Finding Genius Podcast

Practicing Sustainable Agriculture | How To Farm & Ranch The Right Way

Mar 3, 2025

Tara Vander Dussen, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist, teams up with Natalie Kovarik, a fourth-generation rancher running Kovarik Cattle Company. They delve into sustainable farming practices, discussing the benefits of different manure types and the impact of seasonal rainfall on crop yield. The duo also sheds light on the complexities of beef quality, livestock care, and the effective use of antibiotics in agriculture. Their insights challenge common misconceptions about farming’s role in climate change, advocating for a balanced perspective.

24:05

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Episode guests

Tara Vander Dussen

Natalie Kovarik

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Tara and Natalie's focus on sustainable manure management practices showcases the essential role of environmental stewardship in modern agriculture.

The discussion on consumer trends highlights the increasing demand for transparency in the beef industry, fostering a deeper connection between ranchers and consumers.

Deep dives

Generational Farming and Sustainable Practices

Tara Vandedusen, a fifth-generation dairy farmer, and Natalie Kovarik, a rancher, emphasize their deep agricultural roots and the importance of sustainable practices in their farming operations. Tara returned to her family dairy farm in New Mexico after pursuing a degree in environmental science, where she now provides environmental consulting to other dairies, focusing on nutrient management and responsible manure handling. Natalie, who grew up on a cattle ranch in Montana and trained as a pharmacist, has transitioned back to ranching with her husband, underscoring their commitment to sustainable agriculture. Both women highlight the significance of sharing their experiences through their podcast, Discover Ag, which aims to educate consumers on agricultural practices and foster a connection between ranchers and the public.

Intro

2min

Roots in Agriculture: Personal Journeys and Environmental Consulting

2min

Sustainable Manure Management

4min

Seasonal Dynamics of Agricultural Practices and Lagoon Management

2min

Understanding Beef Industry Dynamics

12min

Unpacking Sustainable Agriculture Misconceptions

3min

Farming and ranching are an integral part of American culture and food production. For generations, families have been providing crops and livestock to people across the country. So, how are they doing this successfully and sustainably? Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie Kovarik join us to explain…

Tara and Natalie are the two co-hosts of Discover Ag the docuseries and Discover Ag the podcast. For the past ten years, they have been sharing online and building a community around agriculture – which eventually blossomed into an opportunity to educate the public.

As an environmental scientist, Tara works alongside her husband in Eastern New Mexico on their family dairy farm. In addition to her work with her family, she also helps dairy farmers navigate state and federal regulations and permits.

Living in central Nebraska, Natalie is a fourth-generation rancher who runs Kovarik Cattle Company with her husband, a cow/calf operation. Drawing from her years of experience as a cattle rancher, she is dedicated to showing people how to foster livestock correctly.

In this episode, you will learn:

The different types of manure that farmers use, and what makes them beneficial.
How seasonal rainfall affects crop production.
How beef quality is characterized.
How livestock antibiotics can be used in a healthy way.

Want to find out more about Tara and Natalie’s work? Click here now!

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C

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Finding Genius Podcast

Practicing Sustainable Agriculture | How To Farm & Ranch The Right Way

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Generational Farming and Sustainable Practices

Manure Management and Nutrient Recycling

Trends in the Beef Supply Chain

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts