Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

Alex Udermann is a fifth-generation farmer from Minnesota who operates a dairy farm alongside his brother, parents, and wife. He began his career farming full-time immediately after high school and currently manages a diverse operation that includes milk cows, steers, and row crops. Facing significant financial struggles and equity erosion in 2016, Alex transitioned the farm toward regenerative practices to ensure the operation's future survival and profitability. Today, the farm is 100% no-till and incorporates cover crops, nutrient management plans, and large-scale composting. Alex uses advanced technology like drones for interseeding and foliar feeding to mimic natural processes he cannot achieve through traditional grazing. Driven by a passion to help others avoid the costly mistakes he encountered, he serves as a mentor for the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, where he shares his experiences with other producers through field days and educational panels. In this episode, John and Alex discus

Bob Tillman is a former electronics professional who launched Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery in 2003 on the steep, mountainous terrain of Paso Robles, California . Managing thirty-two acres of grapes, he has spent two decades transitioning from conventional methods to a biological approach centered on the natural resilience of his native ecosystem. He eliminated tillage in 2006 and moved away from synthetic inputs to rely on native ground cover and biological cycling . By utilizing total nutrition testing, he identifies vast mineral reserves already present in his soil and focuses on microbial health to make those nutrients available to the vines In this episode, John and Bob discuss: Tranisitiong to a completely no-till system after observing that native grasses were more effective and resilient than planted cover crops . How nutrition testing revealed that the soil contains enough potassium for over six hundred years and enough iron for millions of years of production . Utilizing AEA and sap a

David Stelzer is the founder of Azure Standard, a company born from a 1970s family health crisis that inspired a switch to organic farming. When a major processor dropped their organic grain for conventional wheat in the 1980s, David began delivering his own crops directly to co-ops in a pickup truck. This grew into a massive independent distribution network that now manages roughly 12,000 SKUs, connecting growers directly to consumers. In the field of regenerative agriculture, David focuses on vertical integration to bypass the expensive and often unethical mainstream middleman. By managing the farming, processing, and distribution in-house, he is able to pay farmers higher premiums while keeping food affordable for families. On his 5,000-acre farm, he proves that regenerative systems can match conventional yields while producing nutritionally superior food. In this episode, John and David discuss: David's childhood recovery from a life-threatening respiratory illness after his parents transitioned the fam

In this webinar for the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, John Kempf discusses a paradigm shift in nitrogen management . John outlines how moving away from high-electrolyte "chemistry" fertilizers toward biological nutrition can build crop resilience and significantly reduce input costs . By understanding how different forms of nitrogen, such as ammonium and urea versus nitrate, impact plant physiology and water requirements, growers can navigate a transition to a system where soil biology provides the majority of the crop's nutritional needs . In this webinar, John discusses:  High-yielding crops historically receive about 80% of their nitrogen as ammonium and 20% as nitrate . Plants and soil biology interact with specific nitrogen forms like amino acids rather than generic N . Nitrate requires three molecules of water for conversion, increasing a plant's total water requirement . Foliar urea can be four to seven times more efficient than soil-applied nitrogen Replacing the first 25 pounds

Glenn Elzinga is a seasoned rancher who has spent 34 years managing Alderspring Ranch in the wild, high-country landscapes of Idaho. Growing up on conventional farms that relied heavily on chemicals and formulaic business models, Glenn's career shifted dramatically after a "clobber over the head" moment forced him to innovate to survive. Today, he and his family manage 47,000 acres of wilderness rangeland, where they have pioneered "inheritance grazing" by living with their cattle 24-7 on horseback to coexist with wolves and maximize plant diversity.  By collaborating with researchers like Dr. Stephan van Vliet, he has provided empirical evidence that grazing cattle on diverse wild ranges produces beef with significantly higher anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds compared to feedlot alternatives. His work emphasizes the "nutritional wisdom" of animals and the importance of vertical enterprise stacking to create a profitable, multi-generational future for regenerative agriculture.  In this episode

Briana Bosch is the founder of Blossom and Branch, where she manages a two-acre flower micro-farm in Denver and a 180-acre family grain farm in Minnesota. With a background in journalism and a master's in marketing, she has become a prominent voice in the regenerative movement by focusing on scaling soil health concepts for both small-scale market gardens and large-scale commodity operations.  Last year marked a significant milestone in her transition of the family's century-old Minnesota farm, as she implemented intensive regenerative practices for the first time, including the total elimination of herbicides and fungicides on her experimental acreage.  In this episode, John and Briana discuss:  The role of authenticity and maintaining the "true voice" to build lasting trust Her transition from using plastic mulch and netting to implementing living ground covers and high-carbon mulches like wood chips How flower production can net a higher profit per acre than almost any other crop, includ

Jeremy Brown is an organic farmer and the founder of Broadview Agriculture in the Southern Plains of West Texas. Managing nearly 4,000 acres of certified organic land, Jeremy is a leader in adapting regenerative practices to "brittle," low-rainfall environments. He brings a pragmatic approach to the movement by aligning his production with the natural limitations of his ecosystem, prioritizing soil biology and local economic health over the high-input "rat race" of conventional technology.  In this episode, John and Jeremy discuss:  Jeremy's transition from the "Roundup Ready" era back to organic farming to discover what truly constitutes "good soil."  How high yields in desert-like environments creates a financial "rat race" that ignores the farm's natural context.  30-year plateau in dryland cotton yields despite massive advancements in chemical and seed technology.  How Jeremy uses a weather-responsive approach to interseed multi-species cover crops.  The integration of stoc

In this Podcast Short, John discusses how shifting from extractive to collaborative business models can help farmers reclaim their economic destiny. This episode also explores:  Historical farm economics, noting that while it was once common to pay for a farm in under ten years,  How "regenerative relationships" and shared risk-taking between vendors and growers are essential to restoring farm profitability.  A new performance warranty for BioCoat Gold is introduced as a way to remove financial risk for growers  Inviting large-scale operators to engage in broader risk-sharing partnerships that extend beyond single products to entire agricultural systems.  Additional Resources  To learn more about AEA's new BioCoat Gold warrant, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/land/warranty-biocoat-gold/  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 pr

In this Podcast Extra, John Kempf compares Electrolyte Nutrition vs. Biological Nutrition in a webinar with ACRES USA and explains why conventional nitrogen strategies often lead to loss, inefficiency, and disrupted soil biology. Drawing from real-world agronomy, John outlines a biology-centric approach to nitrogen management that improves profitability, reduces synthetic inputs, and strengthens plant resilience. Topics include nitrogen timing, loss prevention, biological on-ramps and off-ramps, and practical strategies for in-season management. The webinar concludes with a live Q&A, where John answers grower questions and expands on implementation details. Additional Resources To learn more about ACRES USA and to become an Eco-Farmer member, please visit: https://eco-farming.com/ To view their bookstore, please visit: https://bookstore.acresusa.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 200

In this podcast extra, John Kempf joins Ed Baumgartner, Founder, and Andrew Dixon, Business Development Manager, of BASS Hybrids on a BASSCAST to discuss regenerative corn production. They explore transitioning from chemical-heavy practices to biological systems using microbial inoculants like Biocoat Gold to improve soil health and plant resilience. They also discuss: Using Biocoat Gold as a biological seed treatment to set plants up for better long-term success. The "rhizophagy cycle," where plants meet nutritional needs by recruiting and "consuming" soil microbes. Observations of interseeded companion crops increasing corn yields rather than just competing for resources. Delaying the "black layer" in corn by up to 12 days through optimal biological nutrition to gain test weight. The effectiveness of biological treatments even when applied to seeds pre-coated with traditional fungicides. How diverse microbial health naturally lowers excess sodium and chloride levels in irrigation systems. Stra

In this Podcast Extra episode, John Kempf delivers his keynote address from "The Quality Edge: Market Differentiation Through Regenerative Wine Growing," an event hosted by Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford, California. Speaking to an audience of professional wine growers, John explores how regenerative agriculture is becoming the ultimate differentiator in a crowded global market. He details how focusing on soil biology and plant physiology not only restores ecosystems but drives the production of wines with distinct character and superior quality that today's consumers demand. Key Topics Discussed: Why wine grapes are one of the few crops where microbiome integrity translates directly to harvest quality and financial return. The "Rhizophagy Cycle" and how plant roots absorb entire microbial cells to extract nutrients. Recent discoveries that microbes act as "truckers", transporting lipids and nutrients into plants before returning to the soil. The concept of "quorum sensing" and how microbial commun

In this Podcast Extra, John Kempf speaks with Dr. Michael McNeill at the Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference in December 2025. During their conversation, they field questions from the audience and dive deep into the intersection of macroeconomics, history, and the future of farming.  Topics discussed include:  The historical context of the 1962 "Adaptive Program for Agriculture" and its intentional design to reduce the American farm population.  Personal reflections on the 1980s farm crisis and the role of high-interest rates in driving farm bankruptcies and consolidation.  Strategies for developing resilient farming systems that can withstand economic shifts, political changes, and climate volatility.  A vision for a "major reset" in American agriculture within the next five years, shifting toward either massive consolidation or smaller food-as-medicine operations.  The critical role of collaboration and mentorship between older and younger generations to facilitate land transition

In this Podcast Extra episode, join John at Acres Eco Ag 2025, where he hosted a "Coffee with John Kempf" session, answering questions from the audience. In this episode, a wide range of topics are discussed, including: The use of foliar-applied low-biuret urea to significantly reduce a crop's total nitrogen requirement . The potential for amino acid forms of nitrogen to replace large amounts of conventional mineral nitrogen . Why plants fail to absorb or metabolize calcium efficiently when soil boron levels are low . Recommendations for conducting sap analysis every 7 to 10 days to identify nutrient needs . Optimal spray timing and the "point of deliquescence" to keep droplets liquid on leaves longer . The necessity of using clean water free of carbonates, such as rainwater or reverse osmosis water, for effective foliar sprays . AEA's new product, Pinion, which stimulates the leaf microbiome and activates plant immune pathways . Strategies for decompacting soil by building organic matter

In this Podcast Extra episode, John Kempf joins The Future of Agriculture Podcast hosted by Tim Hammerich to discuss the intersection of cutting-edge technology and regenerative farming. As the founder and Chief Vision Officer of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), John reflects on his journey from managing a struggling family farm in Ohio to becoming a leading crop health consultant. The conversation centers on the launch of FieldLark AI, an innovative regenerative agronomist tool, and John's personal project of creating a "digital clone" of his own agronomic expertise to streamline decision-making. Beyond technology and ethics, the duo dives into advanced nitrogen management strategies, offering technical insights for growers looking to optimize plant health.  Additional Resources To listen to more episodes of the Future of Agriculture Podcast, please visit: https://futureofagriculture.com/ To learn more about FieldLark, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/land/fieldlark/ About John Kempf John Kempf is t

Matthew Fitzgerald is a "1.5 generation" organic grain farmer operating 2,500 acres in Minnesota, situated where the big woods meet the prairie. Alongside his father, Joe, he manages a diverse rotation of crops on land originally preserved by organic pioneer Mabel Brelia. Matthew focuses on navigating modern economic challenges while actively fostering opportunities for the next generation of land stewards. To manage scale and improve yields, Matthew founded FarmFlow, a system that began as a visual whiteboard to track field passes and has evolved into software for optimizing execution. By integrating these standard operating procedures with emerging AI tools, he aims to professionalize organic operations and prove the financial competitiveness of sustainable agriculture. In this episode, John and Matthew discuss: Overcoming high barriers to entry for beginning farmers through creative partnerships and policy. The concept of FarmFlow and using visual tools to manage complex organic systems. Data analysi

Abianne Falla used to see the native holly shrub as a pesky invasive on her family's Texas land, until the 2011 drought highlighted its resilience: it was the sole green survivor. Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is North America's only caffeinated plant, though its roots as a ceremonial brew in Gulf Coast indigenous societies have been suppressed by colonial forces and lost to commercialization. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, Abianne became interested in yaupon and crafted a variety of flavor profiles in her home roasting experiments, which she grew into her company, CatSpring Yaupon.  Abianne harnesses yaupon for regeneration, harvesting on 500 acres while restoring degraded grasslands, boosting biodiversity by 70% and soil carbon by 7%, and fostering balanced ecosystems through grazing. Abianne's organic, wild-harvested model turns a 20-million-acre nuisance into sustainable income and regenerative opportunities. In this episode, John and Abianne discuss: Yaupon's drought resilience and its takeover of Texa

Morgan Twain-Peterson founded Bedrock Wine Company in 2007, growing from humble beginnings in a small outbuilding into a respected winery. Jake Neustadt joined Morgan in 2015, bringing his expertise in transitioning old vineyards to regenerative practices. Together they are focused on enhancing soil health, producing uniquely Californian wines, and preserving California’s historic vineyards, some of which date to the 19th Century. Morgan and Jake’s work at Bedrock Wine Company shows how regenerative agriculture can restore degraded vineyard soils, significantly increasing soil organic matter and water retention and improving climate resilience. Their practices—including no-till, cover crops, and holistic grazing—not only improve vine health and wine quality but also set a model for sustainable viticulture, addressing the wine industry’s need for differentiation amid declining consumption. In this episode, John, Morgan, and Jake discuss: Preserving historic vineyards with diverse varieties unique to Califor

Hilda Gore is a certified health coach and the host of the Wise Traditions podcast for the Weston A. Price Foundation. Born with a ventricular septal defect requiring open-heart surgery at age nine, she developed a passion for holistic health, emphasizing physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Through her global travels, Hilda has learned from indigenous communities about ancestral health practices, advocating for a return to traditional, nutrient-dense diets and lifestyles to foster generational health. In this episode, John and Hilda discuss: The importance of spiritual grounding for health, starting the day with stillness and prayer Choosing nutrient-dense, traditional foods rich in fat-soluble vitamins for sustenance  The role of sunlight in supporting metabolism and circadian rhythms Prioritizing sleep to enhance the body’s natural detoxification and health Embracing cold exposure to stimulate mitochondrial health and resilience Incorporating physical movement, like farming chores, to m

In this Podcast Extra episode, John Kempf introduces Revenant Charge™, a new true-liquid biostimulant from AEA. Revenant Charge™ was developed to address the rising costs of soil health products for row crops while maintaining the powerful results growers have come to expect from AEA’s Rejuvenate. Designed as a microbial accelerant, Revenant Charge™ stimulates soil biology and increases nutrient availability. In this episode, John discusses: The origin and purpose behind developing Revenant Charge™ and how it compares to Soil Primer and Rejuvenate. Early field trial data from Northeast Ohio, showing improved microbial activity and nutrient release. Insights from the Haney Soil Test results analyzed by Dr. Rick Haney, highlighting significant biological responses in diverse soils. The potential for Revenant Charge™ to improve nutrient cycling and soil disease suppression while reducing fertilizer dependence. Additional Resources To learn more about Revenant Charge™, please visit:  https://advancingecoag.

This is the first time we’ve had a high schooler on the podcast! Maizie Koentopp, a 9th grader in Chicago, conducted a simple yet elegant experiment on buckwheat plants. Motivated by her father’s urban farming work and her own concern about climate change, Maizie wanted to test the effect of endophytic bacteria on plant development as an alternative to harmful agrochemicals. She compared seeds inoculated with AEA’s BioCoat Gold™ to a non-inoculated control, and found that inoculated seeds (in both sterilized and non-sterilized soil) grew faster, had higher survival rates, and developed more root hairs. If others in Maizie’s generation share her curiosity, poise, and scientific rigor, then our future is in good hands." Additional Resources To read more about her research, click here.  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 strateg