We recently created a couple belt buckles for Prairie Creek Farm, an Oklahoma based regenerative farm. We delivered the buckles to Farmers Jason and Nate and enjoyed one of the best meals of my life in their new farm store, prepared by chef Marco Herrera of the Noche restaurant.

Not many people know that we have a long history with regenerative agriculture. When considering time spent on diverse landscapes, doing the hard labor required in farming, rich memories flood my being. Memories of loading my infant son in a backpack at 5am to go milk the goats, memories of the first onions I ever harvested, firm and golden, with such a delightful pop as they exited the soil. Memories of early mornings bringing cows into milk, doing my very best to imitate farmer Ron’s deep “Come giiiiiiiiirls” holler that he used to guide the herd to the barn. 

We envisioned raising our kids on a farm, close to nature, growing the food we consumed. Life had different plans, and after 5 years living on farms, a passion for the arts led us to found Dillon Rose and be, at least temporarily, less physically involved in the art of agriculture. Farming will forever have fingerprints on my life, coloring my perspective and appreciation for the natural world.

Regenerative farming begins and ends with the soil. How healthy the soil is dictates the health, vitality and growing power of the organisms that support life. Whether those organisms are vegetables, legumes, or grains for a plant based diet or the grass, bugs and grains that support animal husbandry, soil is the building block. The most foundational natural element for human life is one we rarely see or consider but is worth our efforts to cultivate and protect. 

My work in agriculture deepened my connection to the natural world and led me to join 1% For the Planet with Dillon Rose. The gemstones, diamonds and metals we use are natural elements that at one point came from the earth. Even though the vast majority of our goods are recycled and don’t contribute to mining, as a business we still leave a footprint. It’s important to us to be investing in the conservation of wild spaces, the protection of the natural environment and overall appreciating the soil that sustains us.

Big thanks to Prairie Creek Farms for their involvement in regenerative agriculture. They are one of the few farms thinking about agriculture holistically, starting with the soil, and providing healthy life systems for the animals they raise. We loved creating these belt buckles for them and will appreciate the beef we received in payment. Three cheers for a healthy barter!

Farmers Nate and Jason in their new belt buckles.