The Regenaissance Podcast Losing My Farm, Being Outed From Dairy, And Lessons For Future Food - Jr Burdick | #93
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Nov 12, 2025 JR Burdick, a multi-generation farmer and founder of Nourishing Family Farm, shares his transition from conventional dairy to regenerative practices after facing significant losses. He reflects on the 1980s farm crisis, exposing the perils of industrial agriculture while advocating for local food sovereignty. JR emphasizes the importance of direct-to-consumer sales and the emotional toll of farming dynamics. He also challenges myths around raw milk, discussing its benefits and the need for consumers to reconnect with their food sources.
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Differentiate To Escape The Commodity Trap
- If you want to escape commodity squeezing, differentiate and sell direct or make specialty products despite higher fixed costs. Build low-cost, locally focused bottling or niche cheese lines and trade volume for consumer connection.
Finding Identity Again As A Dairy Farmer
- JR returned to milking full-time and felt renewed identity as a dairy farmer, but family tensions and financial stress followed. He tells of a wedding conversation where saying 'I'm a dairy farmer' restored a sense of belonging.
Kicked Out For Refusing An ESG-Style Contract
- In 2022 a co-op pressured members to sign a long 'FARM' contract for ESG and third‑party audits; JR refused and the co-op stopped taking his milk. He describes reading the contract, asking pointed questions, and being 'voluntarily' excluded.
