In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet Dr. Ken Mix, the Director of the Small Producers Initiative and professor of Soil and Crop Science at Texas State University. Dr. Mix discusses his experience educating the next generation of farmers and the recent rollout of regenerative agriculture degree pathways at the university level. We discuss the challenges associated with off-ramping from conventional agriculture. We delve into farmers' mental health and initiatives to create supportive community networks. The conversation also touches on the newly established soil lab at Texas State University, which offers advanced soil testing services to support and enhance regenerative practices. This episode explores the intersection of education, policy, and on-the-ground agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for collaboration and community to cultivate successful farming pathways that will save family farms and ranches.

If you're curious what it's like to make a major life shift onto the path of regenerative agriculture, this podcast is for you. In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet Jonah and Kendra Martin, the couple behind Holdfast Farmstead in Southwest Iowa. They unfold their transition from being ship captains to becoming homesteaders focused on regenerative agriculture. The conversation delves into establishing their 50-acre farm with rotational grazing practices, setting up a community-oriented farm store, and maintaining balance in their diversified income streams. The podcast explores their faith-driven approach to farming and discusses the philosophical connections between regenerative agriculture and spirituality.

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, discover the integral role of advocacy in agriculture with Judith McGeary, the executive director and founder of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA). Explore the mission and achievements of FARFA, including significant legislative wins that support small farmers and local food producers. The conversation delves into the importance of civic engagement, the challenges and opposition faced from large agribusinesses, and the opportunities available for cottage food producers. Judith also provides actionable advice on how you can become an effective 'agtivist' with an invitation to become more involved in shaping future agricultural policies. Whether it's buying local food, engaging with policymakers, or attending conferences, there are numerous ways to support a sustainable food system. Tune into this conversation and get inspired to join us!

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, we're talking DIY microbial-rich compost with Matthew Batchelder, founder of Fun-guy Compost, at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference. Explore the nuances of composting with Johnson-Su bioreactors, a specialized form of composting that serves as living seed inoculant. Matthew shares the components of a successful bioreactor and the significance of microbial inoculation in gardening and farming. Get practical tips for building the Johnson-Su, maintaining moisture levels, and the benefits of incorporating red wigglers. This conversation underscores the potential of microbial diversity in transforming soil health and rehabbing the environment. A lot of valuable information for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture and composting, with plenty of insights for both small and large-scale farmers.

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, gain insights into Texas' first resilient farm plan (aka carbon farm plan) with Matt Simon, the farm director at the Refugee Collective Farm in Elgin, Texas. Matt shares the origins of the Refugee Collective, a nonprofit supporting refugee livelihoods through sustainable farming and textile production. He explains the unique features of their 20-acre certified organic farm, which is part of a broader conservation effort. Dig into their resilient farm plan, the use of chickens in cropping systems, large-scale composting methods, and strategies for securing funding for regenerative agricultural projects. The episode also highlights the importance of community involvement and policy support in advancing regenerative farming practices. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the future of farming and how regenerative efforts can benefit both the environment and local communities.

Dig in on school gardens with Farmer Kim and the Soil Sisters. Kim Aman is the executive director and founder of Grow Garden Grow. From public school teacher to a leader in the school garden movement in Texas, Kim shares insights on the importance of connecting children with agriculture, the benefits of school gardens, and tips for funding and sustaining such programs. The conversation covers the wide-ranging impacts of school gardens on students, teachers, parents, and communities.

This Soil Sisters podcast features Austin Frerick, an author and expert on agriculture and antitrust policy, discussing his book 'Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry.' The conversation unpacks many complexities of the American food system and solutions to break free from the current model. Austin emphasizes the power of our voices to usher in substantial food system reform through local and institutional channels like schools and hospitals, to rekindle traditional farming practices, and create resilient agricultural communities.

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet our farmer friend and regenerative agriculture advocate Tim Auld. We discuss the recent Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, where Tim participated in a three-day grazing masterclass - and where this conversation was recorded. Tim shares insights he gained on soil health, grazing practices, and adaptive livestock management. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in farming, the impact of healthy soil on food systems, and the benefits of community involvement in agricultural advocacy. Tim also elaborates on his personal journey toward regenerative farming, some lessons he learned, and the importance of consumers' choices to support responsible agriculture.

Recorded live from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference at Texas State University, the Soil Sisters interview Jessi Roesch, founder and CEO of Downland. The discussion focuses on the importance of farm succession planning and the challenges faced by both retiring and aspiring young farmers. Jessi explains Downland's mission to facilitate the smooth transition of farmland ownership through a three-part solution: preparing successors, finding suitable matches, and ensuring legally sound transactions. They delve into the human and emotional aspects of succession planning, emphasizing the need for values alignment, comprehensive financial planning, and innovative tools to ease the process.

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, recorded from the 2025 Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems conference, Michael Bell from Dallas Half Acre Farm shares his journey of starting an urban farm without electricity and water. Mike delves into the importance of community support and innovative solutions in maintaining a profitable market garden. The second part of the episode features Howard Vlieger, a regenerative farmer and researcher representing Contact BioSolutions. Howard discusses the adverse effects of glyphosate on soil health and livestock, and introduces an innovative organic herbicide designed to support the soil microbiome. Howard also shares insights from his extensive research on GMO crops and their impact on livestock and human health, underscoring the need for safer, regenerative agricultural practices.

Recorded live from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, the Soil Sisters are talking dirt therapy with Kris Vandenberg, US Army veteran and founder of Vetted Farms and Kitchens. Kris shares his evolution from professional chef to farmer, catalyzed by the pandemic and personal health changes. The discussion centers around his mission to engage veterans in regenerative farming, the benefits of community outreach, receiving support, and the challenges and rewards of making transitions and doing hard things. Kris also highlights grant support from Kiss the Ground and his aspirations for Vetted Farms' upcoming projects.

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, we chat with our friend Chris Jones, an R&D project manager and designer at Symbiosis in central Texas. Chris shares his compelling journey from a career in finance to regenerative land management, inspired by his mental health struggles. He explains how changing how and what he ate and connecting with nature guided his path to health, clarity, and ecology. The discussion dives into his transition, the importance of healthy local food, and his work on developing universal soil amendments at scale to restore degraded lands. Chris also recounts his recent survival training experience, underscoring the essential roles of food and community. This impactful conversation leans into holistic well-being, community efforts, and restorative agricultural practices.

The Soil Sisters discuss the foundational basics of structured water with expert guest Clayton Nolte-- a physicist, inventor, researcher, and structured water expert. Clayton explains how structured water can significantly enhance hydration, detoxification, and nutrient absorption at the cellular level. The discussion covers the science behind structured water, its health benefits, and its impact on agriculture, including reduced plant water consumption and soil rejuvenation. The episode also delves into practical applications, such as using structured water in homes, for livestock, and even for personal health benefits. With practical advice on how to incorporate structured water into daily life, this episode promises a fascinating look into a technology that could revolutionize health and sustainability practices.

Tara Dukart from Seek First Ranch joins the Soil Sisters to discuss the importance of clear, value-driven communication within family-operated farms and ranches. Tara shares her transition to family ranch life, the challenges and benefits of multigenerational ranch operations, and the significance of succession planning. The episode also highlights the positive psychology-inspired 'Win Warriors' accountability group, aimed at maintaining progress and celebrating collective wins. We hope you're inspired to seek community and mentor support in your agricultural endeavors.

Meet renowned soil and ecosystem scientist Dr. Liz Haney on the latest Soil Sisters podcast. Dr. Haney provides insights into the Haney Soil Health Test's development and its applications for off-ramping from conventional to regenerative agriculture while reducing input costs. The conversation also delves into building and expanding a farmer-owned regenerative market infrastructure. Dr. Haney explains how Regen Mills, Heritage Ground, and Farmers Reserve Distillery aim to create market opportunities and value chain solutions for regenerative farmers. We also discuss the vital components for advancing the regenerative agriculture movement. Discover ways to get involved in the regenerative community. And join us at the Regenerative Revival event on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Salado, TX. 

Meet Troy Swift, a first-generation farmer operating Swift River Pecans and the president of the Texas Pecan Growers Association. Troy shares his experiences entering the pecan farming business in 1998, the benefits of regenerative agriculture, and his passion for soil health. He discusses functions like systemic acquired resistance (SAR), the use of beneficial insects, birds, and bats, and innovative methods to enhance tree and soil health. Troy also explains his diversified farming operations, emphasizing the importance of vertical integration and sustainable practices. This Soil Sisters' chat with Troy is rich with practical insights, making it a must-listen no matter what you're farming.

Wayne Knight has been ranching for thirty years and serves as the executive director of Holistic Management International (HMI). On this Soil Sisters podcast, we discuss Wayne's experience of the transformative power of holistic decision-making in agriculture. Wayne shares insights on land stewardship, holistic management principles, the importance of holistic goal setting, stockmanship, animals' role in ecosystem health, and effective financial planning for farmers and ranchers. The episode also delves into practical applications taught at HMI's Regen Ag School and the benefits of attending, including hands-on experiences and community building. Wayne emphasizes the significance of focusing on desired outcomes and proactive solutions for long-term regeneration of both the ecosystem and your ranch's profitability.

Greg Phillips, co-founding partner of the Houston-based law firm Phillips Kaiser, joins the Soil Sisters to discuss the challenges of preserving family land. Greg's rural upbringing in East Texas and the difficulties faced by generational landowners inspired his commitment to helping those families with limited financial resources find solutions. This discussion dives into the challenges of succession planning, heirs' property issues, maintaining family land, and the newly launched East Texas Heirs Property Initiative. The conversation emphasizes the importance of keeping family land intact and out of the box thinking to build generational wealth.

Meet our Soil Sister Arlana Brumfield, founder of Soilution Holistic Ag in Dallas, TX, where she is healing her community through regenerative farming. Explore Arlana's journey from military service to becoming a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture and holistic health in urban communities. Through personal anecdotes and educational insights, Arlana shares her mission to address nutritional deficiencies and environmental issues affecting BIPOC communities, driven by the alarming rate and rise of diet-related diseases. The discussion delves into the therapeutic benefits of gardening and eating fresh food, the regenerative power of robust soil, and the critical need for supporting the livelihoods of local farmers. And the good news, it's a WIN-WIN! This episode will get you excited to support community health and local agriculture. Listen and let's grow!

In this special episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, we welcome our father, Butch Nuding, to delve into the rich history of our fifth-generation family ranch in West Texas. We discuss everything from the establishing of JD Patterson Ranch by our great-great-grandfather Jefferson Davis Patterson in 1887 to modern challenges and adaptations in farming and ranching. Butch shares personal anecdotes and insights into the evolution of ranch operations. We discuss inheritance taxes, the importance of trust structures, succession planning, and his hope for the ranch's future. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about family, heritage, and the journey toward regenerative ranching.