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The agency is working to make customer service more efficient using mobile service technology.
On this episode of the Birdshot Podcast with chat Jared Elm of the Ruffed Grouse Society. Jared discusses his new role as state coordinator with the NRCS offices and shares insights into the expanding conservation delivery staff. The conversation dives deep into the impact of recent wildfires in Northern Minnesota, particularly in grouse habitats, and their containment efforts. Jared speaks about the history of fire in the Upper Great Lakes, from the native tribes' use of fire to modern prescribed burns, and how these practices benefit wildlife like grouse and woodcock. The episode also covers recent successes in conservation efforts, private landowner initiatives, and what it's like to hunt with bird dogs. Jared's expertise offers a nuanced understanding of fire's role in forest management and habitat creation. 02:22 Guest's Role and Organizational Growth 04:23 Wildfires in Northern Minnesota 08:08 Impact of Budworm on Forests 13:16 Forest Regeneration Post-Fire 19:25 Historical Use of Fire in Forest Management 31:17 Understanding Patchiness in Aspen Harvests 32:00 Fire's Role in Forest Diversity 32:36 Thinking Like a Fire in Timber Harvesting 34:39 Benefits of Fire for Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock 37:11 Forest Management and Habitat Creation 40:41 Private Landowner Opportunities 42:50 Bird Dogs and Hunting Adventures 43:29 Spring Conditions and Logging 48:59 Hunting Trips and Dog Training 55:21 Ruffed Grouse Society Initiatives READ | Prescribed Burning in Forest Management in the Upper Great Lakes by Jared Elm FOLLOW | @ruffedgrousesociety SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on Trulock Chokes The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Habitat Podcast #333 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared and Andy are joined by Jordan Hanks We discuss: From trail cams to close encounters Spring plots vs. fall planting strategies Taxidermy as an art form Old-school bow-hunting revival Deer camp camaraderie highs CRP program struggles & solutions Summer food plot adaptation plans And So Much More! PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite --> https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This month Seth is joined by Josh Smith, an area forester with NRCS, to discuss Cost Share Programs. The two talk about the application process, what landowners need to know, and how long it takes for projects to get chosen. This episode was recorded in January 2025 and since then there has been a federal administration change that may have affected some of these CSP's. We advise anyone interested in these programs to call their local NRCS office to see what is currently available.This episode is sponsored by DDK Forestry & Real Estate! We appreciate them for their continued support of the show.You can find more music from Some Guy Named Robb/Robb McCormick on Spotify or by visiting https://www.sgnrobb.com/.For more information about the Arkansas Forestry Association visit arkforests.org.
USDA Budget Plan Slashes Conservation Technical Assistance and NRCS Staff
There's nothing to hunt, so might as well talk about it. Despite being at the front end of summer, plenty of things are going on that impact waterfowl. In this week's episode, the guys share some intel about the May Pond conditions, planting season struggles in the deep south, and baby boomers fading out of duck hunting. Even Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill has some good and some bad for ducks. Finally, Cason and Brent kick around a new concept presented at the last AGFC Commission meeting that could impact future duck seasons. Thanks to our sponsors: Tom Beckbe, Lile Real Estate, Perfect Limit Outdoors, Purina Pro Plan, Sitka Gear, Greenhead: The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine, Diamond M Land Development, and Ducks Unlimited.Duck Hunting Podcast, Arkansas duck hunting, waterfowl conservation podcast, outdoors podcastsSend us a textAll Rights Reserved. Please subscribe, rate and share The Standard Sportsman podcast.
In the previous administration, NRCS offices were already short of staff. Now, we're hearing that further staff cuts are underway as the administration works to "rightsize" the government. Does NRCS have the staff to provide the service needed to administer programs? Chief Aubrey Bettencourt argues that investments in broadband and technology will help streamline NRCS, retain employees, and make the processes easier for farmers and agents. This Washington Watch news update is brought to you by the Wisconsin Soybean Association, dedicated to ensuring policies are in place for the future of soybean farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Green Top Outdoors Podcast, host Hunter Brooks is joined by Ducks Unlimited representatives Barbara Gavin and Shawn Kooyman to discuss DU's vital conservation work in Virginia—especially its growing efforts to restore wetland habitats and support waterfowl like the American black duck. Barbara shares her background and current role leading DU's Working Lands Program, a partnership with NRCS that helps private agricultural landowners create and restore shallow water wetlands. The team highlights recent large-scale projects, habitat benefits, how farmers can get involved, and the growing momentum of Ducks Unlimited' s impact across both private and public lands. They also touch on the success of DU fundraising efforts, chapter growth, and the many ways supporters can get involved.If you are interested in learning more contact Barbara Gavin at bgavin@ducks.org or 757-812-4567 or visit the Ducks Unlimited website
An American Pope, the NRCS at 90, Dr. Tom Isern on Baldwin Ranch history, morel mushroom hunting, and a love story where timing proves everything.
In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we're joined by one of the most respected voices in the cut flower industry—Dave Dowling. With over 20 years of experience as a flower farmer and now a trusted mentor to growers across North America, Dave shares insights you won't want to miss.We talk about how he got started growing flowers (before Google existed!), what helped him turn a few backyard beds into a thriving year-round business, and the advice he gives most often to new flower farmers. From choosing the right flowers to grow, to selling at markets, working with florists, and applying for grants—this episode is packed with practical tips and hard-won wisdom.Whether you're dreaming of starting a flower farm or already deep in the growing season, Dave's insights will help you build a more sustainable and profitable business—while remembering to enjoy the flowers along the way.In this episode, we talk about: How Dave got started in flower farming (and the book that sparked it) Tips for selling at farmers markets and to florists What makes a flower profitable—and what to grow more of The biggest mistakes new growers make Dave's favorite flowers for market (and why lisianthus shines) How to apply for NRCS high tunnel grants The growing strength of the local flower movement Why collaboration beats competition in our industry What Dave hopes his legacy will be
American Farm Bureau Federation wants to make sure that farm programs remain efficient and effective for farmers despite talks of county office closures and staff layoffs.
Welcome to episode 136 of Growers Daily! We cover: rocks in the soil and broccoli, broccoli, broccoli. We are a Non-Profit!
Habitat Podcast #325 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared is back in the studio with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Company. We discuss: Cleaning up the mess at the northern 70 Invasive species removal and midstory removal NRCS contracts for timber work The importance of patience and collaboration with foresters Advantages of herbicide treatments for invasive species Creating diverse bedding areas The importance of maintaining some open deer trails while strategically blocking others Chainsaws and safety equipment The importance of safety equipment when cutting Frost seeding annual clover in late March Frost seeding clover on compacted logging roads The importance of soil health The importance of root structure diversity Benefits of using fish fertilizer to jumpstart plant growth And So Much More! PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite --> https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cathy announces her retirement from the local NRCS Office in Monmouth as the District Conservationist on the WRAM Morning Show.
What happens when decades of conservation experience meets cutting-edge technology? Kent Bohnhoff, retired Illinois grain farmer and former NRCS district conservationist, recently received a grant from One Good Idea to implement automated drainage water management systems on his land. Hear Kent's unique perspective gained from over 30 years in agricultural conservation, and why he believes the system will benefit both crop yields and water quality.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 00:36 A Long History in Farming and Conservation01:59 Connecting Farming Passion with a Career at the NRCS05:03 Satisfaction from Helping Farmers Implement Conservation08:15 Technological Advancements in Agriculture and Drainage Over 30 Years11:19 Family Farming Legacy and Future Involvement12:36One Good Idea Grant13:51 Initial Observations and Benefits of the Automated System15:53 The Importance of Water Storage and Slowing Down Runoff16:46 Landscape Changes and the Role of Conservation Practices17:47 Looking to the Future and Benefits for the Next Generation18:42 Staying in Touch and the Impact of Drought19:38 Closing RemarksRelated content:Best Practices: Drainage Water Recycling#120 | One Good Idea: An Educational Clearinghouse for Farmers#113 | Drainage Water Recycling: Creating Resiliency Amidst Dwindling Resources#71 | Is Drainage Infrastructure More Valuable Than Underground Transit?Find us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platformsApple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.
The Land Podcast - The Pursuit of Land Ownership and Investing
Dive deep into Richard Rappley's exciting journey toward buying his first farm, insider tips from NRCS work, and turkey hunting tales, all with a side of conservation chat. Get inspired by Richard's hands-on approach to wildlife habitat and how it may kindle your homesteading ambitions. Don't miss savvy insights on CRP programs and heritage tree hunting. Tune in for a blend of wisdom and wit! • Real talk on CRP and EQUIP programs • The joys and challenges of homesteading • Insights on buying your first farm • Tips for turkey hunting with new gear • Strategies for wildlife habitat improvement https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/41ZtK5i
The Ag Net News Hour's Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing the latest agriculture news, focusing on weather and drought concerns. California is experiencing better rainfall and snowpack levels, but faces water storage issues. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 12 points to 140, with 43% of farmers citing trade policy as their top concern, surpassing interest rates. The farm capital investment index dropped to 54, while farmland value expectations remained cautiously optimistic. The survey revealed a shift in priorities post-election, with trade policy becoming more important. The hosts debated the impact of tariffs on agriculture, emphasizing the need for a level playing field and the potential long-term benefits despite current uncertainties. In this segment of the show, Nick and Lorrie focused on the Trump administration's federal layoffs and a lawsuit by California's Attorney General Bonta, joined by 20 attorneys, challenging the mass terminations of federal probationary employees. The lawsuit, supported by a temporary restraining order, aims to reinstate employees from 18 federal agencies, including the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The conversation also touched on a proposed bill in Congress, the Honor Farmers Contracts Act, which seeks to unfreeze USDA funding and ensure farmers are reimbursed for contracts. The bill addresses the impact of frozen funding on farmers' investments, particularly in specialty crops. In today's Almond Board of California feature, ABC's Taylor Hillman had an interview on the California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP) and its new incentive- linking to the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Michael Roots, Manager of Field Outreach and Education at the Almond Board of California, explained that CSP offers per-acre payments for soil health practices like cover crops and dust protection. The new CASP report simplifies the application process by translating farm practices into NRCS codes. CASP also benefits growers with tools like irrigation and nitrogen calculators, and data sharing with handlers. The segment also touched on the importance of prunes in California, noting that nearly 100% of U.S. prunes are grown there.
On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Steve Chilcote to discuss various aspects of forest management, funding opportunities for landowners, and the challenges faced in property renovation. They delve into the importance of forest management plans, the role of NRCS and EQIP in providing funding, and the significance of addressing invasive species. The discussion also highlights the need for reinvestment in land management and the potential for creating food plots and orchards. The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of native plants and the ongoing challenges of deer pressure in agricultural settings. In this conversation, Mitch and Steve discuss the challenges faced by modern agriculture, particularly in relation to deer management and soil health. They explore the impact of invasive species, the importance of sustainable farming practices, and the role of fire in forest management. The discussion emphasizes the need for incremental changes in farming to maintain profitability while also considering wildlife and environmental conservation. Steve shares insights on managing natural resources beyond just food plots, highlighting the importance of understanding the ecosystem and making informed decisions for long-term sustainability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Steve Chilcote to discuss various aspects of forest management, funding opportunities for landowners, and the challenges faced in property renovation. They delve into the importance of forest management plans, the role of NRCS and EQIP in providing funding, and the significance of addressing invasive species. The discussion also highlights the need for reinvestment in land management and the potential for creating food plots and orchards. The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of native plants and the ongoing challenges of deer pressure in agricultural settings. In this conversation, Mitch and Steve discuss the challenges faced by modern agriculture, particularly in relation to deer management and soil health. They explore the impact of invasive species, the importance of sustainable farming practices, and the role of fire in forest management. The discussion emphasizes the need for incremental changes in farming to maintain profitability while also considering wildlife and environmental conservation. Steve shares insights on managing natural resources beyond just food plots, highlighting the importance of understanding the ecosystem and making informed decisions for long-term sustainability.
Don’t jump the gun in putting your cattle out on pasture. It could hurt your forage supply in the long run. This is according to Adam Abel. He’s the State Grazing Land Specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service or NRCS. He jokes that when he sees animals grazing already this time of year, he’s got to refrain from knocking on doors. He advises new grazers to get involved with grazing networks in their area. You can find them at grassworks.org. Adam says pasture walks with these groups are a valuable chance to learn from other people’s mistakes and ask graziers what worked and what hasn’t in their pasture management. If you’ve got questions, Adam says the NRCS office is here to help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lorrie Boyer and Nick "The Pagmeter" discussed the challenges faced by young farmers and ranchers, highlighting the American Farm Bureau Federation's FUSION Conference in Denver. Key issues include high costs of farmland, machinery, and cattle, financial barriers, and the impact of taxes and regulations. They noted the enthusiasm and innovation among young farmers, such as diversifying into cheese making. Infrastructure challenges. Lorrie and Nick also discuss the hay market, noting that 2023 was tough for dairies and predicting a slow start to 2025 due to rain in California. They highlight the importance of hay and alfalfa for dairies and mention the impact of rain on tree fruit blooming. Avocado and strawberry seasons are off to a good start, with steady demand and quality. They also address government restructuring, potential closures or consolidations of USDA and NRCS offices, and the impact on farmers. Water allocation is at 35%, with concerns about land sinking and alkalinization affecting farming in California. Lorrie has an interview with the National Milk Producers Federation, who reported strong dairy margins due to low feed grain prices and stable milk prices. The conversation also touched on water management, with farmers in the western U.S. receiving 35% of their water allocation, up from 15% last year. The importance of specialized knowledge in water management and the challenges of aging infrastructure were highlighted. The segment concluded with a discussion on the future direction of the Export Assistance Program.
Welcome to episode 105 of Growers Daily! We cover: Veganic composts, how to test your soil moisture without tools, and the easiest veggies to grow! Links for today: Soil moisture publication from ATTRA: https://attra.ncat.org/publication/soil-moisture-monitoring-low-cost-tools-and-methods/ NRCS irrigation Guide: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/7385.pdf Daylight Saving Episode: https://youtu.be/iW6L1dzUroI MUSIC from this episode: El Agua By Caro Luna via www.epidemicsound.com Support our work (
In this episode, we sit down with Scott Wagner, an Agricultural Engineer with NRCS, to explore drainage water management (DWM) and how farmers can leverage NRCS resources to improve both farm productivity and environmental conservation. Scott walks us through the steps of initiating a drainage project, best practices for working with NRCS, and common challenges farmers face. We also discuss technological advancements in drainage systems, sustainability efforts, and how farmers can maximize NRCS support. Whether you're planning a new drainage project or looking to refine your current systems, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the process successfully. 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/@farm4profitConnect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/
Betty Thines of Morrilton recognized on her 107th birthday; DOGE lease terminations impact NRCS office in Conway; Portal opens for Education Freedom Accounts; MJHS Beating the Odds; FUMC of Morrilton to hold pancake supper; state tournament basketball begins today; we talk with Michael Frazier and Austin Foshee from TOLM Group.
In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about microgreens. While growing and selling microgreens can be a viable standalone business, Jodi and Diego talk about the merits of tacking on microgreens to a traditional market garden farm. They talk about the flexibility it allows the farm and the economics behind microgreens as a standalone product versus a component in a salad mix. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights! Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower: Instagram Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Carrot Cashflow Farm Small Farm Smart Farm Small Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast The Urban Farmer Podcast The Rookie Farmer Podcast In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books: Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by
In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the recent firings within the USDA under the Trump administration, impacting hundreds of probationary federal employees. They explore the implications of these terminations on agricultural services and the far-reaching ripple effects, including delays in Farm Service Agency and NRCS operations. They delve into the firing of key USDA researchers investigating the effects of wildfire smoke on crops, highlighting the loss of critical ongoing research and the potential long-term negative impacts on the agricultural sector.
In this episode, farmer Jodi and Diego talk about choosing the right irrigation system for your farm. They talk about the pros and cons as well as the nuances of each type, and they take a closer look at a specific irrigation system, the Sumi Soaker, and why farmer Jodi has used this system for the better part of the decade. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights! Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower: Instagram Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Carrot Cashflow Farm Small Farm Smart Farm Small Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast The Urban Farmer Podcast The Rookie Farmer Podcast In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books: Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by
Why should our next generation of farmers – and just about everyone who eats – care about the Farm Bill? Celize Christy, an Organizer at HEAL Food Alliance explains the basic details on what's in the legislation, how it gets written, and how it impacts you. Then, Young Farmers' Policy Campaigns Co-Director Vanessa Garcia Polanco lays out the path forward in terms of the most important issues this time around. And we talk to farmers KD Randall and Matt Hollenbeck about what they need from their policymakers in D.C. Celize Christy, Organizer, HEAL Food AllianceAs an Organizer at HEAL Food Alliance, Celize facilitates connections among members, campaigns, and programs building collective power through HEAL's multi-sector, multi-racial coalition. Celize comes to HEAL's campaign and policy work by coordinating farmer-led education programming, advocating for BIPOC farmers in Iowa, and coalition building and organizing with sustainable agriculture organizations. At HEAL, Celize isn't just an organizer; she's a passionate agent of change, weaving connections and networks that celebrate the multifaceted voices of our food and farm systems. Read her full bio.Vanessa García Polanco, Policy Campaigns Co-Director, National Young Farmers CoalitionVanessa García Polanco co-designs the strategy and implementation of Young Farmers' policy campaigns, ensuring we are pursuing and advocating for equity-driven, farmer-centric research, policy, and programmatic interventions. She serves as the organizational council member and co-chair of the Farming Opportunities & Fair Competition Committee of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. She has previously worked with Food Solutions New England, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension, and the Executive Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She is an alumna of Michigan State University and the University of Rhode Island. She is a James Beard Foundation Scholar, AFHVS Innovation Leader, and an Emerging Leader in Food and Agriculture. As an Afro-Dominican immigrant, she brings her experiences and identities to her policy and advocacy activities.KD Randall, Farmer, Home Grown Farm + Young Farmers Land FellowKD is a returning generation farmer who developed a deep appreciation for the land and the ways that it constantly care for us. Inspired by the stories of their family, KD decided to pursue a career in agriculture, determined to contribute to the legacy and sustainability of southern rural agriculture. Recently, KD's work has focused on healing and fostering remembrance, reconnection, and growth in all of the places they call home, grounding in their southern rural agrarian roots. This passion has inspired them to create Home Grown Farms, a small rural farm that is still blooming into its first form. A component of KD's long-term vision is to explore ways to offer a diversity of wellness experiences through food, recreation, and spiritual services.Follow KD @farmerinthekells.Matt Hollenbeck, Hollenbeck's Cider Mill + Young Farmers Land FellowMatt Hollenbeck lives and farms in Virgil, NY, and is the 4th generation steward of Hollenbeck's Cider Mill. He has been a factory worker, cubicle jockey, geologist, outdoor adventure guide, worked on a small organic CSA farm, a butcher shop, and many other varied jobs before settling into continuing his family's 90+-year-old ag processing business. He's a first-generation orchardist with impostor syndrome, a staunch and vocal advocate for rural issues, smallholder agriculture, and appropriate technology. Matt is also a firm believer that family is the most important part of a family business. And a Luddite to boot! Check out HEAL Food Alliance's farm bill priorities here.Learn more about Hollenbeck's Cider Mill here.Follow KD Randle @farmerinthekellsLearn more about the USDA's EQIP program here, and the NRCS program here.The Farm Report is hosted by Leigh Ollman and Alita Kelly, produced by Leigh Ollman, Evan Flom and H Conley, and edited by Hannah Beal and H Conley. Audio engineering is by Armen Spendjian and H Conley. Music in the original episode is by Breakmaster Cylinder and JangwaLearn more about the National Young Farmers Coalition here and consider becoming a member. Click here to take action on the farm bill and other important policy issues. The Farm Report was originally air by HRN and is Powered by Simplecast.
Pedro Torres, National Tribal Liaison for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. The NRCS is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.
In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about the most common mistakes that new farmers make and how to avoid them to increase your chances of success in running a profitable and sustainable farm business. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego discuss strategies for building a sustainable farm business. They talk about the different and occasionally difficult decisions involved in making sure a farm is financially viable such as controlling costs, scaling mindfully, and differentiating your farm's products, among other things. Hopefully, these strategies can help every farm's game plan this coming 2025 season. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
In this episode, farmer Jodi Roebuck talks about navigating running a farm business during an economic downturn while making strategic investments on the farm. He also drills down the importance of having a financial buffer to cushion expenses during tough times. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
In today's podcast Paul has a conversation with John Schwarz, an attorney and farmer in Northern Indiana. John focuses on providing legal services to farmers including helping farmers circumvent the pitfalls of dealing with FSA and NRCS. John also farms non-gmo soybeans using irrigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Building soil health and finding system balance requires commitment, fortitude, adaptability, and working with Mother Nature. Rick Clark of Clark Land & Cattle and Farm Green Consulting is a fifth-generation farmer in Warren County, Indiana. Rick farms corn, soybeans, wheat, milo, cover crops, small grains, and other oilseed crops using regenerative organic no-till methods and systems thinking on all his acreage. Rick refers to his system as regenerative organic stewardship with no tillage. Rick was a guest speaker at the recent Profitable Soil Health Field Day held in Franklin County, Virginia.In talking with Mary, Jeff, and Eric about his experience and organic no-till journey, Rick emphasizes the need for early success with cover cropping and soil health-building practices, particularly when people are shifting farming systems and paradigms. Rick warns that with current volatile input costs and low cash crop prices, this is not a time to be a hero but to start slowly and wisely. However, Rick also states: "If you're not uncomfortable with what you're doing, then you're not trying hard enough to change."Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. For additional thoughts and resources from Rick Clark on regenerative organic no-till farming, please visit https://www.farmgreen.land/.To learn about the Virginia Soil Health Coalition and join the Coalition's quarterly meetings, please visit https://www.virginiasoilhealth.org/. Recent 4 The Soil blog posts resources can be accessed at https://www.4thesoil.org/. For questions about soil and water conservation practices, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office. As always, we encourage you in your commitment to building soil health; finding system balance on your farm, in your garden, and community; and joining the 4 The Soil movement. Yes, we can all be 4 The Soil.
Hey everyone, it's Natalie and I am thrilled to bring you today my conversation with my neighbor Catherine Coverdale who is a partner biologist with the Xerces Society and NRCS. We talk about programs that NRCS and Xerces do for pollinator plantings and weather stations. And we talk about her research for her masters, which was on blueberries and spotted wing drosophila, which was cool because when I talked with Bernice about honeyberries, she was discussing the spotted wing drosophila. So it was neat to get to the biology of SWD with Catherine. I hope you enjoy our conversation and maybe even take advantage of some of these programs that are out there to help farmers with some of these ecological practices to encourage native pollinators and the like. Folks who make the show possible... Rimol Greenhouses are strong, durable and easy to assemble, offering the quality you need to grow productively year-round. Visit Rimol.com today. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – at bcsamerica.com. When you need proven varieties you can count on and detailed guidance from seeding to harvest, consider Johnny's your trusted growing partner. Visit johnnyseeds.com Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for farmers. Sign up for a free trial with the link in the show notes, because NOW is the best time to dial in those systems for the next growing season. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at patreon.com/notillgrowers. You can pick up a copy of The Living Soil Handbook if you don't have one already, as well as a No-Till Growers hat or other merch, check out our YouTube channel, and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at notillgrowers.community.chat
In this episode, farmer Jodi Roebuck takes us through his very circuitous journey into farming. He shares how farming has been like for him as he navigated through economic downturns, the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges, and the importance of hard work, persistence, and focusing on the positives in the face of adversity. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
On today's episode of The American Land Man Podcast, we are back in the studio with my good friend Jeff Fern Talking about his recent career change into becoming an American Land Man! We discuss: Taking a chance and following your passions Jeff Fern's career leap story Jeff's transition to full-time Neil's new Kansas ranch Strategies for soil fertility Neil's inaugural Kansas hunt Buying land before seeing it Encounter with a "T-Rex" buck Strategic plans for land improvement NRCS and IRS code exploration IRS code section 1080 and what it means for land NRCS office collaboration on future land improvement plans Potentially offering Turkey hunts on the Codell Canyon Ranch And So Much More! Connect: -https://bit.ly/NeilHaugerWhitetailProperties -https://bit.ly/NeilHaugerFacebook -https://bit.ly/NeilHaugerYouTube -https://bit.ly/NeilHaugerInstagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neil-hauger/support
Fiscal Year 2024 proved to be a banner year regarding acres enrolled in the various USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about greenhouse efficiency. Farmer Jodi shares his transition from growing in the field to growing in a greenhouse, the benefits of growing in a greenhouse, how he maximizes space, the thought process behind choosing which crops to grow, and irrigation and trellising, to name a few. Hopefully, these tips and tricks help as many farmers gear up for spring! Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
Join Taylor Henry, owner and CEO of Acres USA, in this insightful episode of the Acres USA podcast. Taylor sits down with Jay Fuhrer, a veteran with over 40 years of conservation work through the NRCS. Jay shares his incredible journey, from his humble beginnings on a mixed farming operation in the Northern Plains to managing Menoken Farm, a conservation demonstration farm. Learn about Jay's commitment to promoting soil health principles, his innovative practices in sustainable and regenerative farming, and his family's farming legacy. This episode dives deep into soil conservation, innovative agricultural techniques, the historical context of farming in the Northern Plains, and the importance of plant diversity, cover crops, and livestock management in modern eco-agriculture. Don't miss this enriching conversation! Register for the 2024 Eco-Ag Conference Here: https://conference.eco-ag.com/conference- Other Important Links from Today's Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Menoken Farm: https://menokenfarm.com/
Today we are joined by Nick Thomas and Weston Thompson from Steward Link, a consultation company focused on helping landowners gain access to USDA conservation programs. Join as they breakdown the application process, eligibility requirements, available financial assistance, regional differences, common barriers to entry, complexities of government contracts, and much more. If you're a landowner, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Resources: NRCS Programs & Initiatives Steward Link Phone: 662-535-0233 FB, IG, X Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com! Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube Watch these podcasts on YouTube Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear! Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience' at checkout! This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Want to practice regenerative agriculture? Daniel Rath, Agricultural Soil Carbon Scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council recommends that you start by asking what you want to regenerate. Beneficial practices including integrating livestock, crop rotations, cover cropping, minimizing tillage, increasing diversity, improving soil health, adding organic matter, and reducing external inputs will vary site to site. A long-term study found that these practices improved above and below ground biodiversity, increased water storage and infiltration, bolstered resilience to climate change, increased carbon and organic matter storage, and, impressively improved human health. Listen to the end to learn how soil metagenomics has the potential to not only tell us what is living in the soil but how the organisms interact. Resources: 231: Stacking Regenerative Practices to Create a Healthy Vineyard Daniel Rath Daniel Rath on Google Scholar Daniel Rath on National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Healthy Soils Playlist (podcast play list) NRDC Regenerative Agriculture 101 page Soil Biodiversity in California Agriculture What the Soil Can Teach Us | Daniel Rath | TEDxBelmopan Wine grape grower perceptions and attitudes about soil health Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Sustainable Winegrowing On-Demand (Western SARE) – Learn at your own pace Vineyard Team – Become a Member Get More Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode on the latest science and research with the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Since 1994, Vineyard Team has been your resource for workshops and field demonstrations, research, and events dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources. Learn more at www.vineyardteam.org. Transcript [00:00:00] Craig Macmillan: Our guest today is Daniel Rath. He is a soil scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council. And today we're going to be talking about regenerative agriculture. Thanks for being on the podcast, Daniel. [00:00:10] Daniel Rath: Thanks a lot, Craig. I'm excited to be here. [00:00:13] Craig Macmillan: We've been trying to find folks to talk about regenerative agriculture because it's a real buzzword right now. [00:00:18] And it's a buzzword in the vineyard industry, but it's not vineyard specific. This is applying to all sectors of agriculture and globally. This is a big concept now. So that's inspiring and drawing a lot of people, uh, in different directions. But I get different definitions of it. What regenerative agriculture? [00:00:37] Daniel Rath: Well, first of all, I'll say it's not really surprising that you get a different definition depending on who you talk to because, you know, regenerative agriculture really hasn't been like very specifically defined yet the way I think about it. Part of the reason it's so hard to define is that it's really more of a philosophy and an approach to land management. [00:00:59] And so, you know, it's taking into acknowledgement the fact that agricultural systems have this complexity. And instead of trying to reduce that complexity, we lean into it. We see what advantages we can get from it. It's a holistic approach. You know, it doesn't just necessarily focus on the environmental impacts, but what are the social impacts? [00:01:18] What are the economic impacts of agricultural systems? Looking at things like local food systems and connecting farmers to consumers, but also how do we increase soil health? How do we reduce pests and diseases? It's funny. You should bring it up now. The state of California. Just finished a process in of defining regenerative agriculture for their legislative effort. [00:01:40] Craig Macmillan: Oh [00:01:41] Daniel Rath: Yeah, there's a draft definition out there have been numerous listening sessions The next one is on august 22nd, but I was part of that committee that tried to like Capture this sort of like ephemeral philosophy and like nail it down without hopefully killing it. [00:01:57] Craig Macmillan: Uh, and to put a timestamp, the date of this interview is August of 2024. [00:02:03] So this is new to that point. We'll see how that develops from here. Which is pretty cool, but no, I was not aware of that. That's pretty, pretty interesting. What are some of the specific practices somebody might use? So, philosophically, I'm in alignment. I want to build and protect my soil. I want to protect my community. [00:02:20] I want to have healthier plants. What are some of the techniques that folks are using around the world to do this? [00:02:26] Daniel Rath: Well, I will answer your question with a saying that my PhD advisor used to tell me every time I walked into her office, which was that, you know, what is your goal? What is the question that you're trying to ask, right? [00:02:37] Part of the reason that regenerative agriculture does not have one set definition is that it's going to look very different. different depending on where you are. A regenerative agricultural system in a place that is facing a lot of restrictions on water, low soil organic matter, the practices you use there are going to look very different than say if you have regenerative agriculture in a place that has regular rainfall, has a lot of soil organic matter, very active soils. [00:03:02] I would say that some of the most commonly mentioned practices are things like integrating livestock into perennial systems, cover crops, crop rotation, increasing the diversity on farm systems, reducing tillage, basically all of these practices that increase soil health, because really increasing soil health is at the the core of what it means to sort of regenerate a plot of land. [00:03:29] But if you're talking about specific practices, you kind of have to think like, well, what am I trying to regenerate? What are the goals that I want to get out of it? One other interesting topic is the idea of reducing external inputs, not eliminating them entirely, but reducing dependence on things like fertilizers and pesticides, seeing how a that can result in cost savings for farmers, but also Relying on the natural complexity of the system to provide those benefits. [00:03:58] Craig Macmillan: Yeah, that's always been one of the tenants of sustainable farming is to reduce the number of off farm inputs and reduce the number of farm outputs other than the crop, and that includes things like pollution, erosion, whatever, um, and try to develop a system that's stable in and of itself. Um, and it sounds like there's some things that can contribute to that. [00:04:18] Um, what about composting? That's another popular topic. [00:04:21] Daniel Rath: Composting, I forgot to mention that composting really adding organic matter to the soil. A lot of the systems that we've developed over the last few decades are very focused on adding nitrogen, which is important. Nitrogen is a really big limiting nutrient, but we've learned that adding nitrogen on its own is not enough. [00:04:38] You have to add carbon in there. You have to add other micronutrients that might not be contained in your typical fertilizer mixture. And so yeah, adding compost is a really great way adding organic matter residue crop. [00:04:53] Craig Macmillan: Again, the inclusion of animals seems to be, um, pretty consistent across different definitions, including mobile cropping systems. [00:05:00] In permanent crops that can be a little tricky. So like in vineyards, I have heard of folks that were grazing goats and sheep in season for the most part. Folks will plant a cover crop in the winter and then maybe they'll come through with some sheep or some goats in the springtime. I guess my question is, when I read other things and they talk about having animals as part of the system, I see like herds of cattle, which are generating a lot of manure. [00:05:25] And I can go, yeah, I, I bet that's doing a lot, but your smaller ruminants, in your opinion, I mean, can they contribute enough in a, in a, a seasonal, uh, past to, to make a difference? [00:05:39] Daniel Rath: Yeah, this, that's a really good point. I think the short answer is, yeah, I think they do. And so the example you gave is, I think the one I would have used, right, is that planting cover crops in between these sort of like, vines that are there for a long time, and then using ruminants to terminate those cover crops and to convert it into manure and urine, which was a great source of nitrogen. [00:06:00] When I was at UC Davis doing my PhD, we had a couple experiments on sheep terminating cover crops and goats terminating cover crops. And you could see the benefits in the soil, as long as you had those like livestock ruminants being on the plot. [00:06:15] Craig Macmillan: That leads to another question. You know, I've got the philosophy now. [00:06:19] I believe in the philosophy. I believe that I can actually improve the soils. One of the things I've always been a little suspicious of with regenerative agriculture is the idea of regeneration. I have a hard time kind of making sense of that in my mind in agricultural systems because things are leaving. [00:06:36] And certain crops are not big miners. Wine grapes are kind of famous for not really mining the soil that much and they can grow in very poor soils Doesn't mean you don't want to build those soils, but if I'm looking to detect what we would call regeneration, what kinds of Variables might I be looking at and what are the kinds of things that I might actually be able to get some metrics on? [00:07:00] Where I can say yes, this program seems to be working This is making a difference or I'm not seeing the results that I would like Maybe I should make a shift and try something different [00:07:09] Daniel Rath: Yeah, that's also a really good question. So I think there are actually two really interesting questions in what you just said. [00:07:15] The first one is, what do you measure? And again, it depends on your question, but very often the things that we will measure will be things like soil organic matter, right? We will be looking at measurements such as nutrient balance. So how much nitrogen is soil's organic matter, what are the nitrate and phosphorus levels in the soil for wine grapes? [00:07:36] I know you don't want it to be like too fertile because it is good to stress those grapes out a little bit to get a high quality product. You look at things like drainage and water storage. If you see better infiltration on plots, if you don't see water ponding quite as much. One thing that is becoming more common is tracking microbial indicators, right? [00:07:56] And so part of the reason that we do that is that microbes are like early indicators. They will change faster than the soil organic matter content. And so they can give you an idea of where you're headed and whether or not it's a direction you want to be heading in. I can, you know, apply to stuff like pest and disease too. [00:08:15] Craig Macmillan: This is a great one because I've been working on this for the last couple of years. What am I looking for? I, uh, there's a bunch of different tests that you can do. There's a bunch of different things you can look at. If I'm trying to get a sense of what's happening with the cell microbiome, what kind of testing might I be interested in doing? [00:08:30] What kinds of things might I specifically be looking for? [00:08:34] Daniel Rath: There have been a lot of advances in the last, you know, decade or so looking at this. One of the biggest areas that there have been advancements is tracking the incidence of pests and diseases, right? And so, you know, that is a really good one. If you're worried or, you know, concerned about a specific pest, there are often really good methods to test for that. [00:08:52] You can also be looking at biological tests that look at functions of interest. So say your goal is to reduce nitrogen application on your plot. There are measurements that you can make of nitrogen release from organic matter by microbes and that will give you a really good idea or, you know, a fairly good idea of maybe how much nitrogen this soil is already supplying. [00:09:17] California is also really interested in this. So another thing, there's a soil biodiversity report that came out about a year ago in which the CDFA asked us this very question. They were like, if we were going to measure soil biology across California for a number of different purposes, what would we do? [00:09:32] We had 15 scientists that have really been working on this for a long time. We all sat down and like, how do we capture the thought process and thinking that goes into this? into selecting the right microbial indicator because there are a lot of them and they're not all easy to interpret. [00:09:47] Craig Macmillan: Are those recommendations out there now? [00:09:49] Daniel Rath: I would say the, the report is out and in the report we, you, we have a couple examples. We're really hoping that the California Department of Food and Ag will sort of expand on those recommendations for more like, sort of like a targeted approach. Really what we did is we used that nitrogen example as an example. [00:10:10] It's like this is how you would do it, but really the devil is in the details. What is the specific area you're looking at? What is like the question you're looking to answer? The biodiverse report has at least like the thought process, what are the things you should be looking for? [00:10:25] Craig Macmillan: So we've been talking about kind of like more short term. [00:10:27] What about long term? You have some experience, I believe, in long term agricultural research. Like, I think you did a study that was like a 25 year retrospective, if you will, of the health of a particular farm. In the long term, in the longer range, What kinds of benefits should we expect? We've talked about pest and disease resistance, maybe water status. [00:10:51] What kinds of slow changes might we be looking for that we might see that would give us some confidence that this is working? [00:10:58] Daniel Rath: Sure. I mean, this is an example of why long term experiments are so great because. They're the only really way for us to get at this question. But you can expect things like improved biodiversity on, um, especially above ground biodiversity, below ground biodiversity. [00:11:15] That is a process that takes a long time. You can see things like improved water storage, improved water infiltration. You can see You know, if you're talking about the ultimate long term metric resilience, right, how do our agricultural systems respond to the climate changes that are already occurring and, you know, building that resilience means relying on this like complex biological network that really sustains our plants right now. [00:11:46] Increased carbon and organic matter storage is another really good one. And so, you know, over time you see all of these environmental benefits and along with that comes social benefits. We see improved human health. We see improved connectivity between farms and the communities nearby. Improved sort of farm worker health and safety. [00:12:07] All of these things are a little bit longer term, but they are all one of some of the goals and some of the benefits we see from regenerative systems. [00:12:16] Craig Macmillan: I want to drop back to one of the practices because I've talked about this quite a bit with folks. I want to get your take on it. No till or minimal till. [00:12:24] Or, uh, I talked to one person that said, uh, avoid excessive tillage. And the question that came back was, what the heck is that? What's excessive? You know, what, if I drag the disc through here one time, is that excessive? And this may apply to other crops that you've worked with. What role does tillage have in this process, in these systems? [00:12:45] Because one school of thought that I'm familiar with is, okay, we grow these cover crops, we terminate them with sheep, it's great, but we may still want to incorporate that material into the soil. So that it breaks down and gets in there. Then there's another school of thought that says, No, don't do that. [00:13:03] Don't touch it. Leave it alone. Let the system do what it normally does. And then there's a third school of thought that's like, well, I can't do that forever. Floors get too bumpy. Um, things need to be reset. Or I need to plant cover crops. So I need to set a seed bed. And again, you can draw from other cropping systems on this. [00:13:21] What is your feelings about the effect of tillage on the soil microbiome and soil health discrimination? [00:13:26] Daniel Rath: No, no till has been a really hot topic for quite a while. It came about when the NRCS was first started looking to reduce the impacts of a dust bowl and realizing that tillage was over tillage was a major cause of that. [00:13:41] And so when you are looking at no tillage, there are very clear benefits. There's increased plant root presence, decreased erosion, better soil structure formation, a potential for better infiltration. But you have to wear that against the. benefits of tillage. I mean, it has very clear benefits too. It helps to keep weed and pest populations under control. [00:14:03] It makes it a little bit easier, especially in annual cropping systems for roots to establish. Like you said precisely, it's a better way for incorporating organic matter into the soil. My point of view is that I think tillage is a valuable tool in the farmer's toolbox, right? And that what is over tillage is going to really depend on where you are. [00:14:24] If you're on a slope, probably less tillage is better because again, you don't want that top soil to be washed off. If you're on sort of like a flat plain and you know, you know, you're tilling to establish a crop, then it's probably not a big deal to have one or two tillage passes, at least from the erosion standpoint. [00:14:41] What we do know is that no till has also been recommended as a way to increase soil carbon. There's still, I think, a little bit of back and forth on that. At least we have seen is that no till increases soil carbon at the top. Part of the soil really doesn't increase at the bottom. So it's more of a redistribution of carbon again There are really clear benefits to tillage and you know There's a reason that people have been doing it for a long time [00:15:07] Craig Macmillan: kind of what I'm hearing I think this is a really great message is it's another tool. [00:15:11] It's a tool that we don't have to throw away But it is one that we should think about how we use it. I've, I've actually started to think about tillage the same way I think about, uh, pesticides and fertilizers. Where it's, it's a question of what benefit am I going to get from this? Do I need to do it? [00:15:28] Are there other things that I could do? And then you put that all into your calculator in your brain and, and try to sort it out. And I've had some very interesting conversations as how different people kind of sorted those things out. So I think that's a great point. That leads me to another question that I just thought of. [00:15:42] And so the role of synthetic fertilizers, for instance. The synthetic fertilizers have been pointed to, and I think accurately so, as driving land degradation in many cases, especially the overuse of nitrate based fertilizers. You also have environmental impacts in terms of pollution, potentially. Is there a role for conventional fertilizers in regenerative agriculture? [00:16:05] Daniel Rath: Yeah, well, that's a real hot button topic there. Yeah. [00:16:10] Craig Macmillan: Hey, we go, we go for deep water on the show. Inquiring minds want to know. Hey, [00:16:16] Daniel Rath: that's, that's a real good question. Honestly, that's a question that I has been taking up a lot of my professional time recently. Like you said, it's not a secret. We are seeing a lot of negative environmental impacts from Over application of fertilizers that includes nitrate pollution in groundwater that applies to pesticides as well. [00:16:36] You know neonic pesticides have had major problems with insect populations. I think that exactly What you said you need to sort of weigh the costs and benefits Of these like particular practices and you know In my work in my phd talking to farmers the sort of farmer calculus that occurs in like You know, in the minds of the folks that I work with is so complex. [00:17:00] There are so many factors that you have to balance. One thing to be aware of is that we are applying too much nitrogen fertilizer now, and that's pretty clear from like the negative environmental impacts that we've seen. And so it's less of an idea of like. Like how do we eliminate nitrogen fertilizer and more like how do we make sure that that fertilizer gets into the plant? [00:17:23] You know, how do we match that fertilizer application to what the plant actually needs instead of over applying, right? How do we keep it on the plot? Because it is expensive. No one wants it to be running off into the environment, [00:17:36] Craig Macmillan: right? [00:17:37] Daniel Rath: One of the things that has really come across to us is when we talk to folks about nitrogen fertilizer application, there are yield benefits, but very often it's also a risk management strategy. [00:17:50] You want to apply enough nitrogen fertilizer so that if conditions are ideal, you can take advantage of them. Really and truly, there have got to be better, less environmentally intensive solutions. impactful risk management strategies. You know, that includes looking at the way that we incentivize crops, looking at the way that we handle crop insurance, looking at the crop choices. [00:18:13] If you're in a area that has a lot of potential for agricultural runoff, it may be better to grow crops that do not require as much nitrogen, corn is very greedy, or to put systems in place that reduce that nitrogen runoff, cover cropping, riparian buffers, All of these things are like great ideas to get to the underlying goal, which is reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizer. [00:18:39] Craig Macmillan: That's perfect. Gosh, we just keep getting more variables, don't we? [00:18:42] Daniel Rath: Oh my gosh, I assure you that's [00:18:46] Craig Macmillan: And speaking of more variables, I want to switch topics now. This is great, background graded by some regenerative agriculture. I know that I now have a better sense of what the philosophy and the practices are. [00:18:56] However, you've also worked in the area of soil metagenomics and metagenomes. And this has come up in other interviews that I've done around soil health with soil microbiologists. What is soil microgenomics and where are we at and where are we going and what can we do with this and what's all the exciting stuff coming down the pipeline? [00:19:19] But first of all, what, what is it? [00:19:21] Daniel Rath: When you talk about soil metagenomics, in a teaspoon of soil, I'm sure you've heard the statistics somewhere, right? In a teaspoon of soil, there's like a billion microbes and like so much fungal hyphae. And inside each one of those cells is DNA. That are basically the instructions for life for those different cells. [00:19:40] What we do in soil metagenomics is that you extract the DNA from a soil sample. And then the most complex, insane puzzle you've ever seen. We try to reassemble them, right? Right. And so like that is only possible because of the advances we've made in computing over the last few decades. And I get, you know, the national labs have really like pushes forward. [00:20:03] You need a really powerful supercomputer to do it. Once you've done that, you have this sort of unprecedented ability to glimpse what is happening in the soil at a scale that we've never been able to before. And so that's part of the reason that people are really excited about it is because it gives us a window into like this. [00:20:24] previously unknown black box of how microbes work and interact in the soil. I worked on that during my PhD at UC Davis, looking at like how metagenomes changed in farming systems over 25 years. [00:20:37] Craig Macmillan: So I have always been looking for the work that I do, looking for what are the variables that I can measure and what's going to give me a number that's going to tell me what's going on. [00:20:46] At one point I hit upon soil respiration, and I was talking to a soil ecologist and she said, well that's fine, but that tells you how much life is there, but it doesn't tell you whether it's good guys or bad guys. And then dove in to a whole nother level of, Oh yeah, I hadn't thought about, oh yeah, you're right. [00:21:05] Oh, and then those guys prey on those guys, and then this happens over here. Oh wow, yeah, you're right. And then I got kind of hooked on the um, The Haney test, which is, I think, kind of falling out of fashion now, which again, people were throwing rocks at that, you know, and I think that when Haney first came up with that, that was something, it was like, we need something, and it would prove to be useful, I think, but I don't think that's as popular or gives us the kind of dimension that we really need anymore, at least that's what I'm told. [00:21:34] With metagenomics, we're going to be able to tell not simply quantities, but we're going to be able to tell possibly down to the level of genus, maybe even species of who's, who's down there, which could be really, really important because like pseudomonas, for instance, there's certain pseudomonas that are, um, pathogenic and there's others that are beneficial. [00:21:56] And so we kind of need to figure out who's who and what's what is, is that on the horizon? Maybe it's 10 years out or more, but is that on the horizon? [00:22:04] Daniel Rath: Probably a little further out than that. A [00:22:06] Craig Macmillan: little further out? Okay. [00:22:07] Daniel Rath: I'll try and give you an example here. So, one of the things that we get when we pull out all this DNA is we get sort of relative abundances of different types of organisms, right? [00:22:18] It's sometimes quite difficult to get to the absolute abundance of organisms because We're really looking at, like, proportions of DNA, but that doesn't really tell you, like, are there, like, massive amounts of this organism present in the soil. You just have a relative idea. When it comes to metagenomics, there's a lot of promise in being able to say, Oh, look, we've seen these genes that, like, allow you to fix nitrogen. [00:22:43] And we found these genes that are associated with these, like, pests. And that's a really good idea, a really good indicator of, like, But there's another level to it. And that's really, I think what one of the like exciting parts is, is that it's not just the genetic potential that matters. It's the interactions between organisms that is quite hard to pull out. [00:23:05] So to your example, you could have pseudomonas, you could have quite high levels of pseudomonas. Do you have a. predator that keeps those pseudomonas populations under control, right? Because if you do, then you might not be seeing a lot of disease, like presence in the soil, even though you have like relatively high amounts of it. [00:23:25] And so understanding these interactions is sort of the next level in actually getting practical, actionable information out of these metagenomes. And we're, we're still. Teasing that apart. So really, when I talk about metagenomes, it's about potential. What is the potential for things to happen? But it does not actually mean that is what is going to happen. [00:23:46] Craig Macmillan: Right, exactly. And so the commercialization of this technology is quite a ways out. [00:23:51] Daniel Rath: Yeah. I mean, there are companies that are working on it right now. Again, this, it's a, this innovation is really, we're going to need to like be iterating towards success here, but really a lot more sort of research and work is required, especially on these interactions, thinking about like how they fit together. [00:24:10] And I personally think that it's a useful indicator. I've given a talk on these like. Soil test before the real power hard part comes when you're trying to interpret right when you have a scale that says like based on these abundances There's X percent chance that you will have a disease or X percent chance that you will be able to cycle nitrogen better That's really hard to like say at this point in my opinion, [00:24:35] Craig Macmillan: right? [00:24:35] Right. Well, at least we're moving in the right direction. I think [00:24:37] Daniel Rath: we absolutely are and honestly The, the best thing to compare metagenome test is your own soil five years ago. It gives you an unprecedented look into how your soil has changed and progressed depending on whatever practices you've applied. [00:24:51] Craig Macmillan: Right, right. Going back to regenerative agriculture, is there one thing, piece of advice, idea, one thing that you would like growers to take away on this topic? [00:25:02] Daniel Rath: Yeah, I think that one main thing is that this is not just about one specific environmental impact. This is about thinking about how we farm, how we grow food, what is our relationship To both farm ecosystems and agricultural ecosystems. [00:25:21] You know, I think there's this idea that natural ecosystems and agricultural ecosystems, they cannot coexist. And I think that over time we're starting to see that maybe that's not true. We can encourage biodiversity. We can encourage sort of these complex natural processes on farms. And indeed they make the farms more resilient. [00:25:41] more productive, we get more benefits from that. And so just in a way that like natural ecosystems evolve, I think that farming systems are also evolving and growing. And to us, regenerative agriculture is about bringing all farmers, no matter where they are, along on this journey towards sort of more sustainable, environmentally safe agro ecosystems. [00:26:05] Craig Macmillan: That's exactly the word I was going to use, is uh, is we think more about an agroecosystem as part of a much larger system, um, which is what ecology is kind of all about. We can look at the ecology of a pond, but then we can also look at what role that pond plays in the forest, and we can look at how the forest plays in the landscape and we can just keep going depending on what level you want to do it at. [00:26:27] And I think looking at our farms as part of a larger ecological system and an ecological system in and of itself also I think is a huge philosophical move. Absolutely right. Where can people find out more about you? [00:26:39] Daniel Rath: The NRDC website is a great place to start. We have a number of different resources. We published a report on regenerative agriculture where we interviewed farmers from across the U S at least for California specific stuff. [00:26:50] The California department of food and agriculture, again, is, has this regenerative agriculture definition process that's being carried out. As of this date in August, 2024, I also have a personal website that I update infrequently. [00:27:04] Craig Macmillan: Well, there's something on there. Yeah. So, yeah, and if you can share those links with us, that would be fantastic. [00:27:10] Our guest today has been Daniel Rath. He is a soil scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Thanks for being on the podcast, Daniel. [00:27:18] Daniel Rath: Hey, absolutely. It's been quite a pleasure, Craig. Nearly perfect transcription by Descript
In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about running a farm business during a national economic downturn while navigating the impact and aftereffects of a cyclone on his farm. Jodi shares the strategies he employed to adapt to the changing market including choosing to grow high-value crops, cutting back on production, and exploring new opportunities. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
Welcome to episode 25 of Growers Daily! We cover: Certifications, big mistakes we made on our farm, and New Years Resolutions... but in November. NRCS soil survey: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ Certified Naturally Grown: https://www.naturallygrown.org/get-certified/ Real Organic Project: https://realorganicproject.org/get-certified/ NYE resolution study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7725288/ Support our work (
In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about going through a difficult year as a farmer as an economic recession hits New Zealand. Farmer Jodi shares how he adapted through financial prudence and innovation, and how their greenhouse helped getting through tough times. It's easy to run a farm business when the wind is in your sails, but how do you manage when conditions are less-than-perfect? Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
Thinking of applying for NRCS funds? First, advises vegetable and livestock farmer Klaus Zimmermann-Mayo, figure out what kind of farming you want to do and how you want to do it. More Information • Whetstone Farm • Go Farm Connect • NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program • NRCS Service Center Locator You can find LSP… Read More → Source
In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego dive into the realities of farming—particularly, the resilience required to run a farm in the face of extreme weather conditions. Farmer Jodi shares their experience with cyclone Gabrielle and how mindset, support from the community, and innovative farming techniques allowed them to bounce back from severe natural disasters. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
This new season of The Profitable Mini-Farm kicks off with farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck joining host Diego to talk about the challenges and techniques of managing excess water on the farm. They also dive deep into cover cropping: what do you do to your production beds when the farm slows down? Farmer Jodi shares his cover cropping strategies: which crops he uses, seeding rates, termination techniques, and Jang tips to accomplish everything. Learn more about Jodi: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet. Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
In this conversation, Jaden Bjorklund (Northland Habitat), Josh Streichert (JWS Logging) and Jon Teater discussion revolves around making hunting properties more appealing for logging. The main themes discussed include access to the property, volume and value of timber, and the role of landowners in facilitating the logging process. The guests emphasize the importance of factors such as property size, access, and timber contracts in attracting loggers. They also discuss potential pitfalls, such as dealing with pipelines and wetlands, that can complicate logging operations. The conversation highlights the need for clear communication and setting realistic expectations between landowners and loggers. The guests also touch on the benefits of having a professional forester or consultant involved in the process and the importance of flexibility on the part of landowners. In this conversation, Jon Teater, Josh Streichert, and Jaden Bjorklund discuss various strategies for making timber cutting more valuable and beneficial for landowners. They explore the use of government funding programs, such as EQIP funding from the USDA or NRCS, to supplement the income from logging. They also emphasize the importance of considering the long-term goals of the property and the potential impact of invasive species on timber regeneration. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of firewood and the potential benefits of cutting mature trees to promote forest health and increase wildlife forage. Takeaways: Access and property size are important factors in attracting loggers to a hunting property. Dealing with pipelines, wetlands, and other obstacles can complicate logging operations. Clear communication and setting realistic expectations are crucial for a successful logging process. Having a professional forester involved can ensure efficient and effective timber management. Landowners should be flexible and willing to make compromises to facilitate the logging process. Government funding programs, such as EQUIP funding from the USDA or NRCS, can provide additional income for landowners who are cutting timber. It is important to consider the long-term goals of the property when making decisions about timber cutting. Invasive species, such as buckthorn, can hinder timber regeneration and should be addressed before logging. Firewood can be a valuable resource and a way to remove non-preferred tree species from the property. Cutting mature trees can promote forest health and increase wildlife forage. Social Links https://whitetaillandscapes.com/ https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/ https://northlandhabitat.com/ https://www.instagram.com/northland.habitat/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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