The Importance of Plant Diversity in Animal Diets

Fred Provenza, Professor Emeritus of Behavioral Ecology at Utah State University, is the co-founder of BEHAVE (Behavioral Education for Human, Animal, Vegetation and Ecosystem Management), an international research and outreach program that seeks to understand the principles of animal behavior. For the past 30 years, this group has produced ground-breaking research that laid the foundations for what is now known as behavior-based management of landscapes. 

Through his research, books, and speaking engagements, Fred has paved the way for the behavior-based management of landscapes. His work has influenced researchers across disciplines.

In this episode, Fred and John Kempf discuss:

• The consciousness of plants and animals, and our relationships to them
• The relationships between domestic animals, crops, and healthy landscapes
• Fred’s understanding of the gut microbiome of livestock and how it changes with diverse diets 
• The pathway for regenerating millions of arid acres in the US West
• Appreciating the culture and heritage of animals 
• The functional significance of both human and animal family structures

Fred has authored three books:

• Nourishment: What Animals Can Teach Us about Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/nourishment
• • Also available on audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/An-Original-Audiobook-Adaptation-of-Nourishment-Audiobook/B0BKH5NBF5
• Foraging Behavior: Managing to Survive in a World of Change: https://www.amazon.com/Foraging-Behavior-Managing-Survive-Change/dp/0970389922
• The Art & Science of Shepherding: Tapping the Wisdom of French Herders: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-art-and-science-of-shepherding

Support For This Show & Helping You Grow

This show is brought to you by Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), leaders in regenerative agriculture since 2006.

AEA produces the highest quality biological and mineral nutrition products along with offering Plant Sap Analysis, and regenerative program development for your farm. 

If you are a large-scale grower looking to increase crop quality, resilience, and profit — email hello@advancingecoag.com or call 800-495-6603 today to be connected with a dedicated AEA regenerative agriculture crop consultant. To learn more visit https://www.advancingecoag.com 

~ 

VIDEO: For more conversations with John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this amazing conversation between John and 3 growers about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk