Episode 138: Regenerative Grazing and Cattle Breeding with Del Ficke

This special episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast highlights insights from nine of this year’s guests who are driving innovation in regenerative farming. From practical techniques to transformative ideas, these clips showcase the power of regenerative practices to improve soils, ecosystems, and farm profitability. Featured Guests: Rick Clark: No-till organic farming pioneer Erin Martin: Food as medicine advocate with FreshRX Dr. James White: Expert in plant-microbe symbiosis Amy Williams: Champion of regenerative cotton in fashion Keith Berns: Innovator in multi-species cover crops Marty Travis: Leader in community-focused farming Lana Shaw: Researcher advancing intercropping techniques Benny McLean: Regenerative citrus farmer Taimur Malik: Innovator transforming desert agriculture Thank you to our listeners for supporting the podcast and for your commitment to advancing regenerative agriculture. Your curiosity and passion inspire these conversations, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you in the coming year! Additional Resources To listen to more episodes of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, please visit: https://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.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  

Del Ficke has revolutionized cattle breeding and soil regeneration practices during his decades of ranching. Del is the fourth generation to manage his family operation, Ficke Cattle Company, in Pleasant Hill, Nebraska, which was established in the late 1860s. He has carried on its legacy with a focus on sustainability and profitability. In 2015, he trademarked the Grazemaster breed, a composite of multiple breeds tailored for grazing efficiency and minimal reliance on external inputs. Del is also a founding member of the Graze Master Group which provides consulting services for farms and ranches, focusing on sustainable practices, optimizing resources, and fostering long-term profitability Del's journey began in conventional farming, but his experiences led him to question traditional methods that heavily relied on chemical inputs and intensive machinery. Transitioning to regenerative practices, he eliminated silage chopping and chemical fertilization, opting instead for rotational grazing and natural herd health management. In this episode, John and Del discuss:  Developing the Grazemaster breed to thrive on specific forage types and grazing systems Why Del transitioned from conventional farming to regenerative practices Implementing rotational grazing and prairie rehabilitation to restore native grasses  Prioritizing natural selection for cattle traits such as calving ease and resilience Advocating for a mindset shift in agriculture, urging producers to question traditional practices and embrace innovation The interconnectedness of livestock, soil health, and community The economic and environmental benefits of regenerative practices Additional ResourcesTo learn more about Del Ficke and Ficke Cattle Company, please visit: https://www.fickecattle.com/ To learn more about the Graze Masters Group, please visit: https://www.grazemastergroup.com/ About John KempfJohn 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 GrowSince 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

Dan Brown is a fifth-generation farmer who grows hazelnuts in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, the primary hazelnut-growing region in the United States. Dan is always experimenting with new growing methods, and views failures as opportunities for learning and growth. This perspective has led to significant successes, such as improving yields while reducing input costs and demonstrating the potential for regenerative practices in hazelnut farming. In this episode, John and Dan discuss:  Farming hazelnuts in Oregon’s unique microclimate Tackling soil compaction, erosion, and disease resistance Using sap analysis and foliar feeding to optimize crop health Testing new ideas on small scales despite potential failures Dealing with shifts in market demands Reducing nitrogen applications  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

Frederik Larsen is a Danish agronomist who assists farmers in Denmark and Eastern Europe to transition toward no-till systems, cover cropping, and diverse crop rotations. Frederik also practices what he preaches on his family farm, using it as a testing ground for innovative practices like relay planting and companion planting. His work focuses on maximizing sunlight capture, increasing biomass, and enhancing soil carbon cycling in Denmark's climate, characterized by short growing seasons and limited winter sunlight. In this episode, John and Frederik discuss: Implementing relay planting for short growing seasons Using cover crops to improve nutrient availability for spring planting The benefits of applying nitrogen both early in the season and later via foliar feeding Innovative companion planting techniques Ecosystem benefits and the overall value of alfalfa forage Additional Resources To follow Frederik and his journey, please visit: https://x.com/fredvlarsen 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  

Gabe Brown is a renowned advocate and practitioner of regenerative agriculture from North Dakota, who runs Brown’s Ranch and is the co-founder of Understanding Ag. He is recognized for his innovative approach to farming, focusing on enhancing soil health, reducing dependency on synthetic inputs, and using sustainable practices.  Gabe transitioned to regenerative agriculture after experiencing years of poor crop yields due to extreme weather events. Today, Brown’s Ranch consists of several thousand acres of native perennial rangeland along with perennial pastureland and cropland. Their ranch focuses on farming and ranching in nature's image where he demonstrates holistic, eco-friendly farming practices and educates others on the benefits of regenerative methods.  In this episode, John and Gabe discuss: The importance of ongoing education in agriculture, specifically in soil health and ecosystems  Maintaining an open-mind to avoid divisiveness in the regenerative agriculture community Adapting agricultural practices based on each grower's unique environment, economic, and family Taking a gradual approach to reducing chemicals on farms The importance of soil biology and mycorrhizal fungi How learning from a hands-on approach allows farmers to see benefits on their own land Additional Resources To learn more about Gabe and Brown’s Ranch, please visit: https://brownsranch.us/ To learn more about Understanding Ag, please visit: https://understandingag.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

Darren Doherty is the director and co-founder, with his wife Lisa Heenan, of Regrarians Ltd., an Australia-based organization dedicated to advancing regenerative agriculture. They train land managers using their innovative "Regrarians Platform," which integrates elements from permaculture, keyline design, and holistic management to support land stewardship that respects and enhances natural ecosystems.  Having worked across diverse climates and landscapes globally, Darren focuses on sustainable land management practices that blend traditional methods with modern techniques. His approach aims to restore landscapes, improve soil health, and enhance biodiversity, creating productive and resilient systems. In this episode, John and Darren discuss: Prioritizing management practices over infrastructure development The importance of understanding and working with the landscape's natural capabilities How effective farm planning integrates principles from multiple disciplines Compounding skills for broader perspectives Building diverse revenue streams  The importance of incorporating managed grazing The value of learning through close, repeated observation Additional Resources To learn more about Darren and Lisa’s work with Regrarians, please visit: http://regrarians.com To take the REX Online Farm Planning course, please visit: http://www.regrarians.org/rex-online/ 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 is a guest on the Working Cows Podcast.  The Working Cows podcast gives you something to think about as you seek to maximize the effectiveness of your cattle operation and the joy your family receives from this lifestyle. The host, Clay Conry, is a Western South Dakota native, growing up on a Cow-Calf operation near Belle Fourche, SD. Clay and his family have recently relocated to West Central South Dakota In episode 393, John and Clay discuss John's perspective on what it is going to take to regenerate and relocalize America’s food system. They discuss success stories he has seen as well as the opportunities presented by the challenges of our current infrastructure. To learn more about the Working Cows Podcast, please visit: https://workingcows.net/

Tim Parton has been the farm manager at Brewood Park Farm, a 300-hectare farm located in South Staffordshire, UK since 2003. Tim shifted towards regenerative agriculture after a serious farming accident and personal health struggles. These experiences deepened his respect for soil as a finite resource, motivating him to farm in harmony with nature. By reducing harmful inputs like herbicides and fertilizers, he has increased biodiversity and improved long-term sustainability on his farm. Tim is critical of chemical farming, believing it offers short-term fixes at the cost of soil health. He advocates for reducing inputs like phosphorus, which he hasn’t used in over a decade, and emphasizes restoring carbon to the soil. Though he’s not an organic farmer, Tim focuses on practices that align with nature and ensure both profitability and environmental care. In this episode, John and Tim discuss: How chemicals used in farming can harm both people and the environment How regenerative farming improves soil health and can impact farm profitability The influence of chemical companies on modern agriculture The importance of farmer empowerment and gradual transition to regenerative methods How connecting farmers with consumers can drive demand for healthier, nutrient-rich food Additional Resources To learn more about Tim and Brewood Park Farm, please visit: https://www.timpartonfarming.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  

In this episode, John Kempf interviews Jeff Kleypas, a consultant with Advancing Eco Agriculture. Jeff’s pivotal moment came when he was exposed to the harmful impacts of pesticides during his work as a field agronomy scout. This experience, combined with observations of improved outcomes using biological methods, fueled his shift towards a more sustainable approach. John and Jeff discuss the challenges of shifting from conventional to regenerative agriculture, highlighting the difficulties in reducing nitrogen applications despite clear data supporting the change, and the broader health implications of conventional agricultural practices. Jeff shares insights on how he helps growers navigate these challenges, emphasizing the importance of an open mind and continuous learning in the evolving field of regenerative agriculture. Additional Resources To learn more about AEA, please visit: https://advancingecoag.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  

Ian Gould is a leading figure in regenerative agriculture in the UK, whose focus is on incorporating plant diversity into conventional farming systems to improve both environmental health and productivity. His work includes researching how companion planting and varietal differences within the same species, such as wheat, can enhance crop resilience, improve nutrient uptake, and optimize biomass production. In this episode, John and Ian discuss: The role of multi-species cover crops in improving soil health and productivity Innovations in companion cropping and intercropping for increased yields and reduced pest pressures  The challenges and benefits of integrating plant variety diversity into mainstream agricultural How smaller, more vegetative plants are often more resistant to frost in the UK climate Nutrition management for disease and pest resistance The importance of varietal differentiation as a critical component for optimizing yield and achieving environmental benefits Ian is the director of Oakbank Game and Conservation Ltd. His work is driven by his early experiences in plant breeding. He first encountered regenerative ideas at the UK’s Groundswell Festival.  Additional Resources To learn more about Ian’s work at Oakbank, please visit: https://oakbankgc.co.uk/ 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