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AcresUSA: The Voice of Eco-Agriculture. Our guests are the top names in modern farming and ecology, including doctors, agronomists, authors, soil scientists and more.

Recent Episodes

Jeff Moyer: Understanding and Building True Soil Health Ep. 69

Jeff Moyer: Understanding and Building True Soil Health Ep. 69

August 11, 2025 1:14:16

Jeff Moyer's premise at the 2015 Acres U.S.A. annual conference follows: Soil health is dependent on several key concepts, all based on the idea that soil is a complex material made up of a physical component, a chemical component and a biological component. It is only when all three of these components are in balance that the soil can function in a dynamic state of health. Every farm can benefit from improved soil health and reduced costs. This experienced organic farmer will teach key concepts every farmer, organic or not, should be practicing.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Jeff’s Books: Roller/Crimper No-Till, Organic No-Till Farming


Rethinking Farm Financing with Charley Cummings Ep. 68

Rethinking Farm Financing with Charley Cummings Ep. 68

August 4, 2025 1:04:25

In this episode of The Acres USA Podcast, host Taylor Henry, owner and CEO of Acres U.S.A., engages in a conversation with Charley Cummings, co-founder of Walden Mutual. They discuss a variety of topics surrounding sustainable and regenerative agriculture, including innovative financing options for farmers, the impact of banking choices on environmental sustainability, and the challenges and strategies involved in farming operations. Charley shares his journey from starting Walden Local, a pasture-based meat company, to establishing Walden Mutual, a bank focused on supporting regenerative agriculture. He explains how Walden Mutual tailors loan structures to support diverse, resilient farming businesses and emphasizes the importance of aligning banking practices with sustainable goals. The episode also explores broader industry trends, the role of brands in driving agricultural change, and the potential for technology to enhance transparency and sustainability in the food system.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Walden Mutual Website: https://www.waldenmutual.com/


Reclaiming Appalachia: Kaleb Hanshaw's Journey in Ecological Agriculture Ep. 67

Reclaiming Appalachia: Kaleb Hanshaw's Journey in Ecological Agriculture Ep. 67

July 28, 2025 1:20:39

Join host Taylor Henry on The Acres U.S.A. Podcast as he interviews Kaleb Hanshaw from West Virginia, a certified Permaculture Designer and Director of Reclamation and Mediation at Coalfield Development. Discover Caleb's journey from ministry to homesteading, his work in post-mine land restoration, and how he's building sustainable farming practices in the Appalachian region. Learn about the unique challenges and techniques used in land reclamation, including water management, multi-species grazing, and soil health improvement. Caleb also shares insights into acquiring affordable land for homesteading, leveraging ecological restoration for increased property value, and the transformative power of permaculture principles. Don't miss this compelling conversation about restoring degraded landscapes and revitalizing communities through sustainable agriculture.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Kaleb’s Website: https://www.thewildc.com/


Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin - Regenerative Poultry Production Systems Ep. 66

Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin - Regenerative Poultry Production Systems Ep. 66

July 21, 2025 1:03:25


Recorded live at the 2021 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show in Covington, Kentucky, Dec. 6-9, 2021. 

Scaling up your chicken operation to become a commercial operation can be difficult. Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin’s system of integrating poultry into your crop and pasture operation is spreading around the world because it helps farmers see clear, humane paths forward and to reach the larger markets. He brings an indigenous-based approach to putting poultry back into its natural environment and to the business development process for aggregating and scaling the collective impact of small farms for a new and regenerative industry. In this workshop, he will lay out the regenerative poultry production protocol and will incorporate the larger-scale planning underway at the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance to scale up this system across regions in the U.S. and internationally.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/



Increase Profits with Regenerative Ag - John Kempf Ep. 65

Increase Profits with Regenerative Ag - John Kempf Ep. 65

July 14, 2025 1:06:19

This throwback Eco-Ag session from 2017 will address how to produce more profitably through regenerative agriculture. John Kempf has become one of the most inspiring and promising crop consultants in agriculture today. Kempf’s consulting company, Advancing Eco Agriculture, has successfully implemented profitable organic programs for a large number of fruit and vegetable growers and crop producers across the country. In this discussion, Kempf will lay out the foundational principles he uses to succeed in bring operations to pesticide free production and how these principles enable growers to make more money with regenerative agriculture.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/



Beyond the Label: Unveiling the Pesticide Industry with Chuck Benbrook Ep. 64

Beyond the Label: Unveiling the Pesticide Industry with Chuck Benbrook Ep. 64

July 7, 2025 1:28:16

Join host Taylor Henry from Acres U.S.A. as he interviews Chuck Benbrook in a captivating episode of The Acres U.S.A. podcast. Discover Chuck's fascinating journey from a childhood playing in his grandmother's flowerbed to becoming a pivotal figure in agricultural economics and pesticide regulation. The discussion delves into Chuck's experiences in British Columbia's remote areas, his challenges and achievements in ranching, and his significant contributions to understanding the impact of pesticides, particularly glyphosate, on human health and agriculture. This episode also touches on Chuck's involvement in high-profile litigation against large chemical companies, revealing how industry practices and regulatory decisions have shaped modern farming and public health.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Register for the “Viroqua On-Farm” Event: https://eco-farming.com/viroquaevent


Dr. Christine Jones - The Liquid Carbon Pathway and Common Mycorrhizal Networks Ep. 63

Dr. Christine Jones - The Liquid Carbon Pathway and Common Mycorrhizal Networks Ep. 63

June 30, 2025 1:24:08

Join us as we delve into the transformative insights of Dr. Christine Jones, who explores the intricate relationships between plant diversity, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. This throwback Eco-Ag Keynote  begins with a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Phil Callahan, a pioneer in agricultural knowledge, and transitions into Dr. Jones's in-depth discussion on the importance of green plants, mycorrhizall networks, and the liquid carbon pathway in creating healthy, resilient soils. Learn about groundbreaking experiments and real-world applications that reveal how increasing plant diversity can lead to greater soil carbon and nitrogen levels, improved drought tolerance, and overall healthier ecosystems. Whether you're a farmer, gardener, or agricultural enthusiast, this episode provides valuable knowledge on building nutrient-dense food systems through regenerative practices.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Register for the “Viroqua On-Farm” Event: https://eco-farming.com/viroquaevent


Beyond the Conventional: A Deep Dive into Regenerative Farming with Will Harris and Melissa Norris Ep. 62

Beyond the Conventional: A Deep Dive into Regenerative Farming with Will Harris and Melissa Norris Ep. 62

June 23, 2025 49:33

In this episode of the Acres USA podcast, host Taylor Henry is joined by Author Melissa Norris to interview Will Harris of White Oak Pastures. They delve into the complexities of pesticide immunity laws, discussing how pesticide companies seek protection from liabilities despite evidence of harmful consequences. Will shares his journey from conventional to regenerative farming, the economic challenges involved, and the importance of transparency and education in sustainable agriculture. Additionally, they touch on the significant role that federal subsidies play in the farming industry, the disparity between industrial and regenerative farming, and the vital need for consumer awareness and education. 


Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Register for the “Viroqua On-Farm” Event: https://eco-farming.com/viroquaevent

Melissa Norris’s Website: https://melissaknorris.com/

White Oak Pastures Website: https://whiteoakpastures.com/


Monte Bottens: Bridging Generations in Farming Innovation Ep. 61

Monte Bottens: Bridging Generations in Farming Innovation Ep. 61

June 16, 2025 1:37:08

On this episode of ‘The Acres U.S.A. Podcast’ Taylor Henry sits down with Monte Bottens, a fifth-generation Illinois farmer who manages over 2000 acres and operates multiple agricultural businesses. Monty discusses his journey from conventional farming to regenerative practices, his ventures such as Ag Solutions Network and the insights he gained from his experiences in both Illinois and California. Learn about the challenges and successes in soil health improvement, integrating livestock, direct-to-consumer sales, and the potential of virtual fencing. This episode is filled with valuable tips and stories for anyone interested in sustainable and profitable farming practices.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Register for the “Farm Weird” Field Day: https://conference.eco-ag.com/farmweird

Register for the “Viroqua On-Farm” Event: https://eco-farming.com/viroquaevent

Bottens Family Farms Website: https://www.bottens.com/


Ranching Reinvented: Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture with Joel Hollingsworth Ep. 60

Ranching Reinvented: Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture with Joel Hollingsworth Ep. 60

June 9, 2025 2:16:50

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast host Taylor Henry dives deep into the world of sustainable and regenerative farming practices, with a special focus on the economic challenges and innovative solutions within the industry. Joined by Joel Hollingsworth, owner of Smoke River Ranch, the conversation explores a multitude of topics—from the intricacies of herd share programs and the macroeconomic impacts of trade policies to advanced high-density grazing techniques and the transformative potential of nutrient-dense food production. Joel shares his unique approach to transitioning traditional ranches to regenerative systems, shedding light on how economic viability can be achieved through community-supported herds and adaptive grazing practices. Learn about the importance of supporting tariffs to address trade imbalances, the role of hard money and asset diversification, and the exciting advances in nutrient testing technology that promise to revolutionize the agricultural sector. Don't miss this insightful discussion packed with practical advice, visionary perspectives, and actionable steps for both producers and consumers committed to a sustainable farming future.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Register for the “Farm Weird” Field Day: https://conference.eco-ag.com/farmweird

Register for the “Viroqua On-Farm” Event: https://eco-farming.com/viroquaevent

‘Soil and Money’ Article: https://www.theamericantribune.news/p/soil-and-money

Smoke River Ranch Website: https://www.smokeriverranch.com/