Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

• Episode 155: Rethinking Agriculture, Health, and the Science That Connects Them with Robert Verkerk, Ph.D.

  Robert Verkerk, Ph.D., is an environmental scientist and the founder of the Alliance for Natural Health, with over 40 years of experience studying the interplay between human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. His work focuses on promoting regenerative agricultural practices and natural health solutions, emphasizing the need to reconnect food production with ecological and human well-being through science-based advocacy and policy reform. His contributions to regenerative agriculture are vital because they bridge the gap between soil health, food quality, and human health, challenging conventional chemical-dependent farming models.  In this episode, John and Robert discuss: The interconnectedness of human health, soil health, and ecosystem stability The limitations of single-factor scientific analysis in understanding complex biological systems The impact of corporate funding on scientific research and its bias toward chemical-based solutions The role of epigenetics in plant and human health, highlighting the importance of environmental context The inadequacy of assessing chronic pesticide exposure risks The need for a new economic model that values natural resources like soil, air, and water Additional Resources To learn more about Robert and his work at the Alliance for Natural Health, please visit: https://anh-usa.org/ 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  

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• Episode 154: Soil, Sheep, and Superior Grapes with Ivo Jeramaz

  Ivo Jeramaz, a mechanical engineer turned vintner, immigrated from former Yugoslavia (now Croatia) to Napa Valley, where he rediscovered his ancestral connection to farming. Initially resentful of agriculture due to its demands in his youth, Ivo’s perspective shifted dramatically within weeks of arriving in Napa, where he embraced grape growing and winemaking as a fulfilling life’s work, now leading Grgich Hills Winery with a commitment to regenerative practices. Raised in a family that produced much of their own food and clothing, Ivo brings a deep-rooted appreciation for self-sufficiency and nature to his work at Grgich Hills. With six children and a passion for biodiversity, he is dedicated to promoting regenerative farming, aiming to convert Napa Valley’s vineyards to sustainable practices while producing high-quality wines that reflect the health of the land. In this episode, John and Ivo discuss: Ivo’s quick adoption of regenerative practices and how it impacted soil organic matter How diverse cover crops and sheep grazing enhance vineyard resilience The impact of regenerative farming on grape quality, including thicker cuticles Challenges of red blotch virus and how regenerative practices help vines coexist with it Ivo’s vision for a regenerative future in Napa Valley Additional Resources To learn more about Ivo, and Grgich Hills Winery, please visit: https://www.grgich.com/our-story/ 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  

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• Podcast Extra: Our Food Systems Should Heal the Earth with Alana Mooi, Zach Bush, MD and John Kempf

  In this Podcast Extra episode, John Kempf joined an Earth Day conversation hosted by Farmer's Footprint, alongside Managing Director Alana Mooi and Founder Zach Bush, MD. Together, they explore the urgent need to regenerate our soil and food systems, emphasizing the deep connection between agriculture, human health, and the health of the planet. The discussion highlights how food systems must be understood as a web of relationships with the Earth, and how healing the land is inseparable from healing ourselves. They offer insights into why working with nature, rather than against it, is essential for the future of our ecosystems, communities, and collective well-being. Additional ResourcesTo learn more about Farmer's Footprint, please visit: https://farmersfootprint.us/ To learn more about the work of Zach Bush, MD, please visit: https://zachbushmd.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  

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• Podcast Extra: Ask Me Anything with John Kempf - April 14

  This Podcast Extra episode is from John's Ask Me Anything webinar from April 14. Drawing from his extensive research and firsthand experience, John will provide insights and practical solutions to help growers achieve healthier, more resilient crops. In this discussion, the topics cover: Nutritional management with copper, nitrogen, potassium, and calcium prevents wheat and barley lodging better than PGRs.  Soil aeration and oxygen flow enhance paramagnetism more effectively than paramagnetic rock powders. Side-dressing potassium, like potassium nitrate, benefits soil biology more than broadcasting potash. Adequate calcium and boron levels, plus soil aeration, reduce clubroot in brassicas. Compost, low soil carbon, and lack of humic substances cause high chloride in plant sap, mitigated by humicarb. Selenium may influence fatty acid profiles and yield in forages, but its role in oil crops is unclear. Balancing potassium and calcium with manganese and boron ensures optimal plant health. Microbial activity and preventing soil drying enhance potassium availability in clay soils. Micropack offers higher performance than seaweed or fish-based foliar sprays for tropical fruit groves. Deeper earthworm presence reflects better soil aeration and structure, not necessarily overall soil health. Seed Flare may penetrate sunflower shells but is less effective on stone fruit, needing experimentation. BioCoat Gold is best as a seed treatment but can be applied in-furrow.  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

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• Episode 153: Soil, Science, and the Politics of Knowledge with Dr. Anna Krzywoszynska

  Dr. Anna Krzywoszynska is a social scientist at the University of Oulu in Finland who studies how farmers and scientists can collaborate to foster regenerative agriculture. An expert on soil knowledge and values, with experience farming organically in Italy, Dr. Krzywoszynska examines the knowledge systems shaping food production. Currently, she’s investigating how to transform agricultural research to support local communities, including turning research stations into hubs for collaboration between farmers and scientists. Her projects aim to align scientific inquiry with local needs, promoting community-driven innovation and sustainable land use. In this episode, John and Anna discuss: How farmers see soil as a resource to manage, while scientists seek broad, universal insights. How academic and agri-business structures favor research on general trends over practical, local farming solutions. The community’s role in regenerative agriculture, enabling farmers to learn and innovate together. Research stations as potential community hubs integrating local farmers needs into science. Regenerative agriculture’s ability to restore hope and reconnect farmers with nature. Celebrating mistakes as essential for learning and growth in farming. Additional Resources To learn more, join the Soil Care Network www.soilcarenetwork.com to receive a monthly newsletter. If you would like to connect with Anna, please get in touch with her here: [email protected]  You can also connect with Anna on LinkedIn and BlueSky: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annakrzywoszynska/ BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/annakspeaking.bsky.social 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  

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