watering.
Natural grazing is a central component of this restoration process. Argyle noted that when cows graze, the action of pulling grass disperses microbes and encourages regrowth, a process he compared to a steroid for the grass. Additionally, chickens are rotated daily, and pigs are used for land management by clearing underbrush in forested areas to assist with fire mitigation and encourage native grass return.
The farm currently maintains 50 pigs, which Argyle noted are raised without the stress-induced docking common in large-scale operations. Argyle expressed concerns regarding industrial food systems, suggesting that corporations often cause people to buy food blindly without understanding the environmental impact.
Beyond livestock, the farm is working to rehabilitate a nearby ranch acquired in 2022 through a partnership with Harmony Ranch. This land, which was previously depleted by chemical use and conventional overgrazing, is being restored by transplanting willow trees to attract beavers and restore local fish and wildlife.
The farm's commitment to community includes hosting summer camps in June to teach children about food origins and operating a stand at the Farmers Market Ogden every Saturday. Argyle has also been involved in advocacy, traveling to Washington, D.C., with the Utah nonprofit Red Acre Center to support food freedom and consumer rights regarding raw dairy and direct sales.
Argyle Acres Farm will host its first harvest festival on Oct. 3. This local celebration is scheduled to feature live music and food sourced entirely from area harvests rather than industrial distributors.
