In 'Restoration Agriculture,' Mark Shepard presents an alternative to conventional annual crop agriculture by advocating for the use of perennial polycultures, water management, and ecological restoration. The book draws on real-world practices and Shepard's personal experience in transforming a barren landscape into a productive farm. It emphasizes the integration of agricultural production with ecological restoration, highlighting the benefits of perennial ecosystems, rotational livestock management, beekeeping, and soil and water management. The approach aims to create systems that are both ecologically sustainable and economically profitable, offering hope for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
In 'Soil, Grass and Cancer,' André Voisin presents meticulously researched information on how soil fertility directly affects human and animal health. The book emphasizes the critical role of organic matter and the balance of trace minerals and nutrients in the soil. Voisin argues that poor soil management and the use of toxic chemicals can lead to various health issues, including cancer. The book is essential reading for agricultural scientists, veterinarians, dietitians, and farmers, as well as consumers concerned about the health implications of agricultural practices.
This book delves into the inner world of plants, uncovering their responses to human care and nurturing, their ability to communicate with humans, their reactions to music, lie-detection abilities, and creative powers. It highlights the deep relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection.
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
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