Episode 130: A New Direction in Florida Citrus with Benny McLean

Benny McLean has decades of experience in citrus. As the Director of Grove Operations at Uncle Matt’s Organic, Benny has played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s approach to farming. Growing up in a farming family, Benny has always had a close connection to the land, which has informed his deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of agriculture. Over the years, he witnessed the adverse effects of conventional farming practices, including soil degradation and diminishing returns. This led him to explore regenerative approaches to farming. 

Benny’s commitment to regenerative agriculture is not just about maintaining high-quality citrus production but also preserving the environment for future generations. His work at Uncle Matt’s Organic has focused on enhancing soil health, reducing chemical inputs, and promoting biodiversity, all while ensuring that the business remains economically viable.

In this episode, John and Benny discuss:

• Historical farming practices in the citrus industry

• Long-term impacts from glyphosate due to its absorption by trees

• How impacts from freezes led banks to halt loans in northern Florida

• The decline of sustainable practices like the use of hairy indigo to control nematodes

• Issues with modern budwood practices

• Potential benefits of cover crops used in citrus groves 

• Current irrigation practices and possible changes

• Citrus greening and its impact on the industry

Additional Resources To learn more about Uncle Matt’s Organic, please visit: https://www.unclematts.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