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By Kayla DeKraker
Actor Ian Somerhalder stepped away from acting for farming, a decision he says changed his life in a drastic and wonderful way.
“It shifted my life forever,” he told Fox News Digital of his passion for regenerative agriculture.
Somerhalder joined Josh and Rebecca Tickell in a three-part documentary that explored this type of farming practice. The third installment, titled GROUNDSWELL, was recently released. The documentary was filmed in Zimbabwe.
“That’s how it started, where I realized and saw firsthand how regenerative practices cannot just fix land, heal them and rebuild them into verdant oasis, like wetlands, grasslands,” he said. “And then once I learned from Allan [Savory, a regenerative agriculture pioneer] that grasslands have the potential to be the most enormous carbon sucks, right? That’s how the world used to work.”
Somerhalder shared how he lived in a “military tent” to pursue his passion.
“And popping malaria pills, which as you know gives you most just like horrific, insane dreams and night sweats” he explained. “And you’re dealing with that, you’re getting all this amazing footage and you’re learning and seeing things for the first time — like really seeing the way the world works. And seeing where we’re going.”
Related: Why Actor Ian Somerhalder Traded Hollywood for Farm Life
The first documentary project, KISS THE GROUND, fueled Somerhalder’s passion.
He said, “That was the film that changed all of our lives forever and ever and ever, and set fire to a course that would effectively, for lack of a better word, shift and alter the course of history, agricultural history in the United States of America.”
“KISS THE GROUND is well made. The movie’s experts, farmers and ranchers offer more convincing arguments than most other movies supporting an environmentalist view,” Movieguide®’s review for the 2020 documentary reads. “Though climate change and the buildup of carbon dioxide are mentioned, the discussion isn’t the typical hysterical presentation.”
Movieguide® notes, “Some scientists dispute the claims that regenerative agriculture can greatly reduce or even reverse the buildup of carbon dioxide. Otherwise, however, KISS THE GROUND’s suggestions for improving farming and ranching through regenerative agriculture seem to have merit.”
GROUNDSWELL is currently available on Prime Video and has been rated No. 1 in documentary movies on the streamer.
“This film was made to spark a conversation. To challenge assumptions, open hearts, and bring a vital message to audiences everywhere,” the GROUNDSWELL Instagram account posted.
The caption continued, “Seeing the documentary reach #1 on Amazon Prime is about far more than rankings. It means the message is traveling. It means people are watching, sharing, and engaging with stories that matter. Grateful for every one of you who has watched so far 🫂”
It’s incredible to see the change getting back into nature can make.
Read Next: Why VAMPIRE DIARIES Star Ian Somerhalder Left Hollywood for Family, Farm
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