EP 324 — Jake Takiff: Farming: Our Path to Health and Freedom

Dec 17, 2024

Jake Takiff, a regenerative farming expert and owner of Cedar Springs Farm, discusses a transformative approach to agriculture. He shares insights on the deep connection between soil health and ecosystem vitality. The conversation delves into the innovative practices of agroforestry and rotational grazing, highlighting the roles of beavers in water management and bison in drought control. Takiff critiques conventional farming methods that harm landscapes, advocating for a sustainable vision that respects both the land and human health.

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

From Sheep Farms to Regenerative Advocacy

02:17 • 20min

Promoting Health and Vitality with Shilajay Gummies

22:14 • 2min

Nurturing Agriculture: Gender, Water, and Ecosystem Management

24:39 • 20min

Nutritional Innovations and Agricultural Insights

44:30 • 3min

The Vital Connection: Soil, Cattle, and Human Health

47:21 • 22min

Managing Holiday Stress with Natural Solutions

01:09:43 • 2min

The Vital Connection: Food, Health, and Environment

01:11:26 • 18min

Exploring Regenerative Farming Resources

01:29:33 • 5min

Is the extent of your interest in agriculture merely how much you pay for the foods you buy at the grocery store?

Regenerative farming expert Jake Takiff describes a far different way of viewing agriculture — a deep, abiding relationship for the soil and all of the organisms that live on it — this week on Spirit Gym.

Watch the progress on Jake’s regenerative farm on social media via Instagram and YouTube. Read more about Jake and Meghan at The Guardian. Work with Jake on a regenerative farming project of your own at Restoration Agriculture Development.

Sign up for your Spirit Gym podcast membership so you can access members-only extended versions of the podcast along with exclusive Q&A opportunities with Paul.

Timestamps

3:53 Jake learned about regenerative farming from people who did it before it became cool.

11:29 What is the point of no return?

15:44 Jake’s definition of regenerative farming.

31:42 Beavers: Nature’s water management team.

37:55 Using bison and other cattle as buffers against drought.

43:25 The real problem with conventional agriculture is how it imposes its will on a landscape.

53:27 How long can a dairy cow be productive if you keep it away from feed overloaded with harmful chemicals? A very long time…

59:06 The intelligence of cows.

1:05:10 Cows are a force of nature.

1:19:56 Regenerative farmers look for cheaper opportunities with degraded land while operating on tighter budgets.

1:27:23 The conventionally grown “cheap” food sham.

Resources

Jake talks about regenerative farming on The Medicin podcast on YouTube

The Water Wizard by Viktor Schauberger and Callum Coats

The work of Cleve Backster, Carey Reams and Phillip Callahan

Paul’s Living 4D conversation with Matt Wallden on The Honest Vegetarian

Paul’s Living 4D conversation with Jayne Buxton

Restoration Agriculture: Real-World Permaculture for Farmers by Mark Shepard

Find more resources for this episode on our website.

Music Credit: Meet Your Heroes (444Hz) by Brave as Bears

Thanks to our awesome sponsors:

Paleovalley
BIOptimizers US and BIOptimizers UK PAUL15
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