Episodes
Colin Seis is a prominent figure in regenerative agriculture, renowned for his innovative pasture cropping solutions in Australia. His family's introduction to agriculture began when his four-times-great-grandparents were sent to Australia as convicts and eventually became successful farmers. Colin grew up on a farm held by his family for many generations in Australia, inheriting a wealth of agricultural knowledge from his father. However, after having witnessed the detrimental effects of...
Published 07/25/24
In this episode, John Kempf speaks with Kish Johnson, Director of Partnerships and Expansion at Advancing Eco Agriculture. Kish shares insights into AEA's international expansion and maintaining high product standards for global distribution. The conversation touches on Kish's diverse background, including his time in the UK and the Middle East, as well as how these experiences have shaped his approach to agriculture today. They also discuss the evolution of AEA from a consulting company to...
Published 07/23/24
Lana Shaw is the Research Manager at the South East Research Farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. She has been with the research farm since 2010, overseeing its transformation from a poorly funded facility into a center for innovative agricultural research. Lana holds a master's degree and has a background in government work related to agriculture.  Her work focuses on practical, applied experiments that benefit local farmers, with a particular interest in intercropping and companion cropping to...
Published 07/18/24
In this episode, John speaks with his friend and colleague, David Miller, Director of Applied Agronomyat Advancing Eco Agriculture. Together, they discuss the essential knowledge and skills required to excel as an agronomist, especially within the regenerative agriculture space. David shares insights from his 15-year journey in agronomy, emphasizing the importance of big-picture thinking and a deep understanding of both plant physiology and soil biology. He talks about the balance between...
Published 07/16/24
Dr. Ted DeJong is a professor at the University of California where he has dedicated approximately 40 years to researching and teaching about stone fruits such as peaches, plums, and nectarines. His primary focus has been understanding the physiology of fruit trees, driven by his desire to probe into how plants function at a fundamental level. One of DeJong's significant contributions is his effort to simplify and clarify the complexities of fruit tree physiology. He’s observed that...
Published 07/11/24
In this episode, John delves into the critical role of mid-season foliar applications in boosting crop health and productivity. He talks about how timely and strategic foliar feeding can address nutrient deficiencies, enhance disease resistance, and improve overall plant vigor, leading to a more successful harvest. Key topics discussed: Understanding the optimal mid-season window for applying foliar nutrients to maximize benefits Identifying common mid-season nutrient deficiencies ...
Published 07/09/24
In this Ask Me Anything webinar from June, John answers pressing questions from the audience and shares his extensive research and firsthand experience to help farmers achieve healthier, more resilient crops. Discussion points include: Combating disease and pest pressure on a variety of crops Foliar application and management Nitrogen management Cover crops Sap analysis And much more Listen in to gain valuable insights and practical solutions from one of the leading experts in the field. ...
Published 07/04/24
In this episode, John speaks with Ethan Darling, an agronomist with Advancing Eco Agriculture, who has extensive experience with sap analysis. They discuss the challenges of timely sample collection and shipping. Ethan shares his background and how his innovative techniques have streamlined the process for the AEA team in the Pacific Northwest. Ethan explains his journey from working in an agroecology lab to managing sap analysis processes at scale in Washington’s Yakima Valley. He details...
Published 07/02/24
Keith Morter, a dryland wheat farmer from Oregon, transitioned to regenerative agriculture management practices. Keith initially used standard, conventional methods like plowing and extensive chemical applications on his operation. Dissatisfied with the results, Keith shifted to direct seeding and eventually embraced regenerative practices. By drastically reducing nitrogen use and implementing holistic management techniques, Keith observed significant improvements in soil health, crop...
Published 06/28/24
In this Podcast Short, John delves into the topic of plant consciousness and intelligence. John talks about how plants are not just passive organisms, but possess significant cognitive abilities and responsiveness. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Herrod Buhner’s works, particularly "The Lost Language of Plants," John discusses how plants demonstrate informed decision-making capabilities and can react to human intentions. John also cites additional scientific findings that assert plants have...
Published 06/25/24
Rick Clark, a fifth-generation farmer from Williamsport, Indiana, is dedicated to enhancing soil health and achieving harmony with nature on his farm. He has pioneered a systematic approach to regenerative farming, proudly maintaining certification for all acres as organic through his regenerative stewardship with no tillage. Rick's practices focus on suppressing weeds, building soil health with cover crops, and prioritizing human health through organic, no-till farming methods. His goal is...
Published 06/20/24
In this Short, John likens throwing a pool party to building soil microbial populations. Just like a successful pool party needs the right environment with food, drinks, and a crowd, building a healthy soil ecosystem requires appropriate soil conditions, nutrients, and a diverse microbial community. John emphasizes the importance of "keystone species" which are essential microbial species that attract and support a larger community, similar to inviting a few socially connected individuals to...
Published 06/18/24
In addition to the regular episodes of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, John Kempf is happy to introduce a new short format version of his popular podcast that allows him to touch on even more topics relating to regenerative agriculture. In this inaugural short episode, John shares insights into the negative impacts of nitrate-heavy fertilization on disease susceptibility and soil biology. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing calcium with other nutrients to optimize plant...
Published 06/11/24
Mollie is a chef, restaurateur, and farmer with a strong commitment to regenerative agriculture and sustainable food practices. She operates Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery in the Los Angeles area and runs Sow a Heart Farms with her husband in Fillmore, California. She actively promotes the restaurant industry to switch to using ingredients from regenerative farms. Mollie believes in supporting local farmers and making conscious choices about food consumption, including responsibly...
Published 06/06/24
Dan Miller is the founder and CEO of Steward, a company dedicated to supporting regenerative farmers by providing access to capital. With a background in law and finance, Dan combines his expertise to create a unique financial platform that connects community investors with sustainable agricultural projects. His work at Steward is driven by a commitment to ethical and ecological principles, focusing on creating resilient financial networks that support the growth and success of small to...
Published 05/30/24
John Kempf, Advancing Eco Agriculture Founder and Chief Vision Officer was a guest on the Robert F Kennedy Jr. Podcast. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is a presidential candidate in the 2024 election. His career in public service began in 1985 as an attorney for the environmental nonprofit RiverKeeper. He eventually became one of the most influential environmentalists in the United States, receiving TIME Magazine's "Hero of the Planet” and the Sartisky Peace Award. In this episode, Robert and John...
Published 05/25/24
Corwin Heatwole is a 6th-generation farmer and the visionary founder and chairman of Farmer Focus. Starting his journey at age 23 with a 300-bird organic farm, Corwin's commitment to high-quality, humanely raised chicken quickly expanded his operation to 3,000 birds within a few months. This growth led to the transformation of Shenandoah Valley Organic into Farmer Focus in 2014, where Corwin began partnering with other growers to meet increasing demand. Farmer Focus is dedicated to...
Published 05/23/24
Frank Dean is the Product Development Manager at LidoChem. LidoChem has been involved in the global identification of reliable and superior chemical raw materials since 1981. Through his leadership at LidoChem, Frank has been committed to providing farmers with effective and environmentally responsible products to enhance soil health and optimize agricultural productivity. In this episode, Frank and John discuss: The process of chelation in herbicides The implications of using the same...
Published 05/16/24
Steve Diver, Farm Superintendent at the University of Kentucky’s Horticulture Research Farm in Lexington, boasts a rich background in sustainable agriculture. With a B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University, he honed his expertise while serving as a horticultural and soils consultant in Central Texas. Diver founded Agri-Horticultural Consulting in 2010, specializing in soil analysis and consultancy services tailored to eco-agriculture, organic and sustainable farming, and...
Published 05/09/24
Alpha Lo runs the Climate Water Project and is Co-founder of Regenerative Water Alliance. He’s also a water researcher, writer, and podcaster. With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of natural systems, Alpha advocates for rewilding initiatives and holistic land management practices to address environmental challenges. Through collaboration and education, Alpha works to promote sustainable solutions that enhance soil health, water retention, and ecosystem resilience. In this...
Published 05/02/24
Brian Magarin has a background rooted in farming, spanning over a decade. Brian's journey has been shaped by hands-on experience and a commitment to sustainable farming methods after first starting in a conventional setting. Through years of trial and error, he has gained valuable insights into soil dynamics, irrigation techniques, and the impact of cover crops on crop and soil health. Brian manages 9,000 acres for Belltown Farms and grows corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. He also operates...
Published 04/25/24
AEA Founder and Chief Vision Officer, John Kempf, gives a quick summary of the success of our first community raise and features six investors who share why they invested in Advancing Eco Agriculture. AEA has raised over $2.2 million thus far during our Wefunder crowdfunding campaign, aimed at expanding our regenerative solutions to support farmers worldwide and enhance our food supply. Hear from investors: Claudia Ben Erin Crampton John Pierce Kate Fileczki Laurenz Von Glahn Paul Ruger ...
Published 04/24/24
Austin Frerick is an expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. He is a 7th-generation Iowan whose passion for agriculture comes from the weekends working on his grandpa's farm. He is a Fellow at the Thurman Arnold Project at Yale University. In 2022, he worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to organize a conference at Yale Law School entitled “Reforming America’s Food Retail Markets,” which explored competition issues in the nation’s grocery industry. He is the author of Barons:...
Published 04/18/24
Jean-Martin (JM) Fortier has over 20 years of experience developing, testing, and perfecting biointensive and regenerative growing techniques on his small-scale farms in Quebec that increase the soil’s biology to achieve maximum yields on small surfaces.  Jean-Martin’s mission is to promote the importance of human-scale regenerative agriculture in creating sustainable and resilient food systems. He achieves this goal by sharing his knowledge and expertise with thousands of farmers through...
Published 04/09/24