SONORA, CALIF. — Diestel Family Ranch announced on July 16 it became the first turkey producer to achieve Regenified certification. Regenified’s seal is the first third-party regenerative program to be recognized and accepted by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) for single and multi-ingredient products, according to the company.

To achieve certification, Diestel met Regenified’s 6-3-4 Standards — named for six principles of soil health, three rules of adaptive stewardship and four ecosystem processes.

“For 75 years, my family has committed to more holistic agriculture practices that not only support the best habitat for turkeys raised on our farms but also consider the impact on the land used,” said Heidi Diestel, fourth-generation farmer at Diestel Family Ranch. “Regenified certification is an important recognition of what has always differentiated Diestel turkeys from mass-produced poultry products. We lead with the strictest animal welfare and environmental standards in the market to produce the leanest, cleanest and most delicious birds.” 

Founded in 1949 by Jack Diestel, the Diestel Family Ranch has prioritized the health of its birds and thoughtful farming practices from the start. By earning the Regenified certification, the family farm strives to set the bar high and lead the industry forward.

Regenified’s certification process will help Diestel track its progress in advancing regenerative principles to improve biodiversity, soil health, water quality and nutrient density. 

Regenerating the soil at Diestel starts by feeding the birds corn grown by local farmers. Earlier this spring, Diestel sourced 650 tonnes of Certified Regenified corn. By 2035, the farm looks to replace half of its feed with Certified Regenified corn.

To mimic turkeys’ natural habitat, Diestel has set out to create a shaded environment that replicates trees in a forest. All birds on the property are given access to open land that includes over two miles of evergreen, perennial shrubs, grasses and flowering trees. The plants were selected to promote biodiversity, attracting beneficial insects, improving water quality and creating a diverse landscape along with ecosystem function.

Adding to a healthy, diverse environment, Diestel turns its organic waste into valuable, nutrient-dense compost. The farm diverts 2,117 tonnes of waste annually from landfills and produces roughly 6,350 tonnes of compost for local use.

As for the birds’ health, Diestel uses probiotics over traditional chemicals to support a healthy ecosystem on the farm and beyond.