About our Farm

Founding of the Farm

Willow Creek Ranch LLC is a family-owned and operated business located along the alluvial flood plains of the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, LA. It was founded in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic. Amié Burnham and Jeremy Burnham, the co-owners, saw the pandemic as a reminder of the importance of health, both physical and environmental, and decided to use their land to create a space where they could work towards healing both the land and people.

The founding of Willow Creek Ranch was inspired by a desire to promote sustainable and regenerative farming practices. The owners believed that by using their land to produce high-quality, healthy food products, they could not only improve the health of the land but also the health of the local community. They envisioned a space where people could connect with the land, learn about sustainable farming practices, and enjoy healthy, locally-sourced food. As co-owners, Amié and Jeremy share the responsibilities of managing and running the ranch, bringing their unique skills and experiences to the table.

Amié Burnham grew up in a small town in Louisiana where she developed a strong appreciation for hard work and the importance of community. She has a background in fitness and nutrition, having pursued her passion for health and wellness at a young age and as a fitness competitor. She has extensive experience in the corporate wellness industry, working with individuals and entire companies to incorporate strategies that lower their rates of chronic disease and improve their ability to enjoy life to the fullest. This experience has given her a unique perspective on the connection between healthy living and healthy food, a belief that she brings to Willow Creek Ranch.

Jeremy Burnham has a a medical degree, a degree in biological sciences, and extensive experience in the field of sports medicine and sports performance. This not only helps him to understand the importance of health and wellness, but it also gives him a unique perspective on the health benefits of organic and regenerative farming practices, as well as the nutrient-dense foods they produce. He grew up around horses and livestock and has long appreciated the role of nature and animals in healthy lifestyles.

His experience in sports medicine has taught him about the impact of diet and nutrition on health, and he understands the importance of food that is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals and pesticides. He recognizes the health benefits of consuming products from animals raised on regenerative farms, where the focus is on improving the health of the soil, the animals, and the people who consume the products.

Symbolism of the Willow Tree

The choice of the name Willow Creek Ranch for our farm was purposeful, reflecting deeply held values and beliefs. The willow tree, with its associations of healing, health, and resilience, holds a significant place in history, including biblical times.

Throughout ancient civilizations, the willow tree was revered for its medicinal properties, often planted near homes and places of worship as a symbol of healing and protection. The tree’s supple branches symbolized resilience, representing the capacity to bend without breaking in the face of adversity.

Our farm property is blessed with several native willow trees, which not only provide shade for our livestock but also contribute to the balance of our ecosystem. Willow trees have a remarkable ability to collaborate with soil microbes, replenishing nitrogen content and enhancing soil health. They excel at absorbing excessive rainfall, helping to prevent soil erosion during floods. Furthermore, farmers worldwide utilize willow trees to offer supplementary forage during prolonged droughts, showcasing their versatility.

In scripture, the willow tree receives positive depictions, symbolizing virtues and blessings. In the book of Ezekiel, a vision of a future temple features the river of God, nourishing the surrounding trees, including the willow. This flourishing portrayal signifies abundance, fertility, and divine blessings. Additionally, in Isaiah, the willow tree stands alongside other trees like the oak and the myrtle, representing the renewal and restoration of God’s people. This imagery conveys a message of hope, resilience, and the unwavering presence of divine faithfulness. Hence, the willow tree in scripture evokes themes of abundance, restoration, and the enduring blessings bestowed by the divine.

The founders of Willow Creek Ranch wanted to capture these same values and beliefs in the name of their business. They saw the willow tree as a symbol of their commitment to promoting health and well-being, both for the land and the animals, and for the people who enjoy healthy, locally sourced food from the ranch.

Our Grazing Practices

At our farm, we prioritize the well-being of our animals by implementing a rotational grazing system that encompasses perennial pastures and wooded areas. This approach, known by various names such as multi-paddock adaptive grazing (MAG), rotational grazing, multi-species rotational grazing, and holistic grazing, emulates the natural grazing patterns observed before the advent of fences and automation in food production.

In this method, our animals are moved through a series of small paddocks instead of being allowed to freely graze on a large pasture. By doing so, we enable the grass in each paddock to recover before it is grazed again, resulting in healthier and more productive pastures over time. We employ a diverse range of animal species that collaborate symbiotically by foraging on different types of plants, insects, and grubs, while simultaneously enriching the soil with a variety of nutrients.

Furthermore, the movement of the animals serves to fertilize the soil and disperse plant seeds, contributing to a more diverse and resilient ecosystem. This multi-paddock adaptive grazing technique represents a sustainable and regenerative practice that promotes soil health, enhances biodiversity, and reduces the reliance on chemical inputs.

Our Policy on Antibiotics, Hormones, and Chemicals

On our farm, we maintain a strict stance against the use of synthetic insecticides and pesticides. Our zero-tolerance policy ensures that these artificial chemicals have no place in our practices. Additionally, we refrain from administering prophylactic antibiotics, hormones, or any other non-natural substances to our animals. Instead, we prioritize their well-being by providing them with certified organic feed and allowing them to graze on natural forage exclusively.

The decision to avoid artificial chemicals is supported by numerous scientific studies. These studies consistently highlight the benefits of this approach, as it fosters a harmonious coexistence of beneficial microbes, insects, and plant species. By maintaining a balance in our ecosystem, we not only promote the welfare of our animals but also protect the environment. Ultimately, the food produced on our farm is not only healthier but also safer for humans to consume.