A Visit to White Oak Pastures

March 22, 2023

A Visit to White Oak Pastures

Our family with Mr. Will Harris

Last year, we heard about White Oak Pastures, a regenerative, multi-species farm in Bluffton, Georgia. Our interest peeked when we heard Mr. Will Harris, a fourth-generation cattleman, talk about their farm's stand for humane animal management and rebuilding the soil organically. We immediately started researching his operation and were fascinated by its tremendous success! When we learned that they offered farm tours, we began to plan our visit.

Early Saturday, February 11th, we woke up, quickly finished our chores, and drove 4 1/2 hours across Georgia. The tour began at 11am! We were delighted to find that our guide was Jodi Harris Benoit, daughter of Will Harris! We learned that, even though the farm was founded in 1866, it supported various farming methods. The current generations, though, are committed to holistic principles and zero waste. Since the farm is hundreds of acres, we were taken to the education center to watch videos presenting the entire production--start to finish. Each animal is given a peaceful, healthy life, where they can exhibit natural behaviors, and a humane death. We also toured the workshop, where White Oak Pastures uses all of the hides, tallow, and other portions of their cattle for non-food items like leather purses and wallets, soaps, and pet chews. They offer their products in their quaint General Store and on their website! After the tour, we used the map provided to drive to different pastures and buildings on the farm. Even though the weather was rather unfavorable (it was almost constantly raining!), we thoroughly enjoyed our visit!

We drove home excited and inspired to keep pressing towards this vision of regenerative farming! Agriculture does not have to deplete our soils and ruin our natural resources--it can enrich the soil and enhance our natural resources. In addition, livestock (whether raised for meat or not) should be given an excellent quality of life and a respectful death. This is how God designed farming to be! Look into this information!