Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

John Kempf
  • 4.7 (498)
  • Earth Sciences
  • Updated Biweekly

This is a show for professional growers and agronomists who want to learn about the science and principles of regenerative agriculture systems to increase quality, yield, and profitability.

  1. Episode 180: Shifting Management Logistics to Build a Better Lifestyle with Tom Cotter

    6d ago

    Episode 180: Shifting Management Logistics to Build a Better Lifestyle with Tom Cotter

    Tom Cotter is a third-generation farmer from Austin in southeast Minnesota who operates a diverse operation alongside his family and brother-in-law, Tony. He began farming with his dad in 1994 under a purely conventional system characterized by full tillage and routine chemical applications. Tom's journey into soil health began unexpectedly when his father purchased a tile plow and they noticed how much easier the equipment pulled—and how much better subsequent yields were—following a 20-acre test planting of rapeseed cover crops. Today, Tom manages an operation encompassing 340 acres of certified organic ground, 430 acres of conventional no-till ground, and an 80-acre pasture. Driven by a desire to cut input costs and work with nature, Tom has successfully integrated a five-way crop rotation with multi-species cover crop mixes and intensive grass-finished livestock grazing. He is passionate about helping his local community and fellow producers, actively collaborating with the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition to host annual field days and food health days. In this episode, John and Tom discuss: A small trial of rapeseed in the 1990s that dramatically improved soil structure, earthworm populations, and subsequent corn yields. How integrating a 40-way cover crop mix and livestock triggered a massive biological explosion of 25 to 30 earthworms per shovelful. Balancing organic and conventional no-till acres using a simple plus-and-minus grading system to track soil health trends. Grazing livestock on crop ground for up to 10 months out of the year to cut feed costs and to act as a natural, variable-rate fertilizer system. Shifting to an adaptive multi-crop rotation distributed the workload, eliminated grueling hours, and reduced seasonal stress. How designing smart crop sequences and planting winter rye allowed him to completely eliminate fungicides and insecticides on his conventional acres. Distributing his workload so that he can take weekends off and enjoy motorcycle rides during harvest season . Additional Resources To learn more about Tom and the work of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, please visit: https://www.mnsoilhealth.org/about-us/tom-cotter/ About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it. Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology. Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture. AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA's science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most. AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits. Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide. Learn more about AEA's regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    1h 6m
  2. Podcast Extra: Rethinking Fertility Inputs | Soil Strategies Podcast

    May 21

    Podcast Extra: Rethinking Fertility Inputs | Soil Strategies Podcast

    In this Podcast Extra, John Kempf joins the Soil Strategies podcast, hosted by Roy Thompson of the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, to break down a radically different operating system for agriculture that transitions away from traditional NPK mindsets toward biological agronomy . In this episode they discuss: How high-salt index, electrolyte-based fertilizers interrupt plant signaling and create a long-term dependency by sabotaging effective microbial colonization . The powerful role a healthy microbiome plays in supercharging a plant's native genetic expression for ultimate disease and insect resistance . Why conventional soil tests have historically been utilized primarily as fertilizer sales tools rather than agronomic guides . The incredible economic opportunity growers have to break away from being "farmed" by input companies by optimizing free resources like water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide . And how well-designed foliar applications can harness the plant's photosynthetic engine to dramatically increase sugar production and feed soil biology without causing a yield drag . Additional Resources To listen to more episodes of the Soil Strategies Podcast, please visit: https://www.sdsoilhealthcoalition.org/podcast/ About John Kempf John Kempf is an agronomist, entrepreneur, sought-after speaker, and the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) . He is also the host of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast . Growing up in the Amish community on a family fruit and vegetable farm, John experienced firsthand the financial pain and escalating pest pressures of traditional chemical-intensive models . This led him to study plant physiology and soil health deeply, helping him build a scientifically established, systems-based approach to plant nutrition that moves beyond electrolyte agronomy and leverages biological soil function . Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has worked globally with professional growers to improve crop performance, build farm resiliency, and increase profitability through balanced nutrition and biological soil function . AEA believes in testing instead of guessing, relying on rigorous laboratory data to measure what the soil can actually deliver before making recommendations . Through a unique line of products—including biological seed treatments, well-designed foliar nutrition, and their highly effective broad-spectrum disease-resistance product, Pinion—AEA empowers farmers to reduce synthetic inputs, optimize photosynthesis, and transition smoothly into highly successful, resilient biological systems .

    51 min
  3. Podcast Extra: Our Crops Aren't Sick, They're Dependent | Soil Talks Podcast

    May 14

    Podcast Extra: Our Crops Aren't Sick, They're Dependent | Soil Talks Podcast

    In this Podcast Extra, John joins the Soil Talks Podcast to break down a radically different way to think about crop health, soil biology, and system function. In this episode they discuss: • Why pests may not be attacking your crops but reporting a deeper issue • How soluble fertilizers can create long-term dependency • The hidden relationship between plant immunity and soil microbiology • Why modern agriculture succeeds in yield but fails in resilience • And how some growers are producing healthier crops with fewer inputs Additional Resources To listen to more epsidoes of the Soil Talks Podcast, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEVD04wz0u2J9qqu3L0zcZ9V8_YVzpr81 About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.  Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.  Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.  AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA's science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.  AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.  Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.  Learn more about AEA's regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    1h 2m
  4. Podcast Extra: Ask Me Anything with John Kempf - April 9, 2026

    May 7

    Podcast Extra: Ask Me Anything with John Kempf - April 9, 2026

    In this Podcast Extra, Join John as he answers a wide range of grower-submitted questions covering real-world challenges in regenerative agriculture. The discussion focuses on the practical application of biologicals and biostimulants, nutrient management strategies for specific soil types, and the use of AEA products to improve crop resilience. John emphasizes the importance of synergistic "stacking" of products and the role of microbial diversity in achieving disproportionate yield responses. Other topics discussed include: Distinguishing between biological inoculants for the soil rhizosphere and those designed for plant foliage. Defining biostimulants as non-living materials, such as humic substances, seaweeds, and organic acids, that trigger plant or microbial responses. Achieving geometric yield effects, where one plus one equals five or more, through the synergistic stacking of diverse inoculants and biostimulants. Recommending BioCoat Gold and Seed Flare as the primary choices for seed treatments to enhance the native microbiome. Including molybdenum in all nitrogen applications because it is a necessary enzyme cofactor for nitrate reductase. Improving nitrogen use efficiency for both plants and soil biology through the use of Rebound Molybdenum. Adding ammonium thiosulfate to nitrogen mixes to help achieve a proper 10:1 nitrogen-to-sulfur ratio. Utilizing Pinion as a broad-spectrum biocontrol that activates the plant's own immune, genetic, and microbiome pathways. Acknowledging that the effectiveness of Pinion is heavily influenced by the amount of oxidative stress a plant is under. Identifying plant species and family diversity as the most effective practical steps for improving soil microbial communities. Using single-species inoculants, such as Rhizobium or Mycorrhizal fungi, to disprove the myth that small amounts of microbes cannot be successful. Remediating high sodium in soil and water by combining gypsum, humic substances, and Spectrum DS. Treating hard water with an RO water purifier for foliar sprays to ensure the best possible crop response.  Additional Resources To learn more AEA's Nitrogen Effeciency Program, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/land/nitrogen-efficiency/ To learn more and purchase Pinion, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/land/pinion/ To learn more about AEA's seed treatments, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/land/seed-treatments/ About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.  Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.  Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.  AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA's science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.  AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.  Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.  Learn more about AEA's regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    57 min
  5. Episode 179: Rewilding Livestock Instincts for Soil Health with Bob Kinford

    May 1

    Episode 179: Rewilding Livestock Instincts for Soil Health with Bob Kinford

    Bob Kinford is a veteran stockman and grazing consultant who has spent a lifetime observing and refining the way we interact with livestock. His journey began as a child watching cattle scatter while sheep and goats remained bunched, leading him to question the conventional belief that cows lack decision-making capabilities. Through decades of working alone, he developed a unique approach to managing large herds without the use of permanent or electric fencing, focusing instead on the intuitive relationship between the handler and the animal's natural instincts.   Bob advocates for the "rebooting" of cattle to restore their innate herd instincts and selective grazing habits. He demonstrates how this transition allows livestock to become more nutritionally self-sufficient, often consuming invasive species and "weeds" like leafy spurge or spotted knapweed that they would typically ignore in a stressed environment. By utilizing proactive management, he illustrates how stress-free handling can significantly increase forage productivity, soil health through distributed fertility, and overall ranch profitability.  In this episode John and Bob discuss: The inherent intelligence and decision-making capabilities of livestock compared to mainstream scientific views    Managing large herds across vast landscapes without the use of traditional or electronic fencing   Creating murmurations in cattle to guide their movement through subtle body positioning and intention    The three-day "reboot" process that triggers cattle to begin eating highly nutritious invasive plants    Strategies for increasing animal weight gain by reducing the stress associated with traditional feeding and moving    The relationship between animal bedding patterns and the development of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil   Additional Resources  To learn more about Bob and his work, please visit: https://migratorygrazing.com/ or http://bobkinford.com/ About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.  Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.  Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.  AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA's science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.  AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.  Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.  Learn more about AEA's regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    1h 10m
  6. Episode 178: Reducing Inputs and Reclaiming Independence with Alex Udermann

    Apr 23

    Episode 178: Reducing Inputs and Reclaiming Independence with Alex Udermann

    Alex Udermann is a fifth-generation farmer from Minnesota who operates a dairy farm alongside his brother, parents, and wife. He began his career farming full-time immediately after high school and currently manages a diverse operation that includes milk cows, steers, and row crops. Facing significant financial struggles and equity erosion in 2016, Alex transitioned the farm toward regenerative practices to ensure the operation's future survival and profitability. Today, the farm is 100% no-till and incorporates cover crops, nutrient management plans, and large-scale composting. Alex uses advanced technology like drones for interseeding and foliar feeding to mimic natural processes he cannot achieve through traditional grazing. Driven by a passion to help others avoid the costly mistakes he encountered, he serves as a mentor for the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, where he shares his experiences with other producers through field days and educational panels. In this episode, John and Alex discuss: The financial challenges and equity erosion that forced the farm to change its management style Alex's experiences dealing with unsupportive banks and traditional agronomy managers during his transition How the farm successfully moved to no-till soybeans using a small investment in existing equipment The dramatic reduction in veterinary expenses and improvements in livestock health following soil health changes Observing massive improvements in water infiltration compared to neighboring conventional fields after heavy rains The use of drones and compost extracts to increase fungal levels and biological diversity in the soil Additional Resources To learn more about Alex and his farm, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/al.and.krissy/ To learn more about the work of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, please visit: https://www.mnsoilhealth.org/ About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.  Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.  Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.  AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA's science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.  AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.  Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.  Learn more about AEA's regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    49 min
  7. Episode 177: Leveraging Native Biology and No-Till Strategies with Bob Tillman

    Apr 16

    Episode 177: Leveraging Native Biology and No-Till Strategies with Bob Tillman

    Bob Tillman is a former electronics professional who launched Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery in 2003 on the steep, mountainous terrain of Paso Robles, California . Managing thirty-two acres of grapes, he has spent two decades transitioning from conventional methods to a biological approach centered on the natural resilience of his native ecosystem. He eliminated tillage in 2006 and moved away from synthetic inputs to rely on native ground cover and biological cycling . By utilizing total nutrition testing, he identifies vast mineral reserves already present in his soil and focuses on microbial health to make those nutrients available to the vines In this episode, John and Bob discuss: Tranisitiong to a completely no-till system after observing that native grasses were more effective and resilient than planted cover crops . How nutrition testing revealed that the soil contains enough potassium for over six hundred years and enough iron for millions of years of production . Utilizing AEA and sap analysis to identify specific micronutrient deficiencies and adjust nutrition throughout the growing season through foliar applications. Applying AEA products like CalGuard and Rebound Boron helps address seasonal trending deficiencies in calcium and boron levels . How the vineyard uses compost extracts and teas to inject biological activity directly into the soil through the irrigation system . High-density native plant populations providing ground cover that supports deep-rooted vines while maintaining high soil organic matter . Additional Resources To learn more about Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery, please visit: https://altacolina.com/learn-more-about-alta-colina-wines/ To learn more about Advancing Eco Agriculture and their products, please vist: https://advancingecoag.com/ About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.  Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.  Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.  AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA's science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.  AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.  Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.  Learn more about AEA's regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    1 hr
  8. Episode 176: Vertical Integration for Regenerative Farmers with David Stelzer

    Apr 9

    Episode 176: Vertical Integration for Regenerative Farmers with David Stelzer

    David Stelzer is the founder of Azure Standard, a company born from a 1970s family health crisis that inspired a switch to organic farming. When a major processor dropped their organic grain for conventional wheat in the 1980s, David began delivering his own crops directly to co-ops in a pickup truck. This grew into a massive independent distribution network that now manages roughly 12,000 SKUs, connecting growers directly to consumers. In the field of regenerative agriculture, David focuses on vertical integration to bypass the expensive and often unethical mainstream middleman. By managing the farming, processing, and distribution in-house, he is able to pay farmers higher premiums while keeping food affordable for families. On his 5,000-acre farm, he proves that regenerative systems can match conventional yields while producing nutritionally superior food. In this episode, John and David discuss: David's childhood recovery from a life-threatening respiratory illness after his parents transitioned the family to a whole-food, organic diet. The decision to stop using mercury-treated seeds after realizing the chemical was intended for a disease that didn't exist in their region. How the loss of a major organic grain contract forced David to start his own distribution route, which eventually grew into Azure Standard. The vertical integration model that removes middlemen and brokers to pay farmers more while keeping consumer prices competitive. David's observation that their 5,000-acre organic farm maintains yields comparable to conventional neighbors without long-term losses. The astronomical demand for domestic organic and regenerative products, including frozen fruits and legumes, which currently outpaces US supply. Additional Resources  To learn more about Azure Standard, please visit: https://www.azurestandard.com/about-us About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.  Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.  Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.  AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA's science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.  AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.  Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.  Learn more about AEA's regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

    1h 13m
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4.7
out of 5
498 Ratings

About

This is a show for professional growers and agronomists who want to learn about the science and principles of regenerative agriculture systems to increase quality, yield, and profitability.

Information

  • Creator
    John Kempf
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    216
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright John Kempf and Advancing Eco Agriculture 2018 - 2024
  • Show Website
    Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

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