Meet Patrick Johnson
USA Regenerative Ag Director
Patrick Johnston was born into agriculture. He has developed a deep love of land and an appreciation for the life agriculture affords him and his family.
He graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a dual major in animal science and agribusiness/ economics. Patrick is a firefighter with the Greeneville Fire Department and has served for 6 years as medic with the Tennessee National Guard.
The Johnston family roots are planted deep in the Tennessee soils of Greene Country.
Johnston Farms has been part of Tennessee’s history since the late 1800’s. With beef cattle and hay production still at its center, the farm is currently home to 3 generations.
Big Ideas and Small Footprints
As with any longstanding operation there has change on the farm. Patrick and his family are embracing new ways of thinking that are bringing new opportunities to their operation.
A portion of the farm has been set aside as a wedding venue. The Johnston Farm has been an extended family destination for years but in 2018 the Home Place at Johnston Farm was constructed to offer a unique opportunity where couples come to begin their life together.
“Inviting guests to the farm has offered many an intimate look into farm life that they may not have experienced before. Seeing the cattle graze in pastures opens up opportunities for us to promote our grass-based beef operation and regenerative ag practices,” Patrick notes.
One rather unusual practice on the Johnston Farm is working cattle from horseback. “I am committed to practices that leave a small footprint; the horses are a part of that,” says Patrick.
“Working cattle from horseback enables us to develop and maintain a management system that is extremely low stress. We address most medical issues right in the pasture without moving the cattle. This allows calves and cows to stay together, no sorting or separating them is needed. The dispositions of the cattle have improved with us riding through the herd, making management even easier and safer for us and the cattle.”
His work with USA Regenerative Ag Alliance enables Patrick to support regenerative ag, encourage others to explore its many benefits for farms and for the environment while also continually learning and sharing with those outside agriculture.
