AG & Culture

Southland Organics
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You can't have culture without agriculture. Real conversations about what actually works in agriculture. From soil biology to poultry health, we dig into the science and stories that matter.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 10: All About "All-Natural" (Part. 2)

    What does “all natural” actually mean on a food label… and can you trust it? In Episode 10 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm continue their 3-part series on organic vs natural vs regenerative agriculture by breaking down one of the most misleading terms in the food industry: “all natural.”   While “organic” is a regulated, enforceable label, “all natural” is not — and that opens the door for confusion, marketing tactics, and misleading claims. This episode dives into what “natural” really means (and doesn’t), how companies use it, and how consumers can protect themselves by understanding what’s actually in their food. Topics Covered in This Episode • What consumers think “all natural” means vs reality • Why “natural” is not a legally regulated term • The difference between organic and natural labeling • How companies use “natural” as a marketing strategy • Why “natural” does NOT mean healthy • Real examples of misleading “all natural” products • Why sugar, additives, and even harmful substances can still be “natural” • How to read ingredient labels effectively • Red flags to look for on food packaging • Tools and apps to help analyze food ingredients • Why trusting the brand matters more than trusting the label Mike explains that just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s good for you — and emphasizes the importance of education, label-reading, and understanding ingredients over blindly trusting front-of-package claims. Key Takeaway Don’t trust the front of the label. “Natural” is a marketing term — not a guarantee. If you want to make better decisions about your food, flip the package over, read the ingredients, and understand what you’re actually consuming.

    13 min

  2. APR 2

    Episode 9: What Does Organic Really Mean?

    Organic vs Natural (Part 1): What “Organic” Really Means — And What It Doesn’t | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 9 What does “organic” actually mean… and what are you really getting when you see that label? In Episode 9 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm kick off a 3-part series breaking down one of the most misunderstood terms in food and agriculture: organic.   Most consumers assume organic means healthier, more nutritious, and better for the environment — but the reality is more nuanced. This episode dives into the legal definition of organic, how certification works, and what the label actually guarantees (and doesn’t). • What “organic” really means in agriculture and food • Why organic has become a buzzword in modern marketing • USDA organic certification explained • What organic labels actually guarantee • What organic does NOT guarantee (nutrition, quality, etc.) • The difference between organic food vs products used in organic farming • How pesticides and chemicals are regulated in organic systems • Why some foods absorb more chemical residue than others • OMRI vs USDA Organic — what’s the difference? • What OMRI listing means for agricultural products • The real cost and process behind organic certification • How to spot misleading “organic” claims in the marketplace Mike also explains why consumers should look for certification seals, not just marketing language — and how terms like “organic,” “natural,” and “regenerative” are often misunderstood or misused. Topics Covered in This Episode Key Takeaway “Organic” doesn’t automatically mean healthier or better — it means the product has met a specific set of regulated standards. Understanding those standards is the difference between being an informed consumer… and being sold a label.

    15 min

  3. MAR 25

    Episode 8: Intro to Soul Miner's Eden

    AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 8   What was the original vision for the Southland Organics farm, Soul Miner's Eden?   In Episode 8 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm step back from theory and talk about the land itself - Soul Miner's Eden- what the property looked like before Mike bought it, how the vision for the farm developed over time, and where Mike sees it going next.    Before it became home to Southland’s offices, animals, residence, and daily operations, this property was largely overgrown, neglected land being reclaimed by invasive species and natural overgrowth. Mike shares how years of hands-on work and stewardship slowly turned that raw land into something intentional.   This episode covers:   • What the Soul Miner's Eden property was before it was developed • How the original vision for the farm began • The company principle of “think big and become” • Why Mike wanted the land to function as a sanctuary and testing ground • How the farm reflects Southland’s broader mission and values • Why stewardship of land matters • How the property has evolved over the last few years • Why cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens are now part of the vision • How regenerative farming fits into the future of the farm • Southland’s previous hydroponic lettuce and farm box efforts • The possibility of future community access, classes, milk, and eggs   Mike also explains how the property serves multiple purposes at once: part working farm, part product testing ground, part long-term vision for what Southland believes agriculture can look like.   This is less about abstract farming theory and more about the story of one specific farm — how it started, what it means to the people building it, and how vision becomes reality over time.     This episode is about more than land management. It’s about building a place with intention — one that reflects stewardship, experimentation, beauty, and Southland’s long-term mission.   🎧 AG & Culture Podcast – Episode 8 Hosted by Mike Usry & Joseph Boehm Key takeaway

    14 min

  4. MAR 18

    Episode 7: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Explained: Why Farmers Hate It

    Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Explained: Why Farmers Hate It | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 7   Why are farmers across America frustrated with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?   In Episode 7 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm dive into one of the most controversial topics in modern agriculture: DEF regulations, emissions systems on diesel equipment, and the real-world impact on farmers.   What started as an environmental regulation designed to reduce diesel emissions has become a major source of frustration for farmers, truck drivers, and equipment operators across the country.   In this episode, we break down what DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) actually is, why it was implemented, and why many farmers believe the system has created more problems than it solves.      • What Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) actually is • Why emissions regulations were introduced for diesel engines • How DEF systems work in tractors, trucks, and heavy equipment • Why farmers say DEF systems fail too often • The real-world dangers of DEF shutdown systems on equipment • Why emissions policies designed for cities may not work for rural agriculture • The rising costs of sensors, repairs, and equipment downtime • The “Right to Repair” debate with modern farm equipment • How government policy impacts farm productivity and food prices • The tension between environmental regulation and practical farming   Mike shares firsthand experiences with tractors, trucks, and skid steers that shut down unexpectedly due to DEF system failures — sometimes creating dangerous situations in the field or on the highway.   The conversation also explores the broader debate between environmental policy, rural infrastructure, and agricultural realities, asking an important question:   Are regulations designed for urban environments being applied to rural America without considering how farms actually operate?     For many farmers, the problem isn’t the idea of improving emissions — it’s how these systems were implemented and the unintended consequences they’ve created in real-world agriculture.   Whether you’re a farmer, equipment operator, policymaker, or someone interested in agriculture, energy policy, or the future of food production, this episode offers a candid look at a controversial issue affecting modern farming.   🎧 AG & Culture Podcast – Episode 7 Hosted by Mike Usry & Joseph Boehm Topics Covered in This EpisodeKey Takeaway

    19 min

  5. MAR 11

    EPISODE 6: “From Backyard to Commercial: Scaling Soil Health (Commercial)”

    Commercial Soil Health: Scaling From Backyard to Farm Without Destroying Your Soil | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 6What actually changes when you scale from backyard gardening to commercial farming?In Episode 6 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm break down the realities of commercial soil health — and why the principles stay the same, even when the acreage multiplies.From monoculture lawns to large-scale row crops, this episode explores the difference between managing soil as a hobby… and managing it as your livelihood.We cover:• Backyard vs commercial soil health — what really changes• Why scale affects machinery, not biology• The environmental myth of lawns vs farmland• How subdivisions destroy soil structure• Why established farmland is often more biologically diverse than neighborhoods• The dangers of monoculture farming• Why crop rotation matters more than fertilizer• How soil diversity impacts long-term productivity• Modern farm monitoring (drones, soil testing, pH management)• The impact of legislation on farming practices• The mindset shift required when farming becomes your income• Why “let nature do its job” is the most underestimated principle in agricultureMike explains why soil health fundamentals remain constant whether you’re growing tomatoes in a raised bed or managing hundreds of acres of cattle pasture, vineyards, or row crops.Key Takeaway:Commercial farming doesn’t require a different biology — it requires better stewardship.The biggest mistake farmers and homeowners make?Chasing production instead of building the underlying system.If you’re interested in:– Regenerative agriculture– Crop rotation strategies– Soil microbiome at scale– Sustainable farm management– Backyard vs commercial farming differencesThis episode will reframe how you think about soil, monocultures, and long-term land stewardship.🎧 AG & Culture Podcast — Episode 6

    17 min

  6. MAR 4

    EPISODE 5: “Healthy Soil Starts at Home: Lawn & Garden Soil Conditioning (Backyard)”

    Backyard Soil Health: Soil Conditioner vs Fertilizer (What Most Homeowners Get Wrong) | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 5 Most homeowners think lawn health = fertilizer. But what if fertilizer isn’t the missing piece? In Episode 5 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm break down the fundamentals of backyard soil health and explain why compost, carbon, and soil biology matter more than most people realize. If your lawn has: • Brown patches • Weak, spindly grass • Constant nutrient deficiencies • Fungal issues or blight • Poor growth despite fertilizing You may not have a fertilizer problem — you may have a soil problem. In this episode, we cover: • The difference between soil composition and soil life • What a soil conditioner actually is (and isn’t) • Soil conditioner vs fertilizer explained in simple terms • Why carbon and microbes should come first • How monoculture lawns weaken soil over time • Why over-fertilizing can damage your microbiome • When to apply soil amendments • Why winter dormancy is the best time to rebuild soil • How compost improves backyard soil naturally • Why weeds aren’t always the enemy • The biggest lawn care misconception homeowners believe Mike explains why lawns are essentially man-made monocultures and how that impacts nutrient cycling, microbial diversity, and long-term soil health. Key takeaway: Stop chasing symptoms above ground. Start fixing the root cause below ground. If you want healthier grass, stronger roots, and better long-term lawn performance — you need to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. This episode is perfect for: – Homeowners – Lawn care professionals – Backyard gardeners – DIY landscapers – Anyone looking to improve soil naturally 🎧 AG & Culture Podcast — Episode 5

    16 min

  7. FEB 25

    Episode 4: "Carbon: The Most Misunderstood Element in Agriculture"

    Carbon in Agriculture Explained: Fast, Slow & Stable Soil Carbon | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 4 Carbon might be the most misunderstood element in agriculture. In Episode 4 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm cut through the political buzzwords and break carbon down into practical, real-world soil science. What actually matters when we talk about carbon in soil? Is carbon emissions the real conversation farmers should be having? And why is carbon the foundation of plant nutrition? This episode covers: • What soil carbon really is (without the hype) • The difference between fast, slow, and stable carbon • Why carbon feeds microbes — and microbes feed plants • How root exudates create “fast carbon” • The role of compost and humic substances in slow carbon • What biochar is (in plain English) and why it matters • How carbon improves soil structure and water retention • What Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) means and why it’s important • Why sandy soils struggle with nutrient retention • How to increase soil carbon naturally • No-till vs over-tillage and its impact on carbon cycling • The relationship between carbon, microbes, and nutrient delivery Mike explains why carbon is the primary element for soil life — even more foundational than anything listed on a fertilizer bag. If you’re a: – Farmer – Rancher – Homesteader – Lawn care professional – Gardener – Or someone curious about regenerative agriculture This episode will help you understand how carbon impacts everything from water retention to nutrient cycling to long-term soil fertility. 📌 Key Takeaway: If you want healthier soil, start with roots. Grow living roots. Let them decay naturally. Build carbon from the ground up. Coming up next: Scaling backyard systems to commercial operations. Listen now and subscribe for deeper conversations on soil biology, regenerative systems, and the cultural roots of agriculture.

    17 min

  8. FEB 18

    Episode 3: "Why Your Fertilizer Isn't Working (And What to Do Instead)"

    Why Your Fertilizer Isn’t Working (And What Soil Health Has To Do With It) | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 3 Farmers and homeowners spend billions on fertilizer every year. So why are so many seeing less return on the same inputs? In Episode 3 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm break down one of the biggest misconceptions in modern agriculture: fertilizer isn’t the problem — but it’s also not the solution. Drawing from decades of soil study and real-world experience, Mike explains: • Why over-reliance on NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) leads to diminishing returns • What fertilizer actually is — and what it isn’t • The difference between macro nutrients and trace minerals • Why carbon is the most ignored element in soil health • How synthetic fertilizers affect soil pH and salinity • The “soil engine” analogy — microbes vs. fuel • What over-fertilization really does underground • How to revitalize depleted soil • Why monocropping damages ecosystems • How long land should rest to recover • The difference between passive rest and active restoration • The balance between synthetic efficiency and regenerative systems Mike also addresses whether soil becomes “addicted” to fertilizer and explains why the real issue isn’t chemical dependence — it’s biological imbalance. This episode challenges the idea that more fertilizer equals more production and instead focuses on the unseen world beneath your feet: the soil microbiome. If you’re a: – Farmer – Rancher – Home gardener – Lawn care professional – Homesteader – Or just someone curious about food systems This conversation will change the way you think about fertilizer forever. Coming Up Next: Episode 4 — The Power of Carbon Listen now and subscribe for deeper conversations on agriculture, soil biology, regenerative systems, and the cultural roots of food.

    17 min

  9. FEB 11

    Episode 2: "Humic vs. Fulvic: The Difference That Actually Matters"

    In Episode 2 of the AG & Culture Podcast, hosts Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm cut through the marketing noise surrounding humic acid vs fulvic acid and explain what actually matters for soil health, microbial activity, and nutrient availability. If you’ve ever wondered why humic and fulvic products are often confusing, overhyped, or poorly explained, this episode breaks it down in practical, real-world terms. Drawing on decades of experience working with humic deposits and soil systems, Mike explains why humic and fulvic substances do not exist separately in nature, how they function together, and what role they play in building healthy, resilient soil. This conversation goes beyond product labels and dives into the systemic nature of soil health—from microbial structure and nutrient chelation to biofilm breakdown, oxygen transfer, and why observation matters more than shortcuts. Whether you’re a farmer, grower, homeowner, or simply interested in regenerative agriculture, this episode reframes soil amendments as part of a living system rather than a quick fix. Humic vs fulvic acid: what’s real vs what’s marketing How humic substances form and evolve in soil The role of microbes, structure, and nutrient chelation Why fulvic acid breaks biofilm and improves oxygen flow Adsorption vs absorption explained simply Practical signs your soil or lawn may need support Why soil health is a long-term system, not a one-product solution This episode is ideal for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture, soil biology, sustainable farming, lawn care, or understanding what healthy soil actually looks like beneath the surface. 🎧 Listen now and learn why soil health starts with structure, observation, and stewardship—not shortcuts.

    14 min
  10. Episode 1: "Invisible Economy Under Your Feet"

    FEB 3

    Episode 1: "Invisible Economy Under Your Feet"

    Why can’t you separate agriculture from culture? In the first episode of the AG & Culture Podcast, hosts Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm lay the foundation for the show by exploring the deep, often forgotten connection between food, soil, and human civilization. Long before industrialization and instant convenience, societies revolved around agriculture. Culture was shaped at the dinner table. Traditions, relationships, and communities were built around what we grew, harvested, and shared. Food wasn’t just fuel — it was identity. Mike explains why this podcast isn’t called “Ag & Food,” but Ag & Culture, and how regional cuisines, ancient civilizations, and even modern social breakdown all trace back to how disconnected we’ve become from the land beneath our feet. The conversation dives into: How agriculture shaped human culture throughout history Why soil health matters more than most people realize What’s actually happening underground in the soil microbiome How microbes, roots, and humic substances support healthy plants Common misconceptions about fertilizers and “organic” farming Why healthy soil creates resilient plants — and unhealthy soil attracts pests The mindset shift from thinking in “dirt” to understanding living soil Mike also shares his personal journey into soil biology, sparked by preparing to become a father and questioning the modern food system. Drawing from his work with Southland Organics, he explains complex soil science concepts in a clear, accessible way for homeowners, growers, and anyone curious about where food truly begins. This episode sets the tone for the AG & Culture Podcast: slower conversations, deeper thinking, and a return to principles that nourish not just our bodies, but our culture and our soul.

    20 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

You can't have culture without agriculture. Real conversations about what actually works in agriculture. From soil biology to poultry health, we dig into the science and stories that matter.

Information

  • Creator
    Southland Organics
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Southland Organics
  • Show Website
    AG & Culture