Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

Episode 141: Using Systems-Based Research in Regenerative Agriculture with Cindy Daley

4 snips
Jan 23, 2025
Cindy Daley, founding director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at California State University, Chico, discusses the future of farming. She critiques traditional agricultural education and champions systems-based research over reductionist methods. Cindy emphasizes the importance of partnering with farmers as co-researchers and highlights innovative technologies like flux towers for measuring soil health. The conversation also dives into educational reforms for future farmers and the pivotal shift needed in agricultural policies to support ecological practices.
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INSIGHT

Outdated University Methods

  • Universities teach outdated agricultural methods, hindering progress in regenerative agriculture.
  • They prioritize supporting existing conventional agriculture practices, influenced by funding from Big Ag.
ANECDOTE

Gabe Brown's Farm Research

  • Chris Nichols' research on Gabe Brown's farm revealed fungal-dominant soils' carbon sequestration abilities.
  • This discovery stemmed from recognizing the effectiveness of Brown's distinct farming methods.
ADVICE

Shift to Systems-Based Research

  • Transition from reductionist research to systems-based approaches in regenerative agriculture.
  • Partner with experienced regenerative farmers to study their successful farming systems.
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