Advertise on podcast: The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with Brian Dougherty of Understanding Ag to discuss energy constraints, rising input costs, farm economics, and building more resilient agricultural systems. Brian shares his experience developing a startup direct-to-consumer farm in Wisconsin while transitioning former cropland toward diverse forages, perennial systems, and livestock integration. The conversation then expands into the growing dependence of modern agriculture on fossil fuels and what rising fuel and fertilizer costs could mean for farmers. Taylor and Brian discuss practical strategies for reducing input dependence, including improving nitrogen-use efficiency, reducing tillage, utilizing cover crops, integrating livestock, and conducting on-farm trials to better understand what soils can produce. They also explore global supply chains, local food systems, and why farmers should begin “stress testing” their operations for potential increases in fuel and fertilizer prices. Brian also previews his upcoming sessions at the 2026 Eco-Ag Conference in Iowa City, where he will dive deeper into cover crops, agronomy, soil health, livestock integration, and strategies for building more economically and energetically resilient farms. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page Understanding Ag Website: https://understandingag.com/ Brian’s Course: https://understandingag.acresusa.com/soiltesting

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Dr. Richard Olree, a chiropractic physician, longtime student of minerals and genetics, and author of Minerals for the Genetic Code. Dr. Olree shares the remarkable story of how a chance encounter with Gerald Fry led him into the Acres U.S.A. community and ultimately shaped decades of his work. The conversation explores the connection between soil mineralization, livestock nutrition and human health, including the importance of minerals such as selenium, iodine, boron and magnesium. Dr. Olree discusses his work with hair tissue mineral analysis, what he looks for when evaluating mineral levels and heavy metals, and why he believes farmers should think beyond simply producing food to consider the mineral density and nutritional quality of what they grow. Taylor and Dr. Olree also dive into his research and perspectives on COVID-19, genetics, selenium, the microbiome, environmental contaminants, and the relationship between mineral balance and human health. They discuss his work with dairy cattle, sea kelp and iodine, as well as how the principles of soil mineralization can be applied to the human body. Dr. Olree will be returning to the Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference this year for a full-day workshop and general session, where he will expand on his approach to connecting soil health, mineral nutrition and human health. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page Dr. Olree’s Website: https://hillmanhealthfood.com/ Minerals for the Genetic Code: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/minerals-for-the-genetic-code

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with David Knaus, founder and president of Apical Crop Science, to explore the world of leaf sap analysis, plant nutrition, and nutrient density. David explains how leaf sap testing differs from traditional tissue testing and how analyzing both new and old leaves can reveal nutrient imbalances, antagonisms and excesses that may otherwise go unnoticed. The conversation dives into how targeted nutrition can reduce unnecessary inputs, improve crop resilience, and even help growers transition away from pesticides and conventional fertility programs. They also explore some of the lesser-understood relationships in plant nutrition, including aluminum, silicon, carbon, calcium and sodium, and how these interactions can influence plant health and susceptibility to insects and disease. The conversation also looks toward the future of agriculture, including Apical's nutrient density testing, secondary metabolites, biofortification, artificial intelligence and the potential for growers to market crops based on their nutritional characteristics. David will also be speaking at the 51st Annual Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show, December 1–4, 2026, in Iowa City, Iowa. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page Apical Crop Science Website: https://apical-ag-home.com/ David’s Webinar with Acres U.S.A.: https://youtu.be/mMHgzYzOAXk?si=1TepwuSDraVSo5dh

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with David Stelzer, founder of Azure Standard, to hear the story behind one of the country’s largest organic food distribution networks. David shares how his family’s journey into organic agriculture began in the 1960s after a dramatic change in diet helped restore his health—and how discovering what was being put on conventional seed pushed his father to leave chemical farming behind. He takes us through the early days of Azure Standard, from delivering grain and flour in an old pickup truck to creating the company’s first catalog and developing the drop-point model that now serves communities across all 50 states. David also discusses the challenges of building a food distribution system outside the traditional supply chain and the unexpected role Y2K played in Azure’s growth. The conversation dives into the biggest challenges facing organic and regenerative agriculture today, including the lack of domestic production, limited mid-sized processing infrastructure, and the need for private investment in regional food systems. David will be speaking at Eco-Ag 2026 in Iowa City, December 1–4, focusing on how farmers can connect with consumers and build economically viable markets. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page Azure Standard Website: https://www.azurestandard.com/ Pre-Order ‘Seeds of Hope’ (David’s Book): https://www.seedsofhopebook.com/

In memory of Wendell Berry, Acres U.S.A. is opening our archives to share this special recording from the 2007 Acres U.S.A. conference in Louisville, Kentucky.Rather than deliver a traditional speech, Berry chose to read The Requirement, a story about friendship, loss, obligation and what he called “our indispensable principle of neighborhood.” Following the reading, Berry takes questions from the Acres U.S.A. audience in a wide-ranging conversation about farming, land ownership, community, marriage, raising children, local food systems and the future of agriculture.Nearly two decades later, much of the conversation feels remarkably current. Berry discusses the difficulty young farmers face because of rising land prices, the importance of adapting agriculture to the land rather than forcing the land to adapt to us, and why real change often comes from ordinary people doing the necessary work on their own farms and in their own communities. Toward the end of the evening, Berry reflects on how much the alternative agriculture movement had grown since The Unsettling of America was published in 1977. What had once felt like a very small group had grown into a movement being carried forward by farmers and communities across the country. His closing words seem especially appropriate today:“Gratitude is the appropriate project for a man of my age.” We are grateful for Wendell Berry's life, his work, his friendship with Acres U.S.A., and the ideas he leaves behind.This special episode is presented in memory of Wendell Berry.Recorded: 2007Location: Acres U.S.A. Conference, Louisville, KentuckyFeaturing: Wendell BerryPresented by: Acres U.S.A. Read Acres U.S.A.'s interview with Wendell Berry: https://members.acresusa.com/remembering-wendell-berry/

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with Keith Berns of Green Cover Seed to explore the powerful resources farmers already have available to them—and how regenerative management can turn those resources into real economic value. Keith shares the story behind Green Cover Seed and the experiments that convinced him of the power of diverse cover crop mixes. From capturing more sunlight and cycling nitrogen to improving soil structure, infiltration, mineral availability, and biological activity, Keith explains his concept of the “Farmer’s Free Lunch”—seven resources that are freely available but only become valuable when farmers manage their systems to capture and utilize them. The conversation dives deep into the relationship between cover crops, livestock, soil biology, carbon, and nitrogen, including how farmers without cattle can still benefit from grazing partnerships and how virtual fencing technology could make integrating livestock onto crop ground more practical. Keith also discusses Green Cover’s own return to cattle, their plans for establishing perennial pasture, and strategies for extending the grazing season. The episode wraps up with practical cover crop recommendations for late summer and fall planting, along with a look ahead to Keith’s upcoming presentation at Eco-Ag 2026 in Iowa City. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about reducing dependence on purchased inputs, rebuilding soil, and learning to work with the resources already present on the farm. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page Green Cover Website: https://greencover.com/

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with longtime organic and biodynamic farmer Jeff Poppen to get practical about how he has built a resilient vegetable-growing system over decades. Jeff shares how healthy soil structure, generous applications of compost, cover crops, mineral management, careful crop rotation, and well-timed tillage allow him to conserve moisture and grow vegetables without irrigation. He explains his “dust mulch” approach to reducing evaporation, why he believes farmers should let microbes do as much of the tillage as possible, and the mistakes he made along the way—including over-tilling and failing to properly manage soil fertility. The conversation also explores Jeff’s philosophy of farming without plastic, from using old-fashioned cold frames instead of hoop houses to relying on seasonal production and helping customers preserve large quantities of food. He walks through a four-year vegetable rotation and explains why patience, observation, and building soil before planting can ultimately make farming easier and more productive. A practical conversation packed with decades of hard-earned lessons on soil, water conservation, crop rotation, livestock integration, and farming in harmony with the land. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page Jeff’s Books: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/search?q=jeff+poppen Jeff’s Website: https://barefootfarmer.com/

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin shares the story behind his 63-acre Salvatierra Farm in Minnesota and the development of the Tree-Range System—a poultry-centered regenerative agroforestry model designed around collaboration, infrastructure, processing, and shared economic opportunity. Reginaldo explains why he believes individual farmers often struggle to succeed on their own and how coordinated networks can provide the processing, distribution, financing, training, and market infrastructure that small and mid-sized farms need. He also dives into the practical realities of building a poultry-centered farm, including tree crops, forage, broilers, farm design, processing, and value-added products. The conversation goes beyond poultry to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing regenerative agriculture today—including farmer individualism, the culture of cheap food, government dependency, supply-chain vulnerability, and the growing threat of regenerative “whitewashing.” Reginaldo makes the case for community-based accountability, measurable outcomes, biodiversity, and farmer-led governance as the foundation for protecting the integrity of the regenerative movement. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page ‘In the Shadow of a Green Man’ Book: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/in-the-shadow-of-green-man Regenerative Agriculture Alliance Website: https://www.regenagalliance.org/

What if soil is far more than a growing medium? In this fascinating episode, legendary agronomist and regenerative agriculture pioneer Jerry Brunetti explores the idea that soil functions as a living superorganism—a vast, interconnected ecosystem driven by roots, microbes, fungi, water, minerals, and sunlight. Drawing from decades of work in agronomy, livestock management, and human health, Jerry paints a compelling big-picture view of how healthy soil is built and why it is essential for the future of agriculture. Jerry explains the astonishing scale of root systems, the critical role of mycorrhizal fungi and glomalin in building soil carbon, and how biodiversity creates resilience through countless unseen relationships. He connects prairie ecosystems, perennial plants, earthworms, humic substances, and even the physics of water to show how nature continuously creates fertility when we work with its patterns instead of against them. The conversation also ventures into cutting-edge ideas about fractal geometry, photonic communication in living systems, chelation, and biological remediation, challenging listeners to rethink what life in the soil is really doing beneath the surface.  If you want to understand how regenerative agriculture begins from the ground up—and why rebuilding topsoil may be one of the most important tasks of our time—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page Agri Dynamics Website: https://www.agri-dynamics.com/

What does it really take to move agriculture forward? In this inspiring presentation from Eco-Ag 2021, renowned agroecologist Nicole Masters explores the mindset behind regenerative agriculture and why lasting transformation begins with people, not just practices. Drawing from decades of experience working with farmers and ranchers around the world, Nicole shares practical strategies for overcoming resistance to change, communicating with skeptical neighbors, and creating the conditions for successful behavior change. She explains why resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge old paradigms are just as important as soil biology and grazing management. Whether you're a seasoned regenerative producer or just beginning your journey, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, community, and the future of agriculture. Nicole offers an encouraging roadmap for helping more farmers embrace regenerative practices—and why building healthy soils starts with cultivating a healthy mindset. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page Nicole Masters’ ‘Integrity Soils’: https://www.integritysoils.com/

For more than 50 years, Ed Baumgartner has dedicated his life to breeding better corn—but his journey has taken him from conventional agriculture to the forefront of regenerative farming. In this episode, Ed shares the remarkable story behind Bass Hybrids, his family's deep roots in the seed industry, and why he chose to build a non-GMO breeding program in an industry dominated by multinational corporations. Ed explains how decades of breeding for stronger root systems, drought resilience, nutrient efficiency, and natural pest tolerance have positioned his hybrids to thrive in regenerative systems—long before he even knew regenerative agriculture had a name. The conversation dives into the consolidation of the seed industry, the challenges of competing against Big Ag, and why independent genetics matter for the future of farming. You'll also hear Ed's vision for reducing fertilizer and herbicide dependence through biology, interseeded cover crops, and genetics that work with nature instead of against it. Whether you're a corn grower, livestock producer, or simply interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers an insightful look at how innovation, resilience, and stewardship can help restore profitability while building healthier soils for generations to come. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page Bass Hybrids Website: https://www.basshybrids.com/

What happens when an innovative ranching model designed to rebuild local food systems attracts the attention of government regulators? In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Joel Hollingsworth of Smoke River Ranch to explore a story that goes far beyond one ranch. From overcoming Crohn's disease and building a regenerative cattle operation from scratch to creating a unique herdshare model that connects families directly to food production, Joel shares the vision behind one of the country's most innovative regenerative ranches. But after a viral video thrust Smoke River Ranch into the national spotlight, Joel found himself facing an unexpected legal battle with the Oklahoma Department of Securities—despite no customer complaints, no allegations of fraud, and no reported victims. Together, Joel and Taylor dive into the future of regenerative agriculture, the economics of rebuilding the disappearing middle of American farming, ultra-high-density grazing, community-based food systems, property rights, and the growing tension between agricultural innovation and government regulation. They also discuss why this case could set a precedent that reaches far beyond one ranch, potentially impacting ranchers, custom grazers, herd shares, and cooperative farming models across the country. Whether you're a farmer, rancher, homesteader, or simply someone who cares about the future of food, this conversation raises important questions about who controls agriculture, what true food freedom looks like, and what it will take to restore resilient, locally rooted farming communities in America. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Letters in Support of Smoke River Ranch: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15E_c2tOP_X5N0uT1P3irxndrfx6xUVIQ GoFundMe Link to Support Joel’s Mission: https://www.gofundme.com/f/protecting-herdshares-local-food-rights Press Release: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ymTm0H7gY15jTJllHXFpt85bRk9LDfPKkXM8JhQ8MhA/edit?usp=drivesdk Contact your Oklahoma Legislator Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10sGhcpIPcirfQ5e3Pf3L7neOCN95Hov74xmiQ5SEYwI/edit?usp=sharing

What separates successful regenerative farmers from everyone else? According to Luke Jones, it starts with mindset. In this thought-provoking presentation, Luke shares his journey from conventional ag retail to building a regenerative farming operation focused on profitability, resilience and stewardship. Rather than chasing every new practice, he encourages farmers to understand their own unique context, start small, and build systems that fit their land, finances and goals. Along the way, Luke shares lessons from his own successes and failures—from cover crops and livestock integration to niche marketing opportunities and diversifying farm income. More than a discussion about regenerative practices, this episode is a powerful reminder that lasting success comes from thinking differently, embracing continual learning, and having the courage to forge your own path. Whether you're just beginning your regenerative journey or looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to farm with greater purpose. Inspired by Luke's approach to regenerative agriculture? Join him and fellow Understanding Ag consultant Brian Dougherty for an immersive, two-day regenerative agriculture workshop in southwest Wisconsin. Through classroom sessions and hands-on field learning, you'll dive deeper into soil health, regenerative agronomy, adaptive grazing, profitability, and more—all on a working farm. Plus, early bird pricing has been extended through July 31. Learn more and register at: https://understandingag.acresusa.com/wisconsin-register Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Luke Jones UA Page: https://understandingag.com/team/luke-jones/

Bob Quinn has spent four decades challenging conventional agriculture—and proving that healthier soils produce healthier people. In this conversation, the fourth-generation Montana grain farmer, scientist, and founder of the Quinn Institute joins Taylor Henry to discuss the future of regenerative and organic agriculture, the connection between food and chronic disease, and why farmers should be recognized for growing food as medicine. Bob shares the story of his family's transition from conventional wheat farming to organic production, the discovery of ancient grains like KAMUT® wheat, and the groundbreaking research showing how seed genetics, soil health, and farming practices influence human health. The conversation also explores climate variability, rebuilding rural communities, integrating livestock, the importance of regional food systems, and why regenerative agriculture should be viewed as a pathway toward truly regenerative organic farming. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Bob’s Research: https://quinninstitute.org/

Can regenerative agriculture help solve America's healthcare crisis? In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Erin Martin Hollinsworth, founder and executive director of FreshRx Oklahoma, a nationally recognized Food Is Medicine program connecting healthcare providers, regenerative farmers and patients through produce prescriptions. Erin shares how FreshRx has invested more than $1 million into local farms while helping patients reverse chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes through nutrient-dense food and nutrition education. They discuss why soil health and human health are inseparable, how regenerative farmers can become a vital part of the healthcare system, and why supporting local producers could reduce healthcare costs while creating stronger rural economies. The conversation also explores the future of Food Is Medicine policy, the role of regenerative livestock, the challenges of scaling these programs, and why restoring community, food and soil may be one of the most effective investments we can make. If you're interested in regenerative agriculture, nutrition, healthcare reform, or building profitable markets for ecological farmers, this episode offers an inspiring look at a movement that's changing lives from the ground up. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Erin’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/expertonaging