Prairie Prophets Podcast

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Jesse Deubel, Executive Director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. Jesse has been intricately involved with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and recently worked with BHA in Washington, DC to fight for the permanent re-authorization and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Brandon and Jesse meet up in Delaware and chat alternative energy solutions, land and habitat management differences and similarities between the Midwest and Southwest and talk the importance of finding common ground no matter the political affiliation when it comes to conservation.  More information about Jesse Deubel and the New Mexico Wildlife Federation can be found here: Jesse Deubel - New Mexico Wildlife Federation - New Mexico Wildlife Federation (nmwildlife.org)

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon chats with Bill Cooksey, Senior Sportsman Outreach Coordinator and Acting Director of Conservation Partnerships for Vanishing Paradise. Vanishing Paradise is a program of the National Wildlife Federation that unites sportsmen to advocate for restoration of the Mississippi River Delta, the Gulf Coast and the Everglades. Brandon and Bill meet up in Delaware, at the National Assembly of Sportsman Caucus Sportsman-Legislator Summit. This is the premier legislative event of the year that brings together sportsmen's caucus members, NGOs, natural resource managers, the outdoor industry, and policy experts for three days of educational programming, networking, and planning for the next decade of success in the conservation arena.While attending the Summit, Brandon and Bill talk about Bill's lifelong love for waterfowl hunting and the importance of protecting and restoring habitat including "prairie potholes".  More information about Vanishing Paradise and Bill Cooksey can be found here: Vanishing Paradise

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon chats with Missouri State Representative Tim Taylor. Taylor represents parts of Chariton, Cooper, Howard, and Randolph counties (District 48) in the Missouri House of Representatives. Taylor also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Conservation and Natural Resources Committee for the House of Representatives. Brandon and Tim meet up in Delaware, at the National Assembly of Sportsman Caucus Sportsman-Legislator Summit. This is the premier legislative event of the year that brings together sportsmen's caucus members, NGOs, natural resource managers, the outdoor industry, and policy experts for three days of educational programming, networking, and planning for the next decade of success in the conservation arena.While attending the Summit, Brandon and Tim talk the current state of Agriculture in Missouri, Horizon II efforts, and the importance of sustainable and ecologically friendly practices for conservation. More information about Representative Tim Taylor can be found at: Representative Tim Taylor (mo.gov)

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Rudi Roeslein, Founder of Roeslein Alternative Energy, at Rudi's farm in North Missouri. Rudi's vision for digesting native prairie plants into renewable energy focuses on returning ecological services and wildlife benefits to our landscape.Rudi invited leaders from the Nature Conservancy, Quail & Pheasants Forever, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Iowa Agriculture Water Aliance and many more to his farm to propel planning towards the Horizon II vision of prairie restoration. Topics included the value of prairie to both society and wildlife and what to plant to give restored prairie the most economic and ecological value. This collaborative effort is the start of Rudi's grand vision. More about Rudi and the Horizon II efforts can be found here: Prairie Prophets Works To Improve Land With Prairie RestorationRudi's story can be seen in the first episode of Prairie Prophets TV: Episode 1: The Vision and The Founder - YouTube

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon chats with Kyle Carroll, Presiding Commissioner of Dekalb County, Missouri. Kyle spent 27 years as an agent for the Department of Conservation and seven years for the highway patrol. During that time, Kyle was able to work closely with county governments where he currently serves.Brandon and Kyle talk about the economic development of agriculture based rural areas where cost continues to rise making it more difficult for young farmers to jump into the profession. Kyle has seen firsthand how the efforts of Roeslein and the Horizon II mission is keeping young and gifted farmers home in their own communities through better jobs and opportunities that might not exist otherwise. More about Kyle and the Dekalb County Commissions can be found here: Commission (dekalbcountymo.com)

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon recaps a fieldtrip with Shane Staten a Senior Restoration Manager & Senior Professional Wetland Scientist for SWALLOWTAIL. Shane has been a primary or contributing designer for 21 approved and 5 proposed wetland and stream mitigation banks across Missouri and eastern Kansas encompassing almost 3,500 acres (more than 5 square miles) of restored wetland, riparian corridor, and stream habitats. Brandon and Shane talk about the process of restoring farmland to prairie and wetland habitat and the process of building a mitigation bank. A mitigation bank is a wetland, stream, or other aquatic resource area that has been restored, established, enhanced, or (in certain circumstances) preserved for the purpose of providing compensation for unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources permitted under Section 404 or a similar state or local wetland regulation.More about SWALLOWTAIL can be found here: SWALLOWTAIL ENVIRONMENTAL Wetland and Stream Mitigation | Missouri and Kansas Shane Staten on LinkedIn: (30) Shane Staten, SPWS | LinkedIn

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon meets with Ashlea Neill at the Women in Agriculture Meeting in Kirksville, MO.  Ashlea is a Private Land Conservationist for the Missouri Department of Conservation serving Adair and Sullivan Counties in Missouri. Ashlea has many specialties including prescribed fire planning. To qualify for the Federal and State cost share programs - a burn plan is needed.Brandon and Ashlea talk about the importance of prescribed fire and how it can serve as the most beneficial tool to managing habitat. Ashlea talks about "burn rotations" and how difficult it can be to control Sericea Lespedeza and other invasive species. To find out more about Prescribed Fire and Burn Plans in your area, visit: Prescribed Fire | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov)

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon meets with Joshua Marshall at the Women in Agriculture Meeting in Kirksville, MO.  Joshua is a Senior Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist for Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever where he helps build better habitat for pheasants and quail through land planning and progressive agricultural practices like prescribed burns. Brandon and Joshua talk about the importance of building a quality habitat for quail and pheasant and why the quail is considered a keystone species. More about Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever can be found here: pheasantsforever.org/SpecialPages/About-Pages/About-PF.aspx Joshua Marshall on LinkedIn: (30) Joshua Marshall | LinkedIn

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Lucas Brass, Area Soil Health Specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).  Lucas and the Soil Health Specialist team of four primarily focus on education and outreach for all of Missouri. They utilize a rainfall simulator display to help educate the public on soil health, cover crops and erosion control.  Brandon and Lucas talk about the importance of cover crops and the ecological benefits of cover crops and prairie restoration. You can see more of Lucas and his rainfall simulator in our Prairie Prophets Web Series - Episode 4. Check out Lucas Brass on the Prairie Prophets Web Series at:  (2) Episode 4: Connected by Water (Part 1 of 2) - YouTube

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon chats with Adam McLane, Missouri State Director of The Nature Conservancy (TNC).  Adam McLane heads a statewide team of scientists, conservation experts and support staff whose work protects Missouri's natural resources and some of our state's most iconic landscapes.Brandon and Adam talk about the extreme importance of protecting biodiversity and the collective focus of returning biodiversity to marginal lands. Missouri and Iowa's Nature Conservancy are both involved in the Horizon II Climate Smart Commodities grant including the grassland initiative. More information about The Nature Conservancy and Adam McLane can be found at: Adam McLane (nature.org)

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Will Higgins, Development Manager for Roeslein Alternative Energy and Manager of the "Horizon II" Climate Smart Commodities Grant.  Will was instrumental in the negotiation phase for getting the grant signed and green-lighted. Brandon and Will dive in on the specific components of the Horizon II grant - contracting with producers, measurement & verification of these outcomes, and outreach and education. The two also discuss the importance of expanding the grant access to historically underserved groups in agriculture. More information about the Horizon II Climate Smart Commodities Grant can be found at: Partnership Led by Roeslein Alternative Energy Wins $80 Million Grant to Develop New Climate-Smart Agriculture Value Chain – Roeslein Alternative EnergyWill Higgins on LinkedIn: (24) Will Higgins | LinkedIn

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon meets with Sean McMahon, Executive Director of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA). Sean works with key partners to champion farmer engagement and adoption of conservation practices that improve water quality. Sean played a key role securing the Horizon II Climate Smart Commodities Grant we are actively working on.Brandon and Sean talk about the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. This strategy aims to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loss from farmland to 45%. The two also discuss the importance of continued collaborative efforts between agricultural and conservation groups towards a healthier ecosystem.See Sean McMahon's Interview on Prairie Prophets Web TV Episode: 7:  Episode 7: Clean Water, Breweries and Trout in the Driftless Region of Iowa - YouTubeSean's LinkedIn: (20) Sean McMahon | LinkedIn

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Jason Sumners, Deputy Director of Resource Management for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Jason supervises the Fisheries, Forestry, Private Land Services, Protection, Resource Science, and Wildlife divisions. Brandon and Jason talk about the importance and benefits of restoring grasslands across Missouri. The MDC has focused much of their attention on pollinators by prioritizing geographies across Missouri and promoting plantings for pollinators which includes a diversity of grasses. Jason and the MDC have created a dedicated team responsible for helping private landowners to implement best practices in conservation. More information can be found on Jason Sumners here: MDC names Jason Sumners as new deputy director of resource management | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov)Jason Sumners on LinkedIn: (21) Jason Sumners | LinkedIn

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon chats with Hunter Slifka, Project Coordinator for the Turkey River Headwaters & Chihak Creek in NE Iowa. Hunter has focused his efforts on the Turkey River & Chihak Creek Watershed Project which began in 2015. Since the projects' inception, Hunter has expanded cover crops from 1,500 acres to 17,000 acres improving the water quality in his community and communities downstream.  Brandon and Hunter chat about the relationships he's built with the agricultural community around him and credits much of the success of the watershed project to progressive farming practices in his community.  More information about Hunter Slifka and his 2022 Watershed Coordinator of the Year award by the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) can be found here: Slifka recognized as 2022 Coordinator of the Year in fifth annual IAWA Iowa Watershed Awards - Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (iaagwater.org)

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Chris McLeland, Director of Agriculture Programs for Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited has partnered with the USDA, National Pork Board, Nestle and others for a Climate-Smart Commodities grant that will impact 240,000 acres in Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. Brandon and Chris talk about the importance of restoring, protecting, and enhancing wetland habitat for the waterfowl population to thrive. Diverse grasslands are also a crucial component of nesting waterfowl habitat. With the Climate-Smart Commodities grant, Ducks Unlimited will be providing on-site technical support by assisting producers with the planting of cover crops, no-till seed planting, livestock integration, grass buffers, and wetland buffers.More information about Ducks Unlimited role in the Climate-Smart Commodities Grant can be found here: USDA's $35 Million Conservation Grant Will Impact 240,000 Acres | Ducks Unlimited

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon talks with Executive Director of the American Biogas Council, Patrick Serfass. Patrick helped create the American Biogas Council in 2010 which now represents 400 organizations dedicated to maximizing carbon reduction and economic growth using biogas systems.Brandon and Patrick discuss the strategy behind the growth of the biogas industry and the potential for continued growth across the US. Currently the US has 2,400 biogas facilities and the council projects the US has the capacity to scale up to 15,000 new facilities.  Patrick and Brandon discuss the importance of recycling food waste and organic material. Public outreach and awareness are so crucial to the future and potential of Biogas. More information about Patrick Serfass can be found here: Leadership | American Biogas Council Patrick Serfass on LinkedIn: (27) Patrick Serfass | LinkedIn

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon chats with Steve Mowry, Kansas City Attorney and avid conservationist. Steve's work with the Missouri Prairie Foundation played a significant role in the early stages of Roeslein Alternative Energy and he continues to serve as a prairie and wildlife advocate.Brandon and Steve talk about the ongoing work Steve does with his land including Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) and what it means to be a good steward of the land. Steve's historical knowledge of the turkey and the work it takes to build a healthy and sustainable habitat is exceptional.  More information about Steve Mowry can be found in Season 1 Episode 6 of Prairie Prophets:  Episode 6: Grasslands Habitat for Wild Turkey - YouTube 

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon talks with Zack Vucurevich, Owner and Certified Wildlife Biologist of Whetstone Habitat. Through Whetstone Habitat, Zack helps clients become better stewards of their land - maximizing the ecological potential. Brandon and Zack talk about the importance of a landowner's ability to identify beneficial plant species as well as invasive and non-native species. Zack also champions the positive impact native prairie strips and buffer zones can have on a healthy wildlife habitat.More information about Zack Vucurevich can be found here: Whetstone Habitat LLCZack Vucurevich on LinkedIn: (27) Zack Vucurevich | LinkedIn

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon chats with Missouri State Representative Bruce Sassmann and his wife, Jan. Sassmann serves as the Chair of the Conservation and Natural Resources Committee for the House of Representatives. Jan is a retired teacher and former board member for the Missouri Prairie Foundation. The Sassmanns are active members of numerous conservation organizations, including the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Quail Forever, Missouri Prairie Foundation, and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation. Together, they pour their conservation efforts into their property which they affectionately call "Prairie Star Restoration Farm".The three discuss Bruce's role as the Chair of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Sassmann's "Holy Trinity of Conservation" events which highlight professional reenactors portraying Thoreau, Muir, and Leopold. They also discuss Jan's time with Rudi Roeslein on the Missouri Prairie Foundation Board. More information about the Sassmanns can be found here: Representative Bruce Sassmann (mo.gov) The Holy Trinity of Conservation Story: Meet the Holy Trinity of Conservation on a Missouri Farm • Missouri Life Magazine 

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon chats with Tom Richard, a retired Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Penn State University. Tom is one of the foremost authorities on biomass conversion.Brandon and Tom discuss the process of anaerobic digestion as well as the work he's done and the growth he's seen in the renewable energy industry. Tom talks about the potential of "grass to gas" to solve many different problems beyond the creation of natural gas. More information about Tom Richard can be found here: Tom L. Richard, Ph.D. — Directory — Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (psu.edu) Tom's LinkedIn Profile: (26) Tom Richard | LinkedIn

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon visits with Wendy Caldwell, Executive Director of Monarch Joint Venture. Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is a partnership of federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses and academic programs working together to protect the monarch migration across the United States. Brandon and Wendy discuss the life cycle, habitat, and the incredible journey monarchs make across North America to Mexico and California during their migration. Wendy has established herself as one of the monarch butterfly's strongest advocates with her extensive work in monarch conservation. More information about Wendy Caldwell and Monarch Joint Venture can be found here: https://monarchjointventure.org/ Wendy's LinkedIn Profile: (20) Wendy Caldwell | LinkedIn 

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon heads home to Indiana for a visit with the Nature Conservancy's Kankakee Sands Site Manager & Restoration Ecologist, Trevor Edmonson.  The two talk habitat and ecology in the Kankakee Preserve, improving the public's perception of prairie, and the profound affect buffalo have on the process of prairie restoration. Trevor and his team manage 10,000 acres of high-quality sand prairie, wetlands, oak savanna and the Nature Conservancy's only bison herd in Indiana.More information about Trevor Edmonson can be found at:  Articles by Trevor Edmonson's Profile | Kankakee Daily Journal Journalist | Muck RackIndian Chapter of The Nature Conservancy: Meet Indiana Chapter Staff | The Nature ConservancyTrevor's LinkedIn Profile: (14) Trevor Edmonson | LinkedIn

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with the Executive Director & Educator of Newton County, Indiana's Soil & Water Conservation District, Bri Styck.  The two discuss the importance of cover crops and conservative farming practices.Bri's current role for the Newton County Soil & Water Conservation District allows her to work closely with conservation efforts in her district. Her office provides information about soil, water and related natural resources. They offer technical assistance to help farmers and landowners with conservation projects and they try to provide financial assistance for those efforts, when possible.More information about Bri Styck can be found at:Brianna Styck captures award | | newsbug.infoNewton County Soil & Water Conservation District:Soil & Water Conservation District / Newton County, Indiana

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon continues to dive deeper on the topic of the Dust Bowl. He meets up with Dr. Curtis Bensch, Associate Professor of Agronomy at Oklahoma Panhandle State University and his brother Randall Bensch, Farmer and Meteorologist by training to get a better understanding of the impact agriculture and weather had on the dust bowl. With their unique perspectives, the Bensch brothers have extensive knowledge of Oklahoma and the catastrophic events of the dust bowl - the largest man-made ecological disaster in history. More information about Curtis and Randall Bensch can be found at:Curtis Bensch:OPSU Agronomy Professor Receives the NACTA Educator Award – Oklahoma Panhandle State UniversityRandall Bensch:Weather Lover Keeps Head In State's Clouds With Museum (oklahoman.com)

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Larry O'Dell. Larry is a State Historian for the Oklahoma Historical Society. Larry is a wealth of knowledge as it pertains to the history of Oklahoma, so Brandon picks his brain on the largest man-made ecological disaster - the Dust Bowl. How did it shape modern day agriculture?More information about Larry O'Dell can be found at: LinkedIn: (11) Larry ODell | LinkedInGenealogy society learns about the New Deal programs from historian O'Dell - Alva Review-Courier (alvareviewcourier.com)

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with John Burk. John is a District Biologist at the National Wild Turkey Federation for Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. John talks about a recent decline in the turkey poult survival rate and the research biologists are doing to get answers. John provides some excellent tips for building a great turkey habitat.  More information about John Burk and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) can be found at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-burk-038a9346/ NWTF: https://www.monwtf.org/ 

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Jane Haslag. Jane is a Presidential Appointee serving on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Prairie Foundation.  Jane completed the Master Pollinator Steward program through the University of Missouri Extension Center in 2021. Jane and her husband have restored 3.5 acres of land removing invasive species and restoring pollinator habitat. Drawing from experience and her knowledge of pollinator habitat, Jane enjoys teaching others that share the same passion for prairie and native plants. A true DIY story, Jane loves sharing the lessons she's learned on her journey.More information about Jane Haslag can be found at:  https://moprairie.org/about/board-of-directors/

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with the Executive Director of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, Carol Davit.  The two chat the history and culture of native prairie land and how it has shaped modern agriculture. Executive Director Carol Davit works with the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) board of directors and committees and oversees all operations of MPF – including fundraising, strategic planning, communications, advocacy, the Grow Native! program, and administration, and has edited the Missouri Prairie Journal since 1996.More information about Carol Davit can be found at:  https://moprairie.org/about/staff/Carol's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-davit-b783b825b/

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with the Godfather of Prairie, Frank Oberle.  The two discuss Frank's journey towards being one of the most prominent and influential prairie advocates of our time.Frank's love of photography, prairie, and wildlife have put him at the forefront of movements to save endangered species and vanishing ecosystems. More information about Frank Oberle can be found at: https://www.agriculture.com/crops/conservation/batch-and-build-strategy-makes-conservation-more-convenient-in-central-iowa

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Executive Director of the Iowa Wildlife Federation, Ryan Smith.  The two discuss prairie as an alternative to maintaining a home lawn, the Iowa Wildlife Federation, Iowa's Water & Land Legacy, and their common love for the outdoors. This is an episode you won't want to miss!More information about Ryan Smith and the work he does can be found at:  Home - Iowa Wildlife Federation (iawildlife.org)

On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Missouri Soybean Director of Market Development, Matt Amick. Matt Amick also serves as the Executive Director of the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri and continues farming with his family in his free time. The two discuss why the soybean is considered the most versatile agricultural product in the world, and the benefits of biodiesel and alternative energy along with the market outlook for renewable energy. More information about Matt Amick and the work he does can be found at: About MOSoy - Missouri Soybeans and Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri – We exist to promote the commercial success of biodiesel in Missouri (missouribiodiesel.org)