Watch Polyfaces

Polyfaces is a 2015 documentary that follows the journey of the Salatin family as they run their regenerative farm Polyface. The farm, located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, is dedicated to providing its community with locally sourced, sustainable and nutritious food. Joel Salatin, the farm's founder and owner, is known for his advocacy of the regenerative agriculture movement. With him and his family, the movie explores the workings of Polyface -its innovative methods, its challenges and triumphs- and the family's unbridled passion for sustainable farming.

The film begins with a brief overview of Polyface's history and Joel's vision for what he calls "beyond organic" farming. He talks about how he's dedicated his life to finding a way to make a living while also achieving the goal of sustainable food production. This is an indication of how the documentary is going to delve into the specifics of running a regenerative farm.

The family's passion for their work is palpable, as is their respect for the animals and land they work with. The Salatin's approach to farming is defined in their motto, "We're not just farmers, we're healers of the land." They believe that a farm should work as an ecosystem that strives for balance and harmony. Hence the titular "Polyfaces," which refers to the multiple species of plants and animals that make up the farm's ecosystem.

The film spends a significant amount of time showcasing the different components of the farm: the pastures, the chicken coops, the cattle, the pigs, the rabbits, and more. It's fascinating to see how each species is integrated into the sustainable farming system, with every animal having a specific role to play in the overall health of the farm's ecosystem.

One of the most striking aspects of Polyfaces is how much the Salatin family involves the community in their farm. We see local customers picking up their weekly orders of meat, vegetables and eggs, and the Salatins interacting with them, answering questions and sharing stories. It's not just about producing food, but also about fostering a connection between farmers and their community.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Polyface is not an easy operation to run. The family faces droughts, predators, and the harshness of winter, all of which could easily derail their entire enterprise. They also face political opposition from those who don't support their model of farming.

Still, the Salatins are passionate about what they do, and they refuse to let anything stop them from pursuing their vision. They're determined to prove that sustainable, regenerative farming can be profitable and practical.

Polyfaces is an inspiring and informative documentary that anyone interested in sustainable agriculture will appreciate. It presents the Salatin family and their farm with a satisfyingly holistic approach, covering everything from the earthworms in the soil to the farmers selling their goods at local markets. At its core, the movie is a story about people who, by putting the health of the environment first, find ways to make their farm a healthier place for themselves, their animals, and their community.

In conclusion, Polyfaces is more than just a documentary about sustainable farming. It's a testament to the power of innovation, unity, and the connection between human beings and the natural world. This film serves as a reminder that the choices we make about our food and how it's produced have a critical impact on our environment, our health, and our overall well-being.