Podcast Extra: John Kempf & BASS Hybrids on the Future of Corn

In this podcast extra, John Kempf joins Ed Baumgartner, Founder, and Andrew Dixon, Business Development Manager, of BASS Hybrids on a BASSCAST to discuss regenerative corn production. They explore transitioning from chemical-heavy practices to biological systems using microbial inoculants like Biocoat Gold to improve soil health and plant resilience. They also discuss: Using Biocoat Gold as a biological seed treatment to set plants up for better long-term success. The "rhizophagy cycle," where plants meet nutritional needs by recruiting and "consuming" soil microbes. Observations of interseeded companion crops increasing corn yields rather than just competing for resources. Delaying the "black layer" in corn by up to 12 days through optimal biological nutrition to gain test weight. The effectiveness of biological treatments even when applied to seeds pre-coated with traditional fungicides. How diverse microbial health naturally lowers excess sodium and chloride levels in irrigation systems. Strategies for reducing synthetic nitrogen dependency while maintaining high-yield performance. Additional ResourcesTo learn more about BASS Hybrids, please visit: https://basshybrids.com/ To purchase BioCoat Gold, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/product/biocoat-gold-2/ 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

In this Podcast Extra episode, John Kempf delivers his keynote address from "The Quality Edge: Market Differentiation Through Regenerative Wine Growing," an event hosted by Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford, California. Speaking to an audience of professional wine growers, John explores how regenerative agriculture is becoming the ultimate differentiator in a crowded global market. He details how focusing on soil biology and plant physiology not only restores ecosystems but drives the production of wines with distinct character and superior quality that today's consumers demand. Key Topics Discussed: Why wine grapes are one of the few crops where microbiome integrity translates directly to harvest quality and financial return. The "Rhizophagy Cycle" and how plant roots absorb entire microbial cells to extract nutrients. Recent discoveries that microbes act as "truckers", transporting lipids and nutrients into plants before returning to the soil. The concept of "quorum sensing" and how microbial communities behave as a superorganism once they reach a critical threshold of diversity. How trees and plants demonstrate intelligence and support one another through fungal networks, including the "Mother Tree" concept. The three major suppressors of soil biology: bare soil, high-salt fertilizers, and synthetic fungicides. Why synthetic fungicides are often more damaging to soil structure and biology than tillage or herbicides. Introduction to Pinion, a new biocontrol product from AEA that influences plant redox environments and activates immune pathways. The critical role of Manganese and Boron as bottlenecks for photosynthesis and sugar translocation. Additional ResourcesTo learn more about Pinion, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/product/pinion/ 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

In this Podcast Extra, John Kempf speaks with Dr. Michael McNeill at the Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference in December 2025. During their conversation, they field questions from the audience and dive deep into the intersection of macroeconomics, history, and the future of farming.  Topics discussed include:  The historical context of the 1962 "Adaptive Program for Agriculture" and its intentional design to reduce the American farm population.  Personal reflections on the 1980s farm crisis and the role of high-interest rates in driving farm bankruptcies and consolidation.  Strategies for developing resilient farming systems that can withstand economic shifts, political changes, and climate volatility.  A vision for a "major reset" in American agriculture within the next five years, shifting toward either massive consolidation or smaller food-as-medicine operations.  The critical role of collaboration and mentorship between older and younger generations to facilitate land transition and knowledge sharing  Additional Resources  To learn more about Acres U.S.A, please visit: https://www.acresusa.com/  To listen to a previous Regenerative Agriculture Podcast episode featuring Dr. McNeill, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/podcast/disease-resistance-and-regenerating-soil-with-michael-mcneill/  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 

In this Podcast Extra episode, join John at Acres Eco Ag 2025, where he hosted a "Coffee with John Kempf" session, answering questions from the audience. In this episode, a wide range of topics are discussed, including: The use of foliar-applied low-biuret urea to significantly reduce a crop's total nitrogen requirement . The potential for amino acid forms of nitrogen to replace large amounts of conventional mineral nitrogen . Why plants fail to absorb or metabolize calcium efficiently when soil boron levels are low . Recommendations for conducting sap analysis every 7 to 10 days to identify nutrient needs . Optimal spray timing and the "point of deliquescence" to keep droplets liquid on leaves longer . The necessity of using clean water free of carbonates, such as rainwater or reverse osmosis water, for effective foliar sprays . AEA's new product, Pinion, which stimulates the leaf microbiome and activates plant immune pathways . Strategies for decompacting soil by building organic matter and mycorrhizal fungi rather than just chemical balancing . Additional Resources To learn more about Acres U.S.A., please visit: https://www.acresusa.com/ To laern more about Pinion, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/product/pinion/ 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  

In this Podcast Extra episode, John Kempf joins The Future of Agriculture Podcast hosted by Tim Hammerich to discuss the intersection of cutting-edge technology and regenerative farming. As the founder and Chief Vision Officer of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), John reflects on his journey from managing a struggling family farm in Ohio to becoming a leading crop health consultant. The conversation centers on the launch of FieldLark AI, an innovative regenerative agronomist tool, and John's personal project of creating a "digital clone" of his own agronomic expertise to streamline decision-making. Beyond technology and ethics, the duo dives into advanced nitrogen management strategies, offering technical insights for growers looking to optimize plant health.  Additional Resources To listen to more episodes of the Future of Agriculture Podcast, please visit: https://futureofagriculture.com/ To learn more about FieldLark, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/land/fieldlark/ 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

Matthew Fitzgerald is a "1.5 generation" organic grain farmer operating 2,500 acres in Minnesota, situated where the big woods meet the prairie. Alongside his father, Joe, he manages a diverse rotation of crops on land originally preserved by organic pioneer Mabel Brelia. Matthew focuses on navigating modern economic challenges while actively fostering opportunities for the next generation of land stewards. To manage scale and improve yields, Matthew founded FarmFlow, a system that began as a visual whiteboard to track field passes and has evolved into software for optimizing execution. By integrating these standard operating procedures with emerging AI tools, he aims to professionalize organic operations and prove the financial competitiveness of sustainable agriculture. In this episode, John and Matthew discuss: Overcoming high barriers to entry for beginning farmers through creative partnerships and policy. The concept of FarmFlow and using visual tools to manage complex organic systems. Data analysis revealing the strong correlation between field pass frequency and increased crop yields. Decommoditizing organic grain to ensure financial viability and economic independence. Leveraging AI tools like FieldLark to enhance agronomic decision-making and operational efficiency. The importance of team diversity and "quorum sensing" in building resilient farm operations. Additional Resources To learn more about FarmFlow, please visit: https://www.tryfarmflow.com/ To learn more about Matthew, please visit: https://www.fitzgeraldorganics.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  

Abianne Falla used to see the native holly shrub as a pesky invasive on her family's Texas land, until the 2011 drought highlighted its resilience: it was the sole green survivor. Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is North America's only caffeinated plant, though its roots as a ceremonial brew in Gulf Coast indigenous societies have been suppressed by colonial forces and lost to commercialization. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, Abianne became interested in yaupon and crafted a variety of flavor profiles in her home roasting experiments, which she grew into her company, CatSpring Yaupon.  Abianne harnesses yaupon for regeneration, harvesting on 500 acres while restoring degraded grasslands, boosting biodiversity by 70% and soil carbon by 7%, and fostering balanced ecosystems through grazing. Abianne's organic, wild-harvested model turns a 20-million-acre nuisance into sustainable income and regenerative opportunities. In this episode, John and Abianne discuss: Yaupon's drought resilience and its takeover of Texas savannas. Its balanced caffeine mix for crash-free, joyful energy, plus anti-inflammatory benefits. Reviving indigenous traditions with cultural care in branding. Turning "weeds" like yaupon or kudzu into crops via history, AI, and observation. Building a new category from markets to multi-channel sales. The market potential for local, climate-resilient caffeine amid global shifts. Additional Resources To learn more about Cat Spring Yaupon, please visit: https://catspringtea.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  

Morgan Twain-Peterson founded Bedrock Wine Company in 2007, growing from humble beginnings in a small outbuilding into a respected winery. Jake Neustadt joined Morgan in 2015, bringing his expertise in transitioning old vineyards to regenerative practices. Together they are focused on enhancing soil health, producing uniquely Californian wines, and preserving California's historic vineyards, some of which date to the 19th Century. Morgan and Jake's work at Bedrock Wine Company shows how regenerative agriculture can restore degraded vineyard soils, significantly increasing soil organic matter and water retention and improving climate resilience. Their practices—including no-till, cover crops, and holistic grazing—not only improve vine health and wine quality but also set a model for sustainable viticulture, addressing the wine industry's need for differentiation amid declining consumption. In this episode, John, Morgan, and Jake discuss: Preserving historic vineyards with diverse varieties unique to California Transitioning from conventional tillage to no-till organic systems for soil health Using foliar applications to enhance vine resilience in dry-farmed vineyards Integrating holistic grazing with sheep to improve soil biology Planting mixed-variety vineyards to increase resilience and wine complexity Leveraging genetic diversity for heat tolerance Additional Resources To learn more about Bedrock Wine company, please visit: https://bedrockwineco.com/ To listen to the Bedrock Wine Conversations Podcast, please visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jAHhAOI9Xy8uKDJmyl5Xx 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  

Hilda Gore is a certified health coach and the host of the Wise Traditions podcast for the Weston A. Price Foundation. Born with a ventricular septal defect requiring open-heart surgery at age nine, she developed a passion for holistic health, emphasizing physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Through her global travels, Hilda has learned from indigenous communities about ancestral health practices, advocating for a return to traditional, nutrient-dense diets and lifestyles to foster generational health. In this episode, John and Hilda discuss: The importance of spiritual grounding for health, starting the day with stillness and prayer Choosing nutrient-dense, traditional foods rich in fat-soluble vitamins for sustenance  The role of sunlight in supporting metabolism and circadian rhythms Prioritizing sleep to enhance the body's natural detoxification and health Embracing cold exposure to stimulate mitochondrial health and resilience Incorporating physical movement, like farming chores, to maintain strength and longevity Additional Resources To learn more about Hilda, please visit: https://www.holistichilda.com/ To listen to the Wise Traditions podcast, please visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AsdxDqyG7nzj2xoAYZOgW 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

In this Podcast Extra episode, John Kempf introduces Revenant Charge™, a new true-liquid biostimulant from AEA. Revenant Charge™ was developed to address the rising costs of soil health products for row crops while maintaining the powerful results growers have come to expect from AEA's Rejuvenate. Designed as a microbial accelerant, Revenant Charge™ stimulates soil biology and increases nutrient availability. In this episode, John discusses: The origin and purpose behind developing Revenant Charge™ and how it compares to Soil Primer and Rejuvenate. Early field trial data from Northeast Ohio, showing improved microbial activity and nutrient release. Insights from the Haney Soil Test results analyzed by Dr. Rick Haney, highlighting significant biological responses in diverse soils. The potential for Revenant Charge™ to improve nutrient cycling and soil disease suppression while reducing fertilizer dependence. Additional Resources To learn more about Revenant Charge™, please visit:  https://advancingecoag.com/product/revenant-charge/ 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