Utah State University Analysis on Diestel Regenerative Turkeys Indicates that Diestel Birds Raised with Regenerative Farming Practices Have Improved Nutritional Profiles Over Conventionally Raised Turkeys
Analysis conducted by the Center for Human Nutrition Studies at Utah State University on behalf of Regenified and Diestel Family Ranch, confirms that Diestel turkeys grown with regenerative farming practices are not only better for the land but can also improve fatty acid ratios and phytochemicals in turkeys. This news comes just in time for the holidays, as Diestel, a fourth-generation family ranch, helps consumers get ready to set their tables with a wide-range of sustainably-raised turkey options.
Regenerative agriculture prioritizes the health of the soil and eliminates industrial farming practices that have been known to negatively impact the planet. Through practices like rotational grazing, reduced tilling, crop rotations and maintaining vegetative cover, regenerative farming can not only sustain farms but also help them thrive. Diestel’s regenerative birds were the first to be fed 650-tons of U.S.-grown Certified Regenerative feed that directly improves bird and soil health. In addition, Diestel turkeys have access to open land that was designed to replicate their natural shaded forest habitat.
“We’ve always known that our farming practices are better for the land, but now we have initial data to confirm that our practices directly impact the health of our birds too,” said Heidi Diestel, fourth generation farmer at Diestel Family Turkey Ranch. “Even as a small family-owned business, we’ve aspired to always do the right thing for our birds and the planet.”
Additional Analysis Findings
- Mineral Content: The Diestel brand has higher levels of zinc than a national leading brand. Zinc is crucial for immune function and DNA synthesis.
- Antioxidant Compounds: Antioxidant phytochemicals are transferred from the plants that turkey eat are transferred into their meat. The analysis found that the Regenerative Diestel ground had higher levels of phytochemicals compared to a national leading brand, likely the result of consuming plants on pasture and/or the non-gmo regenerative feed that they consumed.
- Vitamin Concentrations: Vitamins B3 and B12 were found to be higher in the Diestel Regenerative samples compared to a national leading brand.
- Protein Concentrations: The Diestel Regenerative breast samples had slightly higher protein levels than the national leading brand.