Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

In this episode, John speaks with his friend and colleague, David Miller, Director of Applied Agronomyat Advancing Eco Agriculture. Together, they discuss the essential knowledge and skills required to excel as an agronomist, especially within the regenerative agriculture space. David shares insights from his 15-year journey in agronomy, emphasizing the importance of big-picture thinking and a deep understanding of both plant physiology and soil biology. He talks about the balance between maintaining a high-level overview of agricultural systems while calling upon detailed, crop-specific knowledge in his work. This conversation highlights the need for agronomists to understand the timing of various applications relative to the specific growth stages of plants. David provides examples from pecan and cotton farming, illustrating how precision nutrient management and timing can significantly impact crop yield and health. Additional Resources To learn more about AEA, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/ To

Dr. Ted DeJong is a professor at the University of California where he has dedicated approximately 40 years to researching and teaching about stone fruits such as peaches, plums, and nectarines. His primary focus has been understanding the physiology of fruit trees, driven by his desire to probe into how plants function at a fundamental level. One of DeJong's significant contributions is his effort to simplify and clarify the complexities of fruit tree physiology. He’s observed that existing textbooks often describe the functions of trees in great detail but fail to explain how these functions occur. This gap led him to write his book, "Concepts for Understanding Fruit Trees," which distills these complex ideas into more straightforward principles.  In this episode, Ted and John discuss: Maximizing sunlight capture in orchard planting Challenges photosynthetic efficiency Impact of early ripening fruit varieties on yield How the genetic code of tree organs, such as flowers and fruits, dictates their g

In this episode, John delves into the critical role of mid-season foliar applications in boosting crop health and productivity. He talks about how timely and strategic foliar feeding can address nutrient deficiencies, enhance disease resistance, and improve overall plant vigor, leading to a more successful harvest. Key topics discussed: Understanding the optimal mid-season window for applying foliar nutrients to maximize benefits Identifying common mid-season nutrient deficiencies Exploring how foliar applications can bolster plant immunity and reduce the impact of diseases Highlighting best practices for effective foliar application to ensure maximum absorption and minimal waste Considering weather conditions and other environmental factors that influence the effectiveness of foliar feeding Additional Resources To learn more about AEA’s foliar products and programs, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/ To watch a webinar about AEA’s products, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIt

In this Ask Me Anything webinar from June, John answers pressing questions from the audience and shares his extensive research and firsthand experience to help farmers achieve healthier, more resilient crops. Discussion points include: Combating disease and pest pressure on a variety of crops Foliar application and management Nitrogen management Cover crops Sap analysis And much more Listen in to gain valuable insights and practical solutions from one of the leading experts in the field. Additional Resources: To watch more webinars from Advancing Eco Agriculture, please visit our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@AdvancingEcoAgriculture To get updates on webinars, podcasts, events, and promotions from Advancing Eco Agriculture, sign up for our newsletter: https://advancingecoag.com/newsletter 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,

In this episode, John speaks with Ethan Darling, an agronomist with Advancing Eco Agriculture, who has extensive experience with sap analysis. They discuss the challenges of timely sample collection and shipping. Ethan shares his background and how his innovative techniques have streamlined the process for the AEA team in the Pacific Northwest. Ethan explains his journey from working in an agroecology lab to managing sap analysis processes at scale in Washington’s Yakima Valley. He details his initial methods of collecting, processing, and analyzing sap samples – Ethan has worked with up to 29,000 data points in a season! By improving efficiency and sharing knowledge with the wider AEA team, Ethan has increased their capacity to collect more samples effectively across multiple states. Additional Resources: To learn more about plant sap analysis, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/plant-sap-analysis/ About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological

Keith Morter, a dryland wheat farmer from Oregon, transitioned to regenerative agriculture management practices. Keith initially used standard, conventional methods like plowing and extensive chemical applications on his operation. Dissatisfied with the results, Keith shifted to direct seeding and eventually embraced regenerative practices. By drastically reducing nitrogen use and implementing holistic management techniques, Keith observed significant improvements in soil health, crop resilience, and pest resistance.  Despite challenges like low rainfall and high summer temperatures, his farm now thrives with healthier soils and sustainable crop yields, demonstrating the transformative potential of regenerative farming in challenging environments. In this episode, Keith and John discuss: Reduction of nitrogen use and its impact on soil health How breeding crops for specific traits can lead to nutritional and microbiome imbalances Soil cover and moisture retention strategies in dryland farming Challeng

In this Podcast Short, John delves into the topic of plant consciousness and intelligence. John talks about how plants are not just passive organisms, but possess significant cognitive abilities and responsiveness. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Herrod Buhner’s works, particularly "The Lost Language of Plants," John discusses how plants demonstrate informed decision-making capabilities and can react to human intentions. John also cites additional scientific findings that assert plants have sophisticated neural networks contained within their root systems, similar to human neural systems, which are capable of learning and memory. Additional Resources: Click here, to get your copy of “Plant Intelligence and the Imaginal Realm” by Stephen Harrod Buhner Click here, to get your copy of “The Lost Language of Plants: The Ecological Importance of Plant Medicines for Life” by Stephen Harrod Buhner Click here, to get your copy of “The Secret Teachings of Plants: The Intelligence of the Heart in the Direct Percept

Rick Clark, a fifth-generation farmer from Williamsport, Indiana, is dedicated to enhancing soil health and achieving harmony with nature on his farm. He has pioneered a systematic approach to regenerative farming, proudly maintaining certification for all acres as organic through his regenerative stewardship with no tillage. Rick's practices focus on suppressing weeds, building soil health with cover crops, and prioritizing human health through organic, no-till farming methods. His goal is to establish a sustainable and profitable farming system that will endure for generations. Recently Rick Clark hosted an event where he shared insights into his farming practices, emphasizing soil health, and sustainability. Joining him were experts from Green Cover Seed, Dr. Christine Jones, and John Kempf. In this episode, Rick and John discuss: An overview of the event and the legacy of Dr. Christine Jones’ work How plants can share microbes and the importance of plant diversity The challenges of no-till organic f

In this Short, John likens throwing a pool party to building soil microbial populations. Just like a successful pool party needs the right environment with food, drinks, and a crowd, building a healthy soil ecosystem requires appropriate soil conditions, nutrients, and a diverse microbial community. John emphasizes the importance of "keystone species" which are essential microbial species that attract and support a larger community, similar to inviting a few socially connected individuals to a party to attract more guests. He also highlights the role of plants in introducing a wide variety of microbes to the soil, advocating for diverse plant species to create robust and resilient soil ecosystems. Additional Resources: To learn more about Advancing Eco Agriculture and its products, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/shop/ 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 p

In addition to the regular episodes of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John Kempf is happy to introduce a new short format version of his popular podcast that allows him to touch on even more topics relating to regenerative agriculture. In this inaugural short episode, John shares insights into the negative impacts of nitrate-heavy fertilization on disease susceptibility and soil biology. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing calcium with other nutrients to optimize plant health and productivity. John also talks in-depth about Advancing Eco Agriculture’s new product, MacroPak. Additional Resources: To learn more and purchase MacroPak, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/product/macropak/ To listen to the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast titled “Vegetative and Reproductive Nutrients”, please visit: https://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com/episodes/vegetative-and-reproductive-nutrients-with-john-kempf-2/ About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A to

Mollie is a chef, restaurateur, and farmer with a strong commitment to regenerative agriculture and sustainable food practices. She operates Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery in the Los Angeles area and runs Sow a Heart Farms with her husband in Fillmore, California. She actively promotes the restaurant industry to switch to using ingredients from regenerative farms. Mollie believes in supporting local farmers and making conscious choices about food consumption, including responsibly sourced meat products. Mollie’s previous menu options were all plant-based and the inclusion of meat options drew harsh criticism. Despite some initial resistance from customers, she emphasized the positive impact she hopes to have on both consumers and the farming industry through her commitment to sustainable practices. In this episode, Mollie and John discuss: Experiences that highlighted the necessity of integrating animals into farming practices Difficulty in finding large-scale regenerative food service products

Dan Miller is the founder and CEO of Steward, a company dedicated to supporting regenerative farmers by providing access to capital. With a background in law and finance, Dan combines his expertise to create a unique financial platform that connects community investors with sustainable agricultural projects. His work at Steward is driven by a commitment to ethical and ecological principles, focusing on creating resilient financial networks that support the growth and success of small to medium-sized farms. In this episode, Dan and John discuss: The necessity of strategic financial planning in farming operations Creating markets for diverse crops How farmers can benefit from integrating specialized team members How Steward facilitates access to capital for farmers by focusing on opportunities others overlook The inefficiencies of indirect funding from corporate and governmental sources Fostering a resilient financial system outside traditional banking models Additional ResourcesTo learn more abo

John Kempf, Advancing Eco Agriculture Founder and Chief Vision Officer was a guest on the Robert F Kennedy Jr. Podcast. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is a presidential candidate in the 2024 election. His career in public service began in 1985 as an attorney for the environmental nonprofit RiverKeeper. He eventually became one of the most influential environmentalists in the United States, receiving TIME Magazine's "Hero of the Planet” and the Sartisky Peace Award. In this episode, Robert and John discuss: The transition from intensive pesticide use to ecological farming The discovery and application of plant immune systems to resist diseases and pests Economic incentives in transitioning to regenerative agriculture Importance of systemic approaches in disease management Need for collective will and alliances to implement solutions All views and opinions expressed by the host and guests of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of Advancing Eco Agricultur

Corwin Heatwole is a 6th-generation farmer and the visionary founder and chairman of Farmer Focus. Starting his journey at age 23 with a 300-bird organic farm, Corwin's commitment to high-quality, humanely raised chicken quickly expanded his operation to 3,000 birds within a few months. This growth led to the transformation of Shenandoah Valley Organic into Farmer Focus in 2014, where Corwin began partnering with other growers to meet increasing demand. Farmer Focus is dedicated to empowering farmers through fair compensation, support for transitioning to organic and regenerative agriculture, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and transparency. Their mission is to enhance soil health and farmer profitability while ensuring responsible farming practices. In this episode, Corwin and John discuss: The successful business model of Farmer Focus How regenerative agriculture improves soil health and boosts farmer profitability Strategies for sourcing grains from diverse regions to mitigate risks and stabi

Frank Dean is the Product Development Manager at LidoChem. LidoChem has been involved in the global identification of reliable and superior chemical raw materials since 1981. Through his leadership at LidoChem, Frank has been committed to providing farmers with effective and environmentally responsible products to enhance soil health and optimize agricultural productivity.  In this episode, Frank and John discuss: The process of chelation in herbicides The implications of using the same herbicide repeatedly over time Alternative approaches to weed management and reducing the amount of herbicide applications The influence of research funding and industry interests on agricultural practices The role of technological advancements and innovative products in improving agricultural outcomes The need to challenge conventional farming practices 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 hel

Steve Diver, Farm Superintendent at the University of Kentucky’s Horticulture Research Farm in Lexington, boasts a rich background in sustainable agriculture. With a B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University, he honed his expertise while serving as a horticultural and soils consultant in Central Texas. Diver founded Agri-Horticultural Consulting in 2010, specializing in soil analysis and consultancy services tailored to eco-agriculture, organic and sustainable farming, and environmental sciences.  Diver's professional journey underscores his status as a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, with a focus on regenerative farming practices. His extensive experience spans soil health, microbial ecology, and innovative water management techniques geared toward advancing regenerative agriculture principles. In this episode, Steve and John discuss: The rhizosphere, root exudates, and soil enzymes' role in agriculture How microbial inoculants can reduce synthetic nitrogen applications while incre

Alpha Lo runs the Climate Water Project and is Co-founder of Regenerative Water Alliance. He’s also a water researcher, writer, and podcaster. With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of natural systems, Alpha advocates for rewilding initiatives and holistic land management practices to address environmental challenges. Through collaboration and education, Alpha works to promote sustainable solutions that enhance soil health, water retention, and ecosystem resilience. In this episode, Alpha and John discuss: The importance of rewilding and reintegrating keystone species into ecosystems The concept of the "small water cycle" and its influence on atmospheric water movement The need for collaboration among scientists, farmers, governments, and communities to address environmental challenges The impacts of groundwater depletion Additional Resources To follow the Climate Water Project and Alpha’s work, visit https://substack.com/@climatewaterproject About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder o

Brian Magarin has a background rooted in farming, spanning over a decade. Brian's journey has been shaped by hands-on experience and a commitment to sustainable farming methods after first starting in a conventional setting. Through years of trial and error, he has gained valuable insights into soil dynamics, irrigation techniques, and the impact of cover crops on crop and soil health. Brian manages 9,000 acres for Belltown Farms and grows corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. He also operates his own farm, growing organic corn, soybeans, and small grains. In this episode, Brian and John discuss: The importance of understanding soil dynamics Experimenting with strip-till and no-till management Challenging traditional chemical-centric practices The processes and challenges of using roller crimpers The benefits of cover crops in maintaining weeds and moisture The impact of cooler temperatures on crop growth and productivity About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (A

AEA Founder and Chief Vision Officer, John Kempf, gives a quick summary of the success of our first community raise and features six investors who share why they invested in Advancing Eco Agriculture. AEA has raised over $2.2 million thus far during our Wefunder crowdfunding campaign, aimed at expanding our regenerative solutions to support farmers worldwide and enhance our food supply. Hear from investors: Claudia Ben Erin Crampton John Pierce Kate Fileczki Laurenz Von Glahn Paul Ruger To invest in AEA and a regenerative future, please visit our Wefunder page: https://wefunder.com/advancingecoag 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 syst

Austin Frerick is an expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. He is a 7th-generation Iowan whose passion for agriculture comes from the weekends working on his grandpa's farm. He is a Fellow at the Thurman Arnold Project at Yale University. In 2022, he worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to organize a conference at Yale Law School entitled “Reforming America’s Food Retail Markets,” which explored competition issues in the nation’s grocery industry. He is the author of Barons: Money, Power and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry, which illustrates the concentration of power in the American food system. In this episode, Austin and John discuss: The monopolistic practices in the food supply chain The influence of politicians on food producers Breaking up monopolies vs removing regulatory barriers Foreign ownership of food companies and its impact on American agriculture Additional Resources To learn more about Austin Frerick, visit: https://www.austinfrerick.com To get a copy o