Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

In this Podcast Extra, John Kempf joins the Rooted in Organic Podcast to discuss AI and agriculture.  The Rooted in Organic Podcast is dedicated to promoting organic living and sustainable agriculture. Through their podcast, they discuss time-honored techniques, like Amish farming, and explore modern solutions, like regenerative agriculture. With each conversation, they aim to empower their audience to take action toward a more eco-friendly and healthier food system. In this episode of the Rooted in Organic Podcast, they discuss the development of a AEA's new AI tool called FieldLark. They also discuss how technology in ag can help or hurt, and where the idea for FieldLark started and some examples of where it has helped farmers fin- tune the questions they're looking to answer. Additional Resources To listen to more episodes of the Rooted in Organic Podcast, please visit: https://rootedinorganic.com/ About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological an

Vance Crowe believes that the key to preserving multi-generational farms is for farmers to communicate better, especially within their own families. As founder of Legacy Interviews, podcast host, and keynote speaker, Vance knows a thing or two about communication.  Vance developed strong communication skills early on, shaped by a competitive family environment on an Illinois farm. Vance has worked as a deckhand, in the Peace Corps in Africa, and for five years as Monsanto’s Director of Millennial Engagement. He now runs Legacy Interviews, which preserves family histories, and is recognized for his articulate communication style. In this episode, Vance and John discuss: Vance’s path from Illinois to Monsanto and Legacy Interviews Farmers’ need to communicate family values and knowledge Society’s disconnect from agriculture and farmers’ marketing potential AI’s role in enhancing human contributions in agriculture Preserving generational wisdom through storytelling The value of direct communication a

Erwin Westers runs a biodynamic seed farm in the northern Netherlands, producing high-quality seeds for potatoes, radish, and wildflowers. His operation uses innovative mulching and cover cropping to enhance soil health. Westers pioneers regenerative agriculture with techniques like Flechenratte surface decomposition, reducing pests and weeds and improving soil structure. He leads the Dutch Regenerative Alliance to share scalable practices with farmers. In this episode, Erwin and John discuss: Using Flächenrotte to incorporate cover crops shallowly, boosting microbial activity and soil structure to 10 inches Applying rye and vetch mulch to cut potato beetle larvae hatching by 50% and delay late blight Choosing diverse cover crops like grasses and clovers to sustain soil health  Controlling Canadian thistle and quackgrass with better soil structure and compost tea sprays Improving seed vigor and germination with microbially rich soils. Leading the Dutch Regenerative Alliance to offer e-learning and

In this Podcast Extra, John Kempf joins Farm to Table Talk, hosted by Rodger Wasson.  Rodger is a seasoned food and agriculture expert from a Central Illinois farming family. He brings together chefs, farmers, policymakers, and researchers to discuss how food is grown, prepared, and shared. The podcast explores stories and ideas shaping the modern food system for anyone curious about their food’s journey. In this episode of Farm to Table Talk, Rodger and John discuss: How John’s Amish roots shaped his approach to revitalizing degraded lands Why Soil microbiome and minimal tillage sustain healthy, productive soils Nutrition and microbiome management to make crops resistant to pests How Plant sap analysis can help predict crop health more accurately than tissue analysis How AI tools provide non-linear agronomic recommendations using comprehensive data. How a generalist approach integrates diverse fields for practical farming solutions Additional Resources To listen to more episodes of Farm to Tabl

In this Podcast Extra, AEA’s Director of Partnerships and Expansion, Kish Johnson, joins JM Fortier, founder of the Market Gardener Institute, for a compelling conversation on the Market Gardener Podcast. In this episode, they discuss how data-driven tools like SAP analysis and foliar sprays are transforming regenerative farming. Kish shares how farms are eliminating pests and diseases through optimized plant nutrition and improved photosynthesis. The conversation dives into the connection between soil biology, profitability, and nutrient density. Kish also addresses skepticism around ag “products” and offers a humble, science-based approach to farm improvement. The episode wraps with news of a research partnership between AEA and the Market Gardener Institute to adapt these tools for small-scale growers. Additional Resources To learn more about JM Fortier and The Market Gardener Institute, please visit: https://themarketgardener.com/ To listen to more episodes of the Market Gardener Podcasts, please visit:

Join AEA founder John Kempf for Field Talks, a series of in-the-field conversations. This episode features Cole Neese, a corn and soybean grower in Indiana. Together, they explore real-time agronomic insights, crop progress, challenges, and success stories from the growing season. In this episode, John and Cole Neese, a farmer from West Central Indiana, discuss: Excessive Rainfall Challenges: Cole faced persistent wet conditions, saturating soils and delaying corn and soybean emergence. Success with Accelerate on Soybeans: Applying Accelerate at R2 increased soybean pod counts by 50-80%, though drought later limited yields. BioCoat Gold in Stressed Conditions: BioCoat Gold significantly improved corn performance in a late-planted, highly stressed field with low yields, likely due to enhanced mycorrhizae activity. Improved Soybean Pod Integrity: Regenerative soybeans showed stronger pods, resisting shattering during harvest, likely due to enhanced cobalt and copper levels.  About John Kempf John Kemp

Grant Breitkreutz is a farmer from Minnesota who transitioned from conventional practices to a soil health–focused approach. Alongside his wife Dawn, he transformed their farm through no-till, diverse cover crops, adaptive grazing, and continual learning. He’s known for asking “why,” experimenting boldly, and sharing openly what’s worked and what hasn’t. Grant is a key voice in agriculture because he proves what’s possible when farmers take ownership of their decisions and data. His operation is profitable, resilient, and community-driven. He mentors others, helps lead the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, and focuses on farming for life, not just for yield or labels. In this episode, John and Grant discuss: The pivotal role of questioning assumptions Developing a seven-grain blend for chicken feed that improves bird health, which created a profitable niche market The power of adaptive grazing and how walking cows across a field can accelerate soil health regeneration The importance of local adaptation

Jonathan Lundgren is an agroecologist, farmer, rancher, and beekeeper, and founder and director of the Ecdysis Foundation and Blue Dasher Farm. Ecdysis Foundation is leading the Thousand Farms Initiative, providing data to validate regenerative agriculture’s impact on soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. His work challenges conventional farming by fostering farmer-scientist collaboration and advocating for sustainable practices that address global ecological issues. In this episode, John and Jonathan discuss: How fully regenerative farms can store carbon equivalent to seven years of U.S. emissions, acting as carbon sinks. How biodiversity, including fungi, insects, and birds, rapidly returns to regenerative farms, enhancing water cycles and soil fertility  Prioritizing connections with nature, family, and community How row crop farmers face increased depression, Parkinson’s, and cancer  How resistance to innovations impacts organic and regenerative growers  Additional Resources To

Robert Verkerk, Ph.D., is an environmental scientist and the founder of the Alliance for Natural Health, with over 40 years of experience studying the interplay between human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. His work focuses on promoting regenerative agricultural practices and natural health solutions, emphasizing the need to reconnect food production with ecological and human well-being through science-based advocacy and policy reform. His contributions to regenerative agriculture are vital because they bridge the gap between soil health, food quality, and human health, challenging conventional chemical-dependent farming models.  In this episode, John and Robert discuss: The interconnectedness of human health, soil health, and ecosystem stability The limitations of single-factor scientific analysis in understanding complex biological systems The impact of corporate funding on scientific research and its bias toward chemical-based solutions The role of epigenetics in plant and human health, highli

Ivo Jeramaz, a mechanical engineer turned vintner, immigrated from former Yugoslavia (now Croatia) to Napa Valley, where he rediscovered his ancestral connection to farming. Initially resentful of agriculture due to its demands in his youth, Ivo’s perspective shifted dramatically within weeks of arriving in Napa, where he embraced grape growing and winemaking as a fulfilling life’s work, now leading Grgich Hills Winery with a commitment to regenerative practices. Raised in a family that produced much of their own food and clothing, Ivo brings a deep-rooted appreciation for self-sufficiency and nature to his work at Grgich Hills. With six children and a passion for biodiversity, he is dedicated to promoting regenerative farming, aiming to convert Napa Valley’s vineyards to sustainable practices while producing high-quality wines that reflect the health of the land. In this episode, John and Ivo discuss: Ivo’s quick adoption of regenerative practices and how it impacted soil organic matter How diverse cover

In this Podcast Extra episode, John Kempf joined an Earth Day conversation hosted by Farmer's Footprint, alongside Managing Director Alana Mooi and Founder Zach Bush, MD. Together, they explore the urgent need to regenerate our soil and food systems, emphasizing the deep connection between agriculture, human health, and the health of the planet. The discussion highlights how food systems must be understood as a web of relationships with the Earth, and how healing the land is inseparable from healing ourselves. They offer insights into why working with nature, rather than against it, is essential for the future of our ecosystems, communities, and collective well-being. Additional ResourcesTo learn more about Farmer's Footprint, please visit: https://farmersfootprint.us/ To learn more about the work of Zach Bush, MD, please visit: https://zachbushmd.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

This Podcast Extra episode is from John's Ask Me Anything webinar from April 14. Drawing from his extensive research and firsthand experience, John will provide insights and practical solutions to help growers achieve healthier, more resilient crops. In this discussion, the topics cover: Nutritional management with copper, nitrogen, potassium, and calcium prevents wheat and barley lodging better than PGRs.  Soil aeration and oxygen flow enhance paramagnetism more effectively than paramagnetic rock powders. Side-dressing potassium, like potassium nitrate, benefits soil biology more than broadcasting potash. Adequate calcium and boron levels, plus soil aeration, reduce clubroot in brassicas. Compost, low soil carbon, and lack of humic substances cause high chloride in plant sap, mitigated by humicarb. Selenium may influence fatty acid profiles and yield in forages, but its role in oil crops is unclear. Balancing potassium and calcium with manganese and boron ensures optimal plant health. Microbial activi

Dr. Anna Krzywoszynska is a social scientist at the University of Oulu in Finland who studies how farmers and scientists can collaborate to foster regenerative agriculture. An expert on soil knowledge and values, with experience farming organically in Italy, Dr. Krzywoszynska examines the knowledge systems shaping food production. Currently, she’s investigating how to transform agricultural research to support local communities, including turning research stations into hubs for collaboration between farmers and scientists. Her projects aim to align scientific inquiry with local needs, promoting community-driven innovation and sustainable land use. In this episode, John and Anna discuss: How farmers see soil as a resource to manage, while scientists seek broad, universal insights. How academic and agri-business structures favor research on general trends over practical, local farming solutions. The community’s role in regenerative agriculture, enabling farmers to learn and innovate together. Research s

Mike Omeg is a fifth-generation farmer who grew up on a diverse family farm in Oregon, initially producing cherries, hay, cattle, apricots, apples, and wheat. Over time, he honed in on fresh cherry production. The scale of his operation leaped 10x—from 350 acres to 3,600 acres—when he became a partner with Orchard View Cherries, where he is now the director of orchard operations.  Mike’s journey reflects a pragmatic approach to regenerative agriculture, balancing family farm traditions with the economic realities of modern agriculture. By affiliating with Orchard View Farms, he ensured the longevity of his family’s land while integrating vertically to pack and sell fruit directly. In this episode, John and Mike discuss: Scaling regenerative practices from 350 to 3,600 acres using foliar and fertigation methods Joining Orchard View Farms for vertical integration to sustain family farming Focusing on high-impact nutrition with products like SeaGuard and Rejuvenate Abandoning compost and compost tea due

Clay Conry is the host of the Working Cows Podcast. Clay’s journey into podcasting stems from a blend of personal experience growing up on a South Dakota ranch, a love for conversation, and a desire to capture the wisdom of ranchers, influenced by his background as a youth pastor and his participation in the High Plains Ranch Practicum. Over seven years, Clay has built a platform that delves into regenerative agriculture, emphasizing holistic management and the importance of human and environmental relationships. In this episode, John and Clay discuss: The importance of managing personnel effectively for long-term success in agriculture How addressing conflict directly and seeking mutual understanding fosters stronger, healthier relationships The role of clear mission and vision statements in aligning teams and prioritizing meaningful action Why building resilient relationships is as critical as managing land and livestock How less-engineered plant and animal genetics can better utilize natural reso

Jim Elizondo is a trailblazer in regenerative agriculture, supporting his accounting degree and agronomy engineering training with hands-on experience. He spent 20 years as a dairy nutritionist and managed a grazed dairy for 28 years, shaping his unique perspective on grazing management.  Jim’s work centers on revolutionizing grazing practices to enhance soil health and livestock productivity. He developed the Total Grazing program, which emphasizes non-selective grazing to prevent overgrazing and build long-lived soil carbon, drawing from his observations across climates from Florida to New Zealand. His insights challenge conventional wisdom, advocating for adaptive genetics in livestock and stockpiling pastures to boost soil fertility naturally. In this episode, John and Jim discuss: How Total Grazing minimizes overgrazing Why selective grazing leads to soil compaction and loss of long-lived soil carbon How stockpiling pastures for over six months shifts root exudates from sugary to fatty "Happy pla

Cate Havstad-Casad is a regenerative farmer, entrepreneur, and hatmaker. She and her husband operate Casad Family Farms in Central Oregon on 1,400 acres. Over 11 years, their operation evolved from a small organic vegetable farm to a diversified model focused on holistic grazing, grain production, and direct-to-consumer meat sales of beef and pork, driven by necessity after losing 80% of their irrigation water. Cate is also the founder of Havstad Hat Company and Range Revolution, where she handcrafts high-quality, custom felt hats and leather goods, using sustainable and traditional techniques, incorporating cattle hides from her farm to enhance economic viability, reduce waste and reconnect fashion consumers with agriculture. In this episode, John and Cate discuss: The importance of soil health and how it affects everything from food quality to climate resilience Challenges and rewards of running a small farm while balancing business and family life How losing 80% of irrigation water led to a focus on

Matt Powers is a permaculture and soil health educator who began to explore organic and regenerative food systems after his wife’s cancer was diagnosed with cancer. He has written 24+ books, created courses, and taught thousands of people about the links between soil biology, plant health, and human well-being. With a background in music and education, Matt shifted to regenerative agriculture by gathering expert knowledge and conducting research. He has developed new microscopy techniques, debunked soil health myths, and helped farmers better understand microbiomes for sustainable agriculture. In this episode, John and Matt discuss:  The essential role of soil microbes in plant nutrition and human health How advanced microscopy techniques help verify soil biology, allowing farmers to make informed decisions about microbial inoculants and soil amendments Common misconceptions about composting and fertilizers that lead to poor soil health Mycorrhizal fungi and how they naturally enhance soil structure,

Justin Wylie is a fifth-generation farmer in California’s Central Valley, who manages pistachios and citrus with his family. His journey to regenerative agriculture began around 2012, driven by his growing skepticism of conventional systems. When his son was born in 2013 and faced severe health challenges, including respiratory issues and an autism diagnosis, Justin and his wife took a radical approach, eliminating toxins from their son’s diet. This led to dramatic health improvements and deepened Justin’s commitment to connecting human health with regenerative farming. Today, Justin leads sustainability initiatives within the American Pistachio Growers, working to create a roadmap for regenerative practices. He emphasizes data-driven approaches, reduced chemical inputs, and innovative research on how plant interactions affect crop yield. His work focuses on improving soil health while maintaining economic viability for farmers. In this episode John and Justin discuss:  How Justin’s son’s severe health cha

Joe Ailts is an agronomist and regenerative farmer in northwest Wisconsin with a deep passion for soil health and plant physiology. On his three-acre home farm, he grows competitive giant pumpkins, sweet corn, and market pumpkins using a regenerative approach that includes cover cropping with rye and Sudan grass. His experience in competitive pumpkin growing has fueled his interest in soil biology, leading him to experiment with mycorrhizal fungi inoculation and nutrient-dense crop production. Through his agronomy company, Ailts Agronomy, Joe works with row crop farmers to integrate soil health practices into their operations. He focuses on bridging the gap between regenerative and conventional farming, helping farmers implement biological inputs to enhance mycorrhizal colonization and crop performance. His research-backed approach has shown promising results, including significant yield responses in both corn following horseradish and in early-planted soybeans. In this episode, John and Joe discuss: How Jo