Livestock Integration

The Ewe-nique Role of Sheep

Video courtesy of Thunder Mountain Media

Dane

Jensen

Meet Dane Jensen, our Regenerative Lead and Livestock Manager, whose passion and deep understanding of sheep behavior and ecosystem dynamics allows him to adeptly manage grazing patterns that promote biodiversity and soil health. It’s a pretty cool job too!

0:00

Video courtesy of Occudocs, a Thunder Mountain Media production

Dane Jensen, Farm Manager, and Collin Mallet, Assistant Manager raise and look after our happy and productive flock.

Our over 400 Katahdin sheep offer significant benefit to our soil and grapevine health through their unique grazing habits and contribute to vineyard sustainability by efficiently managing vegetation.

Our sheep are rotationally grazed every couple of days to fresh pasture or in the vine lines, depending on the time of year. This not only helps to control weeds and reduce the need for mechanical or chemical interventions, it also enhances the soil structure through trampling and nutrient cycling.

Additionally, the sheep droppings enrich the soil with organic matter, fostering microbial activity crucial for vine health and producing more nutrient dense food.

0:00

Nutrient Density, Backed by Data

Union Grove lamb was independently analyzed in a nutrient density study conducted with Utah State University as part of the Regenified™ framework. The results show that our lamb delivers exceptional nutritional value when compared to both grass-fed and grain-fed beef.

More balanced fats

Union Grove lamb has a healthier omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (2.1) than both grass-fed beef (2.2) and grain-fed beef (7.2), supporting lower inflammation and better metabolic health.

Higher vitamin content

The lamb tested higher in nearly all B-vitamins, as well as choline and betaine, nutrients critical for energy production, brain function, and overall cellular health.

Exceptionally high antioxidants

Union Grove lamb showed the highest total antioxidant levels measured, exceeding grass-fed beef, grain-fed beef, and even a New Zealand grass-fed lamb control. These compounds help protect against oxidative stress and support long-term health.

Stronger mineral profile

Calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium levels were higher than both beef benchmarks, with only slightly lower zinc. Overall mineral density exceeded conventional comparisons.

Why This Matters

View Full Report

The study concludes that Union Grove lamb is more nutrient-dense than both grass-fed and grain-fed beef. The findings also support what regenerative farmers see in practice: diverse pasture systems lead directly to more nutrient-dense food.