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In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast
In this episode of Deep Seed, regenerative farmers Naomi Oakley and Gunnar Thelin explore what modern agriculture could become if we stopped treating nature as a machine and started listening to living systems again.This is not another conversation about agricultural policy, carbon markets, subsidies or food system bureaucracy.It is a deeply human conversation about regenerative farming, biodiversity, grazing animals, soil health, ecosystem restoration, community, belonging… and joy.For Naomi, farming is the privilege of waking up every morning to work alongside animals, landscapes and local communities she deeply loves. For Gunnar, regenerative agriculture is rooted in a profound feeling of connection to place: the understanding that the land does not belong to us — we belong to the land.Together, they discuss how regenerative grazing systems can restore ecosystems, improve water cycles, increase biodiversity, rebuild soil health and strengthen climate resilience, while also giving farmers back something many have lost: meaning, dignity and hope.This episode explores:• regenerative agriculture and holistic grazing• biodiversity and ecosystem restoration• soil regeneration and water retention• rewilding vs regenerative farming• how cows and grazing animals shape landscapes• why observation matters more than rigid agricultural recipes• farmer mental health, purpose and community• the role of farmers in solving climate and ecological crises• why many young people are rediscovering farming and land stewardshipAt the heart of the conversation is a powerful idea: farmers are not simply producers trapped inside industrial systems. They are observers, experimenters and caretakers of living ecosystems.Naomi and Gunnar speak honestly about how modern agriculture often disconnects farmers from nature, from their communities and even from themselves. Against that, they offer another path: one rooted in curiosity, humility, ecological intelligence and relationship with the living world.It is hopeful without being naïve.A conversation about farming, yes — but also about how humans might find their way back to meaning, resilience and connection in an increasingly fractured world.
In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, Corey sits down with Zach Smith (The Stock Cropper), James Epp, and Matt Boerman — better known as The Loeb Rangers — for a candid and in-depth conversation about the future of agriculture, conservation practices, and what farmers can do to improve profitability while protecting soil and water resources. The group shares how The Loeb Rangers started as a simple Snapchat conversation between frustrated farmers who wanted to discuss poor farming practices, erosion, nitrogen management, and conservation solutions happening across Iowa's Des Moines Loeb region. What began as a private peer group quickly evolved into a growing movement focused on honest conversations around agriculture, sustainability, and practical solutions that work at scale. The discussion covers: Strip-till and no-till systems Cover crop adoption and management Nitrogen timing and in-season application Water quality and nitrate concerns Soil erosion and long-term land stewardship Farm profitability through reduced input costs The economics behind regenerative agriculture Challenges with ag policy and regulation Spray drift and pesticide stewardship The role of leadership within agriculture How farmers can proactively avoid future regulation Why knowing your numbers matters more than ever The Loeb Rangers explain how they've implemented conservation systems on their own operations while still maintaining profitability and efficiency. They also discuss the realities of public perception, working with Des Moines Water Works, and why communication between farmers, consumers, and policymakers is critical moving forward. This episode is a raw, honest, and thought-provoking discussion about balancing production agriculture with long-term sustainability while keeping family farms profitable for future generations. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Let me ask you this: do you think Europe can feed itself in 20–30 years under current conditions?In this episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, I sit down with Ivo Degn (Re:source) to unpack a reality very few people are willing to face:Europe's food system is becoming more fragile, more volatile, and less resilient every year.We talk about rising food insecurity, collapsing soil health, fertiliser dependency on fossil fuels, ageing farmers with no one to replace them, and a system that was never designed for the world we now live in.This conversation reframes regenerative agriculture from a “nice idea” to a serious response to food system risk.Because at the end of the day, agriculture is not just another sector. It is the foundation of civilisation.—In this deep-dive masterclass, we explore:• Why the modern agrifood system depends on assumptions that no longer hold• How climate volatility (droughts, floods, shifting baselines) is destabilising food production• Why fertiliser, energy and geopolitics are tightly linked• The hidden structural barriers blocking regenerative agriculture in Europe• Why farmers are often trapped in a system they know isn't working• How soil biology, biodiversity and regenerative practices are emerging as a viable alternative• What needs to change at a system level to unlock the transition—If you care about food security, climate change, regenerative agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, the future of Europe, or simply where your food comes from, this is one of the most important conversations you can listen to right now.—
What if restoring our soils isn't just a scientific challenge… but an emotional, even spiritual one? What if the future of farming depends as much on beauty, connection, and intention as it does on data, yields, and carbon? In this powerful episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, landscape architect Marian Boswall takes us on a journey that starts with dead soil… and leads to a completely new way of seeing land, food, and life itself. This is not your typical conversation about agriculture. It's deeper. Slower. More human. And, honestly, more hopeful.
What if the future of food isn't high-tech… but ancient wisdom?We've built a global food system on just four crops... and it's starting to crack! The real question is: what happens when it breaks?In this episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, Professor Sayed Azam-Ali (University of Nottingham, Crops For the Future) reveals why the key to resilient, nutritious, and truly sustainable food systems might already exist—hidden in so-called “forgotten crops.”We unpack how modern agriculture became dangerously dependent on a handful of commodity crops like wheat, rice, maize, and soy—and why this lack of diversity is driving soil degradation, biodiversity loss, climate vulnerability, and hidden hunger.But this isn't just a problem story. It's a roadmap for transformation.You'll discover:Why crop diversity is the foundation of regenerative agriculture and food system resilienceHow underutilised crops like Bambara groundnut and fonio can outperform industrial staples in harsh climatesThe hidden link between ultra-processed food, micronutrient deficiency, and chronic diseaseWhy global supply chains (COVID, Ukraine, Suez Canal) exposed the fragility of our food systemHow indigenous knowledge and farmer-led innovation hold critical solutions we're at risk of losingWhat needs to change—from seed systems and subsidies to consumer behavior and food cultureWe also dive into the bigger picture:Can regenerative agriculture scale without cultural change?What role should corporations, governments, and consumers really play?And why “cheap food” might be the most expensive mistake we've ever madeThis conversation sits at the intersection of agroecology, climate change, nutrition, and food sovereignty—and challenges everything we think we know about what we should grow and eat.Because the future of farming might not be about producing more……but about growing differently.“We cannot fix the food system by tweaking it. We have to transform it.”⸻
What happens when a farmer publicly admits that modern agriculture might be broken?In this episode, British farmer David Wheatley joins the Deep Seed Podcast to share the unfiltered reality of modern farming. After losing almost everything in a devastating farm fire and facing years of financial losses during COVID, David started posting honest videos about life on his farm — and unexpectedly built an audience of millions.Today, his content offers a rare window into the real economics of agriculture: volatile weather, rising input costs, global commodity markets, and the constant risk farmers face every season.David is a fourth-generation farmer from Cambridgeshire, UK, managing around 450 acres of arable crops, orchards and flowers. In this conversation we go beyond the viral videos to explore the deeper forces shaping farming today — and the new opportunities emerging through direct-to-consumer food systems, social media, and regenerative agriculture.You'll hear:• how David nearly lost his farm after years of financial losses• why many farmers feel trapped in a system where “the more you grow, the less you get paid”• how social media unexpectedly became a lifeline for his farm• why he sells flowers and apples directly to consumers instead of supermarketsWe also discuss David's heritage orchards with over 250 apple varieties, why he refuses to certify them organic even though they are grown without sprays or fertilisers, and how customers are rediscovering what real food tastes like.The conversation also explores David's first experiments with regenerative agriculture, cover crops, direct drilling, biodiversity and diversified farming systems, and the real risks farmers face when transitioning away from conventional agriculture.This episode is for anyone interested in:• regenerative agriculture• sustainable farming• soil health and biodiversity• the future of food systems• farm economics and agricultural policy• food security and resilienceAt its heart, this conversation reminds us that the future of agriculture may depend on rebuilding the relationship between farmers, land and the people who eat the food.⎯
Send a textSoil biology is quickly becoming one of the most important conversations in modern agriculture.In this episode of the Profitable Steward Podcast, Jared Sorensen interviews soil scientist Steve Diver to explore how carbon farming and soil biology form the foundation of regenerative agriculture.With more than 40 years of experience in horticulture, soil science, and sustainable agriculture, Steve breaks down the science behind soil health and explains how farmers and ranchers can use natural biological processes to rebuild soil structure, increase organic matter, and improve farm profitability.Topics covered in this episode include:• The history and evolution of regenerative agriculture • Why soil organic matter and carbon farming drive soil fertility • How soil microbes, fungi, and mycorrhizae influence plant health • The role of cover crops, grazing management, and biodiversity in soil regeneration • Practical ways farmers can transition from chemical-dependent systems to biological farming systems • The power of multi-species grazing, mob grazing, and livestock integration • How microbial inoculants, compost extracts, and biological amendments work in regenerative systemsWhether you are a rancher, row crop farmer, soil health advocate, or simply interested in sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming practices, this conversation provides practical insights on building living soil systems that support both productivity and profitability.
What happens when a former hedge fund trader walks away from finance… survives a near-fatal accident… and rebuilds his farm using regenerative agriculture?In this episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, James Butcher shares how he transformed his Suffolk farm from a high-input, chemical-dependent system into a diversified regenerative farming model using:Companion croppingLivestock integrationAgroforestryReduced synthetic nitrogenBiological soil health principlesAnd here's the kicker:He slashed growing costs from £1,500–£2,000 per hectare to under £600 per hectare — while increasing resilience and, in some cases, yields.Including one wheat field that yielded 2 tonnes per hectare MORE after being grazed by sheep.Yes, really.⸻
What if the future of regenerative agriculture won't be decided in Europe… but in India, Africa, and the Global South?In this powerful Deep Seed mini-episode, we sit down with Professor Nitya Rao, leading gender and climate researcher and contributor to the Lancet Commission on Food Systems, to explore a perspective we rarely hear in the regenerative agriculture movement.Because here's the uncomfortable truth:
Can regenerative agriculture really restore biodiversity, rebuild soil health, increase farmer profits and still feed the world? Or is it just a powerful story we want to believe?In this evidence-based Deep Seed conversation, biodiversity scientist Professor Lynn Dicks shares groundbreaking real-world research from commercial farms in the UK and India — revealing what the science actually says about regenerative agriculture, agroecology, nature-based solutions, and the future of our food system.This episode is essential listening for farmers, policymakers, sustainability professionals, researchers, and anyone working to transform agriculture.
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Gerard and Julian explore forest restoration, plant-based diets, and metrics like the Human Survival Index to track global risk. #CarbonDrawdown #Rewilding #FoodSystemReform #SustainableLiving
In this episode of Deep Seed, I sit down with Andrew Voysey, Chief Impact Officer at Soil Capital, to go beyond slogans and dig into what it actually takes to scale regenerative agriculture in a world built for short-term output.We unpack why most farmers feel trapped, why markets alone won't fix our food systems, and how credible impact measurement — paired with smart policy and aligned incentives — could unlock transition at scale.Whether you're a farmer, a food-chain professional, a policymaker, an investor, or someone who eats food every day (which is all of us), this conversation reframes regenerative agriculture as economic reality rather than idealistic aspiration.In plain language and big ideas, we cover:Why soil is a hidden systemic lever - and why degraded soil is behind so many global crisesThe real reason farmers are stuck - risk, cashflow pressures, and fragile livelihoodsHow Soil Capital is forging real economic pathways - paying farmers for measurable impact, not just good intentionsWhy big companies actually care - resilience, supply-chain security, and risk managementBeyond carbon - how soil, biodiversity, water, and farm resilience can be credibly measured at scaleThe limits of markets - why policy and public finance still matterHeadwinds and opportunities - political shifts, economic pressures, and the resilient core of the transitionThis is not another “optimistic farming chat.” This is a real-world, systems-level, deeply practical conversation about how change actually happens when you remove the fantasy, face the bottlenecks, and structure incentives that work.If you care about food, climate, landscapes, rural economies, or simply how the world actually works beneath the headlines, this episode is for you!
Our food system is on the verge of collapse — but we can fix it.In this episode, we're joined by Tim Benton, one of the world's leading experts on food security, to unpack the deep systemic drivers behind the crisis… and what a truly regenerative future could look like.We cover:Why the food system is fundamentally unsustainableThe 3 “lock-ins” keeping us stuckHow planetary boundaries apply to farming and dietsThe myth of green growthWhat gives Tim hope — and what needs to change nowThis is one of the most powerful and important episodes we've recorded. If you care about the future of food, farming, or the planet, you need to hear this.
What if every bite of cheap food you eat is secretly costing society triple the price you paid at checkout?In this eye-opening episode, food systems expert Adele Jones (former Executive Director of the Sustainable Food Trust) pulls back the curtain on the true cost of our food. From soil health and ecosystem collapse to diet-related disease and skyrocketing healthcare costs, Adele explains how we're already paying the true price of industrial farming. And it's way more than what we spend at the supermarket! But it's not all bad news. Adele lays out a hopeful, inspiring roadmap to a regenerative food system where farmers are rewarded for improving soil, boosting biodiversity, and producing truly nutrient-dense food. We cover groundbreaking concepts like True Cost Accounting, the Global Farm Metric, and why livestock farming might just be part of the solution.If you've ever wondered how to fix food, protect nature, and improve public health all at once: this episode is a must-listen! It's one of the most mind-expanding conversations we've ever had.⎯⎯⎯
In one of the driest, most degraded landscapes in Europe, farmer and agroforester Antonio Coelho has built 60 cm of fertile topsoil, raised organic matter to 7.4%, and slashed irrigation by 85% - all in just six years! In this #REWIND episode, Antonio shares his deeply inspiring journey into entropic agroforestry, a form of regenerative agriculture that mimics forest ecosystems to grow food, restore land, and rebuild water cycles. He explains how complex, layered polycultures can outcompete monocultures - not just ecologically, but economically too - if we shift how we define productivity.You'll learn:Why dense, multi-species systems don't compete — they cooperateHow to retain water and thrive even with 8-month droughtsWhat it means to feed the soil first, not just the cropWhy economic models must account for real planetary costsHow biomass, pruning, and photosynthesis create energy loops that regenerate land over timeThis episode challenges conventional logic about competition, inputs, and profitability — and offers a bold, hopeful vision for the future of farming.
What if you could bring a dead river back to life by working with farmers, not against them? In this powerful #REWIND episode, Silvia Quarta shares the story of a forgotten valley in one of Europe's driest regions, where springs stopped flowing, wells ran dry, and the river disappeared. But through radical listening, community trust, and regenerative agriculture, a new vision is starting to emerge. Rooted in hope, soil, and local food systems. This episode is about reimagining what rural life can be, and showing that farmers, shepherds, and citizens can become stewards of large-scale ecological restoration.
What if we stopped just talking about regeneration… and started measuring it? In this #REWIND episode, Peter Fröhlich, engineer, farmer, and co-founder of AgriPurpose, lays out a powerful, outcome-driven approach to regenerative agriculture. No fluff! Just clear, data-informed tools to guide land restoration at scale. Peter explains how satellite data, targeted soil testing, and simple metrics like biomass productivity, plant cover, and input efficiency can help farmers, funders, and policymakers align around real impact — not vague promises. This is regeneration with roots. Practical, radical, and full of hope. ⸻
This episode will change the way you think about farming, food, and fairness. When we talk about regenerative agriculture, we often focus on soil. But what about value? What about money, structure, and power in the food system?In this #REWIND episode, agronomist and regenerative ag pioneer Nicolas Verschuere unpacks how we can rebuild fair, functional value chains that truly reward farmers without making food more expensive. From launching a barley-to-beer cooperative in Belgium to scaling regenerative grains across Europe, this is a powerful look at what it takes to make regeneration viable and scalable.If you've ever wondered how we connect healthy soil to a healthy economy -> this one's for you!
Farmers aren't the problem... they're the solution! In this eye-opening episode, agronomist Nicolas Verschuere dismantles common myths about soil health, tillage, and agrochemicals. He reveals what actually works to make farming more regenerative, resilient, and profitable.Drawing on decades of hands-on experience with European farmers, he explains why cover crops, minimal disturbance, and smarter input use are not about perfection but about progress. It's practical, grounded, and surprisingly hopeful. If you're curious about how we can heal soils without blaming farmers, this is a must-listen.
What if farms were owned by communities... and managed for generations to come?
What if “weeds” could become the future of farming?
Wolves are returning to Europe... and it's stirring up powerful emotions! Can we learn to coexist with predators in a human-dominated landscape?
In this episode, I sit down with Simon Kraemer from the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA) a fast-growing, farmer-led network that's quietly shaking the foundations of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).Simon takes us inside the movement's origins, its mission to regenerate both ecosystems and democracy, and the groundbreaking farmer-led report that could redefine how we measure agricultural success in Europe.
According to Thomas Lecompte of Soil Capital Farming, the answer is a resounding yes! If you embrace complexity, plan for the long term, and treat the farm as a living system, not a factory.In this episode, we dive deep into what it takes to transition large-scale conventional farms into regenerative systems without sacrificing profitability. Thomas shares powerful case studies from Argentina and Belgium, where farmers reduced inputs like synthetic fertilizer and herbicides, improved soil health, integrated livestock using holistic grazing, and still maintained (or improved!) gross margins.He breaks down how long-term crop rotation planning, the smart use of cover crops, and tools like land equivalent ratios are reshaping the economic model of farming. Plus, he offers hard-won wisdom on the emotional and strategic complexity of real-life regenerative transitions.
What happens when a farmer becomes a microbiologist? Adrian Rubi shares how compost tea, leaf sap analysis, and on-farm ferments can help you cut inputs, strengthen crops, and speed up your regenerative agriculture transition. From recipe design and dissolved oxygen to trace-element tweaks and manure management, this is soil microbiology you can actually use. Why listen: Reduce fertilizer costs, improve plant health, and scale nature-based solutions with tools you can brew and measure on-farm. Inside This Episode:
What if wolves were your farming allies, not your enemies? What if chickens could replace pesticides and do a better job? In this episode, we step into the world of Marco Carbonara, a regenerative farmer and ecologist who has spent the last 20 years building a thriving, self-sustaining farm ecosystem in the wild heart of central Italy.
What role does policy play in shaping the future of farming?
Palermo's legendary Conca d'Oro was once a lush mosaic of citrus groves, vegetables, and ingenious water systems — a living example of regenerative agriculture centuries before the term existed. Today, only fragments remain, but they still hold powerful lessons for the future of farming, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration.In this episode, we meet Tommaso La Mantia, ecologist, farmer, and member of the Valdibella Cooperative, who has spent his life studying and caring for these unique gardens. Tommaso explains how the Conca d'Oro worked like a natural forest: layered crops, closed nutrient cycles between animals, plants, and soil, and irrigation systems so advanced that they still impress modern scientists. He also shares why sustainable farming here now faces serious threats — from climate stress and honey fungus (Armillaria) to urban sprawl and political neglect — and what it will take to revive this heritage.You'll hear surprising insights into how soil health and nutrient density were once safeguarded through circular systems, why farmers are forced to become water engineers, and how agroecology is inspiring a new generation of young Sicilians. At the heart of the conversation is Tommaso's deeply personal story of learning from his father in the fields and his hope that Palermo will rediscover its roots before they are lost.Follow the podcast for more stories from the Valdibella mini-series, and share this episode with a friend who cares about the future of food and farming.⎯⎯⎯⎯❤️ This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health & biodiversity.⎯⎯⎯⎯
This episode will change how you think about soil forever! Microbiologist Eleonora Chiri takes us deep into the fascinating, invisible world beneath our feet - where microbes form vast underground networks, plants and fungi co-parent ecosystems, and well-managed livestock can kickstart a regenerative revolution. Whether you're a farmer, an ecologist, a food system reformer, or just someone who cares about the planet, this episode connects the dots between soil microbiology, regenerative agriculture, agroecology, and the future of farming. It's smart, fun, and surprisingly emotional.
Some foresters are starting to regret rushing into carbon credit farming, according to new reports from the Forestry Owners Association. Chief executive Dr. Elizabeth Heeg says more foresters are facing backlash and concerns have been raised. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this inspiring episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, ecologist and researcher Rafael Bueno reveals why the future of farming depends on reconnecting with nature. From the deserts of Sicily to the forests of Brazil, Rafael shows how biodiversity, soil health, and trees hold the secret to building farms that are not only more resilient to climate change but also more productive and profitable. His stories from Valdibella offer proof that farmers can transform degraded land into thriving ecosystems, while producing abundant, high-quality food.Rafael challenges the biggest myths in agriculture: that trees steal land from farmers, that chemicals are necessary for productivity, and that nature and farming are destined to be in conflict. Instead, he shares powerful examples of agroforestry, food forests, and soil restoration that increase yields, store water, and protect against desertification. Along the way, we dive into the economics of farming, exploring how subsidies, policies, and payment for ecosystem services could reshape the future of food systems worldwide.If you care about the future of farming, food, and our planet, this conversation is a must-listen. It's a deep dive into the science, practice, and hope of regenerative agriculture and why the choice we face is clear: return to the forest, or slide into desertification.⎯⎯⎯⎯
What if transitioning to regenerative agriculture wasn't just about changing farming techniques, but about shifting power, reclaiming autonomy, and rebuilding communities?In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, Carlotta Ebbreo (rural sociologist at Valdibella Practical School of Agroecology) joins us from the heart of Sicily to reimagine everything we think we know about learning, farming, and social change.Carlotta takes us inside a groundbreaking project where farmers, scientists, technicians, and activists come together to build a new kind of school. One that's horizontal, context-based, radically participatory, and deeply rooted in the land. From real-life case studies and peer-to-peer learning to fighting market dependency and reshaping the agri-food system, this is agroecology in action!Whether you're a farmer, educator, policymaker, student, or simply someone who dreams of a healthier, fairer future -> this conversation is a must-listen!
What happens when a group of Sicilian farmers stand up to the Mafia, choose cooperation over fear, and build a future rooted in justice, community, and the land itself?In this episode of Deep Seed, we sit down with Massimiliano Solano, co-founder of Valdibella, one of Sicily's most inspiring agricultural cooperatives. From organic wine to social projects for migrants, Valdibella is proving that farming can be both regenerative for the soil and transformative for society.
The increasing number of farms being planted in trees for carbon farming is raising concerns about the spread of pests and an increased fire risk. Tairāwhiti Hawke's Bay reporter Alexa Cook has the story.
There's a belief many farmers will be feeling disappointed and betrayed after a report to Parliament on the ban of carbon forestry. The Environment Select Committee's recommendations show carbon farms across productive farmland, won't be coming to a stop. Currently under the Emission Trading Scheme there's a ban on whole-farm conversions for land that's not used for beef and sheep farming. Federated Farmers forestry spokesperson Richard Dawkins told Mike Hosking this still puts beef and sheep at risk of full conversions. He says there's less export income without a productive meat industry. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The problem with committing to things that may well come back to haunt you, is down the track, at some point, the mistake starts to hit you in the face a bit and some hard decisions are required. My sense of it is we have become too reliant on pine trees to meet the Paris climate target. The sheep farmers have worked that out as the protests around land conversion have once again been reignited, with posters put up by the Meat and Wool folk with the line: "I am not the problem". Since 1982 we have gone from 70 million sheep to 25 million. In the last seven years a quarter of a million hectares has been swapped from sheep to trees. This of course was always going to happen. What's the easiest way to meet a target on carbon? Trees. Cutting and slashing, whether its farm production or the economy, in general was never going to be palatable. So trees were easy. But you might have noticed a couple of major things have happened; 1) Paris looks increasingly shaky in terms of people meeting targets, or indeed people even being interested in meeting targets. 2) Stuff grown on the land with legs is fetching very good money all over the world and as far as us earning a living goes, we have never made more from farming. Carbon offsetting, which is what planting trees is called, has restrictions in other countries. But I bet you anything you want that other countries aren't as reliant on sheep and cows as we are. We used to have tourism back us up. But last week's numbers tell the sad story - dairy is worth $20 billion, while tourism is at $12 billion. Even offal comes in at $9 billion. Tourism used to vie for first place, hence the Government threw another $13 million at it yesterday to try and attract another 70,000 or so new visitors. Trees also kill communities. Farming is life. A forest isn't. As laudable as Paris was all those years ago, if we had thought about it, if we had been less evangelical, we might have stopped to think just what it was we were asking of a small economy. And the simple truth is we were asking so much, a quick shortcut like trees was always going to be adopted with alacrity. Saving the planet, as people get tossed off the land, is not an equation we should be proud of. As the protest poster with the photo of the sheep says, I am not the problem. And it's right. The zealots are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is urging the Government to close farming loopholes before 'more damage is done' to the sector. The organisation want loopholes in the guidance around limits on carbon forestry closed - as concerning news of further whole-farm sales emerges. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An environmental charity says carbon farming is just a money-making scheme that fails to tackle climate change properly. Pure Advantage's strategic science advisor, Professor David Norton spoke to Corin Dann.
A climate professor says forestry isn't the answer to climate change. It comes after Parliament's environment watchdog released a report proposing completely removing the ability of carbon polluters to rely on planting trees to meet their climate obligations, instead of cutting their emissions. Victoria University Adjunct Professor of Climate Change Adrian Macey told Mike Hosking we need a more comprehensive approach to tackling climate change. He says planting trees simply isn't good enough. Macey says planting trees isn't a 'get out of jail free' card, but rather a suspended sentence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode I talk with perennial crops researcher and author Eric Toensmeier about trees with edible leaves. You might not think of tree leaves being suitable as human food, but many of them are quite tasty and their seasonality and nutritional content complement both annual and perennial vegetables. We cover several species, the maintenance techniques that support high productivity and some ideas on how best to cook them. For more information on Eric's work you can checkout his website, perennialsolutions.org, or follow him on Instagram and/or Patreon. Want more info on trees with edible leaves? Eric wrote a whole book about it, which you can read or download for free at www.perennialagriculture.institute. You can find Kyle Dougherty's blog post about Fiveleaf Aralia (Eleutherococcus sieboldianus) at hardyedibleplants.net If you want to support this podcast, you can tell your friends to check it out, subscribe/rate/review on your favorite podcast platforms and/or join the Patreon. You can also submit questions or listener audio!
Join agronomists Clay Craighton (IA-based) and Tanner Pribble (IN-based) for a high level conversation about carbon sequestration on farmland or also called “carbon farming.” They discuss farm practices that capture carbon, how growers get involved, what onboarding looks like for farmers who join our carbon program, what happens after onboarding, and then the other side of carbon farming - the buyers (companies that are interested in purchasing ag-based carbon credits). Whether you are learning about agricultural carbon for the first time or wanting to brush up on the ag carbon topic or just curious about carbon programs, listen to this episode! About the our guests:Tanner Pribble lives on a farm in Northeastern Indiana with his wife Ali and sons Tatum and Tripp. Having worked in the agriculture industry for 11 years, he has enjoyed the opportunities to partner with producers every day. Based in Clear Lake, Iowa, Clay Craighton is an experienced agronomist in the Corn Belt who has worked in several realms of agriculture. Clay has worked with DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto (Bayer) and Indigo Ag. His specialty lies in soil sampling, carbon cropping, manure management and sustainability.
Join us as we sit down with Andre Rauch, a farmer out of Lexington, OR to chat about his perspective and experience so far with carbon farming. Andre and his family run a wheat, dryland cereal, and barely operation called Starvation Farms. We dive into how Andre selected a carbon program, what the process of creating a contract with regenerative ag practices is like, what payments look like, and yes, how the name Starvation Farms came to be!
Australian consumers still facing higher than average annual food price inflation, re-homed racehorses making a new life on South Australian properties, and a South Australian project looking at carbon farming in low rainfall zones.
On 20th June, Innovation Forum hosted a free virtual event with Bayer Crop Science. Data is key to shaping decisions that increase food production, farm incomes, and climate resilience. For farmers, the right data is an essential foundation for efficient, productive, and profitable operations. And now, it is becoming much easier for farmers to benefit from the data they produce. In this webinar, we discussed real-life case studies to explore how data collection and analysis can inform decision making at the farm level. We also assessed how agribusinesses like Bayer can leverage data and support carbon sequestration efforts to reduce emissions, protect nature, and build supply chain resilience. Our panel examined: How technology and data can support farmers to deliver efficiency gains, emissions reductions, and carbon sequestration. How effective Measurement, Reporting, and Verification can ensure compliance and progress for food value chain actors. How Bayer's digital solutions can empower carbon farming and effective data sharing throughout the value chain. Our panel included: Valeria Forlin, policy officer, European Commission (DG CLIMA) Juan Palomares, managing director EU, Trinity AgTech Kiera Holland, EMEA digital solutions science manager, Bayer Crop Science Lionnel Alexandre, head of carbon science EMEA, Bayer Crop Science The discussion was moderated by Toby Webb, founder of Innovation Forum. This webinar was hosted in partnership with Bayer Crop Science.
Send me a messageWelcome to another episode of the Climate Confident podcast. I'm Tom Raftery, and today, I'm delighted to be joined by Robin Saluoks, CEO and founder of eAgronom. Robin shares his insights on the crucial role of regenerative agriculture and how it can revolutionise farming.We delve into Robin's unique background, growing up in Estonia on a family farm, and how this experience, combined with his expertise in computer science, led to the creation of eAgronom. We discuss the significance of sustainable farming practices, including cover cropping, zero cultivation, and agroforestry. These methods not only enhance soil health and biodiversity but also help in reducing carbon emissions.Robin explains the challenges farmers face in transitioning to regenerative practices and highlights the need for incentives and support from the food industry, banks, and governments. We explore how carbon income, better loan terms for sustainable practices, and public-private collaborations can accelerate this shift.Key takeaways include the importance of data collection and verification for effective carbon reporting and how sustainable farming can be profitable in the long run. Robin emphasises the potential of innovative practices to rebuild soil health, especially in regions vulnerable to climate change.For more insights on sustainable agriculture and how you can support this transformation, tune in to this enlightening episode. Connect with Robin on LinkedIn for further discussions.Don't forget to check out the video version of this episode on YouTube.Support the Show.Podcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Hal Good Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Devaang Bhatt Stephen Carroll Marcel Roquette Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
“Sometimes, we can only make the choices when they're available to us.” —Andy Naja-Riese With six successful seasons behind us, we are thrilled to announce that Season 7 is live and ready for you! A hearty thanks to you for staying with us through the previous six seasons and continuously supporting the program. For us, you are not just our listeners. You are an integral part of this community. With lots of surprises and fresh series to pique your interest, we assure this season will be a unique experience. Our aim is not just to bring changes to the food system, but also to be a trusted ally for all respected founders and leaders out there. We are setting the ball rolling for this season with our former guest, Andy Naja-Riese, the CEO of the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM). A non-profit organization, AIM strives to educate, inspire, and connect diverse communities, dedicated farmers, and producers to strengthen local and regional food systems. Join Justine and Andy as they continue their enlightening conversation on bolstering local farmers and promoting a superior food system. Take the plunge as they discuss the challenges in the local food system, the struggles of every farmer, addressing the climate crisis and food insecurity with agricultural techniques, eating by the season, and how market matching can help in ensuring the affordability of local produce. After all, the end goal is improved food accessibility. Meet Andy: Andy Naja-Riese brings 17 years of experience in community food systems, public health, and food equity programs & policy. As Chief Executive Officer, he leads AIM's major programs, partnerships, strategic planning, advocacy, and fundraising, including a capital campaign for AIM's Center for Food and Agriculture in collaboration with AIM's Board of Directors. Andy joined AIM in 2018 after spending 10 years working for the Federal government, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. Andy is currently the Co-Chair of the Marin County Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Collaborative, serves on the Steering Committees of the Marin Carbon Project and Marin Community Health Improvement Plan, sits on the National Farm to School Network's Advisory Board, and represents AIM on the California Food and Farming Network & Food and Farm Resilience Coalition. He received the 2022 CVNL Heart of Marin Award for Excellence in Leadership and the 2023 Farmers Market Champion of the Year award from CAFF. He earned his master's degree from the T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health and his bachelor's degree from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He lives with his husband and dog in Sonoma, where he enjoys backyard gardening, cooking farmers market hauls, eating bagels, and enjoying Northern California's natural beauty Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:02 Creating Change One Purchase At A Time 06:53 Farmers' Challenges 12:24 The True Taste of Ripe Fruit 18:00 The Benefits of Eating by The Season 22:27 What is Carbon Farming? 25:51 What's Next for Andy?
Bioneers: Revolution From the Heart of Nature | Bioneers Radio Series
How does a virtue become a vice? How does a basic building block of life turn into a threat to life? And how do you turn that vice back into a virtue? In this half-hour we visit with two unlikely pathfinders who are helping to revolutionize farming. Calla Rose Ostrander and John Wick of the Marin Carbon Project are taking carbon out of the atmosphere and putting it back where it belongs: in the soil. In so doing, they're also revitalizing the soil, conserving water, and building agricultural resilience. Scaling up these revolutionary regenerative methods can offset the climate destabilization, which that threatens to confound agriculture and endanger our food supply. Check out Bioneers' Deep Dive on Carbon Farming where you can read articles, watch videos and catch up on current related news. This is an episode of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series. Visit the radio and podcast homepage to learn more.