In Living Cover

Kimberly Cornish

In Living Cover is a podcast exploring the people, ideas, and real-world practices shaping regenerative agriculture and land stewardship today. Through candid conversations with producers, researchers, and innovators, the show connects past lessons with future possibilities, unpacking what regeneration looks like on the ground, not just in theory. Expect thoughtful dialogue on soil health, grazing systems, food systems, and community-led innovation, with an emphasis on curiosity, context, and practical insight. This is a space for nuance, lived experience, and honest exploration of how we can work with land in more resilient, regenerative ways.

Episodes

  1. FEB 10

    004. Navigating Holistic Grazing with Pioneer Blake Holtman

    In this episode of 'In Living Cover,' host engages in an in-depth conversation with Blake Holtman, a pioneer in holistic management grazing systems. Blake shares insights on the evolution of grazing practices, the nuances of rotational and adaptive grazing, and the influence of figures like Alan Savory. The discussion covers Blake's journey from being an early adopter of holistic grazing to implementing these practices on his ranch, resulting in significant ecological and agricultural improvements. Learn about the intricate observational skills required, the impact of holistic planned grazing on soil health, and the dynamic nature of regenerative agriculture. This episode provides a rich narrative on the practical and theoretical facets of sustainable land management.     00:00 Introduction to Blake Holtman and Rotational Grazing 02:36 Blake's Early Influences and Alan Savory's Impact 04:20 Defining Grazing Cells and Early Challenges 06:42 Implementing Holistic Management Practices 08:51 Observations and Adaptations in Grazing 21:44 Understanding the Mineral Cycle 23:48 Defining the Language of Soil Science 24:33 Proving the Liquid Carbon Pathway 25:40 Innovative Practices in Soil Management 27:58 The Impact of Grazing on Soil Health 29:48 Challenges in Forage Utility and Grazing Systems 32:23 Lessons from Mob Grazing 38:46 Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing 42:49 The Complexity of Regenerative Grazing Systems 47:03 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude If this conversation added context or sparked new thinking, join us for future episodes as we continue exploring what regeneration actually looks like in practice. These conversations are grounded in lived experience, shared learning, and on-the-ground innovation. To explore the research, field projects, and stories behind the conversations, visit the Regenerative Alberta Living Lab at: Instagram: @regenlivinglab Facebook: Regenerative Alberta Living Lab Website: regenlivinglab.org Also connect with us at: Instagram: @foodwaterwellness Facebook: FoodWaterWellnessFoundation Website: foodwaterwellness.org

    49 min
  2. FEB 10

    003. Evolution of Grazing Practices in Alberta: A Conversation with Jim Bauer

    In this episode of 'In Living Cover', Kim from Regenerative Alberta Living Lab discusses the evolution of grazing practices with Jim Bauer. Jim shares his experience with the inception and growth of forage associations in Alberta. They talk about the introduction and evolving practices of rotational and adaptive multi-paddock grazing, highlighting the importance of electric fencing and water access innovations. Jim also touches on teaching management-intensive grazing and the role of producer-driven forage associations. The episode emphasizes the importance of adaptive management and the integration of best practices for effective grazing management.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:13 History of Forage Associations in Alberta 04:19 Regional Differences in Grazing Practices 08:02 Role of District Agriculturalists 16:22 Economic Factors Driving Grazing Innovations 24:48 Formation of Gray Wooded Forage Association 29:47 Early Innovations in Grazing Technology 30:44 The Rise of Electric Fencing 33:33 Challenges and Learning Curves 35:31 Developing Grazing Courses 39:24 Integrating Best Management Practices 45:45 The Complexity of Grazing Management 52:35 The Future of Grazing and Technology 58:59 Concluding Thoughts If this conversation added context or sparked new thinking, join us for future episodes as we continue exploring what regeneration actually looks like in practice. These conversations are grounded in lived experience, shared learning, and on-the-ground innovation. To explore the research, field projects, and stories behind the conversations, visit the Regenerative Alberta Living Lab at: Instagram: @regenlivinglab Facebook: Regenerative Alberta Living Lab Website: regenlivinglab.org Also connect with us at: Instagram: @foodwaterwellness Facebook: FoodWaterWellnessFoundation Website: foodwaterwellness.org

    1h 1m
  3. FEB 10

    002. Exploring the Benefits and Practices of Bale Grazing with Paul Jungnitch

    In this episode of 'In Living Cover', we interview Paul Jungnitch, a seasoned expert in the field of applied agricultural research, whose master's thesis on bale grazing has had a profound impact on winter feeding strategies in Alberta. Paul explains how bale grazing evolved from his ten-year experience at the Fairview Applied Research Association and its role in improving soil health, nutrient cycles, and even climate outcomes. He discusses the economic and environmental benefits of bale grazing, such as fuel and fertilizer cost savings, and how this method transforms cattle into efficient nutrient spreaders in the field. Throughout the discussion, Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding both the scientific principles and practical management behind bale grazing to bolster its adoption among producers. The conversation also touches on the potential for increased crop and livestock integration, leading to more sustainable and efficient farming practices.     00:00 Introduction to Paul and Bale Grazing 01:40 Paul's Journey and Research Approach 04:34 The Impact of Bale Grazing 07:02 Economic and Environmental Benefits 12:51 Nutrient Management and Research Findings 15:42 Challenges and Considerations in Bale Grazing 19:55 Nutrient Distribution and Practical Insights 27:48 Quantitative Results and Nutrient Efficiency 32:44 Understanding Corral Smell and Nitrogen Loss 33:27 Livestock-Crop Integration: Benefits and Practices 36:51 Historical Practices and Modern Innovations 43:40 Economic and Environmental Benefits of Bale Grazing 50:51 Scientific Insights into Urea and Urine 59:14 Global Adoption and Impact of Bale Grazing   If this conversation added context or sparked new thinking, join us for future episodes as we continue exploring what regeneration actually looks like in practice. These conversations are grounded in lived experience, shared learning, and on-the-ground innovation. To explore the research, field projects, and stories behind the conversations, visit the Regenerative Alberta Living Lab at: Instagram: @regenlivinglab Facebook: Regenerative Alberta Living Lab Website: regenlivinglab.org Also connect with us at: Instagram: @foodwaterwellness Facebook: FoodWaterWellnessFoundation Website: foodwaterwellness.org

    1h 3m
  4. FEB 10

    001. From Past Innovations to Future Possibilities: A Journey Through Regenerative Agriculture with Grant Lastiwka

    In this episode of 'In Living Cover,' presented by the Regenerative Alberta Living Lab, host Kim Cornish is joined by Grant Lastiwka to delve into the evolution of regenerative agriculture practices in Alberta since the 1980s. They explore the grassroots innovations that transformed livestock grazing methods, introduced extended grazing practices like swath and bale grazing, and integrated scientific research with producer-driven experimentation. This rich narrative highlights the collaborative efforts that shaped current best practices in soil health, forage productivity, and land resilience, and discusses the future implications and ongoing challenges in adopting these regenerative techniques widely. 00:00 Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture 00:13 The Quiet Revolution of the 80s and 90s 00:22 Innovative Grazing Practices 00:48 Grant Lastiwka's Contributions 01:15 The Living Lab Model 02:41 Challenges and Successes in Grazing 05:18 Economic Drivers and Innovations 07:33 The Role of Electric Fencing 10:01 Producer-Driven Innovations 11:47 Intersection of Research and Practical Application 14:02 The Evolution of Grazing Practices 22:55 The Impact of Bale Grazing 29:18 The Role of Science and Community 39:16 Current Challenges and Future Directions 57:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts If this conversation added context or sparked new thinking, join us for future episodes as we continue exploring what regeneration actually looks like in practice. These conversations are grounded in lived experience, shared learning, and on-the-ground innovation. To explore the research, field projects, and stories behind the conversations, visit the Regenerative Alberta Living Lab at: Instagram: @regenlivinglab Facebook: Regenerative Alberta Living Lab Website: regenlivinglab.org Also connect with us at: Instagram: @foodwaterwellness Facebook: FoodWaterWellnessFoundation Website: foodwaterwellness.org

    1h 1m

About

In Living Cover is a podcast exploring the people, ideas, and real-world practices shaping regenerative agriculture and land stewardship today. Through candid conversations with producers, researchers, and innovators, the show connects past lessons with future possibilities, unpacking what regeneration looks like on the ground, not just in theory. Expect thoughtful dialogue on soil health, grazing systems, food systems, and community-led innovation, with an emphasis on curiosity, context, and practical insight. This is a space for nuance, lived experience, and honest exploration of how we can work with land in more resilient, regenerative ways.