While we know that healthy soil is a necessity for healthy food, and that our work helps farmers and ranchers create and maintain healthy soil, like many of you, making that final connection has remained elusive. However, I started to really think about this because of today: World Soil Day. The day that everything soil is celebrated. I admit that I haven't always realized the importance of healthy soil. I suspect you’re in the same place that I was. I wanted to eat healthy food, but I honestly never gave it much thought as to how my food was grown, or more importantly, what it was grown in. Let’s think about this for a minute. You wouldn’t brew your morning coffee using dirty water. If you dropped your eggs on the floor this morning, chances are that you didn’t pick them up and resume eating them. You’re probably very conscious of the type of ingredients in your food, and you likely pass up empty calorie, sugar-laden foods during your trips to the grocery store. So why would you want your food grown in contaminated soil? I think we’re all vaguely aware of the fertilizers and pesticides frequently used in large, industrial farms. Have you, like many, simply accepted as fact that these contaminants are needed to produce food? Would it surprise you to learn that they’re not? That farmers and ranchers that practice regenerative agriculture grow foods and raise livestock on soil that is laden with bio-diversity and organic matter every day? Let's be honest. Given a choice, which would you prefer? Today, in honor of World Soils Day, make a promise to yourself, to your family, and to the environment. Promise to seek out healthy foods grown in a sustainable, regenerative manner.Visit your local farmers market – and get to know the people growing your food. While you’re at it, thank them for helping to provide your community with the fresh, nutrient-dense food that we all need. And one more thing. Don’t take that soil for granted. Your future depends on it. To learn more about regenerative agriculture, or to sign up for a class, visit our website at holisticmanagement.org.