The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

Acres U.S.A.®
  • 4.5 (17)
  • Natural Sciences
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "The Acres U.S.A. Podcast," where we dive deep into the world of production-scale organic and regenerative farming. For over 50 years, Acres U.S.A.® has been the go-to resource for farmers, ranchers, and market gardeners, guiding them to grow food profitably and sustainably, all while honoring the rhythms of nature. Join our host, Taylor Henry, owner, and CEO, as he brings you weekly insights, interviews, and practical tips to cultivate a healthier, more resilient food system. Tune in and let's grow together!

  1. 3d ago

    When Innovation Becomes Illegal: The Fight for Food Freedom with Joel Hollingsworth Ep.117

    What happens when an innovative ranching model designed to rebuild local food systems attracts the attention of government regulators? In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Joel Hollingsworth of Smoke River Ranch to explore a story that goes far beyond one ranch. From overcoming Crohn's disease and building a regenerative cattle operation from scratch to creating a unique herdshare model that connects families directly to food production, Joel shares the vision behind one of the country's most innovative regenerative ranches. But after a viral video thrust Smoke River Ranch into the national spotlight, Joel found himself facing an unexpected legal battle with the Oklahoma Department of Securities—despite no customer complaints, no allegations of fraud, and no reported victims. Together, Joel and Taylor dive into the future of regenerative agriculture, the economics of rebuilding the disappearing middle of American farming, ultra-high-density grazing, community-based food systems, property rights, and the growing tension between agricultural innovation and government regulation. They also discuss why this case could set a precedent that reaches far beyond one ranch, potentially impacting ranchers, custom grazers, herd shares, and cooperative farming models across the country. Whether you're a farmer, rancher, homesteader, or simply someone who cares about the future of food, this conversation raises important questions about who controls agriculture, what true food freedom looks like, and what it will take to restore resilient, locally rooted farming communities in America. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/ Letters in Support of Smoke River Ranch: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15E_c2tOP_X5N0uT1P3irxndrfx6xUVIQ GoFundMe Link to Support Joel’s Mission: https://www.gofundme.com/f/protecting-herdshares-local-food-rights Press Release: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ymTm0H7gY15jTJllHXFpt85bRk9LDfPKkXM8JhQ8MhA/edit?usp=drivesdk Contact your Oklahoma Legislator Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10sGhcpIPcirfQ5e3Pf3L7neOCN95Hov74xmiQ5SEYwI/edit?usp=sharing

  2. 4d ago

    Luke Jones: Mindset Before Management: Farming with Purpose, Profit & Resilience Ep. 116

    What separates successful regenerative farmers from everyone else? According to Luke Jones, it starts with mindset. In this thought-provoking presentation, Luke shares his journey from conventional ag retail to building a regenerative farming operation focused on profitability, resilience and stewardship. Rather than chasing every new practice, he encourages farmers to understand their own unique context, start small, and build systems that fit their land, finances and goals. Along the way, Luke shares lessons from his own successes and failures—from cover crops and livestock integration to niche marketing opportunities and diversifying farm income. More than a discussion about regenerative practices, this episode is a powerful reminder that lasting success comes from thinking differently, embracing continual learning, and having the courage to forge your own path. Whether you're just beginning your regenerative journey or looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to farm with greater purpose. Inspired by Luke's approach to regenerative agriculture? Join him and fellow Understanding Ag consultant Brian Dougherty for an immersive, two-day regenerative agriculture workshop in southwest Wisconsin. Through classroom sessions and hands-on field learning, you'll dive deeper into soil health, regenerative agronomy, adaptive grazing, profitability, and more—all on a working farm. Plus, early bird pricing has been extended through July 31. Learn more and register at: https://understandingag.acresusa.com/wisconsin-register Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Luke Jones UA Page: https://understandingag.com/team/luke-jones/

  3. Jul 13

    Bob Quinn: Growing Food as Medicine Starts with Healthy Soil Ep. 115

    Bob Quinn has spent four decades challenging conventional agriculture—and proving that healthier soils produce healthier people. In this conversation, the fourth-generation Montana grain farmer, scientist, and founder of the Quinn Institute joins Taylor Henry to discuss the future of regenerative and organic agriculture, the connection between food and chronic disease, and why farmers should be recognized for growing food as medicine. Bob shares the story of his family's transition from conventional wheat farming to organic production, the discovery of ancient grains like KAMUT® wheat, and the groundbreaking research showing how seed genetics, soil health, and farming practices influence human health. The conversation also explores climate variability, rebuilding rural communities, integrating livestock, the importance of regional food systems, and why regenerative agriculture should be viewed as a pathway toward truly regenerative organic farming. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Bob’s Research: https://quinninstitute.org/

  4. Jul 6

    Food Is Medicine: How Regenerative Farms Are Transforming Healthcare Ep. 114

    Can regenerative agriculture help solve America's healthcare crisis? In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Erin Martin Hollinsworth, founder and executive director of FreshRx Oklahoma, a nationally recognized Food Is Medicine program connecting healthcare providers, regenerative farmers and patients through produce prescriptions. Erin shares how FreshRx has invested more than $1 million into local farms while helping patients reverse chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes through nutrient-dense food and nutrition education. They discuss why soil health and human health are inseparable, how regenerative farmers can become a vital part of the healthcare system, and why supporting local producers could reduce healthcare costs while creating stronger rural economies. The conversation also explores the future of Food Is Medicine policy, the role of regenerative livestock, the challenges of scaling these programs, and why restoring community, food and soil may be one of the most effective investments we can make. If you're interested in regenerative agriculture, nutrition, healthcare reform, or building profitable markets for ecological farmers, this episode offers an inspiring look at a movement that's changing lives from the ground up. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Erin’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/expertonaging

  5. Jun 29

    Jeff Poppen: The Barefoot Farmer on Biodynamics & Common Sense Agriculture Ep. 113.

    What can modern farmers learn from the origins of biodynamic agriculture? In this presentation from the Eco-Ag Conference, Jeff Poppen—better known as the Barefoot Farmer—shares decades of hands-on farming experience while exploring the principles of Rudolf Steiner's agricultural teachings. From composting and livestock integration to soil biology, crop rotations, and farm self-sufficiency, Jeff explains how healthy soil creates healthy food. Blending practical wisdom, historical perspective, and plenty of humor, this conversation challenges conventional agriculture and offers timeless lessons for building resilient, regenerative farms that work in harmony with nature. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Jeff’s Book: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/barefoot-biodynamics?_pos=1&_sid=e3bf87d71&_ss=r

  6. Jun 22

    Regenerative Gardening, Flower Farming & Building Soil with Briana Bosch Ep.112

    What happens when a former corporate professional, journalist, and ballet dancer trades boardrooms for flower fields? In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Briana Bosch,  of Blossom and Branch Farm and author of The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook. Briana shares her journey from corporate America back to her family’s agricultural roots, building a successful flower farm while challenging conventional growing practices. The conversation explores regenerative gardening techniques, cover crops, soil health, water conservation, reducing farm inputs, and the realities of transitioning away from plastic-intensive production systems. They also discuss the economics of small-scale farming, direct-to-consumer marketing, U-pick operations, social media education, and Briana’s efforts to bring regenerative practices to her family’s row-crop farm in Minnesota. Along the way, Briana offers practical insights for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers looking to improve soil health, reduce costs, and create resilient agricultural systems. Whether you're growing on a quarter-acre, managing hundreds of acres, or simply interested in the future of food and farming, this episode is packed with actionable lessons and inspiration. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Blossom and Branch Farm Website: https://blossomandbranchfarm.com/

  7. Jun 15

    Invisible Stressors: EMFs, Livestock Health & the Future of Regenerative Farming with Dan Stachofsky

    What if one of the biggest challenges facing livestock, crops and human health is something we can’t see? In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Dan Stachofsky of Essential Energy Solutions to explore the growing impact of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on regenerative agriculture, livestock performance and overall farm health. Dan shares the personal journey that led him into EMF research, how his family’s health struggles opened the door to bioenergetics, and why he believes modern electrical infrastructure—from cell towers and Wi-Fi to data centers and virtual fencing—may be creating unseen stress on animals, people and ecosystems. The conversation covers fertility and reproduction in livestock, milk production, pasture performance, GPS collar technology, energy stewardship on the farm, and practical steps farmers can take to reduce electromagnetic stress in their homes and operations. Whether you're skeptical, curious or already exploring the role of energy in biological systems, this discussion offers a thought-provoking look at a topic that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Essential Energy Solutions Website: https://essentialenergy.solutions

  8. Jun 8

    Silvopasture Strategies with Austin Unruh Ep. 110

    In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, host Taylor Henry sits down with Austin Unruh, founder of Trees for Grazers and author of The Grazer’s Guide to Trees, to explore the real-world economics and management of silvopasture. Austin shares the lessons learned from establishing thousands of trees on working livestock farms, including the tree protection methods that are delivering 90%+ survival rates. The conversation dives into shade as a profit driver, the forage benefits of well-designed silvopasture systems, and how species like honey locust, persimmon, and mulberry can provide valuable livestock feed throughout the year. They also discuss: The latest updates in the second edition of The Grazer’s Guide to Trees Tree establishment strategies that minimize risk and maintenance Research on livestock performance and heat-stress reduction Feed-producing trees for cattle, pigs, and poultry Silvopasture economics and return on investment Lessons from projects with farms like White Oak Pastures Funding opportunities and practical steps for getting started Whether you're interested in improving animal performance, extending the grazing season, or building a more resilient farm for future generations, this episode offers a practical roadmap for integrating trees into your operation. Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode: Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/ American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/ Important Links from Today’s Episode: Members site: https://members.acresusa.com Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/ Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/ 2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025 Austin’s Website: https://treesforgraziers.com/ Get his new book here: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-graziers-guide-to-trees-how-to-integrate-silvopasture-for-resilience-and-profit?_pos=1&_sid=edda8ac1a&_ss=r

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4.5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Acres U.S.A. Podcast," where we dive deep into the world of production-scale organic and regenerative farming. For over 50 years, Acres U.S.A.® has been the go-to resource for farmers, ranchers, and market gardeners, guiding them to grow food profitably and sustainably, all while honoring the rhythms of nature. Join our host, Taylor Henry, owner, and CEO, as he brings you weekly insights, interviews, and practical tips to cultivate a healthier, more resilient food system. Tune in and let's grow together!

Information

  • Creator
    Acres U.S.A.®
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Acres U.S.A.®
  • Show Website
    The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

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