The Regenaissance Podcast

About Rehoboth & Josh & Jessica:This was a really fun tour. The farm has an interesting backstory. It was initially just a backyard chicken hobbyist farm, and then after feeding themselves and friends, they saw the health impact and the localized food impact - then began trading meat for land access. Josh spent years during 2015-18 waiting for the right property top open up, with multiple failed attempts, before securing the current farm in 2018. They launched full-time in 2019, saw rapid growth during 2020 with that demand spike, and then developed the farm into what it is today, a regenerative grazing operation and direct-to-consumer product platform. Neither Joss or Jessica grew up farming, but health concerns, lack of localized food option and expense of quality food triggered their shift to farming. They have a faith-driven vision for the farm, and “Rehoboth” means “God made room”. Jessica leads customer engagement, and Josh leads the systems and operations on the farm. You can connect to Josh and Jessica via the links below:WebsiteInstagramKey topics & Timestamps:00:00:00 Tractor use and cutting pasture for regrowth 00:01:00 Turkey shipping losses and hatchery challenges 00:03:00 Why turkey poults are fragile in the brooder 00:04:00 Thanksgiving turkey pickup on farm 00:05:00 Broiler setup and water system improvements 00:08:30 Compost piles and feeding pumpkins to livestock 00:10:30 Rotating pigs and natural mineral foraging 00:14:00 Outdoor pig genetics vs confinement genetics 00:22:00 Moving broilers to build soil nitrogen 00:24:00 Multi-species grazing and parasite management

Our farm tour of Tony Eash's pasture raised pork, chicken and beef farm. Tony grew up farming alongside his brother Phil in West Virginia, learning animal care and haymaking at a young age. After the sudden loss of their father, the brothers leaned on their Mennonite community for support and chose to continue farming. Tony tours us through his farm, his way of life, and you're able to see how much he cares about farming, the land and animals, and the importance of delivering quality food to consumers. He's had a few battles with the government to get us his great food! All is shared in the farm tour. Enjoy. Link to our full podcast episode with Tony as well:Spotify AppleKey TopicsDirect-to-consumer raw milk and nationwide shippingSoil temperature, grass recovery, and grazing managementFarm economics, burnout, and scaling sustainablyRegulation, labeling, and transparency challengesGenetics, pasture diversity, and animal health decisionsWhat You'll LearnWhy covered soil stays cooler and supports biologyThe difference between grass recovery and true restHow raw milk is tested, bottled, and shippedWhy many dairies fail despite high productionHow farmers adapt systems to survive long-termConnect with Triple EWebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTubeTimestamps  00:00 — Why direct-to-consumer food systems matter 06:40 — Shipping meat and milk across the U.S. 14:30 — Raw milk testing, bottling, and sanitation 23:10 — Regulation, labeling, and legal pressure 31:40 — Dairy economics and why production fails farmers 41:20 — Genetics, grass-fed transitions, and herd losses 50:30 — Soil temperature, grazing height, and cooling livestock 54:10 — Rest vs recovery and pasture decision-making

This one was fun. Jacob and Jenna tour us through Baird Farm, a fourth-generation Vermont maple farm operating since 1918. They walk me through the sugarbush, tubing systems, and sugarhouse, and how its all made/stored/sold and its history. Fascinating stuff - hope you get something out of it. Key TopicsModern maple syrup production vs traditional bucket methodsThe maple sugaring season and weather dependenceReal maple syrup vs imitation and blended productsForest management, biodiversity, and tree healthGenerational farming and maintaining a family-run operationWhat You'll LearnWhy maple syrup is produced in a short late-winter window, not year-roundHow modern maple syrup is collected using tubing and vacuum systemsWhat tapping a maple tree involves and how trees are protected long-termHow much sap is required to make real maple syrupWhy Vermont consistently produces some of the highest maple yieldsConnect with Jason & Baird Farm:WebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTubeConnect with Regenaissance:Website & MerchInstagramXSubstack (Ag News & History)Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction and farm history 00:04:40 – Buckets vs modern maple tubing systems 00:07:10 – What maple syrup actually is (and isn't) 00:12:00 – How maple tubing and vacuum systems work 00:16:40 – Tapping trees and protecting long-term tree health 00:22:00 – The maple syrup production window and season length 00:25:10 – Why Vermont dominates U.S. maple production 00:31:00 – Forest management, biodiversity, and resilience 00:38:20 – Labor, infrastructure, and modern maple realities 00:45:30 – Generational farming and transitioning the farm forward

A walk-through tour of Wrick Ranches in western Colorado with rancher Jason Wrick, covering calf weaning, water systems, drought realities, regenerative grazing decisions, and how a working ranch stays financially viable through direct-to-consumer beef, on-farm retail, and diversified income streams.Key TopicsCalf weaning and animal welfare in real ranching conditionsWater rights, irrigation, and farming during long-term droughtHay reserves, soil fertility, and nutrient cycling through cattleRegenerative grazing within economic and regional constraintsDirect-to-consumer beef and building resilient rural businessesWhat You'll LearnWhy calves must be weaned and how it's managed responsiblyHow irrigation systems actually work on a western cattle ranchWhat drought means in practice for hay, water, and stocking ratesHow regenerative grazing must adapt to local climate and economicsWhy direct consumer support is critical for small ranch survivalConnect with Jason:WebsiteInstagramCheck out the farm tour episode on our YouTube Timestamps  00:00:00 Introduction to Rick Ranches and the ranch tour 00:01:45 Calf weaning and animal welfare misconceptions 00:07:45 Irrigation systems and on-farm water infrastructure 00:12:30 Colorado water rights and drought realities 00:14:45 Hay management and nutrient cycling strategy 00:18:15 Regenerative agriculture and regional context 00:21:30 Consumer support and direct-to-consumer beef 00:31:00 Farm store, trust-based sales, and community 00:38:30 Weddings, rentals, and diversified ranch income 00:41:00 Grazing management and closing reflections

Charles and Heather Maude are fifth-generation ranchers in South Dakota who farm home raised beef and pork direct-to-consumer. In this episode they describe their family history on the land, their early lives in agriculture, and the events that led to a criminal indictment by the United States Forest Service over a disputed boundary fence. The episode documents their personal background, the mechanics of Western land use, and a detailed account of how a civil land issue escalated into a federal criminal case.Key TopicsFederal criminal indictment over a land disputeHow the case escalated from civil to criminalLegal strategy and case dismissalImpact on family, finances, and rightsPrecedent for ranchers and landownersWhat You'll LearnHow a ranching family faced and beat a federal criminal indictmentHow a routine land boundary issue escalated into criminal chargesHow federal land enforcement works in practice for ranchersThe personal, financial, and legal costs of a criminal caseWhy this case matters for landowners and producersConnect with Charles & HeatherWebsiteInstagramFacebookTimestamps00:00:00 Why this story matters 00:03:00 Heather's ranch upbringing 00:09:00 Charles's family land history 00:15:00 Growing up ranching 00:24:00 Marriage and the Atlas Blizzard 00:33:00 Ranch community and shared labor 00:35:00 Forest Service fence dispute begins 00:41:00 Meetings with federal officials 00:52:00 Civil dispute turns criminal 01:05:00 Impact of the indictment 01:22:00 Washington D.C. and case dismissal 01:27:00 Media and political pressure 01:34:00 Precedent for landowners 01:50:00 Land stewardship and politics 02:08:00 Final reflections

In this episode, we tour through Rucker Farm with Garrett Heydt to see how a large, leased regenerative operation actually works; covering hay, turkeys, water systems, minerals, and grazing decisions that shape animal health and land outcomes over time.Key Topics Rotational grazing on large, leased propertiesPasture-based turkey production and managementWater infrastructure, exclusion fencing, and environmental impactHay economics vs standing winter forageRegeneration as a long-term land ethicWhy You Should ListenClear explanation of rotational grazing at scale (30+ paddocks, leased land)Practical breakdown of hay vs standing forage economicsRare detail on pasture-raised turkey management and behaviorInsight into water systems, mineral strategy, and soil-and-water fundingA grounded philosophy of regeneration over sustainabilityConnect with Rucker FarmWebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTubeTimestamps 00:00 Hay production and second cutting 02:00 Pasture-raised turkeys and grazing behavior 05:00 Predators, electric netting, and night radio strategy 06:30 Raising turkeys: brooders, socialization, survivability 07:45 Turkey processing timelines and sizing 12:00 Mobile brooders and farming on leased land 16:30 Cattle water systems and exclusion fencing 23:00 Minerals, salt, and late-pregnancy cow health 29:30 Hay costs vs grazing saved forage 37:30 Regeneration vs sustainability and rebuilding soil 48:00 Leaving the city and choosing farm life

Otter Creek Farm is located in upstate New York. First-generation farmer Elizabeth Collins walks through how herself and 5th generation farmer  Brad Wiley rebuilt a former conventional dairy into a small, regenerative, animal-welfare-driven operation. The conversation moves from soil-health principles and rotational grazing to the practical realities of feed decisions, omega-3/6 tradeoffs, infrastructure design, and why consumer responsibility is central to fixing the food system. Key topics Soil-health principles and adaptive stewardship in practicePig rotation systems, wallows, and regeneration timelinesPastured poultry design, predator pressure, and welfare tradeoffsFeed sourcing, omega-3/6 ratios, and testing meat qualityConsumer power, decentralization, and reconnecting with farmersWhy listenSee how soil-health principles translate into daily, on-farm decisionsLearn how pigs, chickens, and cows are rotated to regenerate land without scaleUnderstand the real cost and nutritional tradeoffs of grain, minerals, and feed sourcingHear why labels fail—and what questions consumers should actually askGet an honest look at mistakes, losses, and learning in regenerative farmingWebsiteCome Stay At Otter Creek...InstagramFollow the tour on YouTubeTimestamps00:00:00 – Otter Creek Farm overview 00:04:30 – Animal welfare over scale 00:08:30 – Rotational pigs and regeneration 00:14:00 – Feed choices and omega-6s 00:18:10 – Meat testing results 00:22:40 – Limits of food labels 00:27:30 – Farm stays and education 00:33:40 – Mobile chickens and predators 00:40:10 – Breeding and epigenetics 00:46:30 – Farming mistakes and learning

This live farm tour back in August 2025 was at J&L Green Farm in Virginia, where Jordan Green walks us through the operational heart of the farm. From on-farm poultry processing and cold storage to multi-species shelter design and silvopasture development, the conversation is delves into why certain farming infrastructures and layouts exist, how animals are rotated, on-farm problems with certain infrastructure, and how design iterations have helped him reduce labor, improved animal welfare, and increased land productivity.Key TopicsOn-farm poultry processing layout and cold-chain controlMulti-species shelter systems and labor efficiencyPasture poultry genetics, heat stress, and shelter designMulti-species grazing: pigs, cattle, poultry, and soil healthSilvopasture development and long-term land productivityWhy You Should ListenHear how a regenerative farm works in practice.Learn how J&L Green Farm designs systems to reduce labor and scale.Understand real-world multi-species grazing.Hear lessons learned through trial and error.Gain a clear view of resilient land management.WebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTubeTimestamps 00:00:00 – Arrival at J&L Green Farm and overview of the hub property 00:09:30 – Poultry processing setup, layout logic, and food safety flow 00:18:45 – Ice, chill-down, freezer capacity, and cold storage strategy 00:28:15 – Farm store setup, permits, and limited-hours retail model 00:37:45 – Customer ordering, fulfillment, shipping, and efficiency tradeoffs 00:47:00 – Brooder containers, chick cycles, and feed formulation 00:56:30 – Poultry genetics, growth rates, and pasture vs conventional models 01:06:00 – Mobile multi-species shelter system design and iteration process 01:15:30 – Heat management, airflow, labor efficiency, and daily moves 01:25:00 – Grazing rotation with poultry, cattle, and pigs on shared ground 01:34:30 – Silvopasture development, pigs as land-management tools 01:44:00 – Soil health outcomes, resilience, mistakes learned, and long-term vision

Ben Justman takes me inside Peony Lane Wine in Paonia, Colorado for a live farm tour of one of America's highest-elevation vineyard regions. He educates me on how grapes are grown, how vines survive harsh winters, how low-intervention wine is made, and why true place-based winemaking creates a totally different drinking experience. It's interesting to see how he constantly adapts to the seasons, soil, weather, and other farming variables to keep the operation productive and high quality.Key TopicsHigh-elevation Colorado vineyard conditionsHow Pinot Noir grows in the West Elks AVATraditional vs modern wine pressingNeutral oak philosophy & fermentation choicesFreeze events, die-back, retraining, & resilienceWater, irrigation strategy, and soil connectionWhat You'll Hear in This Farm TourVineyard walkthrough and climate explanationOld basket press vs modern bladder press demonstrationStainless tanks, oak barrels, and aging philosophyVine die-back, retraining, and freeze recoveryHow irrigation, soil depth, and vineyard management shape flavorHonest discussion of additives, hangovers, and “natural” wineWhy Colorado wine deserves far more recognitionWebsiteInstagramX 00:00:00 — Colorado vineyard & climate 00:01:00 — Old basket press 00:02:30 — New bladder press 00:03:30 — Tanks & barrels 00:05:00 — Pressing process 00:06:30 — Vineyard origin story 00:07:30 — Why this wine feels better 00:09:00 — Additives & labeling truth 00:10:30 — Wine, place & meaning 00:11:30 — Commodity vs real wine 00:14:30 — Vine growth & maturity 00:17:30 — Freeze damage & recovery 00:21:30 — Training vines 00:23:30 — Irrigation & soil depth 00:27:00 — Cutting back growth 00:28:30 — Lessons, learning, & commitment

This on-the-ground episode explores Michael Grecos first-generation regenerative sheep operation, run entirely on leased land in New York's Hudson Valley. We walk the pastures with Michael as he explains stocking strategy, grazing philosophy, shade management, lambing, predator protection, mineral systems, on-farm slaughter, and why sheep can make regenerative agriculture viable on smaller landscapes. Key TopicsWhy Michael chose sheep and how leased land shapes his operationDaily rotational grazing, density, rest periods, and pasture responseLambing, weaning, animal stress, shade, and heat managementGuardian dogs, predators, minerals, biochar, and health managementEthics, transparency, local food, and on-farm harvest philosophyWhat You'll LearnWhy sheep economics differ from cattle and fit smaller northeastern landscapesHow paddock design, net fencing, and daily moves build soil and resiliencePractical realities of lambing, natural weaning, and dealing with rejection casesHow to think about ticks, rainfall, heat stress, shade, and pasture densityWhy buying local matters and why ranchers care deeply about animal welfareConnect with Michael:WebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTubeTimestamps 00:00:00 – Meet Michael & the Hudson Valley Sheep Ranch 00:01:00 – Why Sheep? Cost, Scale, & Land Fit 00:03:00 – Leased Land & Grazing Philosophy 00:05:00 – Natural Weaning vs Forced Weaning 00:07:30 – Daily Moves, Density & Pasture Impact 00:10:00 – What a “Good” Grazed Paddock Looks Like 00:15:00 – Lamb Count, Losses & Culling Logic 00:17:30 – Guardian Dog & Predator Control 00:19:30 – Minerals, Biochar & Health Support 00:21:00 – Rumination & What Calm Sheep Look Like 00:23:00 – Lambing Timing & Spring Nutrition 00:28:00 – Shade, Heat Stress & Summer Management 00:30:30 – On-Farm Harvest & Ethics 00:36:00 – Visiting Farms & Transparency 00:37:30 – Rest Periods, Regrowth & Stockpiling 00:44:00 – Milkweed, Pollinators & “Poison Plant” Myth 00:47:00 – Mowing vs Not Mowing 00:48:00 – Scaling Plans & Future Growth

In this live farm tour episode from July this year, I visited Julie Friend and her farm, Wildom Farm, a regenerative livestock farm where cows, sheep, chickens, and pigs are raised together on pasture and in forest systems. The discussion covers daily pasture rotation, animal behavior, predator dynamics, soil health, and how regenerative management affects animal welfare, meat quality, and ecosystem resilience. The farmer walks through real trade-offs, processing challenges, and why transparency and letting people visit farms matters.Key Topics Daily rotational grazing and mobile infrastructureRaising cows, sheep, and chickens together in one systemForest-raised pork, forage diversity, and meat qualityPredator balance, animal behavior, and welfare trade-offsProcessing bottlenecks, frozen meat, and food transparencyWhat You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow cows, sheep, chickens, and pigs can be managed together in a single pasture-based system without confinementWhy daily animal movement improves pasture health, soil biology, and animal welfareHow forest-raised pigs and diverse forage directly influence meat flavor and qualityThe practical trade-offs of regenerative farming, including predators, hay quality, and laborWhy transparency, farm visits, and frozen meat matter for trust in the food systemJulie InstagramWildom Farm InstagramWebsiteTimestamps 00:00:00 – Daily pasture moves and extending the grazing season 00:04:00 – Mobile shade and infrastructure without trees 00:07:45 – Starting the cow herd and choosing heritage breeds 00:10:30 – Grassland birds, hay timing, and ecological trade-offs 00:14:10 – Letting customers walk the farm and see the animals 00:18:00 – Why cows, sheep, and chickens are run together 00:22:00 – Forest-raised pigs and whey feeding from a local creamery 00:30:00 – How forage diversity changes the taste of pork 00:37:30 – Fatty acid testing and nutrition in pork and chicken 00:43:30 – Processing bottlenecks and booking a year ahead 00:45:30 – On-farm slaughter vs USDA facilities 00:53:30 – Farm store transparency and frozen meat

This episode was recorded during the Colorado farm tour and features a long-form conversation with Jason Wrich from Wrich Ranches, a regenerative cattle operation built on leased land, rebuilt soil, and decades of hands-on learning. We walk through the origins of the ranch, the economics behind conventional vs regenerative systems, the realities of grazing management, and the cultural disconnect shaping how Americans think about food. The discussion moves from land stewardship and plant physiology to market forces, subsidies, meat processing, the American diet, and why local food systems matter. It's a grounded look at how real ranching works, what it costs, and what it reveals about the country's future.Key Topics- Growing a regenerative cattle operation on leased land and limited resources.- How plant physiology and grazing timing drive true soil health.- The hidden financial reality of ranching: debt, land leases, and cattle markets.- Why America is nutritionally sick and culturally disconnected from food.- The need for micro-processors, local supply chains, and real decentralization.Why You Should Listen- A transparent breakdown of how ranch economics actually function.- Firsthand insight into regenerative grazing, soil cycles, and land recovery.- A candid discussion of American food disconnection and its consequences.- An inside view of the challenges ranchers face in drought, markets, and policy.Connect with Jason:WebsiteInstagramTimestamps00:00:00 Camping, disconnection, and how far society has shifted from food00:01:00 Airbnb guests becoming beef customers and building trust00:03:00 Early exposure to farming and lessons from Rick's grandfather00:05:00 Ranching in the 1980s and why the family operation barely survived00:08:00 Working full-time while farming full-time and raising a family00:11:00 Selling high-elevation hay and the old-school trust economy00:14:00 Processed food, hormones, and the roots of America's health collapse00:17:00 Customers witnessing slaughter and reconnecting with the life–death cycle00:21:00 Grazing timing, plant cycles, and understanding true soil function00:27:00 Managing weeds through grazing and cattle behavior00:31:00 Leasing land, landowners, and why good relationships matter00:36:00 Generational loss of agricultural knowledge and young agrarians00:39:00 Restoring degraded pastures with biomass and proper cycles00:46:00 The case for micro-processors and problems in large packing plants00:51:00 Food stamps, ultra-processed diets, and engineered food addiction00:55:00 Losing personal responsibility and the cultural consequences00:59:00 Specialization vs. self-reliance and the fading generalist skillset01:02:00 The American Dream, suburban design, and comfort eroding resilience01:09:00 Public-land grazing vs. private leases and the real cost differences01:14:00 Why selling calves can be more profitable than finishing beef01:16:00 Community impact, customer stories, and why the work continues01:17:00 Global visitors, land ownership, and what makes America unique

This episode comes from our recent farm tour at White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia, where Will Harris walked us through the land and the systems that support it. White Oak is a multigenerational operation that has shifted from conventional row-crop agriculture to a diverse, closed-loop ecosystem of grass-fed cattle, wildlife, and restored soils. Will explains how these relationships work in practice, the long-term effects of pesticides and monoculture, and why ecological cycles - not industrial extraction - determine the health and future of the land.Key topics:How birds, insects, and cattle interact in regenerative systemsThe long-term impacts of pesticides and monoculture farmingNature's cycles vs. industrial extractionCarbon, organic matter, and lifecycle assessments at White Oak PasturesGrazing management, dung beetles, and nutrient cycling across the farmWhy You Should Listen:- Clear, firsthand explanations of how regenerative grazing works in practice- A breakdown of pesticides' long-term effects on soil, trees, and ecosystem balance- Real-world insight into carbon cycles, nutrient cycling, and dung beetle activity- A grounded comparison between industrial beef systems and regenerative cattle operationsConnect With White Oak PasturesWebsiteInstagramTimestamps:00:00:00 Birds arriving on the farm and their symbiotic role with cattle 00:01:00 Seasonal patterns, migration, and fly pressure 00:02:00 What this land looked like 25 years ago 00:03:00 Monoculture, pesticides, and the mindset of killing “problems” 00:05:00 Pesticides' short-term benefits and long-term ecological harm 00:07:00 Residual effects of crop-field chemicals on soil function 00:08:00 “Nature bats last” and long-term cycles of recovery 00:09:00 Abundance vs. extraction in modern agriculture 00:10:00 Passing land ethics to the next generation 00:12:00 Education, land-grant universities, and learning farming 00:14:00 Grass-fed timelines, weight, and national inventory reality 00:15:00 Why most ground beef tastes the way it does 00:18:00 Industrial supply chains vs. farm-level economics 00:19:00 Feedlots, methane, and lifecycle carbon science 00:20:00 Dung beetles, nutrient cycling, and soil structure 00:22:00 Daily cattle moves and grazing pattern 00:23:00 Agroforestry, thinning trees, and managing understory growth 00:24:00 Total herd size and the surrounding landscape

Hickory Nut Gap is a century-old family farm in Western North Carolina, now run by Jamie and Amy, who shifted the operation toward grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, and regenerative grazing. Their model connects soil health, animal welfare, and community resilience - from rotational grazing that builds biodiversity to supplying local restaurants and retailers. This tour looks directly at how they raise animals, manage land, and keep farming viable in the Appalachian mountains.Key Topics How Hickory Nut Gap transitioned from an old dairy to a regenerative livestock operationRotational grazing, biodiversity, and carbon-building in mountain pasturesThe economics of grass-fed beef versus grain-fed systemsHow the farm navigated the 2023 Cane Creek flood and community recoveryWhole-animal butchery, pet food production, and reconnecting consumers with real foodWhy Listen To This EpisodeA real-time look at how a regenerative livestock farm actually operatesClear explanation of rotational grazing, pasture rest, and soil-buildingPractical insight into animal welfare, handling, and daily farm managementFirsthand account of flood recovery and community resilienceStraightforward breakdown of grass-fed vs grain-fed economics and tasteCuts through marketing claims by showing the real work behind regenerative agricultureWebsiteInstagramTimestamps00:00:00 — History of Hickory Nut Gap and returning to the family farm00:02:00 — Discovering direct-market pasture farming in the early 2000s00:04:00 — Grass-fed movement and building a farmer-supported food system00:06:00 — Taste, nutrition, and why fresh, local food matters00:10:00 — Flood impacts and land recovery after the Cane Creek disaster00:12:00 — Rotational grazing explained: density, rest, carbon, biodiversity00:15:00 — Grass-fed vs grain-fed: economics, animal health, taste00:17:00 — Talking with vegans and the ethics of reducing harm in ecosystems00:19:00 — Regrowth after grazing and how mountain pastures respond00:23:00 — Daily welfare checks: water, feed, injuries, antibiotics policy00:26:00 — Whole-animal use, pet food demand, and underrated cuts

Ben Justman of Peony Lane Wine grew up on this Colorado orchard, returned in his mid-20s, taught himself winemaking, and now runs a small high-elevation Pinot Noir winery on his family's land, built alongside his father. Key Topics Childhood on a self-sustaining orchard and returning to family landStarting Peony Lane Wine and producing high-elevation Pinot NoirWinemaking as farming: soil, climate, and placeDirect-to-consumer realities for small producersWhy Ben accepts Bitcoin and why he places importance on itWhy Listen Clear insight into how small wineries actually operateA grounded look at family land, legacy, and returning homePractical examples of direct-to-consumer sales for farmersRare details about high-elevation Pinot Noir productionHonest reflections on working with family while building a businessWebsiteInstagramX

JR Burdick of Nourishing Family Farm explains how losing his family's farm in the 1980s and later being forced out of his dairy co-op shaped his path toward raw milk, soil-based farming, and local food independence. His story exposes how modern agriculture breaks families and communities - and how rebuilding begins one farm at a time.Key TopicsThe 1980s farm crisis and its generational impactIndustrial agriculture's false promisesLosing and rebuilding the family farmFounding Nourishing Family Farm and producing raw milkRedefining farming as care for soil, cows, and communityWhy ListenReveals how U.S. farm policy hollowed out rural AmericaShows how raw milk and local food rebuild trust and healthOffers a firsthand blueprint for regenerating the land and economyTraces 40 years of American farming through one family's eyesEnds with a powerful redefinition of what it means to be a farmerConnect with JR:WebsiteXFacebook References:"The Jungle" (1906) by Upton SinclairTimestamps00:00:00 – JR's 11-generation farming roots on the Michigan–Indiana border00:02:00 – The 1980s farm collapse and how his father lost everything00:06:00 – Interest-rate hikes, debt, and the domino effect across family farms00:10:00 – Starting over from scratch and lessons in resilience00:14:00 – University training, industrial ag mindset, and early GMO exposure00:25:00 – The Green Revolution, “feeding the world,” and the loss of nutrition00:33:00 – How regulation and consolidation centralized food control00:46:00 – Tornado destruction and the community that helped rebuild01:00:00 – Financial strain, insurance gaps, and rebuilding again01:15:00 – Family succession and generational challenges in agriculture01:30:00 – Co-op shutdown in 2022 and six months with no milk income01:45:00 – Ethanol policy, crop insurance, and systemic dependence02:03:00 – Life as a conventional dairyman and marketing realities02:10:00 – Returning to identity as a farmer and faith in the work02:30:00 – Founding Nourishing Family Farm: raw milk & heritage wheat02:45:00 – Food as medicine and healing through nutrient-dense food03:00:00 – Lessons in stewardship, soil, and community resilience03:10:00 – Redefining what it means to be a farmer in modern America

August Hortsmann is a first-generation Missouri cattleman and founder of Hortsmann Cattle Company, a regenerative ranch built on his family's land near St. Louis. What began as a childhood passion grew into a full-time operation which, over the past eight years, has integrated adaptive grazing, direct-to-consumer beef sales, and long-term soil-focused practices. His education was established through years of study, observation, and trial. August spent countless seasons working ranch jobs integrating regenerative practices, allowing him studying grazing systems and testing various methods. Augusts story shares undertones of the uncertain, long road taken for each farmer to reach their dream of working full-time. For August, as you'll hear, he made it happen, but for 84% of farmers in America, they work other jobs. August shares his shift from conventional, university-trained agriculture to regenerative practice, the economic realities of running a small meat business, and his philosophy on scale, sustainability, and soil health.Key TopicsEarly life and the arduous path to founding Hortsmann Cattle CoTransition from conventional to regenerative grazingWhy multi-species farming can break a businessWhat adaptive grazing actually looks like on the ground'Breaking even' and the economic realities of cattle farmingScaling regenerative agriculture for the futureWhy You Should Listen- What the path to full-time farming really looks like- How farmers survive years before breaking even- Building a regenerative cattle business from nothing- Lessons from eight years of adaptive grazing- The hard economics of small-scale beefConnect with AugustInstagramWebsite Timestamps00:00:00 – Childhood roots and first memories on the family farm 00:03:00 – Starting Hortsmann Cattle Co in college 00:06:00 – University teachings vs. real-world economics 00:10:00 – Working off-farm while building a cattle business 00:13:00 – Discovering regenerative agriculture through Soil & Water 00:19:00 – Adding multi-species and the “death by diversity” lesson 00:29:00 – Burnout and the decision to simplify operations 00:31:00 – Quitting full-time work and going all-in on the farm 00:36:00 – Adaptive grazing and learning from nature's rhythms 00:43:00 – Shifting from farmers' markets to online direct sales 00:53:00 – Educating consumers on bulk buying and real costs 00:57:00 – Why small meat businesses struggle with margins 01:03:00 – Processing, scale, and the bottlenecks of small producers 01:09:00 – Is regenerative agriculture scalable? 01:13:00 – Advice for aspiring ranchers 01:17:00 – Social media, misinformation, and consumer trust 01:20:00 – Building a ranch that can sustain future generations

Will Harris is a sixth-generation cattleman and owner of White Oak Pastures, a 158-year-old family farm in Bluffton, Georgia. Since 1866, the Harris family has practiced land-based farming rooted in regeneration, humane animal husbandry, and zero-waste production. In this episode, Will reflects on the farm's evolution from industrial cattle operations to a living ecosystem. He discusses soil, community, balance, symbiosis in an ecosstem, rural farming communities, stewardship, organic matter, his family history, and more. Key Topics6 generations of farming - from industrial cattle to regenerative systemsRebuilding Bluffton's rural economy through local foodSoil carbon, organic matter, and ecological limitsThe moral and generational lessons of land stewardshipRethinking success: humility, balance, and long-term thinkingWhy You Should ListenHow six generations turned an industrial farm into a living ecosystem.Why killing pests and controlling nature backfired What it takes to rebuild a town's economy The real economics of land, legacy, and long-term thinking.Why humility- not technology - is the key to surviving the human dilemma.Connect With White Oak PasturesWebsiteInstagramTimestamps00:00:00 — White Oak Pastures and 158 years of family farming 00:05:00 — Industrial agriculture and losing balance 00:08:00 — The cost of control: chemicals and confinement 00:11:00 — Soil carbon, fertility, and organic matter 00:16:00 — Working within nature's limits 00:25:00 — Rejecting tech fixes and restoring balance 00:34:00 — Internships, purpose, and community revival 00:42:00 — Bluffton's renewal through local production 00:50:00 — Land, debt, and long-term stewardship 00:55:00 — Generational transfer and humility 01:08:00 — Observation, faith, and living with nature

Ryan sits down with Joel Hollingsworth of Smoke River Ranch in Oklahoma, who lays out a clear, unflinching diagnosis of America's decline. He then takes you through the solution, step by step, exactly whats required. In short, the miracle ahead has only one path, and that is a restored and vitalized rural America. Key Topics:Collapse and renewal of rural AmericaBuilding culture through community and soilRegenerative ranching and total grazingEconomic sovereignty and local productionReclaiming health and vitalityWhy You Should Listen: - Learn how rural collapse happened. - See how financialization hollowed America. - Understand why soil and economy are linked. - Discover how regeneration rebuilds communities. - Hear a practical plan for renewal.Resources mentioned:Book: The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael PollanBook: Extreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkConnect with Joel:Smoke River Ranch WebsiteX00:00:00 – America's decline and lost vitality 00:04:30 – Joel's story and Smoke River Ranch 00:11:00 – Finance replacing real production 00:20:10 – Centralization and moral decay 00:29:40 – What regeneration means 00:38:25 – Soil as civilization's base 00:46:50 – Rebuilding local economies 00:56:30 – Tech and virtual fencing 01:05:00 – The real economics of farming 01:16:15 – Decentralization and freedom 01:28:10 – Work, dignity, and meaning 01:38:40 – Food, health, and strength 01:52:20 – Cultural cost of disconnection 02:09:00 – Rural vitalism in action 02:27:15 – Rebuilding soil, rebuilding America

When chronic illness left Cindy bedridden in her twenties, she began questioning everything she'd been taught about health - and later, about farming. What started as a search for healing led her and her husband to rebuild their land in Burneyville, Oklahoma, where TLC Ranch now stands: a regenerative bison ranch and certified organic pecan orchard rooted in living systems rather than chemicals. Through decades of trial, floods, and faith, Cindy discovered that the same principles that restore the body also restore the soil. This episode traces how her recovery became the land's recovery - and what it really means to live and farm in alignment with nature.Key Topics- Healing through food and faith- From chemical sprays to organic farming- Bison behavior and herd management- The challenges of organic certification- Health, medicine, and trusting intuitionTimestamps 00:00:00 – Growing up outdoors and learning self-reliance 00:04:00 – Linking diet and chronic illness in the 1980s 00:08:00 – Healing through food and natural living 00:12:00 – From chemical farming to organic awareness 00:19:00 – Buying land and starting the ranch 00:27:00 – Discovering bison and learning their behavior 00:31:00 – Pecans as nutrient-dense local food 00:44:00 – Challenges of organic certification 00:53:00 – Replacing chemicals with biological inputs 00:58:00 – Managing herd health and natural balance 01:05:00 – Lessons from floods and renewal on the landWebsiteFacebookInstagram

Caden and Patrick are first-generation farmers in North Carolina who started Cable Family Farm while still in high school. Together, they've built a small-scale regenerative farm focused on pasture-raised poultry and no-till market gardening, proving that young people can make a living from the land through hard work, curiosity, and faith.Cable Family Farm practices regenerative farming focused on soil health, animal welfare, and local connection through small-scale, community-based food production.Key TopicsStarting a regenerative farm as teenagersLearning and adapting through trial and errorMaking small-scale farming sustainableSacrifice, purpose, and faith in farmingInspiring young people to reconnect with foodTimestamps00:00:00 – Discovering small-scale farming 00:02:45 – Launching Cable Family Farm in high school 00:06:00 – Rekindling friendship and building together 00:09:00 – Visiting Polyface Farm for inspiration 00:10:30 – Selling produce and entering markets 00:14:00 – Lessons from larger conventional farms 00:17:00 – Partnership, long hours, and learning curves 00:21:00 – Sacrifice and fulfillment on the land 00:25:00 – Bringing younger generations into farming 00:35:00 – Faith and stewardship of the land 00:40:00 – Balancing college with farm life 00:42:00 – Reflections on growth and purposeConnectInstagramFacebook 

This episode is a little different: instead of a sit-down podcast, I join Justin Rhodes for a live tour around his North Carolina farm. When you think of homesteaders, Justin Rhodes is the first person you think of. With over a million followers on YouTube and multiple successful books, Justin and his family have paved the way for new homesteaders through documenting their journey. A fourth-generation steward of his family's land in North Carolina, Justin and his wife Rebecca raise their five children on it. What we cover:How rotational grazing restores pastures without seed or fertilizerThe challenges and realities of homesteading versus farming for profitBalancing family life, children, and farm responsibilitiesWhy many new homesteaders burn out and how to avoid itThe generational legacy of farming the same land and what it means for the futureTimestamps:00:01:30 — The breeds of cows on the farm and how milk is shared00:03:00 — Family land history and what the farm cost in the 1930s00:05:00 — Rotational grazing explained and why clover survives00:09:00 — Homesteading vs farming: growing food for yourself or for sale00:13:00 — Why most new homesteaders burn out and how to prepare00:17:30 — Finding a deeper reason beyond money to keep farming00:19:00 — Involving children in farm life and family teamwork00:21:00 — The multi-generational connection to land and legacy00:23:00 — Raw milk, safety, and family traditions00:25:00 — Industrial milk history, swill dairies, and why pasteurization beganJustin's YouTube channelInstagramFarm Website

Josh and Jessica Guptill run Rehoboth Farm in Suffolk, Virginia, where they raise pastured chicken, pork, lamb, beef, eggs, and turkeys. Neither came from a farming family - Josh left the Coast Guard and Jessica is a doula - but together they built their farm from backyard beginnings, guided by faith and a belief in producing “healing food.” Their path is unique: from DIY chicken pluckers and bartering for land to scaling up during COVID, they've made transparency and education central to their work. Today they not only provide nutrient-dense food but also host workshops and farm visits, giving their community a firsthand connection to how food is grown.This episode we discuss:What backyard chickens taught them about the realities of food productionHow different animals (chickens, pigs, sheep, cattle) work together to regenerate landWhy transparency and on-farm visits build trust between farmers and eatersThe role of farmers' markets, and what separates thriving ones from failing onesHow faith and community shape their vision of farming as a vocationTimestamps:00:00:00 Josh & Jessica's backstory and first encounters with farming00:07:00 Early challenges raising and butchering chickens00:13:00 Deciding to leave the Coast Guard and pursue farming00:19:00 Finding and moving onto their current Virginia farm00:25:00 Scaling up chickens, pigs, and lamb during COVID00:33:00 Why their farmers' market works—and why others fail00:40:00 Marketing, transparency, and building customer trust00:48:00 The meaning behind the name “Rehoboth Farm”00:53:00 Questions consumers should ask at farmers' markets01:00:00 Hosting on-farm classes and why visits matterWebsiteInstagramFacebook

In this episode, Jordan and I discuss the importance of economics, marketing, and storytelling in agriculture. Follow the tour on YouTubeJordan Green is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served multiple deployments before completing a five-year tour of duty in 2009 and transitioning into full-time farming with his wife, Laura.Together, Jordan and Laura founded J&L Green Farm in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, where they raise pasture-based pork and poultry and 100% grass-fed beef on 500 acres, marketing their food directly to consumers.Key TopicsEscaping the industrial poultry system and its impact on animals and farmersApprenticeship at Polyface Farm and lessons from Joel SalatinMilitary service and how it shaped the decision to start J&L Green FarmThe struggles of starting a farm business during the 2008 financial crisisWhy marketing and storytelling matter as much as production in regenerative farmingTimestamps:00:00:00 Why cheap food threatens the survival of American farms00:03:00 Inside poultry houses: dust, ammonia, and farmer servitude00:08:00 Contracts, mortgages, and the trap of industrial poultry farming00:17:00 Apprenticeship at Polyface and scaling pasture-based livestock00:24:00 The reality of death and livestock farming behind the scenes00:29:00 Joining the Marines and balancing military life with farm dreams00:36:00 Starting J&L Green Farm with land, capital, and a Polyface contract00:40:00 Surviving the 2008 housing crash while building a farm business00:42:00 Why marketing is the hardest but most crucial part of farming00:49:00 The clash between fast tech and slow ecology in food production00:55:00 Building customer relationships, not flash sales01:00:00 Why most farms aren't welcoming to the public and how J&L differsConnect with Jordan, J&L Farm:WebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTube

The USDA has farmers by the balls. We all know it. Bryson felt it, and quickly chose to fight it. He found legit workarounds and today educates us on how other farmers can help stabilise and control their own futures.  Bryson Lipscomb of Triple Oak farms - a military veteran turned first-generation farmer, who traded his 9-5 job to become a farmer and build his own life with his wife and then newborn son. Bryson bring a refreshing & unique perspective on American farming, unfiltered for sure and very grounded. He shares the struggles and blessings of starting from scratch, the pretty messed realities of USDA processing (spoiler - it's way worse than you think), navigating regulations and the search for alternatives (such as the private membership association - PMA) that keep food sovereignty in the hands of the people.This one certainly echoes faith, food, freedom in America, now and in the future. Enjoy. Triple Oaks Farm is a family-run regenerative farm in Virginia, raising pastured pigs and other livestock with a focus on food sovereignty, stewardship, and community.Key TopicsCOVID as a wake-up call for food independenceThe realities of raising animals on pastureStewardship, resilience, and lessons from livestockIndustrial processing vs. small farm alternativesFaith, freedom, and food sovereignty through PMAsTimestamps00:01:00 COVID meat shortages spark the leap into farming00:04:00 First pigs, early mistakes, and discovering regenerative farming00:09:00 Pig escapes and fencing failures — hard lessons in stewardship00:18:00 From alcoholism to faith — how farming changed everything00:31:00 Why small farms can't compete with Smithfield00:34:00 The hidden costs of USDA butchering00:43:00 Dominion, faith, and the moral conflict of unjust laws01:00:00 Mishandling, fraud, and corruption inside USDA plants01:08:00 Final breaking point — walking away from USDA processors01:13:00 Discovering the PMA model as a legal path forward01:20:00 Building a farm rooted in faith, sovereignty, and community01:30:00 Why resilience, stewardship, and sovereignty matter for everyone01:40:00 Closing reflections on food freedom and the future of Triple OaksConnect With Triple OaksWebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTube

Farm tour #8. Isabelle and Garrett Heydt, of Rucker Farm in Virginia share their journey from vastly different childhoods to building a thriving regenerative farm and raising three young children. They discuss how they started with just a handful of chickens, grew into pigs and cattle, built community through barter events and markets, and navigated the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of farming. Their story highlights both the struggles and rewards of choosing a life close to the land.Rucker Farm is a regenerative family farm in Virginia raising pastured beef, pork, and poultry with full transparency and care for the land. They rotate animals daily, avoid confinement, and even invite the public to their on-farm harvests to reconnect people with real food.Key TopicsFrom contrasting childhoods to a shared farming pathStarting with 50 chickens and scaling upRaising a family while running a farmFamily, farming, and community at the centerRegenerative vs. conventional cattle operationsMarketing, markets, and authentic customer tiesTimestamps00:02:00 – Isabelle's upbringing on Rucker Farm and her family's farming background 00:07:00 – Garrett's childhood in Baltimore and path into outdoor guiding 00:12:00 – Meeting in West Virginia, homesteading, and renovating their first house 00:20:00 – Moving back to Rucker Farm in 2020 during the pandemic 00:23:00 – Why they started with chickens and how it scaled into pigs and cattle 00:25:00 – Hosting barter tables and building community around food and farming 00:33:00 – Partnerships, land access, and support from American Farmland Trust 00:37:00 – Advice for new farmers on building relationships and opportunities 00:39:00 – Isabelle's approach to marketing, storytelling, and authenticity 00:45:00 – The realities and challenges of farmers' markets 00:55:00 – Educating consumers on cooking grass-finished beef 01:01:00 – Raising children on the farm and connecting them to natureConnect with Rucker FarmWebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTube

Farm tour #7. Today we interview farmer Tony Eash, from Triple E farms. Triple E Farms is a family-run raw dairy and livestock farm in West Virginia, operated by brothers Tony and Phil. Farming since childhood, they grew up raising animals on pasture and chose a regenerative path after the sudden loss of their father. Today they produce 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised, non-GMO beef, pork, poultry, and raw dairy, combining traditional practices with appropriate modern technology to provide pure, nutrient-dense food for their family and community.Key topicsTransition from conventional dairy to regenerative farmingCommunity support and resilience after personal lossWest Virginia's raw milk laws and policy changesWorking with Amish partners for poultry and turkey supplyAdvice for aspiring farmers entering regenerative agricultureTimestamps  00:00:00 Challenging perceptions of farmers and profitability 00:01:00 From Amish roots to dairy farming in Virginia 00:03:00 Turning away from commercial chicken houses 00:04:00 Starting with broilers and expanding to pigs, beef, and dairy 00:08:00 Growing up on a small hobby farm and making hay 00:12:00 Losing his father and coping through work 00:14:00 Mennonite community support after tragedy 00:18:00 Building a raw milk customer base 00:20:00 Raw milk laws in West Virginia 00:26:00 Questions to ask when buying milk or visiting farms 00:28:00 Testing, cleanliness, and raw vs. pasteurized costs 00:32:00 Balancing full-time jobs with farm demandsConnect with Triple EWebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTube

Farm tour #6. On today's episode, I speak with Ben and Hannah Yoder of Savage Mountain Farm. Drawing on their Amish–Mennonite heritage and a commitment to natural farming, they share how they've built a livelihood that prioritizes culture, family, and the small farm way of life.Ben and Hannah Yoder run Savage Mountain Farm, a 150-acre diversified, full-diet CSA on the Pennsylvania–Maryland line, rooted in Amish–Mennonite heritage and natural methods, raising produce, mushrooms, and pastured livestock while blending regenerative farming with homeschooling, community engagement, and a family-centered lifestyle.Key Topics:Reviving Amish–Mennonite farming heritageBuilding a full-diet CSA in a rural areaPreserving small farm culture over profitKeeping unprofitable crops for their cultural valueHomeschooling and raising kids through farm workTimestamps:00:01:00 Ben's discovery of his Amish–Mennonite farming roots 00:09:00 Early farming experiences, WWOOFing, and meeting Hannah 00:11:00 Starting their farm on rented land and the move to their current site 00:14:00 Designing a full-diet, full-choice CSA for a rural market 00:22:00 Preserving small farm culture over the capitalist mindset 00:26:00 Why they keep unprofitable crops for cultural and family reasons 00:27:00 Children's role in daily farm life 00:35:00 Hannah's path from urban gardening to sustainable agriculture 00:49:00 Homeschooling philosophy and keeping kids engaged with life and work 01:00:00 How farming builds autonomy, resilience, and life skillsConnect with Savage Mountain:WebsiteInstagramFollow the tour on YouTube

Ranch 5 baby. This one was really cool. Julie has great energy and speaks to some of most important issues surrounding regenerative farming. Enjoy!Follow the tour liveJulie Friend is a first-generation farmer who left city life in Chicago to return to her family's land in western Maryland and build a regenerative livestock operation from the ground up. Her journey began with a personal health shift and quickly evolved into a deep commitment to ecological farming and ethical animal care.Wildom Farm raises grass-fed beef and lamb, forest-raised pork, pastured poultry, and produces small-batch lard-based skincare. Focused on land regeneration, nutrient-dense food, and whole-animal use, the farm serves its local community through direct sales, farm dinners, and hands-on education.Key Topics:Julie's transition from urban business to regenerative farmingThe emotional complexity of raising and processing animalsWhole-animal use and on-farm value-adding (bone broth, lard, hides)The economics and realities of small-scale food productionWhy local sourcing and consumer education matterTimestamps:[00:00:00] Why “normal” meat is expensive—and what feedlots distort[00:06:30] Discovering regenerative agriculture through Whole30[00:08:30] Leaving Chicago and returning to steward family land[00:17:00] First animal slaughter and why it never gets easier[00:21:00] Whole-animal use: skincare, hides, and broth[00:27:00] The slow economics of beef and forecasting challenges[00:35:00] How to talk to your local farmer and ask good questions[00:43:00] The cost of organic feed vs. conventional operations[00:52:00] Why lard is uniquely suited for skincare[01:04:00] Advice for women in agriculture or looking to join[01:08:00] The emotional toll of farmingConnect with JulieWebsiteLardRegenerative MeatInstagramFollow the tour on YouTube

We enjoyed this one - Michael is a 1st gen farmer and quite literally started his operation boots on the ground. We get into it.  Michael Greco is the founder of Little O Ranch & Livestock, based in Saugerties, New York. A first-generation livestock producer, he leads a regenerative, holistic sheep operation in Hudson Valley. We unpack his philosophy, practices, and why he believes small-scale, community-connected farming is the future.Key Topics:Starting a first-gen livestock farm in the Hudson ValleyHolistic grazing practices and land stewardshipRaising sheep without grain, antibiotics, or chemical inputsBuilding a direct-to-consumer meat businessReconnecting people to land, food, and seasonal rhythmsTimestamps: 00:00 – Michael's background and how he got into farming 07:10 – Starting Little O Ranch and farming in Saugerties 14:22 – Why he raises sheep and how he manages them holistically 22:40 – Grazing strategy and avoiding grain, antibiotics, and chemicals 30:18 – What regenerative means to him on a practical level 36:47 – The business model: lamb shares, community dinners, selling direct 44:35 – The emotional and philosophical side of land stewardship 50:10 – Lessons from farming alone and the importance of observation 57:23 – Long-term vision and thoughts on food systems 1:04:00 – Final reflections on connection, trust, and land careConnect with Michael:WebsiteInstagram

Ranch 3. Wow. This episode is a must, must listen. An incredible perspective on farming, legacy, and what it takes to keep a farm in today's day and age. Enjoy, and share with a friend if this impacted you as well.  Brad Wiley is a fifth-generation farmer at Otter Creek Farm in Pittstown, New York. He grew up working alongside his grandparents, parents, and sister, and today he stewards the land with a focus on diversification, sustainability, and family continuity. Brad is also a passionate local historian, with deep knowledge of his family's roots and the surrounding region.Otter Creek Farm is a 440-acre multigenerational farm in Pittstown, NY, with 200 tillable acres, 100 pasture acres, and 140 woodland acres. A former dairy farm (1937–2018), it now raises pastured poultry, pigs, grass-fed cattle, and turkeys, and hosts a 20-acre chestnut orchard run by Breadtree Farms.Key Topics:Brad's early memories on the farm and changes across generationsThe decision to end dairy and shift toward grass-fed/regenerativeNavigating family legacy, land succession, and identityThe role of history, community, and storytelling in farm lifeThe deeper “why” behind keeping Otter Creek alive and resilientTimestamps:00:00 – Brad's roots: five generations on Otter Creek 06:15 – The end of dairy and what came after 11:45 – Transitioning to diversified livestock and pasture 17:30 – Navigating family dynamics and succession 25:10 – The history of Rensselaer County agriculture 31:40 – Balancing conviction with economic reality 37:00 – What stewardship means in practice 41:50 – Staying rooted in place while adapting over time 47:30 – What drives him to keep farming 54:20 – The daily grind: routine, rhythm, and responsibility 1:01:10 – Supporting the next generation without control 1:10:40 – Climate, weather, and shifting environmental patterns 1:18:30 – What “regeneration” means—and doesn't mean—to Brad 1:25:15 – Scale, off-farm income, and staying afloat 1:35:00 – Language, marketing, and the limits of “regenerative” 1:41:50 – Consumers, transparency, and false expectations 1:50:40 – Final thoughts: continuity, hope, and what enduresConnect with Brad:Website 

Elizabeth Collins is a first-generation farmer co-running Otter Creek Farm with Brad Wiley. Originally from Cincinnati, she moved from Lexington, KY, and now leads the farm's livestock, regenerative operations, and Graceful Acres Farmstay.Otter Creek Farm is a 440-acre multigenerational farm in Pittstown, NY, with 200 tillable acres, 100 pasture acres, and 140 woodland acres. A former dairy farm (1937–2018), it now raises pastured poultry, pigs, grass-fed cattle, and turkeys, and hosts a 20-acre chestnut orchard run by Breadtree Farms.Alrighty, ranch 3!Today we speak to Elizabeth Collins. Elizabeth has an amazing story of how she battled the odds to become a farmer at age 40. We discuss:How Elizabeth became a farmer in her 40s after a life in business and food advocacyThe role of grants and how they enable regenerative agriculture to surviveWhy she opposes USDA slaughter rules and advocates for humane, on-farm killsThe legacy of Temple Grandin and how autism helped redesign slaughter systemsWhy she nearly became vegan—and how Cowspiracy gets regenerative farming wrongAre co-ops viable, and what lessons she learned from working with oneWhat regenerative ranching really means to her, and how she's living itTimestamps00:00 – Why Elizabeth rejects USDA slaughter and does on-farm kills 00:30 – Her awakening to food, fat, and the broken health narrative 11:15 – Selling a business and moving north: the midlife pivot 15:30 – Lessons from a failed co-op and how the system is broken 19:40 – The visceral moment she knew she needed to farm 26:15 – Interning at 40 and what the 22-year-olds taught her 33:30 – Are co-ops viable in regenerative ag? 40:30 – Grants as a lifeline for regenerative farms—and why they're vanishing 45:00 – Legal barriers and values behind her small-scale slaughter model 50:40 – Temple Grandin and the redesign of humane slaughter 1:09:00 – Cowspiracy and why it's irrelevant to regenerative farming 1:13:30 – Why she nearly became vegan, and why it didn't work 1:20:30 – Why she can't legally sell her own meat in her farm store 1:26:15 – What regenerative ranching truly means to ElizabethConnect with Elizabeth!Website Come Stay At Otter Creek...Instagram

Onto the 2nd ranch of our U.S Ranch and Farm Tour, where we are on a on a 6-month tour across America, we're visiting regenerative farms to podcast with ranchers, tour their land, document their work, and shake the hand that feeds us. Today's episode is with Maple Syrup rancher, Jacob Powsner. Jacob is great value. He absolutely loves maple syrup, which just makes the conversation that much better. He's living his dream. Alas, we do a total expose on everything Maple Syrup - super fascinating stuff. Enjoy!Jacob Baird is part of the fourth generation running Baird Farm, a 560-acre maple syrup operation in Vermont. In this episode, Jacob and Ryan dive into the full story behind maple syrup—how it's made, what separates the real from the fake, and why so many food labels today are built on confusion. From the misuse of terms like “natural” and “regenerative,” to the nutritional power of real syrup and the policies shaping food transparency, this is a candid conversation about what honest food really takes.Key topics:- How real maple syrup is made—from forest to sugarhouse- The difference between real and fake maple products- Why “natural,” “organic,” and “regenerative” labels often mislead- The nutritional and environmental case for real maple syrup- Small farms vs big food: marketing, policy, and system captureTimestamps:00:00 – “When you eat good food, you connect to the land” 03:30 – The 100-year family history of Baird Farm and the shift from dairy to maple 06:00 – How 15,000 trees are tapped and managed across the Vermont woods 09:00 – What makes real maple syrup: process, purity, and organic practices 12:30 – The truth about fake syrup, flavoring loopholes, and deceptive labels 16:00 – The “natural flavors” problem and how big food co-opts language 19:00 – Why regenerative is at risk of being greenwashed 22:00 – Health benefits of real maple syrup: minerals, glycemic load, and antioxidants 25:00 – Why maple syrup protects land from development and deforestation 28:00 – How big players are consolidating the maple industry and what's at stake 31:00 – Jacob's vision for small, intentional growth and honest food systemsConnect with Jason & Baird Farm:WebsiteInstagram

We thought it would be silly whilst on Gunthorp Farms to not interview Greg's son, Evan, who is not only carrying the torch when it comes to regenerative farming for the next generation, he's driving the fire truck, saving the babies from balconies, and putting out the fires that conventional meat processing (meat arsonists) create every day.  Evan's incredibly smart and I learnt a tonne in this hour. If you want to hear from one of the bright young ranchers thinking clearly on how to sustain & grow a regenerative farming culture in America, and the good bad and the ugly that comes with that mission, I couldn't recommend this pod enough. Evan Gunthorp is the son of Greg Gunthorp and part of the next generation stewarding the legacy of Gunthorp Farms—an independent, pasture-based livestock operation in Indiana. In this episode, Evan shares his firsthand experience growing up immersed in regenerative agriculture, from raising thousands of chickens as a child to managing their USDA-inspected processing plant and pioneering solar grazing operations. This is a candid look at what it takes to sustain a farm across generations, the realities of small-scale meat production, and the cultural forces shaping our food future.We cover:- Growing up on a regenerative farm: chickens, responsibility, and early exposure to death and food- Running a USDA processing plant and the emotional, ethical, and logistical complexities of meat production- The labor crisis in farming and processing: challenges, insights, and systemic reflections- Solar grazing as an ecological and economic solution for land-locked farmers- What keeps Evan going despite the industrialization of agriculture and cultural disconnection from foodTimestamps:00:00 – Growing up Gunthorp: childhood on a working farm 04:30 – Killing animals young: what that teaches about food and respect 10:00 – Early responsibility: raising 3,000 chickens at age 7 14:30 – Running a USDA processing plant as a teenager 20:00 – Why most Americans shouldn't be allowed to eat meat 25:30 – Labor, dignity & depression inside meat processing 32:00 – The promise and pitfalls of solar grazing 39:30 – Can pasture-raised pigs scale across the U.S.? 45:00 – Pork, parasites & why store-bought meat makes people sick 50:00 – What keeps Evan going in a system stacked against himConnect w Evan & Gunthorp farms:WebsiteInstagramFacebook

Regenaissance community! It's been a month since our last episode, and we apologize for the absence. The reason for our pending silence we can finally share... we have have just embarked on a 6-month tour across America, we're visiting regenerative farms to podcast with ranchers, tour their land, document their work, and shake the hand that feeds us.So, starting from today's episode, we'll be recording and dropping episodes live as we're travelling through each farm. The cadence will be loose (as we go essentially) and the focus will be on telling the stories of these farmers and doing our best to connect our community with them. We're so pumped to begin this journey - so please if you enjoy the content, share it with a friend and let them know about this tour. As far as we know, we don't think a farm podcast tour has been done on this scale before!The tour begins in northeast Indiana at Gunthorp Farms—a vertically integrated, pasture-based livestock farm run by Greg Gunthorp and his family. Greg has been raising pigs for over four generations, and he's seen firsthand how industrialization decimated independent hog farming. In this episode, Greg contrasts his approach to animal husbandry and food ethics with the commodified logic of Big Pork. From breed selection to federal corruption, this is a deep dive into the systems behind your food—and what it takes to build something better.Key Topics Discussed:Why Greg breeds “all-purpose” pasture pigs—and how that clashes with industrial pork geneticsThe death of the independent hog farmer and the rise of vertically consolidated meatpackersHow 37 plants process 96% of U.S. pork—and why that's both efficient and catastrophically fragileProp 12, public gaslighting, and why most “ethical pork” labels are meaninglessWhat it really costs to raise, slaughter, and distribute pork ethically—and why few are willing to do itTimestamps:00:00 – Intro to the tour & visiting Gunthorp Farms 04:00 – Greg's breeding philosophy vs industrial pig genetics 10:00 – How vertical integration wiped out small hog farms 16:00 – Why 96% of pork runs through 37 plants 20:00 – What Prop 12 changed—and didn't 26:00 – The illusion of ethical meat at the supermarket 30:00 – True costs of pasture-raised pork 35:00 – Corruption inside USDA and meat inspection 45:00 – How Greg fought back—with help from Thomas Massie 55:00 – Final reflections on reform, resilience, and local foodConnect w Greg & Gunthorp Farms:WebsiteXInstagramLinkedin

Ann & Weldon Warren are regenerative ranchers and founders of Holy Cow Beef, a Texas-based operation producing 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef with a focus on clean food, animal welfare, and soil health.They share their powerful journey from suburban Dallas and high-stress finance to a regenerative ranching life rooted in clean food, community, and faith. After a health crisis forced them to reevaluate everything, the Warrens rebuilt their life around ancestral practices—raising grass-finished cattle, stewarding land, and helping others reconnect with where their food comes from.Key topics:A stroke that sparked their move from city life to ranchingTheir shift from chemical-heavy ag to regenerative cattle ranchingHealing through clean food and ancestral practicesUSDA label corruption and the collapse of the grass-fed standardWhy food security starts with knowing your rancherWebsiteInstagramBuy Holy Cow BeefX

Radius Butcher & Grocery is one of the most ambitious grocery experiments in America—blending beauty, transparency, and ethical sourcing into a bold new model for local food systems.Kevin, the founder of Radius, joins me today to discuss transforming the grocery store experience by combining the abundance of farmers markets with everyday convenience. Radius sources locally from Texas farms, prioritizing nutrient-rich, flavorful, and sustainably produced foods.I loved this episode, and learned a heap. Hope you all do to. We discuss on the podcast:How Radius is redefining grocery shopping with fresh local produce available daily.Overcoming the limitations of traditional farmers markets through consistent availability and comprehensive product offerings.The hidden complexities and innovations behind sourcing genuinely local, high-quality foods.Navigating customer expectations around price and educating consumers on the value of sustainably farmed produce and meats.Why embracing seasonal diversity and high standards for animal welfare and farming practices is crucial to the future of food systems.Radius WebsiteRadius InstagramKevin X

Daniel Spitzbergen of Sustainable Natural Foods joins me today to debunk myths around Wagyu beef, share the reality of ranch life, and reflect on faith, fatherhood, and food sovereignty. Based in Oregon, Sustainable Natural Foods is a family ranch raising full-blood Wagyu with a focus on land stewardship, animal welfare, and world-class genetics.Key Topics:Wagyu beef myths, health claims, and breed misconceptionsWhy hands-on experience matters more than viral misinformationDaniel's journey from missions work to running a Wagyu operation in OregonInvolving kids in ranch life and building character through real workFaith, family, and the deeper meaning behind food productionWebsiteInstagram

Trevor Gibbs is a hunter, cook, and founder of Man Bar—a slow-fermented, high-fat meat stick made from regenerative bison and beef. In this episode, we unpack what hunting really is—beyond the stereotypes—and why it matters for food, land, and culture. Trevor shares how his views evolved from being vegan to harvesting his own meat, and what hunting taught him about responsibility, respect, and community.Key Topics:- Trevor's first hunting experience and what went wrong- The emotional weight of taking a life and doing it with respect- How hunting ties into regenerative agriculture and land care- The wild hog problem in Texas and why lethal control is necessary- Building Man Bar, a high-fat, fermented bison and beef stick made for real nourishmentMan Bar InstagramMan Bar Website

I sat down with cattle rancher Shad Sullivan to unpack the Maud family case—an explosive story of generational ranchers wrongly charged with land theft. Shad walks me through the full timeline, the grassroots fight to overturn it, and the deeper threat facing landowners, food freedom, and liberty across the West.Key Topics:The full story of the Maud family's legal battle and how it was overturnedHow unelected bureaucrats and federal agencies threaten private property rightsWhy land access and ranching are central to food and national securityThe spiritual and cultural war at the heart of America's agricultural crisisWhat it takes to revive ranching, build legacy, and defend liberty on the landXFacebook

A healthy nation is dependent upon healthy soil. This is what Eric and his family believe, a legacy that lives through Eric's work at Deep Roots Living Soil. From horse bedding to worm castings, Eric explains how thermophilic composting revives microbial life and how soil can be a tool for healing, sovereignty, and regeneration.Key Topics:How Eric returned home to carry on his father's composting legacyWhy thermophilic composting creates biologically rich, living soilThe role of worm castings in boosting microbial life and plant healthHow horse stables became a source of regenerative soil inputsReimagining compost and landscaping as tools for healing land and communityInstagramXWebsite

Casey is a fifth-generation rancher in Northern Arizona whose family has worked the same land for over 120 years. In this conversation, he explains how large-scale solar projects are threatening local ranchers and reshaping the landscape. He shares stories from his family's history, the role of trading posts with the Navajo and Hopi, and what it takes to keep ranching alive in tough country.Key Topics:The threat of industrial solar on public and private landsRanching in extreme conditions: drought, range management, and cultureArizona's lost homesteads and surviving family legaciesTrading post history and Navajo relationsA call to keep ranching alive across generationsCasey Murph X

JR Burdick tells the story of how his family lost their dairy farm during the 1980s farm crisis—and how they eventually got back on the land. He shares what it was like growing up in the barn, watching his dad rebuild from nothing, and later taking over the operation himself. This episode dives into the realities of co-ops, milk pricing, and the shift from conventional to regenerative dairy.Key Topics:How the 1980s farm crisis wiped out thousands of dairiesThe rise and fall of dairy co-ops in AmericaFirst-hand stories from three generations of family farmingIndustrial agriculture vs. integrity in milk productionRebuilding through faith, grit, and regenerative valuesNourishing Family Farms WebsiteNourishing Family Farms FacebookJr Burdick's X

Agronomist Joe Ailts dives deep into the secrets of soil biology and regenerative practices that could revolutionize crop production, reduce chemical inputs, and restore land health.Key topics discussed:The hidden power of soil microbes and their potential to transform agriculture.Practical regenerative practices for transitioning conventional farmers.Cover cropping strategies and their real-world impacts on yield and soil health.The complex debate around herbicide usage, glyphosate, and the future of weed management.Using soil testing and biological treatments to maximize plant productivity naturally.Ailts Agronomy XAilts Agronomy Website Ailts Agronomy Facebook 

In this episode, I sit down with regenerative farmer Jason Mauck to explore how nature—not tech—is the true path to solving modern crises, reclaiming food, land, and life through design, experimentation, and reconnection.Key topics discussed:Why returning to nature is the only viable answer to modern systemic breakdownsHow intercropping, alley cropping, and relay cropping redefine agricultural efficiencyThe economic and infrastructural roadblocks to decentralizing meat and food systemsHow parenting, entrepreneurship, and food sovereignty intersect on a modern farmPractical pathways for reconnecting to nature—starting with a houseplantJason Mauck X

Katie's ostrich farm in British Columbia fights federal agencies seeking to cull 400 healthy ostriches in an effort to shut down groundbreaking research into natural antibodies and sustainable agriculture.Key topics discussed:- Ostrich antibodies for human health and disease prevention- Partnership with Japan's Dr. Sakamoto and global patents- COVID-era suppression of immune-based research- Government culling orders and legal pushback- Threats to natural immunity, food sovereignty, and farm independenceSave Our Ostriches:WebsiteDonateInstagramX RumbleUpdates + Additional Info

Trent Loos, a sixth-generation rancher, explores critical challenges and opportunities in agriculture today.Key topics discussed:Corporate influence and data privacy in farmingControversial USDA poultry practicesExperiences from ranching and veteran advocacyNavigating equipment challenges, particularly John DeereBuilding resilient, community-based food systemsTrent's WebsiteTrent's XTrent's Podcast

Jeff Murphy, a fifth-generation Kansas farmer, shares his shift from industrial ag engineer to regenerative practitioner. From feedlot lagoons to heritage grains, he unpacks the true cost of “efficiency” and why rebuilding local, chemical-free food systems is the future. A raw, personal look at legacy, land, and doing things differently.Murphy Generation Farms Website Murphy Generation Farms Instagram

Today I talk with Jesse Konig about building a better fast food system—one without shortcuts, seed oils, or mystery meat. From pandemic pivots to CPG disruption, we try and explore what it really takes to bring integrity to fries and burgers.Jesse & Ben's websiteJesse's InstagramJesse's X

Jack Zwart, known as Rust Belt Kid, is a regenerative farmer with deep roots in the industrial heartland. We talked about his journey returning to farming, the intersection of manufacturing and agriculture, and his passion for regenerative practices. It was inspiring to discuss how personal and regional histories shape our relationship with farming and the land.Rust Belt Kid on X 

Greg Gunther is a farmer and processor who has navigated immense challenges and successes in agriculture. We talked about his journey through the hog market crash of the 90s, building a USDA-inspected processing plant on his farm, and the importance of small-scale processing and direct-to-consumer marketing. To speak with someone deeply experienced in farming and committed to inspiring future generations in agriculture was fascinating and insightful. Gunthorp Farms WebsiteGreg's Instagram