The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

Acres U.S.A.®
  • 4.6 (16)
  • 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. 1d ago

    Regenerative Orcharding: Building Soil Health & Profit from the Ground Up with Chuck Schembre Ep. 109

    What does it take to transform an orchard from a high-input production system into a thriving, resilient ecosystem? In this presentation from the 2024 Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference, regenerative agriculture consultant and orchard specialist Chuck Schembre shares his practical approach to regenerative orcharding.Drawing from decades of experience in vineyards, orchards, and diversified farming systems, Chuck explores how soil biology, mycorrhizal fungi, plant diversity, livestock integration, and adaptive management can dramatically improve tree health, nutrient cycling, water infiltration, and profitability. Rather than focusing on inputs and prescriptions, he challenges growers to embrace observation, ecosystem function, and the power of photosynthesis to create healthier, more productive orchards. Whether you're managing commercial fruit production, planting a homestead orchard, or simply interested in regenerative agriculture, this episode offers actionable insights into building living soils, reducing dependency on external inputs, and working with nature to grow stronger crops. 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 Understanding Ag’s Website: https://understandingag.com/

    1h 16m

  2. May 25

    From Farm Weird to Future Farming: Jason Mauck on Intercropping, Livestock Integration & Regenerative Innovation Ep. 108

    In this dynamic 2024 Eco-Ag presentation, Jason Mauck shares the evolution of his “Farm Weird” philosophy — blending intercropping, relay cropping, livestock integration, and creative systems thinking to build resilient, profitable farms. From 100-bushel wheat and soybeans grown together to autonomous grazing systems, golf-course-inspired farm design, and innovative direct-to-consumer meat marketing, Jason challenges conventional agriculture with practical experimentation and bold ideas. This conversation dives into polymath farming, plant adaptation, soil biology, carbon cycling, and how regenerative agriculture can reduce risk while increasing opportunity. Jason also opens up about personal loss, failure, entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that shaped his journey. Whether you’re a row crop farmer, grazier, marketer, or regenerative ag enthusiast, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what’s possible on your farm.  We are hosting another “Farm Weird” event at Jason's farm in Indiana. The one-day event will take place on June 27th with a special VIP dinner the night before.  Find out more about the “Farm Weird” Event here: https://conference.eco-ag.com/farmweird 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

    1h 9m

  3. May 18

    Soil, Health & Freedom | A Conversation About Chemical Off-Ramps with RFK Jr.

    Hosted during the American Regeneration Summit with Acres U.S.A. at Sovereignty Ranch, this unforgettable discussion with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explores the future of agriculture, the collapse of the chemical food system, the rise of regenerative farming, breakthrough technologies replacing toxic inputs, and the growing national movement to restore soil, health, and freedom. From practical solutions that reduce chemical dependency to deeper reflections on stewardship, spirituality, and the role of the American farmer, this conversation highlights why regenerative agriculture has become one of the defining movements of our time. Featuring Rick Clark, Mollie Engelhart, Taylor Henry, Clint Brauer, Frank Glatz, Pete Oberle, and more, this powerful panel examines how regeneration can strengthen rural communities, empower farmers, improve public health, and help shape a more resilient future for the next generation.

    1h 4m

  4. May 11

    The True Cost of Industrial Agriculture | Chris Jones on Water, Soil & the Future of Farming Ep. 107

    In this episode of the podcast, Chris Jones—retired University of Iowa water quality researcher and author of The Swine Republic—dives into the environmental realities of modern agriculture in Iowa and across the Corn Belt. From nitrate-contaminated drinking water and stream erosion to ethanol policy, CAFOs, and the loss of diversified farming systems, Jones delivers a candid look at how industrial agriculture has reshaped rural landscapes, public health, and water quality. He also explores what regenerative, diversified agriculture could look like moving forward—and why meaningful change may require both policy reform and a complete rethinking of the current system. This is a recording from Eco-Ag 2024! 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 Chris Jone’s Substack: https://riverraccoon.substack.com/

    59 min

  5. May 4

    Jordan Green: Using Pigs to Build Silvopasture Ep. 106

    What if pigs weren’t a problem—but one of the most powerful tools for regeneration? In this episode of ‘The Acres USA Podcast’, Jordan Green of J&L Green Farm shares a practical, no-nonsense approach to using pigs to transform degraded woods into thriving silvopastures. Drawing from over a decade of hands-on experience, Jordan breaks down how to work with a pig’s natural instincts—turning disturbance into a force for soil building, forage growth, and long-term farm profitability. He challenges common “pastured pig” practices that fall short of true regeneration, and lays out a clear framework for what regenerative management actually looks like: intentional movement, rest, recovery, and measurable ecosystem improvement. You’ll learn: Why most outdoor pig systems fail to be regenerative—and how to fix it How pigs can replace expensive machinery for clearing and soil prep Step-by-step insights into converting forest into productive silvopasture Real numbers on stocking rates, costs, and cash-flow strategies Creative ways to monetize land during the transition (from firewood to specialty products) How to stack enterprises—pigs, cattle, timber, and more—on the same acreage Whether you’re raising livestock, managing land, or exploring regenerative agriculture, this episode offers a grounded, experience-driven roadmap to building resilient, profitable systems—without massive upfront capital. 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 Jordan’s Website: https://jlgreenfarm.com/

    1h 20m

  6. Apr 27

    Water, Wealth, and the Future of Farming with Joy Van Wyngarden Ep. 105

    In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Joy Van Wyngarden, Iowa-based conservation advocate, content creator, and passionate voice in regenerative agriculture. Joy shares her journey from growing up on a South Central Iowa row-crop farm to working as a watershed coordinator focused on soil conservation and water quality. Together, they dive into some of the most pressing issues facing modern agriculture, including nitrate runoff, drinking water concerns, rising cancer rates, input costs, farmland prices, and the economic pressures farmers face today. Joy offers an honest, solutions-driven perspective on why regenerative agriculture and conservation practices matter—not just for farmers, but for everyone who depends on clean water and healthy food. The conversation also explores rural community challenges, generational farm transitions, land access for young farmers, and the future of agriculture in Iowa and beyond. This is a thoughtful discussion about the realities of farming, the need for better education and transparency, and the opportunities to build a more resilient agricultural system for the next generation. 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 American Regeneration Event Registration: https://events.acresusa.com/american-regeneration Joy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_joyofalltrades_/

    56 min

  7. Apr 20

    Secrets to Effective Livestock Management: Insights from Bob Kinford Ep. 104

    Discover effective livestock management strategies from expert Bob Kinford. Learn how adaptive grazing can improve cattle health and reduce workload. In this episode of ‘The Acres U.S.A. Podcast’ host Taylor Henry interviews Bob Kinford, a seasoned livestock expert from Texas. They explore transformative strategies that can help ranchers achieve better results with less stress. In this episode, we will Kinford's insights on holistic grazing, stockmanship, and the importance of understanding animal behavior. 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 American Regeneration Event Registration: https://events.acresusa.com/american-regeneration Acres U.S.A. partnered Understanding Ag Adaptive Grazing Event: https://understandingag.acresusa.com/texas-register Bob Kinford’s Website: https://migratorygrazing.com/

    56 min

  8. Apr 13

    Megan Neubauer: How to Maximize Farm Revenue with Pick-Your-Own Crops Ep. 103

    On this episode of ‘The Acres U.S.A. Podcast’, we have another throwback presentation from Eco-Ag 2024 featuring Megan Neubauer. Megan shares her and her dad Jack’s  journey from a traditional market garden CSA to a successful pick-your-own farm! Megan highlights crop planning, customer experience, and profitability strategies as well as other important topics. Learn how to optimize your farm for high volume, quality, and customer satisfaction. Acres USA is hosting a webinar with Megan this week: Thursday, April 16th. See link below for more details. Key topics: Crop planning for pick-your-own farms Maximizing profitability and volume Customer experience and farm design 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 American Regeneration Event Registration: https://events.acresusa.com/american-regeneration Megan’s Book: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/pick-your-own-farming Register for Megan's Webinar this week: https://partners.acresusa.com/megan-neubauer-webinar

    1h 8m
See All (110)

4.6
out of 5
16 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
    110
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Acres U.S.A.®
  • Show Website
    The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

You Might Also Like