Episode 166: Redefining Farming Through Health, Taste, and Technology with Martin Crompton

Martin Crompton believes farmers can win by focusing on nutrition and flavor. He encourages farmers to adopt marketing and business development to tap into the growing demand for healthier, nutrient-dense foods. Martin is operations director at Union Grove Farm in North Carolina, where he creates demand for their table grapes through a "pull" marketing strategy of storytelling and education. By leveraging AI and ag tech, Martin has found a way to optimize farming practices and enhance profitability for regenerative farmers. Martin is originally from England. He began working in agriculture eight years ago, after a career as an executive for major global food companies. His corporate experience spanned sales, business development, and marketing for major retailers, though he never visited farms during his corporate tenure. Union Grove Farm is the first certified Regenified table grape vineyard in the nation, and aims to be the largest regenerative table grape operation on the East Coast. In this episode, John and Martin discuss: Martin's journey from corporate food to regenerative farming Challenges farmers face in transitioning to regenerative systems The symbiotic link between food systems and human health The importance of creating consumer demand by communicating the health and taste benefits of regeneratively grown foods The role of marketing to help farmers build brand equity and connect with customers The potential of AI to compress decades of agronomic knowledge, providing actionable insights for optimizing crop health and farm efficiency AEA's new product, Pinion™, which is designed to combat fungal and bacterial pathogens without disrupting the plant microbiome Additional Resources To learn more about Union Grove Farm, please visit: https://uniongrovefarm.com/ To try out FieldLark AI, please visit: https://www.fieldlark.ai/ To 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  

Brad McIntyre, a fourth-generation farmer in Caldwell, Idaho, has transformed his family’s operation along the Snake River Basin, scaling back from 3,000 to 1,000 acres due to urbanization and rising costs. Inspired by no-till pioneers, he now manages a diverse farm with seed production, grass-finished beef, pastured pork, poultry, and eggs; all non-GMO. Brad advances regenerative agriculture through no-till farming, diverse rotations, and cover crops, maintaining yields while cutting inputs. He produces locally adapted, high-quality seeds with strong germination for companies like Green Cover Seed. His livestock integration enhances soil health, and direct-to-consumer meat sales promote community health and sustainability. In this episode, John and Brad discuss: Brad’s shift from conventional hay work to regenerative farming No-till seed production for brassicas and alfalfa with better germination Epigenetic seed adaptations for local resilience Livestock integration for soil health and direct meat sales Direct-to-consumer marketing with consistent, local products The role of soil health in sustainable farming and stewardship Additional Resources To read Biochemical Individuality by Roger J. Williams, a book exploring how individual biochemical differences influence flavor perception, click here To learn more about Green Cover Seed, visit their website: https://greencover.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  

Sam Godwin is a second-generation farmer operating a 300-acre organic orchard in north central Washington, primarily growing apples, pears, and cherries. His farm, which is small by industry standards, faces economic pressures in a market dominated by larger operations, and so has adopted organic practices since the early 2000s to differentiate and add value. Sam is in his second year of integrating practices to enhance soil health and reduce input costs, guided by consultants from Advancing Eco Agriculture. By using sap analysis and tools like compost, clover, and fish products, he has seen significant improvements, particularly in cherry yields, achieving over 10 tons per acre with high-quality fruit.  In this episode, John and Sam discuss: The challenges of operating a small family farm in a consolidating industry The transition from organic to regenerative agriculture practices Improvements in cherry yield and quality using sap analysis The importance of soil health and cover crops like clover in orchards The role of proprietary genetics in gaining a competitive market advantage The significance of succession planning for the next generation of farmers Additional Resources To read additional case studies on AEA’s success in cherries, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/case-studies/ 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  

Anthony Myint is the founder of Zero Foodprint, a nonprofit focused on transforming agriculture through innovative economic models. A former chef and restaurateur, Myint transitioned from the restaurant industry to champion regenerative agriculture and address the climate impact of food systems. His organization helps farmers transition to regenerative practices by funding farm projects that enhance soil health, conserve water, and sequester carbon. Zero Foodprint is funded by businesses that contribute small percentages of their revenue, often through opt-out fees. Zero Foodprint's approach decouples food consumption from land management, enabling systemic change without relying solely on consumer behavior. Myint’s work emphasizes collective action—drawing parallels with renewable energy funding models—and collaborates with businesses, farmers, and governments to scale regenerative practices. Zero Foodprint now deployed over $8 million total to over 600 farm projects (including government funds, often in concert with funds from businesses). In this episode, John and Anthony discuss: The restaurant industry’s potential to fund regenerative agriculture Decoupling food consumption from land management for direct impact Small opt-out fees funding farm projects with minimal consumer cost Limited impact of consumer-driven demand on systemic change Policy and public-private partnerships to scale regenerative practices Engaging farmers and businesses to adopt and promote the model Additional Resources To learn more about Anthony and Zero Foodprint, please visit: https://www.zerofoodprint.org/ To learn more about Zero Foodprint's plan on Collective Regeneration, please read this paper. 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  

Troy Swift started farming at age 42, and has achieved incredible results using regenerative practices in his Texas pecan grove: increasing yields in certain varieties by up to 6X, while cutting nitrogen inputs by 97%, reducing insecticides, and eliminating herbicides.  Troy is a first-generation farmer from Central Texas who transitioned to pecan farming after a career in the composite jet engine industry. With a data-driven mindset from his manufacturing background, he now manages 126 acres of hybrid and native pecans along the San Marcos River and serves as president of the Texas Pecan Growers Association. Troy’s 27 years of growing experience shape his innovative approach to regenerative agriculture. Since 2019, Troy has embraced regenerative practices: eliminating mowing and herbicides, and using wood chips and Johnson-Su bioreactors to boost soil health. His orchard serves as a research hub for institutions like the Noble Research Institute, providing data on soil, nut nutrition, and economics. Troy’s work inspires farmers and bridges the gap between academia and agriculture. In this episode, John and Troy discuss: Troy’s transition from the composite jet engine industry to becoming a first-generation pecan farmer Shifting to regenerative practices, including eliminating mowing Reducing nitrogen inputs from 80-100 pounds per acre to just 2.4 pounds Using bats for pest control and their impact on reducing insecticide use in pecan orchards The importance of data-driven farming, with insights from soil and leaf analyses showing increased nutrient availability Troy’s leadership in fostering collaboration between farmers and academia to advance regenerative agriculture research Additional Resources To learn more about Troy and to purchase Swift River Pecans, please visit: https://www.swiftriverpecans.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  

Jake Ewing farms 1,300 acres of corn in Western Illinois, a relatively small operation compared to neighboring farms. Jake’s farm has been shaped by the need to compete in a region dominated by large-scale commodity crop production, forcing him to rethink traditional approaches to corn farming, and developing a focus on innovative, cost-effective practices.  Jake’s journey toward regenerative agriculture began with the purchase of a high-clearance sprayer, initially intended for conventional applications. This led to experiments with foliar fertilizers and reductions in herbicides and fungicides. His focus on soil health and plant nutrition has boosted yields to 275-285 bushels per acre, surpassing county averages while lowering costs. In this episode, John and Jake discuss: Reducing nitrogen applications to 160 pounds per acre, with only 100 pounds soil-applied, using foliar urea for efficiency. Foliar applications of manganese, copper, and cobalt to improve plant health and delay senescence, increasing yields. How foliar sprays in the evening with larger droplets enhance nutrient absorption by keeping solutions liquid longer. Eliminating insecticides and cutting fungicide use to a half-rate single pass, aiming for total elimination. How adequate manganese, copper, and zinc levels in sap tests reduce disease pressure, minimizing fungicide needs. 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  

Steven Thompson is the co-founder of Analemma Wines in Mosier, Oregon, where he and his team have transformed a conventional cherry orchard into a vibrant, biodynamic vineyard. With a background in wine and viticulture, Steven focuses on creating a farm that reflects beauty, biodiversity, and intentional design. Through regenerative practices, Steven has eliminated synthetic inputs, transitioned to dry farming, and built soil health using sap analysis, foliar nutrition, and microbial inoculants. His approach has improved vine vigor, reduced pest pressure, and enabled clean native yeast fermentations that capture a true sense of place. In this episode, John and Steven discuss: Transitioning from conventional cherries to biodynamic grapes Attracting pollinators with lavender and flowering hedgerows Managing powdery mildew with balanced nutrition and biologicals Soil improvements that enabled dry farming and deeper roots Using sap analysis to reduce foliar input dependency Boosting disease resistance through regenerative practices Additional Resources To learn more about Steven and Analemma Wines, please visit: https://analemmawines.com/ To download a copy of the Plant Health Pyramid, developed by John Kempf, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/plant-health-pyramid/ 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 Short, John Kempf announces the launch of FieldLark, an AI agronomist chatbot designed to democratize regenerative agriculture knowledge, which provides first-principles, thinking-based recommendations on how to solve agronomic challenges. FieldLark empowers farmers with accessible, expert-level insights to optimize crop and soil health. In this episode, John covers: FieldLark’s public launch as a specialized AI trained on agronomic and adjacent discipline data. The complexity of regenerative agronomy, emphasizing biology alongside chemistry. The integration of soil, sap, and microbiome analyses to predict and enhance crop health. The future development of an algorithmic engine for consistent, context-specific recommendations. The importance of combining human intuition with AI’s data-processing strengths. The vision for technology to enhance, not replace, farmers’ connection to the landscape. Additional Resources To sign up for FieldLark, please visit: https://fieldlark.ai/ 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 joins the Rooted in Organic Podcast to discuss AI and agriculture.  The Rooted in Organic Podcast is dedicated to promoting organic living and sustainable agriculture. Through their podcast, they discuss time-honored techniques, like Amish farming, and explore modern solutions, like regenerative agriculture. With each conversation, they aim to empower their audience to take action toward a more eco-friendly and healthier food system. In this episode of the Rooted in Organic Podcast, they discuss the development of a AEA's new AI tool called FieldLark. They also discuss how technology in ag can help or hurt, and where the idea for FieldLark started and some examples of where it has helped farmers fin- tune the questions they're looking to answer. Additional Resources To listen to more episodes of the Rooted in Organic Podcast, please visit: https://rootedinorganic.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

Vance Crowe believes that the key to preserving multi-generational farms is for farmers to communicate better, especially within their own families. As founder of Legacy Interviews, podcast host, and keynote speaker, Vance knows a thing or two about communication.  Vance developed strong communication skills early on, shaped by a competitive family environment on an Illinois farm. Vance has worked as a deckhand, in the Peace Corps in Africa, and for five years as Monsanto’s Director of Millennial Engagement. He now runs Legacy Interviews, which preserves family histories, and is recognized for his articulate communication style. In this episode, Vance and John discuss: Vance’s path from Illinois to Monsanto and Legacy Interviews Farmers’ need to communicate family values and knowledge Society’s disconnect from agriculture and farmers’ marketing potential AI’s role in enhancing human contributions in agriculture Preserving generational wisdom through storytelling The value of direct communication and constructive disagreement Additional Resources To learn more about the Vance and his work, please visit: https://www.vancecrowe.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