Episodes
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Back to Back, join Taylor Henry, owner and CEO of Acres U.S.A., in a captivating conversation with Mark Shepard, a leading figure in sustainable farming and a top selling Acres U.S.A. author. In this episode, they discuss the evolution of Acres U.S.A., regenerative farming practices, and the future of eco-agriculture. Discover Mark's journey from engineering to eco-agriculture, his philosophies on regenerative farming, and insights on creating resilient, productive landscapes. Learn about the importance of mimicking natural ecosystems, managing resources, and the potential for a revitalized rural economy through regenerative agriculture. Don't miss this in-depth conversation about ecological principles and real-world applications that can transform our approach to farming.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://bookstore.acresusa.com/collections/spotlight/products/restoration-agriculture
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In this episode of the Acres USA Podcast, Acres U.S.A. author Mark Shepard, engages in a deep discussion focusing on effective water management techniques in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of understanding ecological systems and the impact of water on soil and crop health. Shepard’s key principles include the application of the keyline design and master line system, as well as examples from his home farm in WI, New Forest Farm. This episode also touches upon historical water management methods from Germany and their influence on modern practices in Australia and the USA. This in depth presentation provides valuable insights for farmers and ranchers looking to optimize their water usage and boost productivity while maintaining an ecological balance.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://bookstore.acresusa.com/collections/spotlight/products/water-for-any-farm
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Missing episodes?
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In this Acres USA podcast episode, we throwback to Dr. Arden Andersen, a unique blend of physician and agronomist, who consults with major farming operations worldwide. Dr. Andersen discusses the interconnection between human health and agricultural practices, emphasizing sustainable farming, nutrition, and the harmful impacts of processed foods and pesticides. He shares his background in family medicine, public health, and agriculture, and the importance of consumer choices in driving agricultural changes. The episode highlights the role of nutrient-dense food in preventing chronic diseases and the significance of proactive health management through diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com
https://www.acresusa.com/
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Join us in this throwback from Eco-Ag. Jerry Brunetti, a leading expert in nutraceuticals and fertilizers, to explore the intricate communication systems within nature and their implications for sustainable farming. Dive deep into the significance of holistic agricultural practices, understand the critical role of silica and nutrient density in improving soil and plant health, and learn from historical insights and modern research on eco-agriculture. This episode sheds light on the complex interplay of ecosystems, the impact of modern chemicals, and strategies for integrating perennial polycultures. A must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and the natural processes that go along with it.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com
https://www.acresusa.com/
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Join host Taylor Henry, owner and CEO of Acres USA, as he delves into a fascinating discussion with Kevin Wolz of Canopy. This episode explores Kevin's journey from Illinois' prairies to agroforestry, the founding of the Savannah Institute, and the work and vision behind Canopy. Learn about the innovative Canopy Compass tool for mapping farm suitability, the benefits and challenges of integrating tree crops into conventional farming, and how agroforestry practices like alley cropping and silvopasture can transform agricultural landscapes. Whether you're a farmer, rancher, or eco-agriculture enthusiast, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into sustainable and regenerative farming practices. Don't miss the opportunity to discover how Canopy is paving the way for a more resilient farming future.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://www.canopycompass.com/
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Blast from the Past, For an insightful discussion with renowned soil fertility expert Neal Kinsey. In this episode, Neal delves into managing fertilizers and soil fertility using the Albrecht system of cation balance. He emphasizes building a strong foundation for life in the soil, highlighting that it's not just about inoculating the soil but ensuring the right environment for microbes. Kinsey shares valuable anecdotes and scientific explanations, such as the importance of proper mineral balance, the role of microbes in nutrient cycling, and how to improve soil structure for optimal crop growth. Tune in to learn the principles of sustainable and regenerative farming that can help your soil thrive naturally. Neal wrote the book “Hands on Agronomy” and it’s available in our Acres U.S.A. Bookstore.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com/
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://bookstore.acresusa.com/
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Join Taylor Henry on the Acres USA podcast as he delves deep into the world of sustainable and regenerative farming with Gary Zimmer. This episode explores the formation of Midwestern BioAg, the challenges and innovations in eco-friendly agricultural practices from the 70s to present. Learn about the pivotal role of soil mineralization and the significance of key minerals such as calcium and boron. Gary Zimmer enriches the discussion with his expertise on cover crops, crop diversity, and bio-based fertilizers, reflecting on both the historical and modern landscape of farming. Discover how Midwestern BioAg's pioneering efforts in fertilizer formulation and soil health have translated into improved soil and crop vitality, offering valuable insights for educators and practitioners in the field of agriculture.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com/
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://bookstore.acresusa.com/
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In this episode of the Acres USA podcast, you will hear Will and Jenni Harris’s Keynote presentation from the 2021 Eco-Ag Conference. Will and Jenni share the story of White Oak Pastures and how it was started. They discuss the transition from conventional to regenerative farming, the importance of community, and the succession of the family farm. Will Harris provides a historical overview of the farm, its practices, and the philosophy behind regenerative agriculture. Jenny Harris elaborates on her journey back to the farm and the diverse business ventures she and her family have undertaken. Together, they emphasize the integration of land, animals, and community in sustainable farming.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com/
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://bookstore.acresusa.com/
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In this special episode of the Acres U.S.A. podcast, hosted by Taylor Henry, we chat with Kirsten and Reba from Good Agriculture. They discuss their innovative approach to supporting small to mid-sized farmers by easing administrative burdens and leveraging technology to enhance profitability. They detail their services including bookkeeping, financial management, marketing, and acquiring funding. Good Agriculture shares insights on improving farm operations, fostering sustainable practices, and the importance of understanding key performance indicators (KPIs). The episode also emphasizes creating a strong farm brand, establishing efficient processes, and practical marketing strategies, aiming to assist farmers in achieving financial stability and increased productivity. This podcast is brought to you by OCIA and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
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Dive into a dynamic episode with renowned grazer Greg Judy as he unveils his sustainable grazing practices, journey, and expert advice for adopting regenerative methods. Filmed on-site, Greg discusses rotational grazing, organic matter importance, fly control, and the nuances of a custom grazing business.
Learn about the efficacy of fescue grass, breed-specific grazing traits, and strategies for a productive low-cost farm. Additionally, Greg highlights his authentic and educational YouTube presence, milestones, and interaction with the farming community.Get ready for practical tips and inspiring stories that redefine eco-friendly farming.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com/
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://bookstore.acresusa.com/
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Greg Judy is a Missouri-based grass farmer who has developed and propelled the art of so-called "mob-grazing," an amazing phenomenon. He taught a crowd at the 2013 Acres U.S.A. annual conference about his techniques to bring about an explosion of life in the soil, and how his techniques can help any farmer rescue damaged soil. He firmly believes in multi-purpose livestock, not just for meat and milk, but for how they can contribute and help maintain a healthy soil for other crops.
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com/
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://bookstore.acresusa.com/
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In this Blast from the Past Podcast, Acres U.S.A. contributor Mark Shepard goes into detail about restorative practices. In his presentation from the 2019 Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference, Mark explains the importance of changing how we farm for the betterment of the land around us. He challenges everyone in attendance and listening to farm with ecological principles in mind. Enjoy this throwback keynote, and if you are interested in hearing more from Mark Shepard, you can find a lot of his great content on our Members Site, as well as on our online course materials. You can also find his books at our online bookstore! Thanks for Listening!
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com/
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://bookstore.acresusa.com/
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Join us in this episode of the Acres USA Podcast as host Taylor Henry, owner and CEO of Acres USA, sits down with Maureen Ashe, author of 'Holding the Lines.' Maureen shares her journey and experiences in sustainable and regenerative farming. They discuss the beauty of Pierce County and Maureen's early days in farming. Learn about her family's farming history, their shift from conventional to horse-powered farming, the challenges they faced, and the joys of raising horses.
They also touch on Maureen's adventures in Europe, steeplechase riding in Ireland, and how these experiences shaped her perspective on farming. An insightful conversation on the hard work and dedication that goes into sustainable agriculture and the enduring bond between humans and animals. Get your copy of ‘Holding the Lines’ at our online book store!
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com/
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://bookstore.acresusa.com/
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In this episode of the Acres USA Podcast, host Taylor Henry welcomes Mark Kastel, a passionate advocate for family farmers and organic farming. Mark shares his inspiring journey from working with Agribusiness Giants to pioneering organic farming practices in the 1980s, driven by his personal health transformation. As the Executive Director of Organic Eye, Mark continues to fight for economic justice and the principles of organic farming. The conversation delves into the history and challenges of the organic movement, regulatory issues, and the importance of authentic organic certification. Tune in to learn how Mark's work aims to preserve the integrity and sustainability of eco-agriculture in today’s food system.
Important Links from Today's Episode:
https://members.acresusa.com/
https://www.acresusa.com/
https://organiceye.org/
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Insights from 'A Farmer's Guide to the Bottom Line' by Charles Walters
In this special episode of the Acres USA podcast, Taylor Henry shares a recording from Acres USA founder Charles Walters. The recording features an overview of Walters' book, 'A Farmer's Guide to the Bottom Line,' which compiles stories and knowledge gained from decades of visiting small farms and his own business experiences.
Walters provides practical advice for small farmers on running their farms ecologically and successfully. Topics discussed include the challenges faced by farmers, the importance of direct selling, and the pitfalls of commodity farming. Walters also addresses the significance of having a robust business plan and harnessing the power of small businesses in agriculture.
The episode concludes with a Q&A session where Walters interacts with the audience, discussing the shift towards sustainable and organic farming, and the potential threats posed by large corporations. Thanks for listening!
Pick up your copy of 'A Farmer's Guid to the Bottom Line' at https://bookstore.acresusa.com/
For more archival material like this check out our Members Site at: https://members.acresusa.com/
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This episode of the Acres USA podcast, hosted by Taylor Henry, features Gary Zimmer sharing his experiences with sustainable dairy farming and nutrition. The discussion covers his work in Hawaii with pineapple hay, the challenges of insecticides, and his journey from college to practical farming.
Key topics include quality forage, mineral balance, soil health, cow comfort, optimal feeding strategies, the impact of stray voltage, and the use of sexed semen. Additionally, the podcast delves into best practices for transitioning livestock from a grain to a grass-based diet, emphasizing a gradual shift to medium-quality grass to prevent health issues. The episode explains the benefits of organic farming and the importance of proper animal rearing in achieving sustainable agricultural practices.
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In this episode of the Acres USA podcast, host Taylor Henry interviews Harriet Behar, an organic inspector and educator, about sustainable farming practices and the prevention of organic fraud in the supply chain. Behar shares her extensive experience with organic farming, describing her work on her certified organic farm and her involvement with the National Organic Standards Board and the Organic Farmers Association. The discussion focuses on recent regulatory changes to strengthen organic enforcement and improvements in organic livestock standards, highlighting the importance of maintaining integrity in the organic certification process.
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Tune into this in-depth conversation between John Kempf and Taylor Henry. They cover Kempf's transition to regenerative practices, the establishment of Advancing Eco-Agriculture, the community-driven approach, and the prediction of widespread adoption. Additionally, they explore the current adoption landscape, emphasizing mindset shifts, technological advancements, and the imperative of investing in agri-tech for sustainable practices in agriculture.
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This is the first podcast of a series with Gary Zimmer, where Acres owner and CEO, Taylor Henry, will sit down with Gary and discuss what steps led him to where he is at currently in his life. On this episode, they talk about how Gary was raised on a dairy farm over on the East side of Wisconsin. They discuss Gary's time at the University of Madison, Wisconsin, his experiences in Hawaii, becoming a professor in Winona, finding his way back to Wisconsin, and buying a farm in the Spring Green area. Through the conversations, they discuss how he came to found Midwest BioAg and how he became a staple Acres USA author and presenter at our yearly Eco-Ag conference in December.
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Tune into this episode with insights from Dan Kittredge, founder of Bionutrient Food Association (BFA), and discussions around sustainable agriculture, regenerative practices, nutrient density in food like beef and wheat, meter development for measurement, the importance of open-source science, funding challenges, soil health, biological systems principles, and upcoming conferences on nutrient density and regenerative agriculture.
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