Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land

Johanna Nuding, Crystal Nuding

The Soil Sisters podcast documents the journey of rehabilitating Texas farm and ranch land using regenerative practices - from land stewardship and intentional farm and ranch planning to growing industrial hemp, ancient grains, and nutrient-dense food for our communities. If you're a newbie to regenerative agriculture or simply curious to grow healthy food for your family, we invite you to dig in with the Soil Sisters.

  1. 3d ago

    Conservation Easements 101: Protecting Texas Working Lands with Darren Clark

    How can Texas families keep their farms and ranches in agriculture for generations instead of watching them disappear to development? In this episode of Soil Sisters, recorded from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, meet Darren Clark, Director of Land Conservation for the Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT). Learn about conservation easements in Texas—a voluntary tool that can help landowners protect family farms, ranches, wildlife habitat, and open space while keeping ownership of their land. With roots in South Texas ranching and 33 years of experience with NRCS, Darren breaks down how conservation easements work, what landowners can—and can’t—do with an easement, and how these agreements can be tailored to support working lands and future operations, including agritourism. The conversation covers purchased and donated conservation easements, land conservation funding, potential tax benefits, NRCS and Farm Bill programs, land valuation, stewardship, and common misconceptions about conservation easements. Darren also explains why an easement does not mean government ownership or public access—and why protecting land today can be an important part of farm and ranch succession planning. Most importantly, this episode looks at conservation easements through the lens of Texas land loss and keeping family land intact for future generations. For farmers, ranchers, and families thinking about their land's future, this conversation offers a practical starting point for understanding whether a conservation easement could fit their goals. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters 00:34 Meet Darren Clark 02:31 Why Easements Matter 06:35 What Is an Easement? 09:05 Stewardship Visits 12:21 About TALT Origins 14:35 Donated vs. Purchased Easements 16:34 Funding and Rules 21:32 Success Stories 22:50 How Payouts Work 26:17 Agritourism Flexibility 30:17 Future-Proofing Easements 32:08 Taxes and Family Buy-In 35:37 Farm Bill Program Eligibility 36:56 Starting the Family Conversation 38:51 Succession Planning and Land Value 42:27 Common Easement Misconceptions 46:00 When Not to Do It 48:15 Outreach and Getting Started 52:02 Final Wrap-Up 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨ Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG. ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️ Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG 🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. --------------------------------- Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSisters Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co  Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey. Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Jul 16

    Small Producers Spotlight: Southern Sunny Acres

    In this episode, the Soil Sisters connect with Ty and Tokie Morgan of Southern Sunny Acres, a veteran-owned family farm in East Texas producing pasture-raised chicken, eggs, and lamb. Starting with just 50 broiler chickens in 2021, they've grown their direct-to-consumer operation by focusing on regenerative practices, serving their local community, and making thoughtful business decisions along the way. Ty and Tokie share the honest lessons they've learned while scaling a farm business—from managing freezer capacity and cash flow to reducing input costs through "no-icide" farming and improving efficiency with better systems. They discuss the challenges of growing a farm before it reaches profitability, the importance of tracking metrics, and the mindset shifts required to build a sustainable operation. They also talk about running a farm as a married couple, including how they divide responsibilities, communicate through challenges, and protect their relationship as they build a business together. The conversation previews their upcoming keynote at the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference happening on August 3-4, in San Marcos, TX. Whether you're starting a farm, expanding a direct-to-consumer business, or looking for real-world lessons in regenerative agriculture and farm entrepreneurship, this episode offers an honest look at the work it takes to build a successful farm. MEET OUR GUESTS: Ty & Tokie Morgan | Southern Sunny Acres Farm | @southernsunnyacres FIND DETAILS FOR THE SOUTHERN FAMILY FARMERS & FOOD SYSTEMS CONFERENCE ON AUG. 3-4, 2026: https://www.southernfamilyfarmersconference.org/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Soil Sisters Welcome 00:30 – Meet Southern Sunny Acres 02:38 – Why Ty & Tokie Started Farming 04:13 – Scaling the Farm 05:46 – Building a Direct-to-Consumer Business 08:10 – Expanding Their Market 10:18 – The 'Profit First' Mindset 13:22 – Efficiency Improvements That Increase Profit 17:09 – Regenerative "No-icide" Farming 19:31 – Farming, Marriage & Business 27:42 – Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference (SFFFS) 29:46 – Building a Regenerative Farming Community 36:51 – Agricultural Grants 43:11 – Why Asking for Help Matters 46:21 – Creating a Sustainable Farm Income 48:40 – SFFFS Conference Details and Ticket Information 49:48 – Closing   💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨ Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG. ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️ Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG 🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. --------------------------------- Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSisters Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co  Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey. Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Jun 18

    Stay Moody: Real Talk on Regenerative Goat Farming

    What does it take to become a regenerative farmer with no agricultural background? Recorded live at Regenerative Revival in Salado, Texas, the Soil Sisters sit down with David Deitsch of The Moody Goat to talk about building a regenerative goat operation from the ground up. From growing up in suburban Connecticut to managing a thriving herd in Central Texas, David shares the hard-earned lessons, failures, pivots, and mindset shifts that are helping him create a resilient farm business. Whether you're interested in regenerative agriculture, livestock management, grazing systems, homesteading, ranching, or starting a farm from scratch, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to keep moving forward. Connect with and shop The Moody Goat: Follow David's regenerative farming journey, learn about his goat herd, and discover Moody Goat meat sticks and swag through The Moody Goat website and on Instagram @themoodygoat_ and @moodygoatmeat TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Regenerative Revival 01:14 Why regenerative agriculture came first 04:01 The Moody Goat's origin story 06:41 Finding the land in Moody 07:49 Going all in with goats 10:21 Markets and money lessons 15:00 Raising children on the ranch 20:28 Passing a love of land to the next generation 24:18 Dreaming up a rent-a-goat business 25:58 NRCS programs teaser 26:40 Free USDA assistance available to producers 27:47 Regenerative training opportunities 28:31 Learning through community 31:23 Herd-building strategy 33:10 The importance of rest and deferment 35:07 Pivoting through setbacks 36:02 Creating goat meat snack sticks 38:49 How to connect with The Moody Goat 39:57 Why now is the time to start 43:48 Red flags when purchasing your first farm 45:51 The "don't quit" mindset 49:16 The future of regenerative agriculture 51:48 Pride in producing clean food 53:18 Closing remarks 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨ Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG. ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️ Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG 🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. --------------------------------- Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSisters Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co  Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey. Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. May 29

    Are AI Data Centers Destroying Rural Texas? Water, Farms & Power with Clayton Tucker

    Former NSF water researcher, Texas Farmers Union secretary, and candidate for Texas Ag Commissioner, Clayton Tucker joins the Soil Sisters to discuss the rapid expansion of AI data centers across Texas—and why many farmers and rural communities are sounding the alarm. Tucker explains how large AI facilities are impacting water supplies, electricity prices, housing costs, health, and agricultural land in towns like Abilene and across rural Texas. The conversation explores concerns around power grid strain, backup generators, noise pollution and heat, effects on livestock, and the lack of transparency surrounding data center resource use. We also talk regenerative ranching, hemp, data center cooling alternatives, soil remediation, food monopolies, PFAS runoff, and Tucker’s campaign ideas for the future of Texas agriculture. Plus: school gardens, local organizing, and why he believes communities need a stronger voice in shaping AI infrastructure development. MEET OUR GUEST: Clayton Tucker is a former water researcher for the National Science Foundation, Secretary of the Texas Farmers Union, a fair trade organizer, and he helps manage his family ranch in Lampasas, TX. Clayton is running to be our next Texas Agriculture Commissioner to make food and farming affordable, protect our water, and put the brakes on AI Data Centers in our communities. Learn More & Get Involved: https://www.claytontuckertx.com/  | Connect Clayton Tucker on Social: @claytontuckertx on X, FB, IG, YT TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Meet Clayton Tucker 02:17 Ranch Roots and Regenerative Shift 06:05 Why Data Centers Alarm Farmers 08:50 Noise and Heat Impacts 15:03 Tech Fixes and Short Lifespans 17:25 Jobs Claims and Local Inflation 21:37 What Counts as AI Data 26:04 Power Grid Strain and Organizing 32:36 Water Risks and Water-Free Cooling 35:47 Hemp Oil and Texas Hemp Future 58:46 Food Policy And Monopolies 01:04:33 School Gardens For Kids 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨ Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG. ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️ Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG 🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. --------------------------------- Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSisters Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co  Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey. Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. May 19

    Building a Farm-to-Consumer Regenerative Grocery Business

    How do you build a local food system that actually works at scale? Farmhouse Delivery founder Stephanie Scherzer joins the Soil Sisters podcast to discuss regenerative sourcing, seasonal eating, grocery delivery, and supporting more than 250 Texas farmers and food producers. Stephanie shares how her work at The Natural Gardener and Rain Lily Farm led to launching Farmhouse Delivery in 2009, and how the company has reinvested roughly $20 million into local agriculture while making fresh, sustainably raised food more accessible. Explore: Regenerative farming and sourcing standards Clean animal feed and no seed oils Reducing food waste through meal kits and scratch cooking Seasonal eating and food freshness Farmer relationships and fair pricing Local grocery logistics and delivery challenges How consumer habits changed after 2020 Plus: surprising Texas-grown crops, produce storage tips, prepared meals, and a SoilSisters15 discount code for first-time orders. Meet Our Guest: Stephanie Scherzer has spent over two decades focused on building and supporting local food systems. She founded Farmhouse Delivery in 2009 to connect consumers with sustainably raised local food while expanding market access for regional producers. Under her leadership, the company has partnered with over 250 Texas farmers and reinvested approximately $20 million into the local food economy. Connect and Grow: Visit Farmhouse Delivery at farmhousedelivery.com and follow them on social media @FarmhouseDelivery. To celebrate your initiation into this local food movement, use the code SoilSisters15 for 15% off your first order. 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨ Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG. ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️ Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG 🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. --------------------------------- Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSisters Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co  Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey. Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Apr 28

    Family Farming & Ranching in Texas: NRCS Programs, Regenerative Agriculture & Conservation with Kristy Oates

    Want to strengthen your family farm or ranch in Texas? Learn how NRCS programs, regenerative agriculture practices, and conservation funding can help you improve soil, water, and long-term profitability. In this episode of Soil Sisters, Kristy Oates, USDA NRCS Texas State Conservationist, breaks down the agency's mission, programs, and real-world support for working lands. We dig into EQIP and CSP funding, application timelines, and how payments actually work. Kristy also explains conservation easements, the new Regenerative Pilot Program, and how NRCS is working to simplify systems for producers. Learn how to connect with your local USDA Service Center, why you don't need to apply for funding to receive help, and how NRCS supports both novice and experienced producers. Whether you're new to NRCS or looking to navigate its programs better, this episode is your practical guide to getting started and making conservation work for your operation. MEET OUR GUEST: Kristy Oates is the State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas. Kristy leads a diverse workforce of approximately 600 employees in 228 field offices across Texas to deliver voluntary, private lands conservation assistance throughout the estimated 142 million acres of farms, ranches and family forests. Kristy holds a Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University and is a graduate of the USDA Emerging Leaders Development Program from The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters 00:39 Meet Kristy Oates 02:44 NRCS Origins and Mission 04:41 Technical Assistance Access 09:51 Kristy's Background 14:41 EQIP and CSP Basics 17:21 Funding Timelines and Payments 20:20 Conservation Easements Explained 25:43 Regenerative Pilot Program 30:53 Follow Up and Record Keeping 36:26 Getting Started at USDA Office 42:08 Practice Standards and Feedback 44:59 Local Workgroups and Priorities 46:56 Water Conservation Focus 54:11 More NRCS Programs and Partners 58:35 How NRCS Guides Newcomers 01:00:53 Get Involved in the State Technical Committee Meeting and Closing 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨ Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG. ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️ Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG 🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. --------------------------------- Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSisters Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co  Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey. Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Mar 31

    Regenerative Soil: Microscopy, Testing & the Future of Farming with Matt Powers

    What if you could actually see what’s happening in your soil—and use that to grow healthier food and more resilient farms? On this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet bestselling author, educator, and citizen scientist Matt Powers and explore the soil science behind regenerative agriculture—and how it’s being taught from classrooms to farms around the world. Matt shares how his unexpected journey through public education led to the creation of his K–12 “seed to table” curriculum, now used by everyone from homeschool families to colleges. His work connects biology, chemistry, and ecology through hands-on, project-based learning that helps people of all ages understand soil in a practical, measurable way. This conversation dives into the living biology of soil—and how farmers, ranchers, gardeners, and even consumers can better understand the systems that grow our food. You’ll learn how tools like microscopy, DNA testing, and mineral analysis can reveal the full story of your soil—and how even simple at-home tests can help you start improving soil health today. Matt also shares his vision for a more transparent, community-driven future in agriculture, where growers can compare results, share data, and identify what’s truly working in regenerative systems. Whether you're producing food or simply want to better understand where it comes from, this episode offers a powerful look beneath the surface. MEET OUR GUEST: MATT POWERS is a bestselling author, an educator, citizen scientist, and family guy who is helping gardeners, small and large scale farmers and ranchers, work with the soil, plants, microbes, and microscopy in new and regenerative ways that can be tracked and proven.  TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters 00:28 Meet Matt Powers 02:08 Teaching Without a Curriculum 04:20 From Subbing to Full-Time Teacher 05:43 Who Uses Matt's Coursework 08:39 Project-Based Soil Learning 11:31 Soil Microbiome and Health 14:34 Data Driven Regenerative Farming 17:30 If We Don't Look, We Don't See 19:03 Simple Soil Tests 21:32 Microscope Setup Tips 23:51 Scaling Up and Cutting Noise 27:40 Creative Breakthroughs in Microscopy 29:06 Teaching Kids Soil Wonder 29:59 Seeing Water Biofilms 31:14 Meditation Driven Epiphanies 32:54 Writing the Regenerative Soil Textbook 35:23 Visualizing Soil Cycles 38:50 Research Library 39:33 Microscopy Kickstarter Leap 41:42 Practical Soil Testing and Timing 47:27 Mycorrhizae Glow Method 49:56 DIY Learning Community 53:55 FREE Webinar And Poster from Matt Powers 55:16 Connect with Matt Powers And Farewell 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨ Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG. ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️ Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG 🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. --------------------------------- Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSisters Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co  Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey. Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Feb 17

    Beyond the Classroom: Dr. Nelson Coulter's Vision for Education and Health in Our Public Schools

    The Soil Sisters welcome one of their former coaches and teachers, Dr. Nelson Coulter, to the podcast to discuss his experience in Texas public schools. This discussion takes a ground-level look at changing school food systems and what becomes possible when communities prioritize health. Dr. Coulter explains the steps and bureaucracy involved in formally leaving the National School Lunch Program, the budget tradeoffs required, and why small districts can oftentimes innovate faster. The conversation covers what changed after the shift—less food waste, steadier energy and performance throughout the day, improved athletic practices, reduced after-school overeating at home, and better behavioral self-regulation—along with ideas for making healthier student meals feasible in all school districts. Dr. Coulter also shares how permaculture and regenerative practices shape his family’s ranch life, food production, and self-sufficiency.  TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast 00:26 Meet Dr. Nelson “Coach” Coulter 01:31 Reconnected During a Regenerative Soil Textbook Delivery 03:42 Returning to West Texas & Rethinking What Schools Are For 07:47 Building the Guthrie Graduate Profile (soft skills over test scores) 10:02 Replacing Test Prep with a School Garden 11:58 Health Wake-Up Call: Educator & Student Wellness 19:37 First Steps to Healthier Cafeterias 26:36 Budgeting for Better Food 30:53 Divorcing the National School Lunch Program 36:20 Kids Actually Eat It: Cutting Food Waste With Real Lunches 38:43 From School Garden to Cafeteria: Harvesting, Preserving, Sharing 40:12 Is This Feasible for Average School Districts? Budgets, Policy Shifts & Nutrition Booster Clubs 44:40 Life on the Ranch After Retirement 54:57 What Changed in Students? 01:02:17 Closing Reflections: Gratitude, Guitar, Where to Read More & What’s Next 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨ Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG. ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️ Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG 🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. --------------------------------- Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSisters Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co  Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey. Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Soil Sisters podcast documents the journey of rehabilitating Texas farm and ranch land using regenerative practices - from land stewardship and intentional farm and ranch planning to growing industrial hemp, ancient grains, and nutrient-dense food for our communities. If you're a newbie to regenerative agriculture or simply curious to grow healthy food for your family, we invite you to dig in with the Soil Sisters.

You Might Also Like