Back to the People with Nicole Shanahan Regenerative Ag: Farming the Way Nature Intended, feat. Cynthia Daley
Jun 25, 2025
Cynthia Daley, a professor and director at California State University, Chico, dives into the world of regenerative agriculture. She discusses the ecological advantages of these practices, including water conservation and soil health. Cynthia highlights the innovative California Agricultural Resiliency Index and the role of farmers in combating climate change. Listeners will learn about the importance of sustainable meat choices and the challenges small farmers face in an evolving agricultural landscape. Her insights advocate for collaboration and a shift towards sustainable practices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Soil Health and Farming Practices
- Cynthia Daley shows two soil samples, one conventionally tilled and the other managed regeneratively.
- The regenerative soil is porous, holds water better, and supports larger biological life networks than the hard, dust-like tilled soil.
Water Infrastructure Crucial for Farms
- Lack of surface water access causes farmers to rely heavily on groundwater pumping.
- Improving water infrastructure and soil management can reduce pumping and enhance farm resiliency.
Farmland Lost to Development
- Gilroy transformed from fertile farmland to strip malls, losing prime soil permanently.
- This urban development trend threatens food security and agricultural heritage.
