Hugh Lovel: The Need for Soil Testing Ep. 89

Join us for this special live panel recording from Eco-Ag 2025, featuring regenerative agriculture leaders Gabe Brown, Rick Clark, and John Kempf, moderated by Taylor Henry. In this wide-ranging conversation, the panel dives into what it takes to build profitable, resilient farms in today’s volatile economic landscape. From cutting costs and escaping the commodity trap to value-added production, succession planning, and restoring rural communities, the speakers share hard-earned insights from decades on the land. You’ll hear practical frameworks for managing debt, investing wisely, mentoring the next generation, and designing farm businesses that prioritize independence, relationships, and long-term resilience. Tune in for a candid, thought-provoking discussion on how regenerative agriculture can secure both economic success and a thriving future for farmers and rural America.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025

Join us in this throwback Eco-Ag episode from 2012 with Hugh Lovel, a renowned expert in biodynamic agriculture, as he presents on the critical importance of total soil testing. Discover how comprehensive soil analysis can revolutionize crop management and enhance soil fertility. Hugh shares his experiences from consulting with farmers across continents and emphasizes the role of soil testing in sustainable agriculture. Tune in to learn about the origins of total testing, its applications, and why it's essential for understanding the true potential of your soil.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/Hugh’s Book: ‘A Biodynamic Farm’

In this throwback recording from Eco-Ag 1996, join Gary Zimmer as he talks through the principles of biological farming, sharing his journey from a dairy nutritionist to a pioneer in sustainable agriculture. Discover how understanding soil biology, mineral balance, and innovative farming techniques can transform agricultural practices and yield healthier crops. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just curious about sustainable farming, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/Gary’s Books: The Biological Farmer, Advancing Biological Farming

In this episode, Taylor Henry interviews Johnny Klemme, an award-winning farmland advisor, broker, and auctioneer. They discuss the critical issues surrounding farmland succession planning, the emotional and financial dynamics of family farms, and strategies for successful transitions to the next generation. Johnny shares insights on the importance of early conversations about succession, the role of trusts and partnerships, and the impact of 1031 exchanges on land investments. The conversation also touches on the emotional attachments to land, the importance of documentation, and the potential for conservation easements to preserve farmland for future generations.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/Johnny’s Book: ‘American Family Farmland: Preserving Values and Creating Wealth’Johnny’s Website: https://gfarmland.com/

Throwback to the 2019 Eco-Ag Conference where we join Dr. Nasha Winters as she delves into the intricate relationship between our health and the environment in this enlightening episode. Discover how the quality of our soil impacts our well-being, the role of the microbiome in disease prevention, and the power of diet in managing chronic illnesses. With insights from her personal journey and professional experience, Dr. Winters challenges conventional medical wisdom and empowers listeners to take control of their health through informed choices. Tune in for a transformative discussion on nurturing both our internal and external environments.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/Nasha’s Book: The Metabolic Approach to CancerNasha’s Website: https://drnasha.com/

Join Neal Kinsey, a seasoned consultant in eco agriculture, as he shares a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes from his career in sustainable farming. This episode covers a range of topics including the importance of soil testing, the benefits of proper nutrient balance, and the pitfalls of rigged data in agricultural research. Kinsey emphasizes the value of helping others, continuous learning, and adapting practices to meet the unique needs of different crops and soils. Whether you're interested in better yields or transitioning to more sustainable farming practices, this presentation offers practical advice and thought-provoking insights.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Register for Eco-Ag 2025: https://conference.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/Neal’s Website: https://kinseyag.com/

Join Taylor Henry, host of ‘The Acres U.S.A. Podcast’, and Dan Glenn from Deep Grass Grazers, as they explore sustainable and regenerative cattle farming. In this insightful episode, Dan shares his journey of operating a 300-head cow-calf operation in central South Georgia. Learn about the challenges and strategies in sustainable cattle farming, including optimal breed selection, perennial and annual grazing management, and the economic potentials of pivot systems. Dan also discusses his family farm's legacy, transitioning from conventional to regenerative practices, and preparing for the farm's future. Tune in for valuable insights into eco-agriculture and sustainable farming innovations.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Register for Eco-Ag 2025: https://conference.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/Dan’s Farm Website: https://www.deepgrassgraziers.com/

Join Taylor Henry from Acres USA in an engaging conversation with Hubert and Suzanne Carman, set to speak at the Acres USA Eco-Ag Conference. Discover their journey into sustainable farming, from meeting at an Acres U.S.A. Conference a decade ago to transforming a once barren landscape into thriving pastures. They share practical steps for building productive pasture-based livestock systems, increasing soil organic matter, and the challenges and triumphs of dairy farming in a regenerative setting. Learn about their innovative methods, such as the use of various plants, organic practices, and the importance of community in agriculture. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in regenerative farming, from beginners to seasoned farmers.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Register for Eco-Ag 2025: https://conference.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/Hubert and Suzanne’s Website: https://reverencefarms.com/

On this episode of ‘The Acres U.S.A. Podcast’ host Taylor Henry, explores sustainable farming and regenerative practices with guests Jake Takiff and Mark Shepard of RAD (Restoration Agriculture Development). Jake, who operates Cedar Springs Farms in Colorado, discusses his journey across various states and how he landed in Colorado, focusing on water management in arid environments. He explains the challenges and solutions related to desertification, cattle water management, and land restoration. The episode also features detailed discussions on swale systems, water management techniques, and the ecological benefits of these practices. Mark shares insights into RAD's work and the importance of integrating appropriate tree plantings and managing water runoff effectively. The episode underscores the impact of regenerative agriculture on cattle stocking density, land productivity, and environmental restoration.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Register for Eco-Ag 2025: https://conference.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/RAD Website: https://www.restorationag.com/Jake’s Farm Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/cedarspringsfarm/?hl=en

In this episode of ‘The Acres U.S.A. Podcast’, host Taylor Henry welcomes Dr. Patrick Freeze, a soil health scientist and R&D technical specialist at Ward Laboratories. Dr. Freeze shares his extensive background in soil chemistry, heavy metal contamination, and international research. They dive into topics such as sustainable farming practices, soil health testing, remediation strategies, and challenges related to heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. Dr. Freeze also provides insights into the practical steps for transitioning from conventional to regenerative farming and discusses the role of compost, biochar, and other amendments in maintaining soil health. Tune in to learn more about the latest innovations and research in eco-agriculture.Important Links from Today’s Episode:Members site: https://members.acresusa.comAcres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/Register for Eco-Ag 2025: https://conference.acresusa.com/Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/Ward Labs: https://www.wardlab.com/