Harvesting Wisdom Podcast with Mike McMahon

Mike McMahon

Discover insights that grow a greener world with Harvesting Wisdom Podcast hosted by Mike McMahon. 🌱🎙️ Leading experts share wisdom on agriculture, sustainability, and education in Arizona and beyond. Policy makers, industry experts, and international outreach champions – we cover it all! Tune in for a harvest of knowledge. 🌍🌾

  1. Aug 27

    Can Agriculture Become a Closed-Loop System? A Farmer's Vision for the Future Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Can farmers become more self-sufficient while producing better food, reducing waste, and creating alternatives to an increasingly complex agricultural system? In Part 2 of this Harvesting Wisdom episode, Mike McMahon and Bulgarian farmer and entrepreneur, Philip Harmandzhiev, continue their discussion about regenerative farming, food production, agricultural regulations, consumer choice, and the future of small and diversified farms. Philip explains how his operation combines pasture-raised livestock, dairy production, a kitchen, a butchery, and a syntropic food forest while processing as much of the farm's production as possible. He discusses the advantages and challenges of vertical integration, including the additional expertise and regulatory requirements that come with processing food on the farm. The conversation also examines how regulations can affect small producers, why Philip believes consumers may be one of the most powerful forces for agricultural change, and how reconnecting people with high-quality food can help preserve knowledge and create demand for better farming systems. Philip and Mike also explore the importance of experimentation, learning from mistakes, and sharing knowledge with other farmers.  IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: 🐄 How pasture-based livestock can fit into a diversified farm  🌳 What a syntropic food forest is and how it fits into Philip's operation  ♻️ Why processing agricultural byproducts can reduce waste  🏭 The advantages and challenges of processing food on the farm  📋 How regulations can create challenges for small agricultural businesses  🛒 How consumers can influence agricultural systems through their purchasing choices  🌱 Why experimentation and "safe to fail" projects can help farmers innovate  🤝 Why farmers benefit from sharing both their successes and their mistakes  🌍 Why education, innovation, and consumer demand can contribute to agricultural change CHAPTERS 01:42 – Bulgaria's agricultural transition and lost markets 02:36 – How the transition affected wine production and agricultural knowledge 03:28 – The legacy of Bulgaria's large-scale wineries 05:01 – Rebuilding processing infrastructure for smaller producers 06:55 – Moving from quantity toward quality 09:07 – Philip's diversified and regenerative farm model 10:51 – Why regulation is one of the biggest challenges for small farms 14:16 – How policy can influence agricultural innovation 17:27 – Why consumers may be the strongest force for agricultural change 20:40 – Food, energy, and the possibility of greater agricultural self-sufficiency 24:14 – Why farmers should share knowledge and experiences 25:20 – The value of starting small and experimenting 25:59 – Turning agricultural waste into useful products 29:47 – Why education and involvement are essential to agricultural change Interested in learning more about Philip's farm, its wines, agricultural practices, and products? Visit the Damianitza website to explore the farm and learn more about its work in Bulgaria: https://www.damianitza.bg/en/?utm_source Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations with farmers, researchers, educators, and innovators working to create healthier communities, more resilient food systems, and a more sustainable future.

  2. Aug 25

    Can Agriculture Become a Closed-Loop System? Regenerative Farming, Food & the Future of Agriculture

    Send us Fan Mail Can a farm produce food, recycle its own resources, reduce waste, and create a stronger connection between farmers and consumers? In Part 1 of this Harvesting Wisdom episode, Mike McMahon speaks with Bulgarian farmer and entrepreneur, Philip Harmandzhiev, about regenerative agriculture, diversified farming, food production, and the idea of creating a more complete agricultural cycle. Philip shares how his farm combines livestock, perennial and annual crops, food processing, and direct relationships with consumers. They discuss why diversification can help farmers create more value from their land, how processing food on the farm can expand opportunities, and why agriculture has the potential to reuse resources rather than constantly bringing in outside inputs. The conversation also explores the limitations of monoculture, the importance of building a holistic agricultural system, and Bulgaria's complicated agricultural history. Philip explains how decades of centralized agricultural production, followed by the rapid dismantling of that system, affected land ownership, farming infrastructure, food production, and Bulgaria's wine industry. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: 🌱 Why diversification can strengthen a farm's economic resilience  🐄 How livestock can become part of a larger agricultural cycle  🥛 Why on-farm processing can create more value for farmers  ♻️ How agriculture can reduce waste by reusing resources within the farm  🌾 Why monoculture as a system that struggles to complete the agricultural cycle  🍅 How soil, climate, and regional conditions influence what farmers can produce  🍷 How Bulgaria's history shaped its wine and agricultural industries  🏭 How centralized agricultural production affected food processing and distribution  🌍 What happened when Bulgaria transitioned away from its centralized agricultural system  🍇 How the breakup of Bulgaria's wine industry affected vineyards, wineries, and markets  🚜 Why agricultural infrastructure is essential to successful farming  🏡 How land fragmentation continues to create challenges for farmers today CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction to Philip and his farm in southwestern Bulgaria 02:07 – How soil, climate, and geography shape agriculture 04:43 – Why diversification matters to farmers and consumers 07:03 – How livestock can contribute to a farm's nutrient cycle 07:36 – Why agriculture has the potential to become a closed-loop system 08:21 – The limitations of monoculture 10:36 – Bulgaria's agricultural history and the Ottoman Empire 12:05 – Bulgaria's role in the Eastern European economic system 13:22 – Bulgaria's agricultural specialization in tomatoes, grapes, and tobacco 14:49 – Life and agricultural restrictions along the Bulgarian-Greek border 16:00 – Industrial agriculture and the legacy of centralized farming 17:14 – The nationalization of Bulgaria's wine industry 18:17 – How centralized production affected food quality and creativity 20:53 – Land consolidation and agricultural infrastructure 22:07 – The rapid dismantling of Bulgaria's agricultural system 23:18 – What happened to Bulgaria's wine brands and international markets 25:19 – The challenges created by a loss of institutional knowledge 27:31 – Land fragmentation and the challenges of inheritance 29:11 – Why permanent crops require long-term land security 29:51 – The hidden costs of fragmented land and infrastructure Interested in learning more about Philip's farm, its wines, agricultural practices, and products? Visit the Damianitza website to explore the farm and learn more about its work in Bulgaria: https://www.damianitza.bg/en/?utm_source Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations with farmers, researchers, educators, and innovators working to create healthier communities, more resilient food systems, and a more sustainable future.

  3. Aug 20

    From No-Till to Regenerative Agriculture: Transforming Bulgaria’s Soil & Farms Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail What if regenerative agriculture is more than restoring what we've lost, and instead means continually improving the living capacity of our farms, communities, and ecosystems? In Part 2 of this Harvesting Wisdom podcast, Mike McMahon and Bulgarian regenerative agriculture advocate, Petya Ivanova, take a broader look at what it means to create lasting change in agriculture and society. The conversation begins with Bulgaria's diverse soils and long agricultural history before expanding into the larger systems that influence farming, including economics, food prices, government policy, education, and consumer awareness. Petya explains why she sees regeneration as a universal principle. One that can apply not only to agriculture, but also to economic and social systems. She discusses why meaningful change must begin at the individual level and how farmers, consumers, educators, nonprofits, and communities can work together to move sustainable practices into the mainstream. Mike and Petya also discuss the importance of education and storytelling and student-focused agricultural education. The conversation concludes with Petya's goals for the future, including reducing pesticide and fertilizer dependence among no-till farmers and reaching the agricultural tipping point where regenerative and conservation practices become increasingly widespread. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: 🌱 Why regeneration means more than simply restoring damaged land 🌎 How regenerative principles can apply beyond agriculture 💰 How economic pressures influence farming decisions 🚜 Why farmers often face difficult short-term versus long-term choices 📚 Why education can be a powerful driver of agricultural change 🤝 How farmer networks and communities can accelerate the transition 🌾 Why no-till, regenerative, and organic farmers can contribute to a larger movement ♻️ How reducing external inputs can support more resilient agricultural systems 🧠 Why meaningful change starts with awareness and individual decisions 🌍 Why reaching a tipping point could help regenerative practices become a broader movement LEARN MORE ABOUT ABNT The Association of Bulgarian No-Tillers (ABNT) works to support the development and understanding of no-till, conservation, and regenerative agricultural practices in Bulgaria through farmer education, knowledge sharing, community building, and initiatives supporting agricultural transition. Learn more about ABNT, their mission, and their initiatives: https://abnt.bg/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Bulgaria's soils and agricultural history 02:13 – Soil degradation, sustainability, and farming economics 03:42 – Regenerative capitalism and systems thinking 04:18 – Regeneration as a universal principle 05:09 – Korean Natural Farming and closed-loop systems 09:10 – Economic pressures and the challenge of changing agriculture 12:02 – Why change needs to come from the bottom up 19:43 – Petya's vision for the next three years 20:15 – Reducing pesticide and fertilizer dependence 20:29 – The agricultural tipping point 21:26 – Why success stories can accelerate change 22:35 – Looking toward the future of regenerative agriculture If you’re interested in regenerative agriculture, sustainable farming, soil health, agricultural education, food systems, or community-driven environmental change, this conversation offers a hopeful look at how individual decisions can contribute to larger systemic change. Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations with farmers, researchers, educators, and innovators working to create healthier communities, more resilient food systems, and a more sustainable future.

  4. Aug 18

    Bulgaria: Regenerative Agriculture, Soil Health & Farmers Changing the System

    Send us Fan Mail What can we learn from farmers and agricultural leaders working to build healthier, more sustainable food systems in Bulgaria? In this Bulgaria recap episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Mike McMahon reflects on his journey through Bulgaria and the farmers, researchers, educators, and regenerative agriculture advocates he met along the way. From Sofia to Plovdiv and the countryside beyond, Mike explores the people and ideas shaping Bulgaria's agricultural future. He speaks with advocates for no-till farming, researchers focused on soil and ecosystem restoration, farmers experimenting with regenerative growing systems, and producers working to reconnect consumers with high-quality local food. The episode highlights the importance of soil health, low-impact agriculture, biodiversity, education, farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing, and finding practical ways to make sustainable farming economically viable. Mike also reflects on Bulgaria's agricultural history, including the legacy of centralized farming during the Soviet era and the challenges that followed the transition to a more fragmented agricultural system. Throughout the trip, one theme continues to emerge: farmers around the world may work with different soils, climates, crops, and regulations, but many are asking the same fundamental questions about how to produce food while protecting the resources that make agriculture possible. GUESTS & RESOURCES Petya Ivanova – Association of Bulgarian No-Tillers (ABNT) Learn more about ABNT and its work supporting no-till and regenerative agriculture in Bulgaria: https://abnt.bg/youtubekanal/ Ivelin (Ivo) Tonchev – Blizkata Ferma Learn more about Ivo and Nearby Farm: https://blizkataferma.com/ Asen Nenov – Regenerati Co-founder and Board Member of Regenerati, an organization focused on regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration: https://regenerati.org/ Nikolay Genov – Hrankoop Cooperative / Plovdiv Farmers' Market Agriculture professor and chairman of the Hrankoop Cooperative: https://www.hrankoop.com/hrankoop/sofia/ Philip Harmandzhiev – Damianitza Learn more about Damianitza and its winery: https://www.damianitza.bg/en/vinarnata/

  5. Aug 18

    From No-Till to Regenerative Agriculture: Transforming Bulgaria’s Soil & Farms Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Can farmers improve soil health, reduce agricultural inputs, and build more resilient farming systems without completely changing everything overnight? In Part 1 of this Harvesting Wisdom conversation, Mike McMahon speaks with Bulgarian regenerative agriculture advocate Petya Ivanova about the growing movement toward no-till farming, conservation agriculture, and regenerative practices in Bulgaria. Petya shares how her background in ecological engineering led her to explore the environmental impacts of modern agriculture and eventually work with farmers transitioning toward practices that rebuild soil function, improve resilience, and reduce environmental impacts. The conversation explores Bulgaria's agricultural history, the challenges farmers face when transitioning away from conventional practices, and how the Association of Bulgarian No-Tillers supports farmers through education, training, workshops, and community building. Petya also explains what regenerative agriculture can look like at different scales, from smaller farms to grain operations spanning thousands of hectares, and why successful regeneration begins with reducing soil disturbance, protecting the soil surface, rebuilding soil biology, and working with natural processes rather than fighting against them. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: 🌱 How Petya's journey into regenerative agriculture began 🚜 Why no-till and conservation agriculture can improve soil health 🌎 How Bulgaria's agricultural history has shaped its current farming systems 🌾 How regenerative practices can work on large-scale grain farms 💧 Why moisture retention is an important benefit of no-till farming 🦠 Why rebuilding soil biology is central to regenerative agriculture 🌿 How cover crops and crop residues can protect and feed the soil ♻️ Why transitioning away from pesticides and fertilizers is a gradual process 🐝 How healthier crops can support beneficial insects and biodiversity 🐄 How livestock and grazing cover crops can fit into regenerative systems 🌳 Why natural areas, windbreaks, and biodiversity can benefit farms 🧠 Why changing the farmer's mindset is essential to long-term agricultural change LEARN MORE ABOUT ABNT The Association of Bulgarian No-Tillers (ABNT) works to support the development and understanding of no-till, conservation, and regenerative agricultural practices in Bulgaria through farmer education, knowledge sharing, community building, and initiatives supporting agricultural transition. Learn more about ABNT, their mission, and their initiatives: https://abnt.bg/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction to regenerative agriculture in Bulgaria 02:04 – Petya's journey from ecological engineering to regenerative agriculture 04:25 – What is ecological engineering? 06:14 – Bulgaria's agricultural history and the post-Soviet transition 07:03 – Land ownership, investment, and the changing agricultural system 09:18 – Supporting farmers through education, training, and community 12:56 – Early results from no-till farming 14:17 – Reducing fuel, equipment, and production costs 15:51 – Can regenerative agriculture work at large scale? 17:05 – What does "regenerative agriculture" really mean? 19:16 – The first step: reducing soil disturbance 20:18 – Protecting soil with mulch and crop residues 21:00 – Rebuilding soil biology and improving plant health 23:10 – Why regenerative practices must fit the farm 24:38 – The challenges of reducing chemical inputs 26:58 – A Bulgarian farmer's no-till success story 28:32 – What makes an agricultural system truly regenerative? 29:39 – Integrating livestock and grazing cover crops 32:09 – Land leases and the challenge of long-term stewardship 33:15 – Biodiversity, natural areas, and changing the farmer's mindset 37:36 – Episode conclusion If you’re interested in regenerative agriculture, no-till farming, soil health, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, or the future of farming, this conversation offers a practical look at how farmers can begin rebuilding healthier agricultural systems while adapting to the realities of modern farming. Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations with farmers, researchers, educators, and innovators working to create healthier communities, more resilient food systems, and a more sustainable future.

  6. Jul 30

    How This Family Rebuilt Depleted Soil into a Working Regenerative Farm

    Send us Fan Mail What does it actually take to build a regenerative farm from bare, depleted soil? In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon travels to the Šiauliai district of Lithuania to visit Lornus, a farmer who moved onto his grandfather's land in 2015 with his wife and, eventually, three kids. What started as a plant-based homesteading dream turned into a hands-on education in soil science, rotational grazing, and the real economics of raising food. Lornus shares how a video on permaculture reshaped his thinking during university, and how early attempts at market gardening ran into hard truths about poor soil and short growing seasons. That struggle led him back toward raising animals, starting with movable chicken coops and eventually a herd of cattle managed through mob grazing and holistic pasture management. The conversation covers practical details of running a small regenerative operation: managing calving season, finding a slaughterhouse suited to grass-finished beef, improving pasture health without tilling, and navigating regulations that limit which animals small farmers can raise. Lornus is candid about the setbacks, the learning curve, and the deeper motivation that keeps the family going even when the margins are thin. This episode is a grounded look at what it really means to build a resilient, self-sufficient food system from the ground up, one paddock, one mistake, and one season at a time. 👉 Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations on agriculture, sustainability, and the people building resilient food and farming systems. Why Listen? This episode is a candid, on-the-ground account of what regenerative farming actually looks like in practice, not just in theory. Lornus doesn't gloss over the failures: poor soil, a failed vegetable venture, and the steep learning curve of managing livestock. For anyone interested in rotational grazing, soil regeneration, homesteading, or simply curious what it takes to build food independence from scratch, this conversation offers honest, practical insight. It's especially worthwhile for aspiring farmers, homesteaders, or anyone rethinking their relationship with where their food comes from. 00:00 – Introduction to Lornus and the farm in Šiauliai, Lithuania  02:01 – From studying plant science to discovering permaculture  04:01 – Moving onto family land and starting a plant-based homestead  05:27 – Testing the soil and discovering it couldn't support crops  06:40 – Why the market garden idea didn't work out  07:47 – Shifting toward animals: movable chicken coops and goats  08:28 – Taking on a herd of 12 cows through a regional park program  09:28 – Managing breeding season and calving timing  11:17 – Water management and natural water sources  12:36 – Raising bulls for beef and timing the harvest  14:02 – Finding a slaughterhouse for grass-finished cattle  16:10 – Why poultry is "for the feast" and beef is for every day  17:52 – Chickens surviving harsh winters outdoors  17:52 – Regulations preventing pastured hogs due to swine flu concerns  20:17 – Plans to grow berries without chemical inputs  23:12 – Tracking farm data and calculating input costs  25:05 – Improving pasture health through grazing management  28:02 – What it takes to stick with this way of life long-term  29:00 – Raising kids on the farm and hopes for the next generation

  7. Jul 28

    Inside Louis LaTour: Sustainable Farming in the World's Most Storied Vineyards

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to keep a 200-year-old vineyard thriving as the climate shifts beneath it? In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon travels to Burgundy, France to sit down with Christophe, who oversees field operations for the historic Louis LaTour estate. Their conversation unfolds right in the vineyard, walking the rows while discussing soil, biodiversity, and the realities of farming some of the most celebrated land in the world. Christophe shares how growers across small, centuries-old plots are working together to restore biodiversity at a landscape scale — leaving native forest edges intact, replanting hedgerows, and creating wildlife corridors between tiny parcels owned by dozens of different families. He also explains Burgundy's dry-farming approach, on-site composting practices, and why shallow, mineral-rich soils have historically defined the region's wines. A major thread throughout the episode is climate change. Christophe walks through decades of harvest data showing dates shifting earlier and earlier, and describes the long-term work being done — from testing new rootstocks and grape clones to reconsidering vine density — to help vineyards stay resilient for future generations. The conversation closes with reflections on tradition, terroir, and what it really means to make wine as part of a multi-generational, cooperative system rather than a solo pursuit. If you care about regenerative agriculture, soil health, or how traditional farming systems are adapting to a changing climate, this is a conversation worth your time. 👉 Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations on agriculture, sustainability, and the people working to build resilient food and farming systems. Why Listen? This episode offers a rare, ground-level look at how one of the world's most tradition-bound wine regions is confronting climate change in practical, hands-on ways. Whether you're into regenerative agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, or simply curious about how generations-old farming systems adapt under pressure, Christophe's perspective is grounded, honest, and full of specifics — from composting methods to root depth to why cooperation between growers matters more than competition. It's a great watch for gardeners, farmers, sustainability students, or anyone who wants to understand agriculture through the lens of place, patience, and long-term thinking. 00:00 – Introduction to Christophe and Louis LaTour  02:40 – Native forest edges and natural biodiversity buffers  04:22 – Multi-generational cooperation among Burgundy growers  09:16 – Clone diversity and building resilience through genetics  11:10 – Dry farming and on-site composting practices  12:39 – Managing vine disease without synthetic sprays  16:32 – Harvest date data and visible signs of climate change  19:08 – Shallow soils, root depth, and water reserves  21:02 – Cover crops and managing competition for water  32:55 – The "Terroir de Corton" biodiversity project  36:13 – Long-term adaptation: rootstocks, density, and old varieties  44:00 – Advice for wine lovers exploring Burgundy  45:34 – Closing thoughts and appreciation

  8. Jul 23

    How Biodynamic Farming Builds Healthier Soil, Better Wine & Stronger Ecosystems

    Send us Fan Mail Can healthier soil produce better wine? What happens when a family vineyard spends generations working with nature instead of against it? In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon visits Château Nodot in the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation to speak with vineyard owner Jessica Aubert. Her family has cared for the estate for more than 200 years, and for the past 16 years Jessica has continued their commitment to organic practices while leading the vineyard's transition into biodynamic farming. Jessica explains how biodynamic agriculture has improved soil health, strengthened biodiversity, increased resilience to climate change, and enhanced the quality of their wines. From cover crops and herbal preparations to forest conservation and natural pest management, this conversation highlights how healthy ecosystems create healthier farms. You'll also learn about:  The differences between organic, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture  How living soil supports healthier vines  Biodiversity, pollinators, and natural pest control  Climate change challenges facing vineyards today  Biodynamic preparations and seasonal farming practices  Why protecting forests and natural habitat matters for agriculture Whether you're a gardener, farmer, wine enthusiast, or simply interested in sustainable food systems, this episode offers practical insights into farming with nature while preserving the land for future generations. Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations exploring agriculture, sustainability, food systems, environmental stewardship, and the people helping shape a more resilient future. Why Listen?Healthy soil is the foundation of resilient agriculture, and this episode offers a real-world look at what that means in practice. Jessica Aubert shares how biodynamic farming has helped her family vineyard improve soil biology, protect biodiversity, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Whether you're interested in regenerative agriculture, sustainable gardening, or simply curious about how great wine begins in the vineyard, you'll come away with valuable insights that extend far beyond wine. 00:00 – Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom & introduction to Château Nodot 00:41 – Meet Jessica Aubert and her family's 200-year-old Bordeaux vineyard 01:15 – The grape varieties grown at Château Nodot 03:10 – Why the vineyard transitioned to biodynamic farming 04:04 – Jessica's journey from banking to vineyard management 05:03 – Managing a vineyard year-round and today's wine market challenges 06:01 – Why wine consumption is changing around the world 07:00 – Shipping wine internationally and Bordeaux's unique terroir 08:28 – How biodynamic farming transformed the vineyard's soil 09:39 – Biodynamic farming vs. regenerative agriculture 10:37 – Does the moon influence plant growth? 11:17 – Biodynamic preparations explained 14:06 – Using herbs and natural teas to prevent vineyard diseases 15:26 – Creating natural soil amendments 16:06 – How biodynamic preparations are made and applied 18:15 – Best conditions for applying biodynamic treatments 19:04 – Climate change and its impact on grape production 20:31 – Managing vine growth for healthier grapes 22:23 – Building resilience through soil biology 23:59 – Organic matter, water retention, and healthier soils 24:57 – Why biodiversity matters below the surface 25:33 – Cover crops, clover, and supporting pollinators 26:07 – Bees, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems 27:03 – Preserving forests around the vineyard 29:03 – The economics of organic and biodynamic farming 29:49 – Future plans for grazing sheep in the vineyard 31:10 – Managing weeds without herbicides 32:32 – Why biodynamic grapes produce richer wines 33:13 – Working alongside conventional vineyards 35:27 – Jessica's vision for biodiversity and the future of wine 36:32 – Closing thoughts & thanks for watching

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Discover insights that grow a greener world with Harvesting Wisdom Podcast hosted by Mike McMahon. 🌱🎙️ Leading experts share wisdom on agriculture, sustainability, and education in Arizona and beyond. Policy makers, industry experts, and international outreach champions – we cover it all! Tune in for a harvest of knowledge. 🌍🌾

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