Photo by Mark Stebnicki.
28 October 2025
“We’re not going to save our place on this planet without animals. And I don’t care whether you want to eat ‘em or not, but we need them. These ecosystems evolved with animals and what they do.” — Dr. Jonathan Lundgren
The latest episode of the ‘Role of animals‘ series of the Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food podcast, co-produced with Datamars Sustainability Foundation, features Dr. Jonathan Lundgren in a wide-ranging discussion with Koen van Seijen about the data, experience, and personal stories emerging from the landmark 1000 Farms Initiative—now spanning over 1,600 regenerative operations.
Centering farmers and communities
Through the voices of farm families and rural leaders, the conversation underscores the real people at the core of agricultural transformation. Lundgren’s research and stories capture the renewed satisfaction and resilience found in farming communities that embrace diverse, inclusive forms of stewardship—where supporting each other and sharing knowledge leads to practical results.
Animals as partners in regeneration
A key takeaway from the episode: healthy landscapes need animals—especially cows—managed intentionally and in harmony with natural cycles. Lundgren’s findings challenge simplistic narratives and show how thoughtfully integrating livestock back into farmscapes, rather than removing them, can catalyze increased biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and overall ecosystem vitality. The discussion highlights that it’s not about the cow, but about the way animals interact with land as part of living systems.
Measurable impact—on land and people
Multiple examples discussed in the episode show how regenerative farms are seeing strong returns: from matching or even surpassing conventional yields, to fostering environments where both nature and business can thrive. Lundgren emphasizes outcomes—more vibrant soils, thriving pollinators, and supportive communities—underlining the need for data-driven approaches that bring transparency to the real effects of regenerative practices.
Moving forward
Listeners will find in this episode a nuanced, field-tested perspective: regeneration is about more than farming methods—it’s about supporting the people doing the work, fostering reciprocal relationships between animals and land, and sharing what’s learned for global benefit. The threads of renewal, cooperation, and evidence quietly reinforce the value of thoughtful, locally rooted change.
Listen to the full episode and discover how practical science, community leadership, and a more holistic understanding of animals all shape the evolving landscape of regenerative agriculture.
Find all episodes in this series on the DMSF Podcast Hub.
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This podcast series is co-created and supported by the Datamars Sustainability Foundation. Discover more about our ongoing projects and join the conversation about building regenerative food systems for the future.
