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Soil carbon is not mainly leftover residue, and that changes everything you think you know about building healthier fields. Dr. Jennifer Pett-Ridge reveals why the real engine of soil organic matter is the life and death of microbes—and why managing the whole underground food web may matter more than chasing a bucket of bugs. What happens beneath your feet is far more dynamic than most farmers have been told. Jennifer, a soil ecologist whose work spans Yale, Berkeley, and Lawrence Livermore, breaks down why dead microbes, or necromass, make up a massive share of soil carbon, how roots feed the system through exudates, and why diversity above ground creates diversity below ground. If you want to understand how cover crops, reduced tillage, and perennial strips can change water cycling, nutrient availability, and resilience, this conversation connects the dots. Subscribe to AgEmerge Podcast for bi-weekly episodes on soil health, regenerative practices, innovative technology, grower stories, and the future of agriculture. New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Hosted by Monte Bottens Produced by Ag Solutions Network & Power2Gro Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/@AgSolutionsNetwork Listen on your favorite podcast platform: Search "AgEmerge Podcast" Ag Solutions Network Socials: https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/ Ag Solutions Network website: https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/ Click to watch or listen and as always, let us know if you have any questions or guest ideas by emailing ​[email protected]​. Timestamps 04:14 — Why dead microbes matter as much as living microbes 06:32 — Why many commercial inoculants may be ineffective or dead 07:21 — Necromass and why dead microbial material is a major carbon pool 09:21 — Root exudates as the starting point for soil carbon 10:35 — Plants and microbes as a trading system for nutrients and water 11:50 — Why crop diversity creates microbial diversity and more necromass 14:40 — Biomass turnover as the path toward stable carbon 16:35 — Why low-disturbance tillage still raises tradeoffs 18:37 — Fungal networks, drought resilience, and the cost of cutting biological highways 22:54 — DNA sequencing, what it reveals, and why it can become “stamp collecting” 24:12 — Only a small fraction of microbes are active at any one time 33:37 — Why “species” is a messy concept in the microbial world 34:57 — Managing soil as a system, not as individual microbes 37:22 — A real-world example of alternating corn, cover crops, and grazing 38:32 — Complexity in soil often means complexity in labor and logistics, too 39:31 — Practical farmer routines for establishing and terminating cover crops 46:48 — Carbon intensity, lower nitrogen use, and water resilience 48:22 — Soil organic matter as a sponge for both drought and flood 51:39 — Nitrogen losses, nitrous oxide, and why fertilizer efficiency matters 52:14 — Carbon intensity credits and the economics of lower-input systems 53:09 — Gene editing, photosynthetic efficiency, and root improvements 56:11 — Seed endophytes as a way to improve function without changing plant DNA 58:46 — Risks of stacked engineering and unintended input increases About our Guest: Dr. Jennifer Pett-Ridge is a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at LLNL, Adjunct Professor at UC Merced and a principal investigator at the UC Berkeley Innovative Genomics Institute. She uses the tools of systems biology and biogeochemistry (stable isotope probing, NanoSIMS imaging, molecular microbial ecology, computational modeling) to study how earth system changes affect microbiome interactions and ecosystem processes. Much of her current work focuses on soil carbon persistence and sustainable agriculture. She leads the Carbon Initiative at LLNL.

Rob discusses moving from dairy farming into custom hay work, using strip till and diverse cover crops to improve soil, and adopting robotic sprinklers to apply water more precisely. He also shares lessons from experimenting with new equipment, why he sees winter cover crops as a profit center, and how his definition of legacy changed after the family sold its dairy. About Robert Boyle: Robert is an innovative Arizona farmer and the 2026 Strip-Till Innovator, recognized for his commitment to water conservation, efficiency and sustainable agriculture. Raised on a dairy farm in Chandler, Arizona, Boyle later moved south to Coolidge, where he expanded into dairy production, forage crops and custom farming. After transitioning fully to crop production in 2019, he built an intensive forage operation that now includes baling roughly 4,000 acres every 28 days, producing up to 10 cuttings annually plus green-chop harvests. His practical approach to conserving water while maintaining productivity has made him a leader in advancing more resilient farming systems in the arid Southwest. Rob jokes that Coolidge is “a quarter mile from hell,” describing the area’s unusually hot well water. He explains how cover crop roots helped improve soil conditions where repeated tillage had fallen short. After selling the family dairy, Rob came to see his daughter—not the cows—as his legacy. Robert shares how a third-generation Arizona farm evolved from dairying into a highly efficient custom hay and row-crop operation. The conversation centers on strip till, high-diversity cover crops, and precision irrigation, with a strong focus on making farming work in a hot, salty, high-pressure water environment. Monte and Robert talk about adapted machinery, water management, and crop rotations to stay profitable under urban pressure and shrinking water access. Timestamps: 03:20 Building an efficient operation with technology 04:31 How steamers changed desert hay baling 06:28 Making premium horse hay 08:09 Getting started with strip till 15:40 What changed Rob’s mind about cover crops 16:36 Cover crops as a profit center 18:45 Winter forage economics and seed costs 19:41 Water availability and making cover crops work 21:38 Lessons from turnips and radishes 24:47 Why Rob pursued 360 Rain irrigation 26:43 Adapting robotic irrigation to Arizona conditions 29:57 Comparing targeted irrigation with flood irrigation 32:44 Using lagoon water with irrigation equipment 35:02 Portable irrigation on rented ground 38:02 Managing salinity and pH with humic acid 40:09 Development pressure around Coolidge 44:51 Family, farming, and the future of the operation 49:07 Redefining legacy after selling the dairy 52:06 Rob’s vision for smaller autonomous machines 59:42 What could come next for irrigation robots and biologicals

Iowa’s fight over water quality is no longer academic. Monte Bottens sits down with Chris Jones—a research scientist, author, water-quality expert, and candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture—to examine how nitrate pollution, agricultural policy, public health, and rural decline are shaping the future of farming. Chris has spent more than 40 years advocating for clean water and sustainable agricultural practices. He managed the water-quality testing laboratory at Des Moines Water Works for eight years, helping oversee operations at one of the world’s largest nitrate-removal facilities. He later worked as an environmental scientist at the Iowa Soybean Association, where he helped establish some of the state’s first independent water-quality monitoring systems. At the University of Iowa, Chris worked as a research engineer and helped develop Iowa’s first real-time public water-quality sensor network, giving the public unprecedented access to information about the condition of the state’s rivers and streams. He is also the author of The Swine Republic: Struggles With the Truth About Agriculture and Water Quality, selected by the Library of Congress to represent Iowa at the 2024 National Book Festival. In 2024, he helped found Driftless Water Defenders, a grassroots organization protecting the waters of northeast Iowa’s Driftless Area. During their conversation, Monte and Chris explore the forces behind polluted rivers and stressed water systems—from tile drainage across the Des Moines Lobe to the timing and rate of nitrogen and manure applications. Chris explains how fall fertilizer applications, concentrated livestock production, CAFO placement, and wet soils influence what appears in rivers months later. He also discusses why cover crops may provide their greatest water-quality benefits during the spring. Chris Jones Online: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjones4ia https://www.instagram.com/chrisjones4ia https://www.youtube.com/@chrisjones4IA Timestamps: 02:15 - Chris Jones explains his run for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture 09:17 - How the Des Moines water system faces nitrate pressure 13:07 - How tile drainage carries nitrate from fields to streams 16:20 - Why nitrate loss is driven by weather, soils, and mineralization 23:53 - Rate, timing, and distribution as the real nutrient challenge 28:04 - What cover crops can and cannot do for nitrate reduction 31:13 - Spring versus fall manure timing and nitrate loss reduction 34:28 - Why fall anhydrous often means more total nitrogen applied 39:16 - Why diversification, not just regulation, may be the long-term fix 43:30 - Meat processors, livestock diversity, and rebuilding local economies 44:56 - Oats, food hubs, and creating a third crop for Iowa 49:27 - Soil health as the underlying system behind better water quality 53:03 - Why the burden should not fall only on farmers 54:35 - Getting 50% of Iowa school food from Iowa farms 59:09 - Food hubs, small-acre farming, and opportunities for young growers 61:12 - Dignity, consolidation, and what agriculture has taken away 63:12 - Five policy changes Jones says Iowa should pursue 73:32 - Help for beginning farmers and access to land

Autonomous tractors are only the beginning. The next breakthrough in ag tech is a physical AI layer that can learn, adapt, and make farms dramatically more efficient without forcing every grower to become a robotics expert. Colin Hurd returns to the AgEmerge Podcast with a behind-the-scenes look at where ag autonomy really stands now, why retrofit solutions are only part of the story, and what has to change before self-driving machines become truly useful in the field. From dusty harvest conditions that break today’s sensors to the opportunity for AI systems to preserve hard-earned farming knowledge, this conversation gets into the real bottlenecks - and the real upside - of the next five years. Colin has devoted his career to leading innovative companies in the machinery industry. In 2016, Colin founded his second company, Smart Ag, which developed the first retrofit driverless system to automate tractors. After funding and growing the company, he led Smart Ag successfully through an exit to Raven Industries (NYSE:RAVN) in 2019. Raven was then acquired by CNH Industrial in 2021 (NYSE:CNHI). Colin stayed with Raven and managed business development until forming Mach in 2022. Learn about Mach: https://mach.io/about-us/ Timestamps 07:08 - Why physical AI could transform the next 5 to 10 years on the farm 10:39 - Colin’s first startup and the soil compaction problem behind Track Till 12:06 - Why preventing compaction led him into autonomy 13:05 - Smart Ag, autonomous grain carts, and the Raven acquisition 14:34 - Building Mock by acquiring autonomy companies with complementary strengths 16:56 - Mach's thesis: OEMs can source autonomy instead of building or buying it all 18:18 - Why off-road engineering talent is hard to recruit and even harder to localize 20:05 - Why lidar struggles in dusty ag environments 21:04 - Radar-based sensing as Mock’s bet for off-road autonomy 22:53 - Why OEM size creates different autonomy needs across large, mid-sized, and shortline brands 24:21 - Mach's modular stack and why it stays OEM-only 26:20 - Why large enterprise users can help accelerate OEM go-to-market timing 27:29 - Retrofit autonomy and why Mach is avoiding that business model 29:14 - Why smaller, autonomy-first machine designs may be the real future 31:20 - Redesigning machines for autonomy instead of bolting it on 34:15 - One operator supervising eight machines in orchard autonomy 35:08 - Where humanoids fit into agriculture and what they would actually do 37:28 - From rigid path planning to non-deterministic physical AI 39:05 - Machines that understand objectives instead of only following pre-programmed routes 40:44 - The three core autonomy buckets: connectivity, situational awareness, and navigation 42:03 - Physical AI as a supervisory intelligence layer on top of the stack 43:03 - Agentic systems, self-repair, and the right-to-repair conversation 45:46 - Transferring farm knowledge, field history, and terrain awareness into machine behavior 47:16 - Using autonomy to support sustainable practices and reduce cost per acre 48:14 - Why cover crop adoption could accelerate if machines could learn from broader experience 50:37 - Physical AI as a way to reduce fear of failure in new practices 55:23 - Why recursive learning on-device is difficult, but data collection and fleet learning are realistic 58:32 - How farmers can connect with autonomy companies and stay current on emerging tech 63:07 - How Ag Startup Engine was built as an investor-managed fund with farmer input 65:39 - PlowVision and AI-guided cutting in meat processing 67:18 - Terra Blaster and real-time nutrient application for soil health 68:47 - Why founder feedback and customer validation matter more than hype 73:18 - The tradeoffs between angel investing and participating in a fund 74:13 - How farmers can get involved as accredited investors and pilot early autonomy tech 75:39 - Why Mach's technology aims to make agriculture more efficient and more regenerative

Regenerative agriculture is not a slogan—it is a system. And Chuck Schembre knows where that system can break, where it works, and how growers can make the transition without throwing yields out the window. If you care about specialty crops, produce, vineyards, apples, almonds, or the real-world economics of farming differently, this conversation is for you. Chuck brings a rare perspective shaped by both science and hands-on farming. From working restaurant lines with peak-season tomatoes and onions that changed how he thought about food, to farming across California, Sonoma, Napa, and now the high desert of Nevada, he shares the path that led him into soil health, ecological farming, and regenerative consulting. This conversation gets into the realities behind regenerative agriculture—not just the ideals. Chuck and Monte discuss why transitions are so complex, what actually motivates growers to change, and why removing one conventional practice can create ripple effects across an entire production system. They explore herbicide reduction in orchards and vineyards, cover crop termination, fertility management, phosphorus overapplication in organic systems, food safety challenges in produce, and why regenerative farming doesn't necessarily mean eliminating every conventional tool. Chuck also explains why context matters. A practice that works on a small diversified farm may not translate directly to a large produce operation, vineyard, or orchard. Successful transitions require understanding the entire system, the economics behind it, and the realities growers face in the field. **About Our Guest** Chuck Schembre is the owner of High Desert Harvest Farm, a small diversified regenerative farm in Washoe Valley, Northern Nevada, and founder of EcoSoil Solutions, a soil health and regenerative agronomy consulting company. A Certified Professional Soil Scientist and agronomist, Chuck has two decades of experience farming organically and regeneratively while interpreting soil and plant health metrics and connecting them to practical farm management. His experience ranges from small-scale organic vegetable systems to large orchard and vineyard operations. He holds a B.S. in Earth and Soil Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Find Chuck online: https://ecosoilsolutions.com **Timestamps** 06:14 – Napa demo farm and the move to northern Nevada 08:40 – Cal Poly: soils, organic farming, and surf 10:31 – How fresh tomatoes and onions changed his understanding of food 17:35 – Regenerative transitions and finding committed buyers 21:23 – Soil tests, sap testing, and grower experience 23:47 – What motivates growers to change 31:23 – Why chemical reduction often starts with weed management 36:38 – Moving beyond herbicide dependence 37:07 – Systems thinking: one change affects everything else 42:20 – Why cover crop termination is the key decision 43:14 – Myth-busting regenerative agriculture in specialty crops 46:33 – When conventional fertility may still have a role 47:55 – Phosphorus overapplication in organic systems 48:49 – The tool chest: conventional, organic, and regenerative constraints 50:20 – Restoring orchards before replanting 51:08 – Food safety rules and soil health in produce 53:02 – Why large-scale produce is difficult to transition 58:34 – How small growers can profit through creative sizing and packing 64:49 – Why being a farmer makes Chuck a better consultant

Unlock the future of sustainable farming with Dr. Jessica Chiartas, currently serving at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on the long-term impacts of agriculture on soil carbon and overall soil health with a unique focus on carbon at depth. Jessica shares her inspiring journey from corporate pharma sales to pioneering soil health measurement frameworks that could transform global agriculture. Discover how her RegenScore provides a practical, evidence-based way for farmers, brands, and consumers to quantify and promote regenerative practices—beyond mere labels and checkboxes. In this episode, Jessica breaks down the complexities of regenerative agriculture, from soil’s vital role in climate resilience, water quality, and human health, to the challenges of creating scalable scoring systems that respect local context. You'll uncover the innovative process behind developing region-specific metrics, the importance of community and farmer-centric approaches, and how technology and storytelling are shaping a new era of transparency and impact. We dive into the intersection of soil science, market mechanisms, and consumer choices, revealing why understanding soil health is essential not just for farmers but for everyone invested in a sustainable future. Jessica shares why regenerative farming isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution but a nuanced, evolving journey—one that requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines. She emphasizes the psychological and social shifts needed to inspire widespread adoption, highlighting the power of education, trust, and tangible health outcomes. Learn how soil health ties directly to climate resilience, biodiversity, and human wellbeing—and why immediate action is critical to avoid slow, irreversible damage. This episode is perfect for farmers needing practical pathways to adopt regenerative practices, investors and brands seeking credible impact metrics, educators passionate about soil awareness, and anyone curious about how farming can heal the planet while supporting healthy communities. Jessica’s optimistic outlook reminds us that rapid, positive change is possible—if we leverage science, technology, and storytelling to fuel systemic shifts. Tune in to feel empowered to connect with the ground beneath your feet and imagine a healthier, more resilient future for all. Resources Regen Score Framework - https://regenscore.org Soil Life Project - https://soil.life Jessica Chartis - UBC Profile - https://ubc.ca/jessica-chartis Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Jessica's background 01:59 Jessica's journey from pharma to soil science 03:52 Soil health and its impact on human well-being 06:46 Development of Regen Score and its principles 10:14 Regional specificity and scaling of Regen Score 14:57 Challenges and opportunities in regenerative measurement 19:45 Market drivers and consumer engagement 25:07 Food as medicine and health impacts 30:14 Soil health, biodiversity, and environmental benefits 34:51 Policy, economics, and market pull for regenerative farming 40:08 Future outlook and hope for regenerative agriculture 45:00 Practical steps for farmers to adopt regenerative practices 49:58 Jessica's vision for education and soil awareness 55:04 Closing thoughts and optimism for the future

The future of ag tech is here—aimable, precise, and radically more efficient. Gabe Sibley and Curtis Garner reveal how they’ve built Verdant Robotics platform to target weeds and pests with pinpoint accuracy but also transforms how farms scout, analyze, and act on data in real time. Discover how Verdant Robotics is pioneering an autonomous spraying system that’s faster, smarter, and more sustainable than traditional methods. Gabe shares how deep learning, high-resolution imaging, and patented aiming technology are redefining crop management—dissecting individual plants, detecting diseases earlier, and reducing input use dramatically. Curtis chimes in with stories from scaling operations across North America and beyond, explaining how agility, innovation, and a focus on real farmer pain points propel their mission. We break down the critical role of digitization in unlocking exactly the right amount of herbicide or fertilizer at the right spot, the challenges of supply chain constraints—and more importantly—how the industry can leap forward despite long timelines and slow tech adoption. Why wait years to see ROI? This tech promises a rapid payback—sometimes in mere months—that could revolutionize productivity for growers of all sizes and crop types, especially those underserved by existing solutions. If you’re a forward-thinking farmer or agtech enthusiast tired of incremental improvements that don’t deliver, this is your shot at catching the next big wave. Learn how sophisticated AI, machine vision, and precision application tools are converging into a new era of farming—one where autonomous, versatile robots adapt seamlessly to complex crop environments, saving money, inputs, and water, while boosting yields. Whether you’re in leafy greens, orchards, or row crops, these insights are essential to understanding how automation will shape the future landscape of agriculture. Are you ready to ditch the old and embrace the cutting edge of farm technology? This episode is your front-row seat to the innovations that are not years away—they’re happening right now. Gabe Sibley is CEO and Co-Founder of Verdant Robotics, known for cutting-edge autonomous sprayers that combine high-resolution vision with precise chemical delivery. Curtis Garner, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, is a seasoned farm operations expert, brings practical insights on deploying automation at scale across diverse crops and regions. Timestamps 07:02 - How farmer conversations reveal unmet needs and unspoken problems 09:59 - Case study: Using AI to identify individual apples and improve profitability 11:17 - Digitizing crops at scale for better decision-making and control loops 14:02 - Unique aimable fluid delivery technology for targeted chemical application 18:11 - 3D space navigation, camera systems, and occlusion strategies in orchards 19:01 - Achieving millimeter-level accuracy and scaling to various crop sizes 20:46 - Expanding from leafy greens to grass seed and international markets 26:09 - Challenges of scaling tech amidst supply chain shortages and global chip scarcity 29:30 - The cultural challenges of integrating Silicon Valley innovation, manufacturing, and farming 36:52 - ROI and operational efficiency of their autonomous spraying units 37:45 - The hardware specs, form factor, and integration options with existing machinery 39:11 - Opportunities in disease detection, multi-spectral imaging, and remote sensing 44:49 - Autonomous operation advancements, teaming with VEX and other partners 58:13 - Final thoughts: the future of agricultural automation and innovations

A tech entrepreneur turned regenerative farmer is rewriting the future of agriculture. Chris Baggott, a serial entrepreneur behind Salesforce's pioneering marketing platform and innovative food ventures, shares how his journey from Silicon Valley to the farm is helping producers thrive beyond commodity markets. **Watch the full episode:** https://youtu.be/wxffwwsEsOg Chris explains how his technology background taught him the power of democratized marketing and why farmers should embrace digital tools to build direct relationships with consumers. Learn how technology, AI, and transparency help decommodify food, optimize operations, and allow small farms to compete with larger companies through authentic storytelling and local connections. Monte and Chris discuss the growing demand for local, nutrient-dense food, the challenges of regenerative agriculture, and practical ways to improve profitability through branding, consumer education, and direct-to-consumer sales. They also explore soil health, managed grazing, supply chains, and the future of community-based food systems. Whether you're a farmer, entrepreneur, or food advocate, this episode offers practical insights into building resilient, profitable businesses rooted in healthy soil and trusted relationships. **Main Topics Covered:** * Chris Baggott's transition from Silicon Valley entrepreneur to regenerative farmer * Technology, AI, and digital marketing for agriculture * Direct-to-consumer food systems and local markets * Soil health, managed grazing, and regenerative farming * Scaling profitable, transparent food businesses **About Our Guest** Chris Baggott is the founder of Tyner Pond Farm in central Indiana, a regenerative farm dedicated to restoring healthy soil and producing better food through pasture-based livestock management. Prior to farming, Chris built successful software companies, including ExactTarget, which was acquired by Salesforce. Today he combines that entrepreneurial experience with regenerative agriculture, raising 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, pasture-raised chicken, and eggs using managed grazing and rotational systems. Chris is also developing FarmersMarket.com, a national marketplace connecting consumers directly with identifiable farmers instead of anonymous commodity products. His mission is to strengthen local food systems by improving transparency, trust, and direct relationships between producers and consumers. **Timestamps:** 00:00 - Introduction & episode overview 01:11 - Chris Baggott's tech background and ExactTarget 04:13 - Transition to regenerative farming 05:29 - Democratizing marketing through technology 09:06 - Salesforce acquisition and small business marketing 10:53 - Direct-to-consumer food systems 17:26 - Why regenerative agriculture matters 20:12 - Food marketing and digital platforms 25:02 - Grazing management and soil health 30:41 - Partnerships and scaling farm operations 45:50 - Marketing challenges and opportunities 55:58 - Storytelling and consumer trust 66:05 - FarmersMarket.com and connecting with Chris

Steve Groff continues to provide agricultural thought leadership. Sure, he's an author, speaker, farmer and recently claimed himself as a bird nerd. But one of Steve's hallmark accomplishments, is developing and promoting the tillage radish. Hailing from Holtwood, Pennsylvania, Steve's Cedar Meadow farm became Regenified certified in 2023. From initial conservation efforts, through integrating cover crop diversity, to projects like biochar and nutrient-dense crop testing, Steve shares the real-world impact of these practices on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, illustrating how strategic land management can clean polluted estuaries while increasing farm profitability. Monte and Steve discuss the importance of farmer education, public engagement, and bipartisan collaboration to promote sustainable agriculture that benefits us all. Plus, hear about his recent adventures in fiber crop innovation, including custom flax planters and processing opportunities that could revolutionize U.S. fiber industries and reduce reliance on imports. Enjoy a great catch up conversation with Steve Groff by clicking below. Steve's Website​​: https://www.stevegroff.com/ Regenified and Cedar Meadow Farm​​: https://regenified.com/farm/cedar-meadows/ Steve's Book: The Future-Proof Farm​: https://www.stevegroff.com/book Timestamps: 02:55 - Market shifts: variety packaging and customer preferences 03:37 - Steve's personal farm story and history of no-till since 1982 07:32 - Regenerative agriculture: growing food for health and future generations 08:11 - Challenges of farming on steep, rocky terrain in Lancaster County 09:44 - Land costs, succession, and land transfer strategies 13:43 - Water quality concerns in Chesapeake Bay and conservation efforts 16:37 - Nutrient management, manure regulations, and local innovations 19:33 - Progress in Chesapeake Bay restoration and the role of cover crops 20:58 - Biochar research and its potential benefits and challenges 22:04 - Nutrient runoff issues in the Mississippi Delta and alternative management strategies 23:58 - The potential of Maryland’s cover crop payment programs 25:38 - Lessons from regulatory and incentive approaches across states 30:41 - The role of government, incentives, and public awareness in environmental stewardship 32:36 - The personal impact of water clean-up on community life and future opportunities 33:47 - Linking soil health to human health: the food as medicine movement 36:17 - Innovative tools like cover crop roller development and their origin stories 43:39 - Extending cover crop benefits to pumpkins and specialty crops 45:23 - Moving toward nutrient-dense foods and the role of regenerative practices for health 47:26 - Opportunities in fiber crops: hemp, flax, and market potential 50:17 - The influence of high-profile advocacy and policy in advancing regenerative agriculture 54:45 - The importance of diverse viewpoints and bipartisan support for farm sustainability 56:06 - Linking soil health improvements to health costs and chronic disease prevention 58:28 - Hemp industry challenges: regulation, infrastructure, and market development 61:04 - Innovations in fiber crop equipment, including planting systems for hemp and flax 64:08 - Long-term biochar research plans and soil health impacts 65:22 - Future directions: high tunnels, specialty crops, and nutrient density testing 67:22 - Upcoming events and Steve’s focus on hands-on farm work and family 70:25 - The divine story behind the farm’s historical crops and future crop opportunities 72:43 - Final thoughts: observing nature, curiosity, and the farmer’s role in ecosystem health

Most farms struggle with dust, inefficiency, and labor shortages—but Tyler Niday of Bonsai Robotics reveals how AI-driven machinery is changing the game by transforming existing equipment into autonomous workhorses. Inspired by biology, Bonsai Robotics is making some of agriculture's toughest environments manageable. Tyler shares how autonomous orchard shakers are improving nut harvest efficiency by up to 40%, while converting shuttle trucks into multi-functional farm platforms can save growers hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment costs. Monte and Tyler explore the industry's evolution from retrofitting machines with autonomous capabilities to developing full-platform solutions, including Bonsai's Amiga series. These adaptable systems support precision spraying, harvesting, and crop scouting. Before co-founding Bonsai Robotics, Tyler began in mechanical engineering and helped develop vision systems at Blue River Technology and gained hands-on learning at Orchard Machinery Corporation. If you've wondered what the future of practical farm automation really looks like, this episode offers a firsthand look at innovations in the field today. Visit Bonsai Robotics: https://bonsairobotics.ai/ Watch episode: https://youtu.be/Cvs7v5FLSN0 Timestamps: 00:10 - Tyler’s background and journey into ag tech 02:23 - The role of AI and perception challenges in dust environments 07:48 - Vision-only AI vs LiDAR debate and dust interference 12:04 - Scalability of perception models across crops 12:58 - Training AI models on dusty environments and data fusion 16:16 - Focus on specialty crops as a starting point for autonomy 16:45 - Collaborations with OEMs like Floria and OMC 17:30 - Managing connectivity in remote farm locations 19:07 - Starlink and cellular solutions for remote operations 21:30 - The Amiga platform's different configurations and applications 25:44 - Strategic move into precision spraying and harvest-related automation 28:28 - Future autonomous applications for open-field crops 37:44 - Autonomous nut shaker and harvesting efficiency 41:46 - Future of crop variability mapping and individual plant management 47:13 - Returning value through data management and software ecosystems 49:21 - Industry collaboration, standards, and evolving equipment 52:25 - Closing remarks and future outlook

Jason Mauck's approach to relay cropping, alley cropping, and tight plant timing might just be the game-changer every farmer needs to think about.It’s not just about planting crops; it’s about planning the whole system—synchronizing crop timing with solar angles, plant growth stages, and biological triggers. And here’s the kicker: this isn’t just theory. Jason demonstrated how these principles have already pushed yields into the 80-90 bushels per acre range—something many traditional systems would consider a good year. The understanding of plant interactions, timing, and field layout can reshape the economics of your farm.If you’re tired of the same old, same old, or if you feel like your program is begging for a new approach, this is your nudge to rethink everything. The key is getting out of the “accept what is” mindset and starting to see your acres as a dynamic, living system that responds to careful nudges.For anyone willing to experiment, to learn, and to question the status quo — consider ways to integrate these ideas into your own farm. The future favors those brave enough to think differently. See it all in person at the Farm Weird Event. June 27, on Jason's farm. More Details and Registration: https://conference.eco-ag.com/farmweird?am_id=monte2150 Timestamps: 02:25 - Shifting focus to regenerative farming and early adopter mindset 04:37 - Family background and landscape business 10:37 - Adjusting row spacing, plant density, and resource efficiency for higher yields 12:35 - Managing weeds, weeds suppression strategies, and relay cropping benefits 15:11 - Emotional resilience and momentum after the passing of Jason’s father 18:52 - The difference between salespeople and solution providers 19:25 - Innovations in plant sequencing, planting timing, and resource layering 20:36 - Relay cropping as a response to manure management 30:10 - Adjusting plant populations, seeding densities, and spacing strategies 36:23 - Equipment considerations and planting technology innovations for narrow-row cropping 44:11 - Crop biochemistry, plant growth regulators, and maximizing photosynthesis 45:57 - Strategic shading in crop design 54:05 - Creative mechanical solutions for seed handling, row separation, and crop integrity 58:02 - Crop and residue management, cover crop seeding, and fertility strategies

Most conversations about sustainable agriculture focus on practices—what to plant, how to till, or cover crop secrets. But what if the future of healthy soils and resilient farms hinges on something deeper? Dr. Natalie Sturm, Dakota Lakes Research Farm’s new farm manager, reveals how long-term crop rotations—and specifically the power of crop residue—are shaping the next generation of regenerative farming. Discover how Dakota Lakes is pioneering research that shows soils with consistent root biomass and high-residue crops outperform even the most diverse rotations at building organic matter and restoring soil function. Natalie shares behind-the-scenes insights from 30+ years of no-till management and her own scientific journey from suburban Chicago to the heart of South Dakota. She explains how farm-scale systems, like five-year perennial sequences and livestock integration, can drastically reduce soil erosion, combat salinity, and increase farm profitability without relying on the latest chemical fixes. You'll learn about innovative strategies such as virtual fencing for livestock, energy independence through on-farm biodiesel, and the critical importance of research that cuts through the marketing noise of the “ag industrial complex.” Natalie delves into how long-term, systems-based research can serve as a blueprint for farms across the country—whether you're in the Midwest trying to restore saline soils or a California grower exploring perennial grasses. Timestamps: 0:01:18 - The legacy of Dwayne Beck and the importance of long-term research 0:04:32 - Cropping systems diversity and crop management practices 0:06:25 - The role of crop rotation and residue in soil health 0:13:13 - Agroecology principles and ecological benefits in farming 0:16:21 - Livestock integration, virtual fencing, and animal management innovations 0:19:26 - Summer field days and farmer engagement 0:22:45 - Equipment innovations for no-till and residue management 0:39:01 - Residue management and its impact on soil health 0:47:36 - Education events and farm tours for farmers and researchers 0:49:46 - Innovations in energy independence and renewable energy on the farm 0:52:20 - Replicating Dakota Lakes’ model in other regions 0:54:18 - Building networks for collaborative research and adaptation 0:55:37 - Dr. Sturm’s visionary outlook for the next 20-40 years About our Guest (credit: https://www.sdstate.edu/news/2026/03/sturm-returns-dakota-lakes-research-farm-next-farm-manager) Dr. Natalie Sturm conducts agronomic field research at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm. Sturm conducted research at the Dakota Lakes Research Fam as part of her master’s degree. She is now replacing her former mentor, Dwayne Beck, who retired after more than 35 years of service. Sturm completed her bachelor’s degree in sustainable food and bioenergy systems at Montana State University, her master’s in plant science at South Dakota State University and her doctorate in soil science at Washington State University. In her first few months on the job, she plans on learning as much as possible about the farm’s daily operations and meeting the local farmers, scientists and stakeholders that support the Dakota Lakes mission. The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is a unique partnership between the SDSU College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the Dakota Lakes Corporation, a nonprofit, farmer-led organization that owns the farmland and provides input on how research performed on the farm can best impact farmers. The research is conducted by SDSU faculty and staff through South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station funding. Both entities are committed to conducting research that allows South Dakotans to make more informed decisions on their operations. Annually held on the last Thursday in June, this year’s Dakota Lakes Research Farm Field Day is on June 25, beginning at 3 p.m. More info: https://dakotalakes.com/

Most farmers abandon their soil health innovations at the first sign of trouble — but Matt Griggs chose perseverance over resignation. After a near-fatal combine accident and years battling fragile, erodible soils, he’s proving that bold, strategic changes can turn disaster into success. Resources & Links: Griggs Farms LLC - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7NfwgKKPu2AlhfQyWqjkfg Griggs Farms LLC - Website: http://www.griggsfarmsllc.com/ Crop Budget Spreadsheets – Free resources for farm management: http://www.griggsfarmsllc.com/spreadsheets.html More about this episode: From surviving a life-threatening crash to revitalizing the soil pan beneath his fields, Matt shares how a mindset of resilience and innovation can transform even the most broken land. You'll discover how cover crops like annual ryegrass and radishes can dissolve the fragile soil pan, increase organic matter, and dramatically improve moisture retention — even in the driest conditions. We break down: - The pioneering practices Matt employs to reshape his soil profile - Using custom-designed hooded sprayers to implement strip till techniques for effective cover crop management - The critical role of soil microbiology and carbon in building resilient, drought-proof farms - How innovative crop choices, such as canola and the integration of legumes, open new market opportunities - Real stories of recovery and hope amid record droughts, emphasizing the importance of persistence and continuous learning Why does this matter? Every farm faces unique challenges—whether it’s soil degradation, water scarcity, or market volatility. Matt’s story offers a blueprint for pushing past obstacles, turning setbacks into stepping stones, and creating a future-proof operation grounded in soil health. His example highlights that the key to farming resilience isn’t just better yields—it’s a shift in mindset, management, and determination. Perfect for farmers, ag professionals, or anyone looking to understand how soil health practices can restore land’s capacity to fight drought and erosion. If you're tired of doing the same old, expect better results by thinking differently, experimenting boldly, and never giving up. Follow Matt at Grigg's Farms LLC on YouTube and all major social media platforms for real-time updates—whether it’s soil breakthroughs or crop budgets. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a more sustainable, profitable farm.

Lisa Kissing Kucek shares her expertise on developing sustainable, high-performing cover crop varieties like hairy vetch, cereal rye, and other legumes, transforming agricultural systems for long-term soil health and productivity. Lisa and Monte discuss the innovative world of cover crop breeding, biological nitrogen fixation, and the unique challenges and opportunities in microbial and plant genetics. This episode highlights the groundbreaking efforts in seed domestication, trait selection, and sustainable crop management, offering actionable insights for farmers, researchers, and agribusinesses looking to innovate in cover cropping and rotational systems. Stay tuned for upcoming variety releases and continued progress in crop genetics! Timestamp Highlights: 0:00:00 - Cover crop innovations in almond orchards and Midwest grazing opportunities 0:04:33 - Dr. Kissing Kucek's background in soil conservation and her shift to plant breeding 0:05:49 - The significance of variety differences in cover crops: biomass, nitrogen fixation, weed suppression 0:08:35 - Developing nitrogen-fixing legumes like hairy vetch amidst rising fertilizer costs 0:10:28 - Harry Vetch: a star in biological nitrogen fixation with high biomass and winter survival 0:12:23 - Challenges in domestication: reducing seed shattering and seed dormancy in hairy vetch 0:14:48 - Addressing toxicity concerns in vetch and balancing its role as livestock feed 0:16:18 - Effects of frost, freeze-thaw cycles, and environment on overwintering success of legumes 0:18:06 - Differentiating true hairy vetch from similar species for improved breeding outcomes 0 ;20:01 - The impact of variety origin and seed source on winter survival and adaptability 0:25:52 - Biomass and nitrogen response correlations in breeding programs 0:28:00 - Tools for estimating nitrogen contribution from cover crops 0:31:46 - Advances in shatter resistance and seed cost reduction in vetch breeding 0:36:53 - The role of genetic diversity and selection in rye and vetch adaptation over time 0:44:35 - Diversifying rye with different flowering times for forage, cover cropping, and allelopathic traits 0:51:33 - How seed mixing and diversity within seed bags drive adaptability of rye and vetch 0:55:10 - The unique breeding strategies required for interspecific hybrids like triticale 0:58:38 - Relay cropping and intercropping legumes with cereals for organic systems 0:60:45 - Upcoming cover crop variety releases by the Cover Crop Breeding Network (CCB) 0:62:15 - The long-term vision of plant breeders and the importance of perseverance in genetic improvement Resources & Links: Cover Crop Breeding Network (CCB): https://www.covercropbreeding.com/ Nitrogen Estimator Tool: https://covercrop-ncalc.org North Carolina State University Allelopathy Screening: https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/csc2.70275 Hairy Vetch Research: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339657710_Pod_Dehiscence_in_Hairy_Vetch_Vicia_villosa_Roth About our Guest: Lisa Kissing Kucek is a Research Geneticist with the United States Department of Agriculture Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin. As part of the Cover Crop Breeding Network, Lisa improves cover crops, including cereal rye, hairy vetch, winter pea, and crimson clover. She worked alongside farmers, bakers, and chefs to develop wheat varieties for organic and local food systems during her doctoral research at Cornell University.

Discover how Ty Brown, founder and owner of Drago Indiana, uses innovative practices like cover crop breeding, drone technology, and water quality management to enhance sustainability, crop yields, and farm productivity. Hold on tight—this isn’t just about incremental improvements; it’s about transforming your entire farming operation for the better, one innovative step at a time. Monte and Ty break down the crucial role of modern plant breeding, highlighting how genetic markers for traits like seed shatter resistance and hard seed are revolutionizing cover crop reliability. Plus, get insights into how water quality, via reverse osmosis systems, is dramatically enhancing pesticide chemistry effectiveness and crop health—potentially cutting herbicide and fungicide costs by up to 40%. Understand the practicalities of integrating drone technology for precision spraying, and why selecting the right machinery is vital for large-scale applications. In this episode: - The evolution of cover crop breeding and its role in sustainable farming - How genetic selection is improving hairy vetch and cereal rye traits - The impact of water quality on foliar applications and herbicide effectiveness - Using drones and aircraft for efficient crop spraying and farm management - The benefits of diversifying cover crop species, including legumes and ancient grains - The importance of farm-research collaboration and long-term development strategies - Strategies for managing weed suppression, disease risks, and crop rotation complexities - Technological tools for nitrogen estimation and nutrient cycling optimization - The role of peer groups and continuous education in farm success About the Guest: About the Guest: Ty Brown is a 1992 graduate of Rossville High School and a 1996 graduate of Purdue University where he holds a B.S. in Agronomy. While at Purdue he was named the top student in Agronomy 3 of 4 years, and was part of the Purdue Soils Judging Team and Agronomy Club all 4 years. After graduation he returned to the farm as the 6th generation to do so. He married his college sweetheart, Sacha, whom he met in college in 1997. Sacha and he immediately became actively involved in the community. Ty and Sacha both served on Purdue Club of Clinton County, were 4-H leaders, served a 2.5 year term on the Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee and Ty took State level 4-H responsibilities, served on the soil and water board, as well as numerous other advisory roles. He started Drago Indiana in 2007 because he wanted to make available to farmers what we felt was a better option for a corn header. In 2013 he added Horsch and 2017 he added Honey Bee and all for the same reasons; they just simply offered a better product than what the major OEM’s were offering. Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction: Unveiling farm innovations with industry leaders (03:48) – Equipment and drone technology transforming crop management (05:01) – Precision foliar nitrogen application and drone night-time spraying (07:20) – Compatibility of drones with John Deere Operations Center (08:35) – Breeding efforts in hairy vetch and cereal rye for nitrogen and weed control (12:10) – The story behind the evolution of the equipment dealership (15:45) – The innovative service model with aerial farm management (18:02) – Water quality’s impact on fungicide and herbicide efficiency (22:05) – Exploring rye's adaptability and seed diversity based on genetics (25:58) – Nitrogen fixation potential and selecting cover crop varieties (33:44) – Reducing seed shattering and seed cost through breeding (41:40) – Developing cereal rye varieties tailored for cover cropping purposes (58:57) – Relay cropping and interspecies plantings for diverse farming systems (60:45) – The importance of selecting varieties suited to harsh environments (61:23) – Upcoming cover crop varieties from the Cover Crop Breeding Network (62:15) – Long-term research and the importance of perseverance in breeding