Regenerative Agriculture Podcast
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236 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Episode 87: Managing Ecological Systems with Living Mulches in Orchard and Vegetable Production with Helen Atthowe
6 juli 2023 · 1 uur 28 min
Helen Atthowe is an author and farmer who has worked on developing systems that focus on ecological health by utilizing living mulches and minimal tillage. She is passionate about using the natural nutrient cycles present in ecosystems to reduce system inputs. Her research and experience have shown how focusing on the system can impact weed, disease, and pest management. Lees meer
She and her late husband, Carl Rosato, co-owned and operated a certified organic orchard in California, where they pioneered methods for raising apples, peaches, and other crops to replace the need for pesticides. She also farmed and conducted additional research at Wood Leaf Farm in Eastern Oregon until early 2023. Now living in Western Montana, she is starting a new farm where she has planted a no-till orchard. Atthowe has a master's degree in horticulture from Rutgers University and has worked in education and research at many other institutions.
In this conversation, John and Helen discuss:
No-till living mulch systems in orchards
Managing ecological systems with residues
Strategies for disease and pest management
Minimizing inputs and maintaining yields
Mowing management and the importance of timing
Thinning and pruning practices
Vole management outcomes
Selective strip-till system in vegetable production
Click here to check out Helen's new book, The Ecological Farm
About John Kempf
John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.
Support For This Show & Helping You Grow
Since 2006, AEA has been o… -
Episode 86: Regenerating Hearts and Minds, The Basis of Regenerative Agriculture with Charles Eisenstein
22 juni 2023 · 1 uur 3 min
Charles Eisenstein is a speaker, teacher, and author. A graduate of Yale University with a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy, his work covers various topics, including human civilization, economics, spirituality, and ecology. His published works include "The Coronation," "The Ascent of Humanity," "Sacred Economics," "The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible," and "Climate—A New Story." In the last-mentioned title, he argues that reducing environmental discourse into the single issue of global warming is a huge mistake for the environmental movement. The book focuses instead on the "Living Planet" view, envisioning what our relationship to nature might be if we saw that everything is alive, conscious, and sacred. Overall, his primary interest is exploring the boundaries of what is possible according to our received beliefs, habits, technologies, and ways of knowing. Lees meer
In this conversation, John and Charles discuss:
What defines regeneration
What we need to do to embrace regenerative landscapes
Why the quality of our life depends on the quality of our relationships
Indigenous knowledge of landscape management
The understanding of what real wealth is
The differences between control and responsibility
The Importance of exercising our capacity to create
The growing community and movement of regenerative farmers
To learn more about Charles Eisenstein and his work, please visit his website at https://charleseisenstein.org/ or subscribe to his substack at https://charleseisenstein.substack.com/
To learn more about his published work, please visit https://charleseisenstein.org/books/
About John Kempf
John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry l…
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Episode 85: The Opportunities That Come From Regenerative Agriculture with Steve Tucker
8 juni 2023 · 1 uur 11 min
Steve Tucker is a western Nebraska dryland producer who has been farming for 30 years. He introduced regenerative practices into his operation over 10 years ago and values diversity in his approach. Growing upwards of 10 crops per year while integrating livestock, such as chickens, pigs, and cows. Steve also uses no-till farming practices and biological applications on his farm. Steve advocates for growers to market themselves in order to access more opportunities and advises them to look for alternate streams of income for the crops they are growing. Lees meer
Steve runs Agriforce Seed with his business partner Jeff Olsen. Steve grows sunflower, hay millet, oats, yellow field peas, winter wheat, Golden German hay millet, and forage pea/oat hay blends. His ultimate goal is to build soil health by mobilizing soil microorganisms to grow better, higher quality, more nutrient-dense food.
In this episode, John and Steve discuss:
Being content with the size of the farm you operate
Making connections by marketing yourself
Selling by the pound vs selling by the bushel
Looking for sales opportunities around you to sell
Pursuing multiple streams of farm income
Identifying opportunities that come from promoting more life on the farm
Using biologicals, including AEA's BioCoat Gold
Finding the freedom of doing things on your own terms
AgriForce Seed is Nebraska's largest pulse seed producer. Agriforce provides yellow peas, chickpeas, and many other types of pulse crop seeds. Also available are hay millet seed and a large selection of cover crop seeds and forage products. To learn more, call 308-289-4853
To learn more about AEA's BioCoat Gold, please visit - https://land.advancingecoag.com/buy-biocoat-gold-now
About John Kempf
John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in the field of biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global eff… -
Episode #84: Joel Williams
25 mei 2023 · 1 uur 23 min
Joel Williams is an independent plant and soil health educator who provides lectures, workshops, and consultations on soil management, plant nutrition, and integrated approaches to sustainable food production. Joel enjoys designing farming systems that focus on managing soil biology along with crop and soil nutrition to optimize plant immunity and soil function. He has extensive experience working in Australia, the UK, and Canada, integrating soil and plant analyses as a joined-up strategy for managing production. Lees meer
In this episode, Joel and John discuss:
The differences between the chemistry vs. biology approach
The importance of a well-structured soil
Reasons for using biological seed coatings
Efficiencies of foliar applications vs. soil applications
Crop responses to incremental changes over extended periods
Strategies for efficient foliar applications
Nitrogen applications and management
Yield expectations during regenerative transitions
To learn more about Joel and his work, please visit https://integratedsoils.com/
About John Kempf
John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture. A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.
Support For This Show & Helping You Grow
The recognized leader in regenerative agriculture since 2006, Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) is on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable.AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering …
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Episode #83: John Warmerdam
9 mei 2023 · 1 uur 23 min
John Warmerdam is a third-generation stone fruit grower in the San Joaquin Valley of California. His grandfather came to the area from Holland in 1911 and started a small farming operation that John's father, John N. Warmerdam, eventually took over. Today John and his dad farm over 350 acres of peaches, plums, nectarines, kiwi, and almonds. The Warmerdams also have one of the largest cherry-growing operations in the southern San Joaquin Valley and have been innovators in the fruit packing industry for 45 years. In this episode, they discuss: Lees meer
Cultural management practices for stone fruit
Transitions in his farming systems
Mite management
Driving factors for considering regenerative management
Pruning and thinning management
Future water usage issues
Generational shifts in farming
Additional Resources:
Concepts for Understanding Fruit Trees by Theodore DeJongLearn more about Warmerdam Packing
Learn more about John WarmerdamAbout John Kempf
John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture. A top expert in the field of biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.
Support For This Show & Helping You Grow
The recognized leader in regenerative agriculture since 2006, AEA (Advancing Eco Agriculture) is on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable.AEA works directly with growers on the application of its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data gathering techniques, AEA's science-based programs empower farm operations to meet …
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Episode #82: Dr. Erin Silva
19 januari 2023 · 1 uur 2 min
Dr. Erin Silva is an Associate Professor and State Extension Specialist in Organic and Sustainable Cropping Systems in the Department of Plant Pathology as well as the Director for the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW-Madison. Lees meer
After completing a Ph.D. in Horticulture at Washington State University, Dr. Silva obtained a faculty position at New Mexico State University. During her tenure at NMSU, Dr. Silva taught courses on organic vegetable production, including an experiential learning course integrating the campus working student organic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm. Dr. Silva initiated several organic research projects at NMSU, including work on a cover crop-based reduced tillage approach for organic vegetable crops and breeding vegetables for organic production systems.
These research themes continued as Dr. Silva moved into the first organically focused research position at the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in 2006. Through her work at UW-Madison, she has developed an internationally recognized program that improves the management of organic production systems and increases the profitability and sustainability for organic producers and rural communities.
In this episode, Dr. Silva and John discuss the following:
To find out more information about Erin's research, please visit https://uworganic.wisc.edu/ograin/. OGRAIN, The Organic Grain Resource and Information Network, exists to provide farmers access to research and to form a community of organic grain producers.
About John Kempf
John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, a plant nutrition and biostimulants consulting company. A top expert in the field of biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who are growing that supply.Through intense…
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Episode #81: Fred Provenza
20 december 2022 · 1 uur 17 min
Fred Provenza, Professor Emeritus of Behavioral Ecology at Utah State University, is the co-founder of BEHAVE (Behavioral Education for Human, Animal, Vegetation and Ecosystem Management), an international research and outreach program that seeks to understand the principles of animal behavior. For the past 30 years, this group has produced ground-breaking research that laid the foundations for what is now known as behavior-based management of landscapes. Lees meer
Through his research, books, and speaking engagements, Fred has paved the way for the behavior-based management of landscapes. His work has influenced researchers across disciplines.
In this episode, Fred and John Kempf discuss:
The consciousness of plants and animals, and our relationships to them
The relationships between domestic animals, crops, and healthy landscapes
Fred's understanding of the gut microbiome of livestock and how it changes with diverse diets
The pathway for regenerating millions of arid acres in the US West
Appreciating the culture and heritage of animals
The functional significance of both human and animal family structures
Fred has authored three books:
Nourishment: What Animals Can Teach Us about Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/nourishment
Also available on audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/An-Original-Audiobook-Adaptation-of-Nourishment-Audiobook/B0BKH5NBF5
Foraging Behavior: Managing to Survive in a World of Change: https://www.amazon.com/Foraging-Behavior-Managing-Survive-Change/dp/0970389922
The Art & Science of Shepherding: Tapping the Wisdom of French Herders: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-art-and-science-of-shepherding
Support For This Show & Helping You Grow
This show is brought to you by Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), leaders in regenerative agriculture since 2006.
AEA produces the highest quality biological and mineral nutrition products along with offering Plant Sap Analysis, and regenerative progr…
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Episode #80: Kelly Mulville
17 maart 2022 · 1 uur 11 min
Kelly Mulville, a veteran agricultural consultant, is the Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch in San Benito County, California. For more than 25 years, Kelly has been obtaining impressive results by merging his experience in viticulture with his understanding of Allan Savory's holistic grazing management techniques. His approach to extended-season vineyard livestock grazing and other ecological practices continue to capture an audience of vineyard managers around the globe. Lees meer
Kelly and John discuss in this episode:
How Kelly developed practices around incorporating sheep into his vineyard management.
Flooring a wildlife biologist with the bird population data on Kelly's vineyard after implementing new practices.
The role plant-grazing animals play in reducing insect pressures.
Kelly's cover cropping strategy and how it has led to a diversity of 50 species of plants growing in the vineyard.
The specific holistic management techniques inspired by Allan Savory's work that have contributed to vineyard success.
The adaptability of these practices on other crops like nuts and tree crops.
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Episode #79: Joe Lewis
24 februari 2022 · 1 uur 34 min
Joe Lewis is an internationally renowned scientist recognized for his work in entomology and agricultural studies. His discoveries in the behavioral and chemical interactions of parasitoids, insect herbivores, and plants have played a critical role in our understanding of ecological growing. He is also the author of A New Farm Language: How a Sharecropper's Son Discovered a World of Talking Plants, Smart Insects, and Natural Solutions. Lees meer
Listen as Joe and John discuss:
Joe's introduction to agriculture growing up on a Mississippi cotton farm
The discovery of plants utilizing chemical compounds to alert parasitic wasps to the presence of caterpillars.
The first demonstration of associative learning in parasitic wasps.
Sensitivity of signals between plants and parasitic wasps, including how they differentiate from food and host.
Environmental impacts that have led to unbalanced increases in insect pressures.
The value of cover cropping to provide a nectar source for insects during production season.
Changing the paradigm from "how to kill this pest" to "why is this pest a pest?"
A New Farm Language by Joe Lewis: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/a-new-farm-language
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Episode #78: Adam Chappell
30 december 2021 · 54 min
Adam Chappell is a regenerative grower and cover crop advocate from Cotton Plant, Arkansas. Adam started growing with his dad and brother on their 7,500 acre property in 2005, but by 2009 pigweed issues alone had nearly pushed them into bankruptcy. Knowing there had to be a better way, Adam began educating himself about the power of regenerative agriculture, implementing a cover cropping strategy that he claims saved the family farm. Today, Adam's operation grows a variety of broadacre crops and continues to make strides in ecological health and crop performance. Lees meer
Throughout their conversation, Adam and AEA Founder John Kempf discuss:
Adam's start in agriculture and how cover cropping brought the farm "from the brink of bankruptcy to a profitable enterprise."
Adam's current methodologies for crop rotation and cover cropping.
How the adoption of regenerative practices has contributed to improved profitability.
Adam's background in entomology and ecology and the shifts in insect populations he has seen over time.
Questioning the necessity of soil testing and becoming wary of "sales tools."
Implementing Dr. Norman Lupo's root intensification method and other row spacing strategies.
Livestock integration and the story of Adam's first purchase of cattle.
Why Adam's goals for the future include "getting smaller."
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Episode #77: Rick Clark
24 november 2021 · 1 uur 30 min
Rick Clark is a fifth-generation farmer from Warren County, Indiana. Driven by a desire to work alongside mother nature, Rick has been implementing regenerative practices on his farm for almost a decade. Rick's commitment to soil health has allowed him to grow his operation to 7000 organic, no-till acres, in part by employing a variety of cover cropping and weed control techniques. Lees meer
In their conversation, Rick and John Kempf discuss:
Rick's journey to a fully organic operation
Conventional agriculture's "dependency on chemistry" and the best practices for conventional burn down
Rick's humbling experiences experimenting with cover crops in the early days
How planting multiple cash crops together could be the future of agriculture
Handling foxtail and other difficult weeds through regenerative practices
The power of diversity and rotation in a no-tillage system
Rick's take on farm economics and how he is saving almost $1.7 million a year in inputs
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Episode #76: Tim Parton
30 september 2021 · 52 min
Tim Parton is a regenerative agriculture advocate and Farm Manager at Brewood Park Farm in the United Kingdom. Tim has been implementing regenerative practices on his 300-hectare estate for over 15 years. He has received several accolades for his work, such as being named the Arable Innovator of the Year by British Farming Awards and receiving the Farm Innovator of the Year award from Farmers Weekly. Lees meer
Throughout their conversation, Tim and John discuss:
Tim's background and retreat from intensive pesticide use.
How balancing plant nutrition helped Tim cultivate canola seedlings that are resistant to flea beetles.
Tim's experience with Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (or BYDV) and how he manages aphids in an ecological system.
Foliar application systems and their economic impacts.
Increases in commodity fertilizer prices and what this means for the financial viability of regenerative agriculture.
How Tim has managed to not apply any NPK fertilizers for more than a decade.
The cultural management practices that have replaced fungicide applications on Tim's farm.
The importance of carbon sequestration, educating consumers, and sharing information among growers.
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Episode #75: James Johnson
6 augustus 2021 · 1 uur 36 min
James Johnson is a fourth-generation farmer in New Mexico and the Vice President of Carzalia Valley Produce. When James finally took over the family farm in the early 2000s the outlook of his operation seemed grim. After many years of trial and error with various practices, James found the Advancing Eco Agriculture team where he discovered the benefits of regenerative agriculture. Lees meer
Thanks to his partnership with AEA, James achieved an outstanding yield of 1,490 lbs/acre for Pima Cotton at the end of harvest season 2020 while his county average was 880 lbs/acre!
In this episode, James and AEA founder John Kempf discuss:
The shift in agronomy management on James' farm over the last 20 years.
James' first encounter with John Kempf and the similarities in their personal stories.
The long-term effects of herbicide, insecticide, and pesticide use on crops from the perspective of a self-declared "recovering glyphoholic"
Solving onion thrips and western flower thrips pressure with regenerative foliar applications, rather than insecticides.
James' observations on chlorpyrifos and diazinon—how their use affects non-target species and overall soil biology.
The technology James uses as a self-proclaimed early adopter, including evapotranspiration platforms and an AI robot that pulls weeds.
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Episode #74: Dale Strickler
23 juli 2021 · 1 uur 18 min
Dale Strickler is an agronomist at Green Cover Seed and prominent author primarily focused on soil health. Dale grew up on a family farm outside Colony, KS, and received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in agronomy from Kansas State University. Dale has been an advocate for the use of cover crops for over three decades and continues to experiment, achieving increasingly exciting results. Lees meer
Dale has published two books, The Drought-Resilient Farm and Managing Pasture. His third book, The Complete Guide to Restoring Your Soil, will be released later this year.
In this episode, Dale and AEA Founder John Kempf discuss:
Dale's agricultural background and what inspired his fascination with cover crops.
His experiences with heavy clay soil and implementing a subsurface, drip-irrigated pasture.
How regenerative practices can affect water-holding capacity of soils and restore small water cycles.
Dale's most memorable moments in his consulting work with growers across the country.
Hand cropping, intercropping, and other practices forgotten by mainstream, mechanized agriculture.
The reason farmers need to be "thinking like a scientist" and the power of self-education.
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Episode #73: John Fagan
7 juli 2021 · 57 min
John Fagan is the Chairman & Chief Scientist at the Health Research Institute, also known as HRI Labs, in Fairfield, Iowa. HRI provides testing services that focus on the nutritional value and biofunctionality of food sources. HRI's research and collaboration efforts continue to help grow the global regenerative agriculture movement in myriad ways. Lees meer
Throughout their discussion, Fagan and John discuss:
The scope of Fagan's work at the Health Research Institute.
How chromatography, mass spectrometry, and other analytical tools allow Fagan to identify plant and animal compounds.
Fagan's research in comparing conventional vs organic production methods and his key takeaways.
The diversity and variability of plant compounds and their potential for innovation in the world of agriculture.
Fagan's tentatively named "Farmer Led Innovation Network" and how it is combining cutting-edge science and data collection.
How evidence of glyphosate presents across different crop types, agricultural products, and soil profiles.
The evolution of glyphosate detection and what science can tell us about glyphosate levels in our food.
Check out the glyphosate research mentioned by Fagan here: https://johnkempf.com/perspective-on-glyphosate-challenges/
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Episode #72: Nicole Masters
25 juni 2021 · 1 uur 13 min
Nicole Masters is an internationally recognized agroecologist from New Zealand. Fortified by her studies in ecology and plant physiology, Nicole currently serves as the Director of Integrity Soils, a collection of regenerative agriculture coaches that assist growers around the globe. Nicole is also the author of "For the Love of Soil: Strategies to Regenerate Our Food Production Systems." Lees meer
In this episode, Nicole and John discuss:
Nicole's background in vermicompost and her strategy of customizing microbial applications to produce specific outcomes.
The current rise in research on microbial quorum sensing and quorum signaling.
Many case studies and examples that explain relationships between soil life and nutrition profiles and weed populations.
The function of biology in response to plant signals and in enhancement of plant immune systems.
The practice of bio-priming seeds or land, and how it helps to produce disease-suppressive soils, and to regenerate native plant populations.
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Episode #71: Harriet Mella
9 juni 2021 · 1 uur
Harriet Mella is an independent Austrian researcher known for her work uncovering the unexplained phenomena of plant growth and development. Informed by her background in microbiology, mycology, and biochemistry, Harriet has a unique capacity to describe little-known connections between emerging biological research and agriculture. Lees meer
During the interview, Harriet and John discuss:
Observations on epigenetic expressions and the role of optimal nutrition.
The flexibility of plant architecture and its direct correlation with microbiome health.
Harriet's insights on zodiac rhythms, humic substances, Biodynamic methods, and numerous first-hand agricultural experiences.
When a plant is no longer absorbing nitrate and how this affects water use efficiency and carbon cycling.
Harriet's findings on biophotonics and dark septate endophytes, and her explanation of their impact on plant health.
Building stable humic substances during the winter months with the assistance of specific fungal groups.
Harriet Mella's new online course, "Carbon Micro Cycling," explores the connections between soil carbon and soil fertility. Sign up for the course on Kind Harvest today! https://kindharvest.ag/courses/ra-cc-carbon-course/
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Episode #70: Steven Bierlink
27 mei 2021 · 1 uur 37 min
Steven Bierlink is an apple grower located in Quincy, WA. When Steven returned to work on his family operation after graduating with a business degree, he was driven to meet the many challenges their orchard faced. Looking for solutions to bitter pit, cork spot, and lenticel rot, Steven sought out the management practices that could renew the health of their orchard. Lees meer
Today, Steven abides by meticulous observation in his management practices that have brought many exciting successes, notably on his Honeycrisp blocks which have packed out at a stunning 160 bins per acre.
On this episode, Steven and John discuss:
Overcoming bitter pit in Honeycrisp apples by altering the interplay among excessive potassium applications, calcium timing, and manganese availability.
Steven's focus on observation resulted in a shift away from his previous conventional operational methods.
How Steven balances data collected from fruit analysis and sap analysis to maximize marketable fruit production.
Managerial philosophies for happy, engaged employees, healthy work-life balance, and why he chooses to maintain a smaller-scale farm.
Virtually elimination of alternate-year bearing, through a combination of pruning, bud and spur management, PGR's, nutrition, and lime-sulfur sprays.
The importance of growers owning the decision-making process, working alongside consultants.
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Episode #69: Jason Hobson
4 mei 2021 · 47 min
Jason Hobson is one of the initial Regenerative Agriculture Consultants at AEA, working alongside John Kempf in the early years and becoming the Chief Executive Officer in 2015. Jason joined AEA in 2011 and quickly became the lead consultant for larger scale operations, building relationships with distributors and other partners along the way. He gained his knowledge of soil fertility and plant nutrition through hands-on experience, developing a passion for agronomy and regenerative practices that fuels him today. Lees meer
Throughout their conversation, Jason and John discuss:
How one Wendell Berry book would change Jason's career path forever.
AEA's approach to nutrient and crop management, how it differed from conventional wisdom.
Highlights from the last decade of working together: organizational victories and new agronomic discoveries.
Jason's thoughts on the "layering of silver bullet solutions" and how farms can degrade in search of a cure.
Common themes among growers and organizations that have seen success while working with AEA.
The fallacy of nitrogen and other limiting factors for healthy crops.
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Episode #68: Alvin Peachey
23 april 2021 · 1 uur 6 min
Alvin Peachey is an Amish organic dairy farmer from central Pennsylvania. Over the course of more than a decade, Alvin has grown his operation to 90 100% grass-fed cows on 92 acres, implementing regenerative practices that flips the script of the status quo for dairy farmers. Lees meer
In this thought provoking and practical conversation, Alvin and John discuss:
Alvin's background as a dairy farmer starting with only 25 cows and 10 replacements.
The difference between rotational grazing and management-intensive grazing.
How Alvin tracks and manages his cost of production and how his economic models diverge from the mainstream.
Unique approaches to creating balanced and diverse nutritional profiles, not just in grazable forages, but also in stored winter feeds.
Important considerations for maximizing sugars and proteins in baleage.
The genetic and structural qualities Alvin looks for in dairy cows.
Alvin's thoughts and observations on the financial future of dairy farming.
"For the crop production acres, we have no budget on fertilizer… because we have unlimited potential, so why would we have a budget? Right?" -Alvin Peachey
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Episode #67: Jesse Frost
31 maart 2021 · 1 uur 39 min
Jesse Frost is the Co-Owner of Rough Draft Farmstead in central Kentucky and host of the No-Till Market Garden Podcast. Jesse's rich background in researching and experimenting with no-till practices lead to his first book, "The Living Soil Handbook: The No-Till Grower's Guide to Ecological Market Gardening," which will be published this summer. Lees meer
Throughout their conversation John and Jesse discuss:
How Jesse got his start as a farmer and how a mission to uncover regenerative techniques lead to a promising career in market gardening.
The economic opportunities surrounding market gardening, including the positive impact of collaboration and Jesse's thoughts on land ownership.
The best way to strategize and implement a direct-to-consumers business model.
Two management styles that work for no-till growers on a smaller scale: Jesse's thought on the basic cover crop model and the deep compost mulch system
An overview of the four different types of compost: inoculating compost, fertilizing compost, nutritional compost, and mulching compost.
The current state of the average farmer's psyche and the power of relationships and community building.
Jesse's current intercropping practices and how they are implemented for pest and disease control.
Pre-order Jesse's book here: https://www.notillgrowers.com/livingsoilhandbook/d9z5gkf1bbnhu0w5xxb3trngiqhwgo
Check out "The No-Till Organic Vegetable Farm: Human-Scale Methods for Intensive Commercial Production and Ecological Health" by Daniel Mays here: https://www.frithfarm.net/book.html
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Episode #66: Jon Stika
18 maart 2021 · 58 min
Jon Stika is an agronomist and former soil health instructor with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Officially retiring in 2015, Jon now spends his time as environmental consultant for those looking to gain insight on the biological systems of agriculture. Jon is also the author of "A Soil Owner's Manual: How to Restore and Maintain Soil Health," which was published in 2016, yet continues to have an impact on agricultural thought leaders around the globe. Lees meer
Throughout their conversation, Jon and John discuss:
Jon's realization that soil is not a chemical system, but a biological one.
The impact of using synthetic fertilizers for several decades and how this has "sidelined" the true biology of our fields.
What it means to be energy inefficient and the impact on mainstream agricultural systems and practices.
Jon's 15-year journey to a regenerative approach; how rapid implementation and economics can inspire other growers to transition to integrating biological methodologies.
The differences between building soil from the foundational bedrock versus the act of regenerating soil.
Jon's belief in the power of educating beyond the growers, working with lenders, banks, agronomists, and landowners to help them understand and support the transition to regenerative agriculture.
How models used in mainstream agriculture—and even sustainable agriculture—operate on a foundation of "dysfunctional soil."
Pick up a copy of Jon's book, "A Soil Owner's Manual: How to Restore and Maintain Soil Health," today! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30084638-a-soil-owner-s-manual
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Episode #65: Jay Fuhrer
12 maart 2021 · 1 uur 16 min
Jay Fuhrer is a Conservationist & veteran Soil Health Specialist from the Natural Resources Conservation Services, located out of Bismarck, North Dakota. With over 4 decades of experience, Jay's work has been critical to the widespread implementation of regenerative agriculture across the globe. Of his many contributions, Jay is most known for developing the 5 Soil Health Principles: establishing soil armor, minimizing soil disturbance, continuing live plant and root presence, and integrating livestock grazing systems. Lees meer
Throughout their conversation, Jay and John discuss:
Jay's early years at the NRCS, and his desire to move forward with agriculture's best interest at heart.
The story of how Jay and his colleagues started a 150-acre demonstration farm with a focus on natural resource education.
Examples of new research and discoveries being made at Menoken Farm, including the implications of water hydrology systems and the power of encouraging soil biology.
Jay's observations from conducting Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and measuring infiltration rates over the years.
Assisting growers by "starting with the geology" and how Jay's soil recommendations are rooted in the history of the land.
Proper livestock integration and the benefits of diversity when it comes to grazing.
The shortcomings of agricultural system labels and Jay's reasoning for working with growers of all backgrounds.
Jay's concerns with shrinking native range land in the Dakotas and why he believes it is an ecosystem that we should maintain into the future.
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Episode #64: Ben Taylor-Davies
25 februari 2021 · 50 min
Ben Taylor-Davies is a farmer and regenerative agriculture consultant from the United Kingdom. Ben was a conventional agronomist until his wife persuaded him to apply for an award through the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust which enables farmers to travel and learn agricultural methods from around the globe. This ignited Ben's passion for regenerative agriculture and discovering better ways to treat soils, crops, and livestock. Ben currently shares his stories, both personal and professional, on his website RegenBen.com. He is also currently finalizing his first book, "MORE-ON: How to get off the UK agriculture's treadmill of input farming." Lees meer
Throughout their conversation, Ben and John discuss:
How the Nuffield scholarship program allowed Ben to broaden his views on successful ways to farm from around the globe.
The current management practices being implemented on Ben's 500-acre farm in the UK and how these practices have evolved over the years.
Ben's "three free things" (sunlight/energy, precipitation, and carbon dioxide) and why they should be priority number one for all growers.
Perspectives on carbon dioxide delivery and how farmers can improve their CO2 supply.
The vast diversity of soil types and climates found within the UK.
The UK's current mainstream agricultural methods and financial shortcomings of managing an ecosystem through high input costs.
John and Ben discuss their recommended reading lists for growers.
Check out Ben's website at www.regenben.com!
For more information on his latest book, go to https://www.regenben.com/about/the-book/
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Episode #63: Cannon Michael
29 januari 2021 · 44 min
Cannon Michael is a 6th generation family farmer in California's Central Valley. When Cannon first started working at the Bowles Farming Company, it was a broad-acre row crop operation, focused on cotton, barley, and alfalfa. After 15 years of overhauling the farm's management practices, Bowles now incorporates both organic and conventional methods as he raises a vast array of vegetable crops: tomatoes; watermelons; garlic; onions; herbs; and many more. Lees meer
Throughout their conversation John and Cannon discuss:
The major changes over the 160-year history of Cannon's family farm, as well as the current scope and scale of his growing operation.
What it means to be a grower in California: The culture of innovation, interacting with a rigorous business climate, strict regulations, and interest in promoting fair practices for people and the environment.
A prediction around agriculture's decentralized, technology-driven future and how it will impact growers.
The power of branding partners, communication, and the advantages of telling your story to end consumers.
How bandwidth and a fluctuating environment can lead to significant limitations on operational efficiencies.
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Taking Charge Of Your Farm's Future With Jay Hill
8 december 2020 · 51 min
Jay Hill is a conventional farmer and agricultural visionary from the American Southwest. Jay is a new breed of American farmer, focused on reinvigorating the industry through a new perspective on what is possible for large-scale growers. Through his social media presence and weekly podcast, Jay is calling on farmers across the globe to abandon their old ways of operating and take back the role of "business owner" from outdated intermediaries. Lees meer
Throughout their conversation, John and Jay discuss:
How Jay's growing operation has evolved over the years to be less resource exhaustive.
Why farmers need to position themselves as both marketers and business owners
Jay's transition from "Price Taker" to "Price Maker," and how partnerships in processing give growers more control over their operation.
The public perception of American farmers and what needs to be done change the narrative.
Strategies to incentivize growing a more nutritious and agronomically beneficial product, and the role of the federal government in this process.
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Reversing Soil Degradation with Dwayne Beck
3 november 2020 · 1 uur 16 min
Dr. Dwayne Beck is well known for being one of the pioneers of no-till agriculture in central South Dakota and across the High Plains. For more than three decades, Dr. Beck has been creating comprehensive systems for both irrigated and dryland crop production throughout the region, educating growers on the power of crop rotation, diversity, and other regenerative practices. He currently serves as the Research Manager at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm, a non-profit made up of farmers committed to sustainable land practices. Lees meer
On today's episode, John and Dwayne discuss:
Dwayne's background and his earlier work assisting local growers with their irrigation systems
The continuing decline of the Ogallala Aquifer and how water infiltration can be improved by implementing no-till agricultural practices.
Addressing the often-overlooked aspects of irrigation, such as percolation and water delivery, and how it affects soil health.
Dwayne's observations on lake bottom soils, the power of macropores, and the prevalence of summer fallowing in the High Plains.
Utilizing de-percolation strategies to maintain proper nutrient levels in your soil.
Using competition, sanitation, and rotation to control weeds, diseases and insects.
Dwayne's historical research on nutrient cycling and fertilizer placement.
Dwayne offers up a broader historical perspective on how agriculture, human nature, and mother nature work together.
A discussion on why moving to no-till options for all crops including potatoes, carrots and sugar beets are engineering and genetics problems.
The shared vision, but much different methods, between regenerative agriculture vs. organic agriculture.
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Updating Soil Analysis to Consider Microbial Influence with Rick Haney
6 oktober 2020 · 1 uur 3 min
Rick Haney is a renowned researcher at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the creator of the Haney Soil Analysis, an innovative extraction procedure to assess overall soil health and plant mineral availability. Today, John sits down with Rick to hear his story and discuss a future of agriculture centered around agronomic realities and biological processes. Lees meer
Throughout the episode, John and Rick cover a wide array of topics:
The journey Rick took to discover an improved system for analyzing soil health, eventually leading to the development of his namesake soil assay.
How Rick's work and an emphasis on data can help growers save an average of $20 per acre in nitrogen applications.
Over-fertilization and what soil respiration says about the fertility of a field.
Rick's battle with calibrations and the industry's collective leaps in agronomic understanding since the 60's.
The work of Dr. Richard Mulvaney, namely the Illinois Soil Test, and how it compares to Haney's soil nitrogen report.
The shortcomings of mainstream agronomic research and the power of "listening to nature."
The importance of using water and biological activity as the gauge of soil mineral release rather than acids and extractants to judge soil mineral content.
Why many growers are routinely able to reduce Nitrogen and Phosphorus inputs.
The importance of looking at real yields rather than soil test data as the sign of a well-functioning fertility program.
The power of embracing new developments in ag research and the future of in-field sensors.
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Rebuilding Rural Economies with Ancient Grain and Regenerative Practices with Bob Quinn
15 september 2020 · 1 uur 7 min
Bob Quinn is a 30-plus year veteran of Regenerative Organic practices and founder of Kamut International, an organization devoted to high quality Khorasan wheat and sustainable agricultural practices. Lees meer
After receiving his PhD in plant biochemistry from UC-Davis, Bob returned home to work on his family's wheat and cattle ranch just outside of Big Sandy, Montana. In the mid 80's, the farm became his "laboratory" as Bob began implementing regenerative organic systems long before they rose to prominence. The Quinn's began planting a Khorasan wheat they would call "Kamut"—an ancient Egyptian word for "wheat"—which would end up seeing a lot of success with whole grain bakeries in Southern California.
"My business philosophy is start small and build on your success. I don't have a big pile of money, so I can't go out and just try big experiments, so I try small experiments. If they're successful, then I build on those. And that's what we did, we started with a half an acre [of Kamut®] which was all that seed that we had in 1988—30 years later, we are contracting with 250 organic regenerative farmers in Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan for over 100,000 acres of this stuff."
Kamut® is a distant relative to the modern wheat crop that is known for its unique flavor and health benefits. Ancient Grains like Kamut® see much lower yield potential than modern wheat, which over time lead some manufacturers to mix Kamut® with lower quality grains. In an attempt to protect the quality of the grain and the end consumer, Bob decided to trademark the grain, guaranteeing an unhybridized, unmodified, and organic product for their growing list of customers—in fact today, a staggering 75% of their grain goes to Italy.
During the episode, Bob goes into detail about how improved testing equipment led to a surprising discovery about minute glyphosate levels in their crops. Kamut International has been organic since its inception, but at one point almost a third of their farmers were sendi…
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Facilitating Large Scale Transitions to Regenerative Agriculture with Terry McCosker
2 september 2020 · 1 uur 19 min
In our latest episode, John sits down with one of Australia's most recognized thought leaders in Regenerative Agriculture, Dr. Terry McCosker. Over the course of three decades, Terry has worked with about 10,000 Australian farmers—a staggering 10% of all farmland on the continent—coaching them through an agricultural approach that emphasizes both soil nutrition & pasture ecology. Lees meer
Terry currently serves as the director of RCS, an Australian agriculture consulting firm, but his career started at an early age when he had the opportunity to work on an Australian cattle station. Driven by a fearless pursuit of excellence, Terry found that most of the problems that faced the cattle station, as well as other operations across the country, stemmed from an outdated reductionist view of farming. As he continued his research, which included traveling to farms across the globe, he saw firsthand the power of holistic practices and their effects on livestock. Terry began challenging the paradigms of conventional farming and what he observed were results like an increase in livestock reproduction and mortality rates.
Throughout the episode, John and Terry discuss the work of Stan Parsons and Allan Savory, the importance of cell grazing alongside other regenerative practices, the proper strategies farmers use to approach succession planning, and the fascinating future potential of carbon sequestration.
"A client of mine once said that he thought he was a livestock producer. And then he came to one of our programs and went away thinking that he was a grass producer. And then over time, as he's learned more and more, he now believes he's a soil manager. If you understand that you're a soil manager, the production and the economics of your farm will actually look after itself…to be truly regenerative, a farmer needs to understand that they are a part of the ecosystem, not apart from it." -Dr. Terry McCosker
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In Defense of Biological Systems with Robert Linderman
11 augustus 2020 · 1 uur 20 min
In our latest episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews plant pathology veteran & agricultural visionary, Dr. Robert Linderman, discussing the benefits of mycorrhizal fungi and other bio-control agents that protect crops from soil-borne pathogens. Lees meer
After receiving his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from U.C. Berkley in 1967, Robert would spend the next 40-plus years contributing pivotal research findings to the USDA and other agricultural organizations. During his time with the USDA, Robert was introduced to a colleague who was fascinated by the power of mycorrhizal fungi and their ability to keep pathogens at bay. Their conversation ignited Robert's pursuit to understand mycorrhizae symbiosis.
Throughout the episode, John and Robert discuss the benefits of building up antagonistic organisms in the soil to create a disease suppressive environment, allowing crops to thrive. In addition to other educated approaches to battling pathogens in your soil, Robert also takes listeners into a deep dive of the Ashburner System, telling the story of how one Australian avocado grower utilized a mycorrhizal fungi strategy—without even knowing it—to suppress phytophthora outbreak across his orchard.
"Farms, whether they're seeding or transplanting or planting bulbs or whatever, need to treat that material where the infection is going to happen…to have something there waiting for the pathogen when it tries to get into the plant is the best chance. It's like immunizing a child for infections that might come. You build up some kind of resistance and the resistance is in a biological form." -Linderman
Robert and John also discuss the thoughtful inoculation of propagules, mycorrhizal fungi's effect on photosynthesis, concerns about single factor analysis found in agricultural research, and the true price of the "instant gratification" chemical fix.
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Building Soil While Cash Cropping with Loran Steinlage
4 augustus 2020 · 49 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews Loran Steinlage of Flolo Farms in Iowa. They discuss his experience in relay cropping, interseeding, cover crops, and controlled traffic farming. Loran grows grain crops for seed, has implemented youth programs on the farm, and has experimented with 60-inch corn. Listen for practical advice from a current grain farmer. Lees meer
Loran grew up planning to be a livestock farmer like his father, but was hit by a semi at the age of 14, causing him to change his plans. Today Loran grows corn, beans, wheat, rye, barley, buckwheat, sunflowers, and oats. Typically, they do relay cropping and interseeding, though this year they have not been able to do relay cropping due to a freeze in May of their cereal crops.
In 2006 Loran began interseeding while his whole farm was corn on corn. Through interseeding, he found his way into cover crops and relay cropping. In the fall there are cereal crops such as winter wheat, rye, spring malt barley, or oats. Loran watches for stand quality, sometimes rolling over into corn if the stands aren't good enough. Otherwise, he sows soybeans at the normal time. Loran uses a 30-inch planter to give more room for the combine. In July winter wheat is harvested, then cereal rye, then malt barley. If there is a window with good weather, they add buckwheat and harvest it and the soybean crop together.
Loran's method has long been to focus on seed quality for economic viability. Uniform emergence is the key that ensures all the heads mature at the same time for a high-quality harvest. Once cereal crops dry and re-wet, germination quality goes down, so they try to harvest the cereal as it dries. For a few years, they were making $7-$8 per bushel on malt barley. Food grade wheat can earn a $2-$3 premium, but with grain cleaners the value can be almost doubled. Loran receives a minimum of $10 for cereal rye seed. He utilizes controlled traffic and stays on the tramlines to avoid creating …
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The Fallacy of Mainstream Potassium and Nitrogen Fertilization with Richard Mulvaney
14 juli 2020 · 1 uur 7 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews Professor Richard Mulvaney from the University of Illinois. Dr. Mulvaney is a prolific soil fertility scientist and researcher with many published papers relating to nitrogen and potassium uptake in crops. His work with Dr. Saeed Khan led to the development of the Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test (ISNT). John and Dr. Mulvaney discuss nitrogen uptake in crops, how soil should provide most of the needed nitrogen, and the fallacy that applying nitrogen builds soil organic matter. He also describes the "potassium paradox", how significant amounts of potassium are available from the soil, and the damaging cycle that is created when applying potash. Lees meer
Nitrogen Fertilization (00:00:53)
Dr. Mulvaney began working in soil fertility in the 1980s with a focus on minimizing nitrogen fertilizer loss to increase crop uptake, specifically in regard to the isotope N-15. In collaboration with Dr. Saeed Khan in the 1990s, he found evidence that in some cases, fertilizer nitrogen on corn has no statistically significant response. At the time, most soil scientists were operating with the assumption that the optimal amount of fertilizer nitrogen is found by multiplying 1.2 times an expected yield goal, then deducting nitrogen credits such as a previous legume. In a project in Illinois studying on-farm plots, around 33 of 75 studied sites showed no significant response to fertilizer nitrogen, a finding inconsistent with the 1.2 method. The unfertilized yields, or check yields, were very high and not significantly increased with an application of nitrogen. Thus, Dr. Mulvaney hypothesized that the 1.2 calculation might not be as reliable as previously thought. Dr. Khan and Dr. Mulvaney conducted research to determine the difference between plots used in that study that were responsive and those that were unresponsive to fertilizer nitrogen applications. His wife noted that while soil scientists understand how carbon in pla… -
Microbial Communities for Carbon Sequestration with David Johnson
29 juni 2020 · 44 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews Dr. David Johnson, a New Mexico State University research scientist, Adjunct Professor for the College of Agriculture at Chico State, and Faculty Affiliate for the Center for Regenerative Agriculture. His research clearly outlines the importance of managing the ratio between fungal and bacterial populations in the soil for plant productivity and carbon sequestration. During his research on the salinity of manure compost, Dr. Johnson and his wife, Hui-Chun Su, developed the BEAM Soil Compost Bioreactor which develops compost with high fungal populations. John and Dr. Johnson discuss carbon cycling and the capacity of biology to sequester carbon and build soil organic matter. The conversation provides a fascinating look at the role of carbon dioxide in agriculture and the environment, how the ratio of fungal to bacterial populations in the soil are key to carbon cycling, and the methodology growers can employ to actively increase soil organic matter while decreasing costs. Lees meer
Carbon Sequestration (00:02:00)
Dr. Johnson explains that high concentrations of carbon dioxide are problematic due to the impact on the climate, increasing the global temperature, rather than the impact of CO2 on plants, which like high concentrations of carbon. Due to those effects, carbon sequestration must be part of sustainable agriculture. John mentions that he has seen organic matter gains in the fields of half a percentage point per year, a very rapid improvement. Dr. Johnson believes that rate is possible, but only with cattle or other grazers in the system. In his experiments based solely on biology, he sees a little over a quarter of a percentage point per year increase in soil organic matter, or 10 tons of carbon per hectare.The Microbial Community (00:08:00)
In order to realize these significant results in building soil organic matter, Dr. Johnson says the microbial community must be balanced. The microbes cycl… -
Embracing the Connection Between Agriculture and Health with Zach Bush
16 juni 2020 · 1 uur 16 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews Zach Bush MD, an educator and a triple board-certified physician who specializes in internal medicine, endocrinology, and hospice care. Zach brings his understanding of the systemic challenges in pharmaceuticals and farming to non-profits such as Farmer's Footprint and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods, where he works to create collaborative communities to solve these human and environmental problems. In this episode, John and Zach discuss the challenging problem of glyphosate. Zach describes the research showing the ramifications of this phosphonate compound and provides clear insights into the science of the problem before returning to an optimistic vision of regenerative agriculture as a solution. Lees meer
Glyphosate/Roundup (around 00:02)
With Zach's background in chemotherapy and cancer research, he was on the front lines in 2005 when it was discovered that the gut microbiome, made up of fungi and bacteria, has a significant impact on whether and how cancer affects people. Joining other researchers, he began to learn the importance of supporting beneficial fungi and bacteria and realized that glyphosate damages the microbiome. Zach explains that glyphosate was originally deemed safe due to the fact that it blocked the shikimate pathway, which does not exist in humans or animals. However, in time it was discovered that glyphosate limits access to some essential amino acids needed by humans for microbiome resilience. Zach says that glyphosate targets protein structures in human cells which can lead to a leak in the gut lining, furthering chronic inflammation. He says that some widespread chronic diseases, such as asthma, Alzheimer's, and cancer, can be traced to gut disruption and inflammation linked to glyphosate use.Zach references the statistic that the Mississippi River collects 80-85% of the water-soluble residues of Roundup. The last stretch of the river is referred to as "Cancer Alley" because the s…
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Resilient Agriculture Models for The Future with Joel Salatin
26 mei 2020 · 1 uur 26 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews Joel Salatin, a well-known lecturer and author and the co-owner of Polyface Farms in Swoope, Virginia. Polyface Farms is a "diversified, grass-based, beyond organic, direct marketing farm". Joel is well-known for his highly engaging public speaking style and is the author of twelve books relating his experience as a self-described 'lunatic farmer'. In this episode of the podcast, we visit the challenges of mainstream, conventional agriculture through Joel's paradigm-shifting lens, and learn why farmers are beginning to shift to a regenerative model. Joel also describes how farmers can learn the skills of marketing, communications, and public speaking, and broaches the uncomfortable topic of planning for farm inheritance and succession. Lees meer
Joel's worldview, informed by both real-world experience and immersion in a broad range of literature from philosophy, history, and religion, to current events and business, forms the foundation of his farming practices. Joel states that deep soils were not built with 10-10-10 chemical fertilizer, but rather built with real-time solar energy converted to carbon and vegetation that rots or is eaten and manured in place. Joel describes why he does not believe such organizations as McDonald's or Monsanto are evil, but rather thinks they have misguided beliefs concerning ecological systems and food production. Most often, employees at these organizations truly believe they are helping the world. While their understanding of agricultural processes is wrong, they are not ill-intentioned. The ability to understand the opposition is an important skill Joel developed in high school debate tournaments that helps him to build bridges with those who see agriculture differently than he does.
Joel and John discuss how most farmers desire to better their land and none have the intention to degrade the soil. Yet, many farmers continue to practice mainstream agriculture with i…
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The Role of Carbon in the Soil with Rattan Lal
11 mei 2020 · 35 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews Dr. Rattan Lal, an acclaimed soil scientist, researcher, and author. Dr. Lal has published hundreds of journal articles on soil ecosystems, effects of tillage, global food security, sequestering carbon in the soil, and more. In the early 1990s, Dr. Lal was a pioneer of the now mainstream idea that healthy soils are a defense against rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading groundbreaking research in Africa and later in South America. After a long and storied career, he is currently the Director of the CFAES Carbon Management and Sequestration Center, where he works with graduate students to research soil carbon sequestration and climate change. In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Lal provides an in-depth description of the function of carbon. Lees meer
Carbon is the determinant of healthy soil. As Dr. Lal describes, the reason that soil life is much more diverse in healthy soil is because organic carbon is the food for soil organisms. Thus, the healthier the soil, the higher the percentage of organic carbon, providing more diverse populations with the ability to thrive. This is also why, if crop residue isn't returned to the soil frequently, the soil organisms will starve and the soil will eventually die. By dying, Dr. Lal means the soil will no longer contain enough living organisms to carry on the biogeochemical and biogeophysical processes needed for healthy plant growth.
Dr. Lal outlines the concentrations of organic carbon in the soil, which should be approximately 2% in the top 8 to 12 inches. Maintaining this level of soil carbon is essential for water retention and for controlling soil erosion and leaching. It's also critical for nutrient cycling and improved soil structure. Dr. Lal states that CNPK should be the slogan for the application of elements, rather than NPK because carbon is such a critical component of a healthy soil system.
Dr. Lal details how carbon is essentia…
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Collaboration, Spirit and Change, Perspectives from Ray Archuleta
28 april 2020 · 52 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John Kempf interviews Ray Archuleta, an outspoken proponent of healthy soil systems and the founder of Understanding Ag and the Soil Health Academy. Ray has spent decades working in conservation agriculture and, in this episode, he describes his journey from seeing nature as a competitive entity, in which all else should be killed in order for the desired crop to survive, to his understanding today that nature thrives on diversity and collaboration. Lees meer
Ray describes how new science and technology have identified many examples of collaboration in agroecology, like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which share water resources and transport energy and nutrients from organism to organism. Even under stress conditions, these microbes provide water to the plant, an example of nature sharing resources rather than competing. He provides examples of research that illustrate fields with a diversity of species showing greater resilience and yields than monoculture plantings.
Ray attended graduate school at New Mexico State University, after which he served as a livestock specialist in the Peace Corps and then as a conservation agronomist with the NRCS. During Ray's early years working in conservation agriculture, he started asking difficult questions: "Why is sediment the number one water quality problem in the nation? Why does it take so many acres to make a living?" Through these questions and more, reading books such as Allan Savory's Holistic Management, and coming to Gabe Brown's ranch in 2007, Ray had revelatory moments, realizing that robust soil ecology is the key to solving many of the challenges plaguing farms today.
On Gabe's farm, Ray observed an ideal example of a thriving ecology. When he realized the crops had received no support from nitrogen or chemical fertility applications, he began to dig deep, looking for research that would explain how this ecosystem was working. What he found was that nature thrives …
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Biophysics of Soil Plant Systems with Arden Andersen
13 april 2020 · 1 uur 8 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews Dr. Arden Andersen, who holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture and Biophysics. In this conversation on biophysics, John and Dr. Andersen explore topics such as the role of calcium, soil compaction, pest pressure, and more from the perspective of biophysics and energy. Lees meer
Dr. Andersen's career in agriculture started in childhood on his family's holistically managed dairy farm. This experience provided him with the daring to question accepted science and to forge new paths. While earning a bachelor's degree in agriculture, Dr. Andersen noted that his father's herd suffered from none of the dairy diseases he was studying, allowing him to draw a correlation between disease immunity and herd health. Through further study, he determined that immunity is influenced by nutrition and that this principle is the same for plants and mammals, including humans. Dr. Andersen dove into the world of biophysics, learning from pioneers such as Dr. Philip Callahan, Dr. Dan Skow, Dr. Fritz-Albert Popp, and Dr. Carey Reams, all of whom have had a vast influence on the fields of biophysics and energetics.
Dr. Andersen reiterates the importance of soil calcium and functional biology to plant health, but from the perspective of the energetic signals the minerals and plants are carrying. He says that calcium is the foundational messenger that allows communication within the plant/soil system at the cellular level and that if calcium is ample, foliar sprays become much more successful and effective. Similar to putting a cheater bar on the end of a wrench to gain additional torque, foliar sprays add the last touches of power to a plant that has a sufficient soil base of nutrition.
John and Dr. Andersen discuss clay chemistry and clay aging and how this impacts soil compaction. Clay aging is a term derived from the petroleum industry and it describes the process that develops when enough potassium chloride has been applied into the…
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Developing Disease Suppressive Soil with Jill Clapperton
31 maart 2020 · 1 uur 4 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John Kempf interviews Dr. Jill Clapperton, a plant physiologist with an intuitive understanding of the workings of the rhizosphere and an abundance of metaphors that clearly explain these mechanisms. Dr. Clapperton worked as the Rhizosphere Ecologist at AgriFood Canada and more recently started her own company, Rhizoterra, where she researches agronomic practices and develops technologies for scientific on-farm decision making. Lees meer
John and Dr. Clapperton delve into the science of the rhizosphere, discussing how the plant drives and controls the actions that transpire there. Each plant species exudes its own signature of carbon compounds, including sugars, amino acids, lipids, nucleic acids, and other compounds, which Dr. Clapperton refers to as 'carbon skeletons'. The plant then works with the rhizosphere to add the 'meat' of mineral nutrients, oxygen, hydroxyl groups, and more to make the long or short carbon chain 'skeletons' functional. Dr. Clapperton describes the function of these carbon chains as having multiple "command lines" or calls to action, available in their service of the plant. These actions include things such as calling in nematodes to parasitize insect larvae that are feeding on the roots of the plant, or calling in nitrogen-fixing bacteria if the plant is a legume.
Dr. Clapperton also details how the nutrient density of a crop varies based on the cover crop species grown prior to the crop. The root exudates of different plant species develop entirely different colonies of soil fauna to bind the nutrition they need and deliver it to the plant. Because of this, a multi-species cover crop will provide a greater number of different nutrients available in the soil to the following crop. Dr. Clapperton outlines a detailed list of the crops with a compatible rhizobium; for example corn and canola rhizobia are incompatible.
Dr. Clapperton also describes the various forms that photosynthates can ta…
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Achieving Genetic Potential of 2-3 X Higher Grain Yield with Norman Uphoff
17 maart 2020 · 1 uur 22 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews Dr. Norman Uphoff, who was the director of the Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development from 1990 to 2005, and is currently Professor Emeritus of Government and International Agriculture at Cornell University. Lees meer
In this episode, Dr. Uphoff relates how he learned about the System of Rice Intensification in 1993 when he was sent to Madagascar as part of an initiative led by Cornell University to develop a program to increase rice yields and help rural development. There Dr. Uphoff learned about the System of Rice Intensification, a method of growing rice that was claimed to increase yields dramatically that had been developed by a French Jesuit priest named Father Henri de Laulanié. Dr. Uphoff was skeptical that the full extent of the reported yields was true but thought the method merited further investigation and developed a plan for the Cornell program to run trials.
The System of Rice Intensification focuses on providing plants with oxygen, photosynthesis, and soil biology, involving methods that were not the norm in the growing practices used in rice production, but that consistently increased yields from 50 to 200%. Farmers using this system saw many more tillers, greater root growth, and plants that stayed green longer. The plants intercepted more sun, gave higher yields, and were more resistant to pests and diseases. They didn't bend over in storms as easily and could withstand water stress and drought conditions. Dr. Uphoff describes how he trialed the method, demonstrating it on the ground in Madagascar and then expanding it to other countries.
Dr. Uphoff describes the practices used in the SRI method for growing rice and then shows how those same methods, renamed to System of Crop Intensification (SCI), can work for other crops. One key characteristic of SRI and SCI is the use of compost instead of commercial fertilizers. Dr. Uphoff describes the situatio…
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Relay Cropping Grain with Jason Mauck
24 februari 2020 · 50 min
In this episode of The Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews Jason Mauck, an Indiana corn, soybean, wheat, and hog producer who thinks outside the borders of convention and who has pioneered a number of innovative practices. Lees meer
Jason describes the guiding force behind his experiments and innovation as the desire to gain as much control over the variables in farming as possible. Rather than embracing traditional planting and application methods, Jason experiments with new approaches to farming, measuring whether they give him more resilience and control over his inputs and yields.
Jason is passionate about relay cropping, the practice of having a second crop growing before the first crop is harvested. An example of this is a cool grass cereal such as wheat or rye planted with a summer annual of corn or soybeans. He describes his experimentation with this approach, from the original plan of planting two crops together and doing all of the same things he would do for each crop planted separately, to his current understanding of the equilibrium needed to successfully bring both crops to maturity with a productive harvest. He has experimented with modifying the width of the rows to accommodate the needs of both growing crops. He also discusses the role manure management plays in his farming operation, and how his goal is to use this source of nitrogen to decrease his dependence on off-farm inputs.
In this interview, Jason talks about seldom discussed ideas, such as the phi angle of plant expression, which he describes as coordinating plantings so the solar angles reach the intercropped species. Also, he describes how a farmer can influence 6-ear corn or 200-seed wheat by following the principles of the Golden Mean. Jason talks about the conventional rationale of farmers, by which seed is planted with high hopes, given plenty of nitrogen and all the "by-the-book" fungicide and herbicide applications, and how his approach differs. Alternatively, he thinks of m…
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Redox: The Driver of Soil Microbial Interactions and Nutrient Availability with Olivier Husson
11 februari 2020 · 1 uur 11 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews French agronomist, Olivier Husson, whose pioneering work on soil pH and redox potential provides a groundbreaking look at what goes on within the soil. Lees meer
Olivier has focused a large part of his research on the study of reduction-oxidation (redox) in rice production, where the crop is grown in paddies in anaerobic conditions. These conditions are ideal for the study of Eh.
Eh, the short notation for redox potential, is a measurement of the availability of electrons, whereas pH is a measurement of the availability of protons. In order to gain a full picture of the soil's nutrient profile, we need to assess both the pH and the redox potential at the same time.
In this interview, Olivier details:
the difference between Eh and pH
how the Eh profile changes based on photosynthetic activity
how electrons in the soil are key to reversing oxidation and absorbing nutrition from soil mineral reserves
how Eh determines water absorption capacity
how the whole plant is regulated by the redox signal
the Eh and pH parameters that are present when pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and viruses manifest in a plant and cause disease.
John and Olivier have also presented on the topic of redox in a 6-hour course format, including graphs and visuals, which is available as a part of the Regen Ag Academy. You can access this course segment below for free.
Resources:
Redox Potential: Eh and pH as Indicators of Soil, Plant, and Animal Health and Quality
Encyclopédie des plantes bio-indicatrices vol 1
Support For This Show
This show is brought to you by AEA, helping professional growers make more money using regenerative agriculture since 2006.
If you grow on a large scale and are looking to increase crop revenue and quality, email hello@advancingecoag.com or call 800-495-6603 to be connected with a dedicated AEA crop consultant.
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High Quality Wheat Production with Claudia Carter
28 januari 2020 · 45 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John Kempf interviews Claudia Carter, Executive Director of the California Wheat Commission. Originally from Ecuador, Claudia leads research around the marketability of California wheat and helps to develop and maintain domestic and international markets for this commodity. Through a partnership with the University of California Davis, the California Wheat Commission tests in-field performance of wheat yields and quality. With their in-house research lab, the Commission also develops pasta, bread, and other products to test wheat varieties for performance. Lees meer
In this episode, Claudia describes her educational journey in cereal sciences, and her focus on the durum quality parameters that processors need to develop a good pasta. John and Claudia discuss biofortification, the process of breeding wheat varieties for a specific nutritional profile. For years, bakers have demanded wheat varieties with lower mineral content, since the presence of minerals interferes with flour performance. Claudia describes the work being done by wheat geneticist, Dr. Jorge Dubcovsky, to reverse this trend and breed wheat varieties with increased quality and nutritional value. Claudia also talks about the function of protein content in baking, and why higher quality wheat is essential for bakers to develop a premium product. If you're a grain producer, you will find the information in this episode especially useful.
Resources:
California Wheat Commission
Washington State University Wheat & Small Grains
North Dakota Wheat Commission
Kansas State University Wheat Production
Whole Grains Council
Support For This Show
This show is brought to you by AEA, helping professional growers make more money using regenerative agriculture since 2006.
If you grow on a large scale and are looking to increase crop revenue and quality, email hello@advancingecoag.com or call 800-495-6603 to be connected with a dedicated AEA crop consultant.
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How Plants Absorb Living Microbes and Convert Soil Pathogens into Beneficials with James White
15 januari 2020 · 1 uur 6 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John Kempf interviews plant pathologist Dr. James White of Rutgers University, whose work provides a new perspective on plant pathology, susceptibility to soil-borne pathogens, and plant absorption of nutrients. Dr. White explains how endophytes, non-pathogenic fungal and bacterial organisms present in all plants, are a mechanism by which plants can absorb complete molecules, internalize and propagate soil-borne microbes, and nullify pathogenic organisms. Lees meer
In the interview, Dr. White describes how plants cultivate microbes at the meristem, or root tip, where exudates are created. In this zone, these endophytes further attract and cultivate microbes from the soil in the rhizophagy cycle, from rhizo- meaning 'root' and -phagy meaning 'eating'. Through this process, plants attract and internalize soil-borne microbes. The microbes are then internalized by the plant and deliver nutrients from the soil directly to the roots.
Dr. White relates how this endophytic process encourages oxidative interaction, fostering hardier, more stress-tolerant plants, and how nitrogen applications and fertilizer decrease the incidence of these endophytes, leading to disease-susceptible crops. In cotton culture, for example, the practice of seed de-linting prior to planting effectively destroys the endophytes present on the seed.
Besides stimulating growth and stress tolerance within the seedling by bringing nutrients from the soil, endophytes also colonize pathogenic fungi, resulting in their reduced virulence. The endophytes don't kill the fungi, but rather they colonize and weaken it so disease incidence is greatly reduced. In some cases, those pathogenic fungi will actually become endophytic fungi in the plant, as in the example of Fusarium oxysporum. Once Fusarium oxysporum is colonized by the endophytic bacteria, it grows more slowly and onto the plant leaf surface. However, as long as the endophytic bacteria are also present…
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Intercropping and Regenerative Soil Management with Derek Axten
16 december 2019 · 35 min
In this podcast interview, host John Kempf and Canadian farmer Derek Axten discuss Derek's path to profitable farming practices. This journey started in 2007 when Derek made a trip to Dakota Lakes Research Farm where he witnessed soil health and water infiltration levels beyond which he knew were possible. In subsequent trips to Dakota Lakes and visits to Gabe Brown's ranch, Derek learned soil and crop management principles which he's adapted to his own farm. In this episode, learn about the methods and systems Derek has applied and how they've changed the trajectory of his farm from soil health and economic perspectives. Lees meer
Derek describes his system of inter-cropping and the management practices he employs to increase soil infiltration. He and John also discuss controlled traffic farming, Derek's liquid fertilizer regimen, and decreasing the use of applied nitrogen and other synthetic inputs.
Listen to learn how Derek approaches:
Soil management tactics and results
Water infiltration
Intercropping with two or more crops
Fertility applications and compost teas
Tillage
Controlled traffic farming
Support For This Show
This show is brought to you by AEA, helping professional growers make more money using regenerative agriculture since 2006.If you grow on a large scale and are looking to increase crop revenue and quality, email hello@advancingecoag.com or call 800-495-6603 to be connected with a dedicated AEA crop consultant.
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Please send your feedback, requests for topics or guests, or a booking request: production@regenerativeagriculturepodcast.comEmail John directly: John@regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com
Credits
This episode was recorded by John Kempf and Derek Axten and produced by Nathan Harman, R… -
Measuring Nutrient Density with Dan Kittredge
5 november 2019 · 43 min
Before we present our newest episode, we have a request for you. As we complete our second season of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, we have a supporting base of over 5,000 listeners who engage with our episodes shortly after we post them. We now ask for your feedback on the podcast, whether there are topics you'd like to hear more about, and what suggestions you have for improvement. We've put together a survey that allows you to tell us what you think. Here's the link: advancingecoag.com/podcast. We are appreciative of your feedback and we look forward to implementing it to make the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast ever better! Lees meer
Thank you for permitting the interruption…now, on to the show notes!
In this episode of the podcast, John interviews Dan Kittredge, the Executive Director of the Bionutrient Food Association, whose development of sustainable agriculture techniques has connected him to farmers worldwide.
In this interview, John and Dan delve into the science of growing crops as it relates to human nutrition, describing how agricultural production practices can produce a better nutrient profile in our foods and the potential this holds for human health. He explains why a balanced, as well as a higher nutrient density in crops, is desirable. He discusses the complex relationships between the sun, soil, and plants that lead to these higher and balanced levels of nutrition. Dan explains that across the same food types, i.e., all carrots, wheat, milk, etc., there can be discrepancies in the reported nutritional values and how nutritional data on food packages can be wildly incorrect.
Over the past few years, Dan has been working on the development of a BioNutrient Meter, a handheld spectrometer which tests mineral levels in fruits and vegetables. Dan describes the science of spectroscopy, which is based on the frequencies emitted by each chemical element --this same technology helps scientists and astrophysicists determine the composition of stars six …
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Rebuilding The Soil Carbon Sponge, and Cooling the Climate Fast with Walter Jehne
15 oktober 2019 · 47 min
In this episode of The Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John Kempf interviews Walter Jehne, an Australian soil microbiologist and the Director of Healthy Soils Australia. Walter has written and taught extensively about the earth's soil carbon sponge and hydrology as they relate to climate change. Lees meer
Walter provides context for the extreme weather events we are experiencing, and clearly identifies the role that water plays as a climate regulator. He describes how we can manage water to safely and naturally cool the planet and regulate climate change.
Walter has developed a perspective on the impact that farmers can have on the climate that is different than the dominant narrative on carbon sequestration. While carbon sequestration is an important piece of the puzzle, Walter explains how managing the way our soils retain and hold water has a much bigger impact due to the way the hydrological system functions as a regulator for the planet. Walter describes how specific tactics in the management of water in our soils can reduce extreme weather events.
Here are a few things Walter and John discuss in this engaging episode:
Why rising co2 levels are a symptom, rather than the cause, of the abnormal warming of the past 250 years
How improving the soil's water-holding capacity contributes to a more stable climate
The foundational principles of atmospheric physics and the climate
The effect of land degradation on the hydrological dynamics of the planet
How regenerating the soil carbon sponge is the critical bridge between carbon management and hydrology management
How increasing photosynthesis and "green longevity" is the key to restoring the hydrological balance, thus restoring climate balance and reducing extreme weather events
Support For This Show
This show is brought to you by AEA, helping professional growers make more money using regenerative agriculture since 2006.
If you grow on a large scale and are looking to increase crop revenue and quality, email hel…
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Providing Affordable Food as Medicine At Scale with Pierre Weill
17 september 2019 · 1 uur 11 min
In this episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John interviews French agronomist, Pierre Weill, who created a feed company in 1992 in French Brittany with the intention of producing health-oriented animal nutrition. He then went on to co-found a nonprofit association called Bleu-Blanc-Cœur, which connects all the actors involved in the food chain to help producers and consumers connect the dots between reduction in disease and the quality of food production. Lees meer
Pierre's fascinating research trials examine the differences in human health when animal products from animals fed high-quality forage-based diets are consumed versus products from conventionally fed animals. In one group of six trials, conventionally fed animals were fed a diet of corn and soybeans, and the animals with a healthy diet were fed high-quality forages and seeds. Consumers in the trials were divided into control groups who ate milk, eggs, and other animal products from the conventionally fed animals, and experimental groups that ate the same from animals which were fed the higher-quality products.
The two groups ate the same quantity and type of foods. The only difference was the diet of the animals. In this way, the producer's behavior, and not the consumer's behavior, was measured.
As a proof of concept, the omega 6 and omega 3 levels, which correlate with the inflammatory processes, were measured in both groups of people, and a significant difference was found. The ratio of omega 6 and omega 3, which is healthy at a level of 5 and pro-inflammatory at a level of 10, was 15 in the control groups, and five in the experimental groups.
Pierre also talks about the structure of a new trial, currently underway, testing the immunity of breastfed children with the mothers' diets being the differential, once again measuring the quality of the diets eaten by the animals whose products the mothers consumed.
John and Pierre delve into the link between soil health and human health, and how the h…
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Encouraging Achievement on the Farm with Vernon Peterson
27 augustus 2019 · 57 min
John Kempf and Vernon Peterson take the stage for a live-recorded conversation at the inaugural Acres U.S.A. Healthy Soil Summit, held at the University of California Davis Conference Center on August 21, 2019, for this Regenerative Agriculture Podcast episode. Lees meer
Vernon's experiences from 30 years of growing tree fruit and other crops on both conventional and organic acreage in California's water, weather, and labor-challenged environment inform the wisdom he posits here.
Peterson was the recipient of the Grower of the Year Award from the California Certified Organic Farmers Association and the Organic Produce Network in 2017. He farms 300 acres of stone fruit, including peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots. Vernon's operation also packs fruit for almost 80 neighbors, including stone fruit, pomegranates, and citrus.
Listen to hear Vern's strategies for activating employees to achieve their fullest potential, his knowledge of organic fruit production and marketing, and a call to farmers to tell their story through knowing the nutrient value of their food. Vernon also discusses how he's formed a unique alliance of growers that work together in marketing, sales, operations, and compliance areas, resulting in successes for multiple small-scale organic operations.
Vernon describes the "aha!" moment when farmers realize that organic production is more than just the conventional input substitution.
He provides examples of measuring fruit tree production and worker productivity on his own operation, describing why it's important for employees to have access to the data and tools needed for their own improvement. He shares how a simple pay scale increased the output quality without costing him more while paying the workers double. He makes the case for how extraordinarily close relationships with employees lead to greater business success.
Vernon also turns the ag production paradigm on its head when he suggests that growers should start by selling the crop, then fo…