Podcasts by Category

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

John Kempf

This is a show for professional growers and agronomists who want to learn about the science and principles of regenerative agriculture systems to increase quality, yield, and profitability.

110 - Episode 110: Stock Cropping and Regenerative Innovation with Zack Smith
0:00 / 0:00
1x
  • 110 - Episode 110: Stock Cropping and Regenerative Innovation with Zack Smith

    Zack Smith is a fifth-generation farmer from northern Iowa. He is the owner and operator of Smith Seed and Agronomy, LLC, and co-founder and CEO of Stock Cropper, Inc. Zack previously worked in seed production and chemical retail as a certified crop advisor and then as a seed rep while farming on the side. He eventually became interested in soil health and started experimenting with strip-tilling and using cover crops, which marked the beginning of his shift towards regenerative agricultural. Zack recently developed a system called “stock cropping,” a regenerative farming system that raises row crops in conjunction with multiple species of livestock simultaneously in the field. He and his business partners, Sheldon Stevermer and Lance Peterson, went on to develop the Cluster Cluck 5000, an autonomous, self-moving barn.

    In this episode, Zack and John discuss:

    The concept of stock cropping and its benefits to plant and soil health

    Developing barns for mobile grazing that integrate multiple species of livestock

    Implementing a rotational grazing system with frequent moves to optimize animal impact and pasture utilization

    Developing high-quality pasture mixes using cool-season and warm-season species

    The importance of innovation and collaboration in advancing regenerative agriculture practices

    Additional Resources

    To learn more about stock cropping and the Cluster Cluck 5000, visit https://thestockcropper.com/

    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 on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture. 

    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 techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.

    AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

    Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.

    Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk

     

    Thu, 21 Mar 2024 - 57min
  • 109 - Episode 109: From Urban Organizers to Organic Pioneers with Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge

    Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge are co-owners of Many Hands Organic Farm, an organic CSA farm that serves 150 families in Barre, MA. They met while doing community organizing work in Boston, and in 1982, made the decision to move out to the country to raise their kids in connection to the land and grow their own food. Julie and Jack share their farm’s transformative journey from inception to becoming a model of regenerative, organic farming.

    In this episode, Julie and Jack discuss with John:

    Their journey from community organizing to farming and urban to rural living

    The financial and physical challenges of starting a farm

    The importance of soil remineralization, foliar feeding, and no-till practices

    Their careers with the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)

    The release of their new book, “Many Hands Make a Farm”

    Fostering community and the broader impact of their work 

    Additional Resources

    Julie and Jack’s book, Many Hands Make a Farm: https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/many-hands-make-a-farm/ 

    Many Hands Organic Farm: https://mhof.net/ 

    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 on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture. 

    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 techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.

    AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

    Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide. 

    Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk

     

    Thu, 14 Mar 2024 - 38min
  • 108 - Episode 108: Increasing the Nutrient Density of Wine Grapes with Nicole Dooling and Michael Frey

    Nicole Dooling and Michael Frey help operate Mariah Vineyards in the Mendocino Ridge alongside Nicole’s parents, Dan and Vicki. As founders, Dan and Vicki have mindfully tended their land for over 40 years, putting in the hard labor of planting and growing this vineyard from the ground up. Their family and vineyard have thrived due to their dedication, adaptability, and resourcefulness in working with nature. Situated at 2,400 ft elevation without irrigation, they holistically manage their vineyard using organic and regenerative farming practices.

    In 2020, Mariah Vineyards partnered with the Savory Institute to pilot the Land to Market Ecological Outcome Verification program for vineyards worldwide. They are proud to be the first regenerative vineyard for Savory’s Global Land to Market Verified program and are dedicated to helping expand regenerative viticulture.

    In this episode, John, Nicole, and Michael discuss:

    How regenerative agriculture is a constant path of exploration and learning

    Rewarding results coming from the process of trial and error

    Different generations of growers working together

    Cover crop management

    Pruning for sap flow

    Measuring and managing nutrient density

    Additional Resources To learn more about pruning for sap flow, visit: https://simonitesirch.us/ To learn more about the Savory Institute, visit: https://savory.global/ To get a copy of the Plant Health Pyramid, developed by John Kempf, visit: https://advancingecoag.com/growers-tools/

    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 on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture. 

    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 techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.

    AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

    Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.

    Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk

     

    Thu, 07 Mar 2024 - 1h 17min
  • 107 - Episode 107: Sustainable and Profitable Agriculture with Marty Travis

    Marty Travis, a former furniture maker turned farmer, co-owns and operates Spence Farm in Illinois with his son, Will. Spence Farm grows a wide array of heirloom and native crops, heritage animals, and a huge diversity of agricultural opportunities on the 160 acres. Marty embraced sustainable farming, catering to Chicago's restaurant community. This unique partnership led to a thriving and sustainable business prioritizing soil health, livestock, and community relationships. The farm model evolved to support individual families in response to the Covid crisis and the closing of most restaurants during lockdowns. Leading a cooperative of farmers, the Travis family now serves numerous restaurants in Chicago and over 1,000 families, contributing to a positive shift in the food landscape in their area.

    In this episode, John and Marty discuss:

    The value of involving and mentoring young people in agriculture

    The challenges in managing growth and growing the number of farmer-to-farmer hubs

    The game-changing shift from selling per ton to per pound, enhancing profitability

    The emphasis on small plots and strategic crop choices for maximum revenue

    The positive impacts of increased soil biology on drought resistance, plant health, and reduced pest and disease pressure

    The use and outcomes of using Advancing Eco Agriculture products 

    Additional Resources To order a copy of Marty’s new book, My Farmer, My Customer, visit: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/my-farmer-my-customer

    To learn more about Spence Farms, visit: https://spence-farm.com/ 

    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 on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture. 

    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 techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.

    AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

    Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.

    Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk

    Thu, 29 Feb 2024 - 1h 23min
  • 106 - Episode 106: The Cumulative Benefits of Regeneration with Will Harris

    Will Harris is a fourth-generation cattleman and the owner of White Oak Pastures, a holistically managed regenerative farm raising cattle, pigs, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and organic vegetables in Bluffton, Georgia. 

    After graduating college in 1977, Will returned to Bluffton, where he and his father continued to raise cattle using pesticides, herbicides, hormones, and antibiotics. By the mid-1990s, Will became disenchanted with the excesses of industrialized methods and decided to return to the “radically traditional” farming methods his great-grandfather once used. Since Will has successfully implemented these changes, he has been recognized all over the world as a leader in humane grass-fed beef production and regenerative agriculture. He’s also the Founder of the Center for Agricultural Resilience (CFAR) and the author of A Bold Return to Giving a Damn. 

     In this episode, John and Will discuss:

    The evolution of the regenerative landscape

    Will’s journey from conventional to regenerative ranching

    The consequences of narrow perspectives

    Will’s motivation for writing his book, A Bold Return to Giving a Damn

    The economic impact of Will’s operation in his local area

    Investing in regenerative farming and farmland

    How consumers drive change

    Additional Resources To learn more and get a copy of Will’s book, visit: https://whiteoakpastures.com/pages/a-bold-return-to-giving-a-damn

    To learn more about White Oak Pastures, visit: https://whiteoakpastures.com/

    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 on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture. 

    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 techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.

    AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

    Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide. 

    Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk

    Thu, 22 Feb 2024 - 58min
Show More Episodes