100 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 • 384 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 114: The State of the American Food System with Austin Frerick

    Episode 114: The State of the American Food System with Austin Frerick

    Austin Frerick is an expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. He is a 7th-generation Iowan whose passion for agriculture comes from the weekends working on his grandpa's farm. He is a Fellow at the Thurman Arnold Project at Yale University. In 2022, he worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to organize a conference at Yale Law School entitled “Reforming America’s Food Retail Markets,” which explored competition issues in the nation’s grocery industry. He is the author of Barons: Money, Power and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry, which illustrates the concentration of power in the American food system.
    In this episode, Austin and John discuss:
    The monopolistic practices in the food supply chain
    The influence of politicians on food producers
    Breaking up monopolies vs removing regulatory barriers
    Foreign ownership of food companies and its impact on American agriculture
    Additional Resources
    To learn more about Austin Frerick, visit: https://www.austinfrerick.com
    To get a copy of his book “Barons,” visit: https://islandpress.org/books/barons#desc
    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
     

    • 24 min
    Episode 113: The Economics and Ethos of Market Gardening with Jean-Martin Fortier

    Episode 113: The Economics and Ethos of Market Gardening with Jean-Martin Fortier

    Jean-Martin (JM) Fortier has over 20 years of experience developing, testing, and perfecting biointensive and regenerative growing techniques on his small-scale farms in Quebec that increase the soil’s biology to achieve maximum yields on small surfaces. 
    Jean-Martin’s mission is to promote the importance of human-scale regenerative agriculture in creating sustainable and resilient food systems. He achieves this goal by sharing his knowledge and expertise with thousands of farmers through the Market Gardener Institute. JM’s multifaceted roles range from CEO to technical specialist, mentor, and positive leader.
    In this episode, Jean-Martin and John discuss:
    The economics of marketing gardening and direct selling
    Benefits of bio-intensive growing 
    How marketing gardening is an avenue for young people to get into farming
    How the right tools enhance efficiency and reduce workload
    The need to balance productivity and maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle
    The importance of the local food movement and getting people onto farms
    Additional Resources
    To learn more about Jean-Martin Fortier, please visit: https://www.en.jeanmartinfortier.com/
    To check out his courses, visit: https://themarketgardener.com/
    To get your copy of The Market Gardener: https://themarketgardener.com/books/the-market-gardener/
    To get your copy of The Winter Market Gardener: https://themarketgardener.com/books/the-market-gardener/
    To check out apparel created by Jean-Martin, visit: https://growers.co/pages/growing-change-program
    Software for small growers, Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/
    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

    • 55 min
    Episode 112: Transforming Arid Landscapes with Taimur Malik

    Episode 112: Transforming Arid Landscapes with Taimur Malik

    Taimur Malik founded Drawdown Farm, a regenerative farm in the Thal desert in Pakistan. Taimur engages in various regenerative agriculture practices, including planting diverse crops like bananas, implementing managed grazing trials, and using impact sprinkler systems powered by solar energy.

    Taimur emphasizes the importance of biological solutions and sustainable farming techniques to improve soil health, increase yields, and mitigate environmental impacts. His innovative approaches, such as using biologicals and adopting holistic land management practices, demonstrate his commitment to improving agriculture.
    In this episode, Taimur and John discuss:
    Creating healthy soil in desert sands 
    Weed management in poor-quality soils
    Johnson–Su compost, vermiculture, and living mulches
    Creating higher yields in sugar cane production
    The benefits of intercropping and diversification
    The impacts of livestock integration and managed grazing
    The economic benefits of regenerative agriculture from reduced input costs and increased crop resilience


    Additional Resources
    To learn more about Drawdown Farm, please visit: https://www.drawdownfarm.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 38 min
    Episode 111: Questioning Farm Management Traditions with Boe Clausen

    Episode 111: Questioning Farm Management Traditions with Boe Clausen

    Boe Clausen is a second-generation farmer in Eastern Washington. His parents immigrated from Denmark and established Stokrose Farm in 1981. Initially focused on vegetable seed production, the farm diversified into alfalfa, hay, corn, wheat, and cattle. Boe now manages Stokrose Farm alongside his siblings. 
    Boe's shift towards foliar applications, reduced nitrogen usage, and strategic nutrient management have improved crop health, reduced disease and insect pressure, and enhanced soil fertility. In 2022, he grew 250-bushel corn with only 20 lbs of nitrogen.
    In this episode, Boe and John discuss:
    The role of technology in modern farming practices
    Using molybdenum, sulfur, and nitrogen foliar applications
    How cover crops and crop rotations can build soil health
    The impact of incorporating a feedlot into his operation
    Using sap analysis to guide nutrition applications


    Additional Resources
    To learn more about Stokrose Farm, please visit: https://www.stokrose.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, proucing 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 5 min
    Episode 110: Stock Cropping and Regenerative Innovation with Zack Smith

    Episode 110: Stock Cropping and Regenerative Innovation with Zack Smith

    Zack Smith is a fifth-generation farmer from northern Iowa. He is the owner and operator of Smith Seed and Agronomy, LLC, and co-founder and CEO of Stock Cropper, Inc.

    Zack previously worked in seed production and chemical retail as a certified crop advisor and then as a seed rep while farming on the side. He eventually became interested in soil health and started experimenting with strip-tilling and using cover crops, which marked the beginning of his shift towards regenerative agricultural. Zack recently developed a system called “stock cropping,” a regenerative farming system that raises row crops in conjunction with multiple species of livestock simultaneously in the field. He and his business partners, Sheldon Stevermer and Lance Peterson, went on to develop the Cluster Cluck 5000, an autonomous, self-moving barn.
    In this episode, Zack and John discuss:
    The concept of stock cropping and its benefits to plant and soil health
    Developing barns for mobile grazing that integrate multiple species of livestock
    Implementing a rotational grazing system with frequent moves to optimize animal impact and pasture utilization
    Developing high-quality pasture mixes using cool-season and warm-season species
    The importance of innovation and collaboration in advancing regenerative agriculture practices
    Additional Resources
    To learn more about stock cropping and the Cluster Cluck 5000, visit https://thestockcropper.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
     

    • 57 min
    Episode 109: From Urban Organizers to Organic Pioneers with Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge

    Episode 109: From Urban Organizers to Organic Pioneers with Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge

    Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge are co-owners of Many Hands Organic Farm, an organic CSA farm that serves 150 families in Barre, MA. They met while doing community organizing work in Boston, and in 1982, made the decision to move out to the country to raise their kids in connection to the land and grow their own food. Julie and Jack share their farm’s transformative journey from inception to becoming a model of regenerative, organic farming.
    In this episode, Julie and Jack discuss with John:
    Their journey from community organizing to farming and urban to rural living
    The financial and physical challenges of starting a farm
    The importance of soil remineralization, foliar feeding, and no-till practices
    Their careers with the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
    The release of their new book, “Many Hands Make a Farm”
    Fostering community and the broader impact of their work 
    Additional Resources
    Julie and Jack’s book, Many Hands Make a Farm: https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/many-hands-make-a-farm/ 
    Many Hands Organic Farm: https://mhof.net/ 
    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
     

    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
384 Ratings

384 Ratings

Hyperwolf350 ,

Trucker wannabe farmer

I just listened to episode 105 that is one of the things I want to do in our property, I’m about to start listening to all podcast for some for the sixth time, as I slowly read John’s book. Thank you John for sharing the knowledge of all your guests and yours of course.
Gartner’s Farm.

JeffRThiel ,

Enlightening and Hopeful

Really appreciate the in-depth information about ways we can do less harm and more good for the environment by changing our agricultural practices. Lots of upside for improving soil health, water utilization, nutrient utilization -while at the same time saving farmers money. Developing a sustainable and healthy food supply requires that we understand the financial impacts on farmers and find ways to make growing more sustainably more profitable.

kayseejay6 ,

Let’s hear it for the boys

Really enjoy the podcast and the level of detail covered. I have learned a lot. However, it feels a lot like a boys club, wish there were a bit more diversity in the people being interviewed.

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