96 episodes

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.

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast John Kempf

    • Science
    • 4.8 • 362 Ratings

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.

    Episode 97: Integrating Trees Into Working Pastures with Austin Unruh

    Episode 97: Integrating Trees Into Working Pastures with Austin Unruh

    Austin Unruh founded Trees for Graziers to help farmers establish trees in pastures on a large scale. Austin has worked on over 400 acres for 25 different working farms. Getting trees planted at a large scale and an affordable price led to lots of experimentation to ensure protection and integration into pasture that was minimally intrusive.

    It’s his goal to make silvopasture as easy and cost-effective as possible for farmers. Trees for Graziers offers everything from planning, planting, and aftercare to growing silvo-specific nursery stock. 
    In this episode, Austin and John discuss:
    The importance of integrating trees into pasture How to protect young trees from rodent damage
    The many benefits that trees provide
    Tree species that have the greatest opportunities in silvopasture
    How to best match tree characteristics to farm goals
    Additional Resources
    To learn more about Austin Unruh and Trees for Graziers, please visit:
    https://treesforgraziers.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/

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk
     

    • 1 hr 17 min
    Episode 96: Revolutionizing the Chicken Industry with Paul Greive

    Episode 96: Revolutionizing the Chicken Industry with Paul Greive

    Paul Greive founded Pasturebird after searching for high-quality pasture-raised chicken to feed his family. Unable to find this chicken in stores, Paul and his family took matters into their own hands, setting out to produce nutrient-dense pasture-raised chicken. In the spring of 2012, Paul's brother ordered 50 chicks, marking the inception of their business.

    Pasturebird is now the largest pasture poultry producer in the world, with a mission to make nutrient-dense chicken more affordable and accessible to all. Pasturebird is revolutionizing the chicken industry by integrating solar-powered, self-driving chicken coops. This innovation provides their birds access to the outdoors, fresh grass, insects, and sunlight and contributes to soil regeneration for future generations.
    In an unconventional move, the company partnered with “Big Ag” giant Perdue. This strategic partnership granted Pasturebird access to hatcheries, feed mills, and slaughterhouses, sparing them from the significant debt they would have otherwise incurred to build these resources.
    In this episode, Paul and John discuss:
    Improving the way “Big Ag” operates
    Scaling up operations to reduce costs
    Focusing on one thing and outsourcing the rest
    Pasturebird’s collaboration with Perdue 
    The innovation behind self-driving chicken houses
    The importance of effective marketing and messaging
    Incentivizing regenerative ag through fractional land ownership
    Additional Resources
    To learn more about Pasturebird and to place an order, please visit: https://www.pasturebird.com/

    Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgreive/
    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/

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk
     

    • 1 hr 19 min
    Episode 95: Regenerative Innovation on a Large-Scale Dairy With Austin Allred

    Episode 95: Regenerative Innovation on a Large-Scale Dairy With Austin Allred

    Austin Allred is a dairyman located in the Columbia basin of Washington State and operates Royal Family Farms. His parents started farming 50 years ago, and now Austin, as well as his brothers, own their own operations. Together, their four farms have grown over 1 million tons of potatoes, boxes of apples, boxes of cherries, bushels of corn, and bales of hay, beans, peas, asparagus, and more. Austin’s dairy produces 1 million gallons of milk per month.
    Fifteen years ago, the family began their regenerative journey when they decided to become more self-sufficient and reduce their dependency on synthetic fertilizers. Their different farming operations work together to create a self-sustaining loop, a key to their innovation and success. 
    Today, Austin Allred is a strong proponent of regenerative agriculture and loves finding innovative ways to work together with his family to further the success and overall health of their soil, crops, and cattle.
    In this episode, Austin and John discuss:


    Reducing the need for fertilizers by bringing in cattle to his operation
    Using byproducts from neighboring farms for nutrient balance feed
    Increasing nitrogen independency
    Liquid manure management and composting systems
    Reducing water consumption by recycling it on the farm
    Utilizing marketing to showcase the story of products
    Developing other income streams on the farm
    The importance of collaboration between growers 
    Additional Resources
    To learn more about Royal Dairy, please visit: https://www.royaldairy.com/on-the-farm or watch their documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfSzdzgDXjE
    Friend Earthworm by George Oliver: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0980297613/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0980297613&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2
    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/

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk
     

    • 56 min
    Episode 94: Challenging Assumptions About Regenerative Agriculture with John Kempf hosted by Future of Agriculture

    Episode 94: Challenging Assumptions About Regenerative Agriculture with John Kempf hosted by Future of Agriculture

    In this special episode, hosted by Tim Hammerich and the Future of Agriculture Podcast, Tim and John Kempf will challenge several commonly held assumptions about the future of agriculture. Take regenerative agriculture, which is often defined by the ability to improve soil health and sequester carbon. But John Kempf says these are outcomes, even by-products, not the complete definition of regenerative.
    In this episode, Tim and John discuss:
    What it means to be regenerative
    AEA observations from working with over 10,000 growers and 4 million acres
    AEA’s Wefunder campaign
    How to look at agriculture problems and solutions through a regenerative lens Future of Agriculture explores the people, companies, and ideas shaping the agriculture industry's future. Every week, Tim Hammerich talks to the farmers, founders, innovators, and investors to share stories of agtech, sustainability, resiliency, and the future of food. Future of Agriculture believes innovation is an important part of the future of agriculture, and real change comes from collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, and farmers. Lead with optimism, but also bring data.
    Additional Resources:
    To listen to more episodes of Future of Agriculture, please visit: https://www.futureofagriculture.com/

    To learn more about AEA’s Wefunder campaign, please visit: https://wefunder.com/advancingecoag
    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/

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk
     

    • 49 min
    Episode 93: Growing Organic Wheat, Cotton, and Peanuts with Kelton Coleman

    Episode 93: Growing Organic Wheat, Cotton, and Peanuts with Kelton Coleman

    Kelton Coleman has been farming since 2011 in the panhandle of Texas. He farms with his dad, grandfather, and father-in-law. He started with conventional agriculture in 2011 but shifted to organic peanuts and wheat in 2013, followed by organic cotton in 2016. 
    His initial journey into organic farming was based solely on economics, rather than soil or plant health. That has since changed, and now Kelton is deeply vested in his crops' health. He first got connected to AEA through the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast and then through personal connections in his community. He now uses several programs and products from AEA, and he is seeing many successes on his farm, such as reduced nitrogen usage, 20% more yield on his cotton (including a large increase in 6-lock cotton bolls), and better protection from root rot in his peanut crop.
    In this episode, Kelton and John discuss:
    Memorable failures that led Kelton to where he is today
    The unintended consequences of inputs on microbial organisms, insects, and plants
    How he implemented regenerative practices on his farm
    Working with AEA and their products
    Improvements he is seeing in peanuts and cotton
    Improving drought and heat resilience
    Crop-wide nitrogen reduction
    Improving no-till organic systems
    Additional Resources
    To learn more about developments of no-till organic systems, listen to this podcast episode featuring Helen Atthowe: https://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com/episodes/episode-87-helen-atthowe/
    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/

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk
     

    • 48 min
    Episode 92: Growing Regenerative Opportunities with Koen van Seijen

    Episode 92: Growing Regenerative Opportunities with Koen van Seijen

    Koen van Seijen has interviewed over 250 investors, investment fund managers, opinion leaders, farmers, and scientists to find out how money can best be used to regenerate soil, people, local communities, and ecosystems. He is currently a member engagement manager of Toniic, the global community of dynamic and active impact investors. Previously Koen supported Aqua-Spark, an impact investing fund focused on sustainable aquaculture companies.

    In this conversation, John and Koen discuss:
    Current investment activity in agriculture
    The role of capital in regenerative adoption
    Regenerative practices and topics attractive to investors
    Regenerating the water cycle at a local ecosystem level
    The benefits of nutrient absorption through foliage
    The need for education in the finance world
    Areas of opportunities for growers today
    Increasing consumer interest through nutrient density
    To learn more about Koen and the “Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food” podcast, please visit: https://investinginregenerativeagriculture.com/
    Additional Resources
    “Back from the Brink: How Australia's Landscape Can Be Saved” by Peter Andrews “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben  “The Weather Makers: How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth” by Tim Flannery Walter Jehne YouTube Playlist  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/

    VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk
     

    • 1 hr 19 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
362 Ratings

362 Ratings

McCarrickless ,

The best of Ag

I absolutely love this podcast and try to share it with as many people as possible. Real grounded conversations. Real regen(leaving room for everyone to start where they are). Real Ag. Real solutions. Real people. Real heart. Many thanks to all the folks that make this podcast happen!

No-Till Flowers ,

Long time listener becoming an even bigger fan

I’ve listened to all of John’s episodes. Always stimulating and valuable. But I have to say the recent episodes are going to a whole new level. I can tell John has been deep in thought about more than just soil and it shows. I really appreciate all that’s been discussed, including the topic of how to regenerate ourselves and our connections. Please keep going down this path. It’s powerful.

extrasuperkk ,

Don’t be an uncritical consumer of this podcast

I was surprised and disappointed to hear a highly touted guest proclaim that he wasn’t sure if climate change was really happening and be given ample time to waffle and cast doubt on what is established science. In addition, the same guest made it sound like all animal agriculture is fine—that eutrophication and other water pollution isn’t happening, that methane from ruminants isn’t an issue. C’mon. The science is there. This makes you, the host, look like a fool. Take some time to talk about the nuance—CAFOs are bad. A lot of animal agriculture IS bad. Sell your own model.

Please—debunk and clarify when your guests make spurious claims.

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