Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

Jeff Kleypas, Advancing Eco Agriculture’s Distribution Manager and Senior Agronomist, brings two decades of agronomy experience to a fascinating discussion on regenerative crop management. They explore tar spot control, corn tipback, profitable soybean yields, rapid CropTix sap testing, and FieldLark’s AI-powered data analysis. Jeff also shares striking Pinion results and a biological in-furrow trial that outperformed nitrogen.

Wendy Mariko Johnson is an Iowa farmer, entrepreneur, and agricultural advocate running diversified organic farms and a wool-based sleep business. She shares lessons from the 1980s farm crisis, direct marketing, rotational grazing, Kernza’s weather resilience, and silvopasture. They also explore custom machinery, skilled farm labor, land access, value-added products, and scaling regenerative practices.

Brody Benton, a Midwest grower and crop consultant with Six B, joins John Kempf to investigate why corn dies before black layer. They explore warm nights, high dew points, nitrogen breakdown, stalk and crown rot, and the roles of trace minerals, chloride, genetics, and soil biology. The conversation also examines soybean molybdenum needs, crop protection impacts, and transforming liquid manure with humic substances.

Ed Baumgartner, corn breeder and co-founder of Bass Hybrids, shares how shuttle breeding and older genetics are creating resilient, non-GMO corn. They explore nitrogen-efficient hybrids, plant traits linked to microbial partnerships, V3 interseeded cover crops, and why Bass replaced fungicide with Pinion. The conversation also examines stress tolerance, fertilizer placement, and breeding corn for regenerative systems.

Mike Omeg is a fifth-generation farmer who grew up on a diverse family farm in Oregon, initially producing cherries, hay, cattle, apricots, apples, and wheat. Over time, he honed in on fresh cherry production. He is currently the Director of Orchard Operations at Orchard View Cherries. Drawing on decades of tree-fruit experience and driven by a vision to keep his operation thriving for the next 100 years, Mike has spent the last 13 years collaborating closely with Advancing Eco Agriculture to challenge the conventional . Currently, Mike is implementing management practices to maintain high cherry yields while drastically reducing input costs . He has completely eliminated dry nitrogen ground applications, shifting toward targeted fertigation and carbon-based energy sources to optimize tree metabolism . By focusing on biological precision and custom blends, he is growing firmer, higher-quality fruit while successfully testing new methods to control severe powdery mildew pressure without relying on conventional fungicides . In this episode, John and Mike discuss: How eliminating dry nitrogen ground applications improved overall tree health and nutrition . Boosting calcium absorption by 45% using Advancing Eco Agriculture custom blends . Turning large cherry crops into high-yield, premium-sized fruit while lowering harvest labor costs . Utilizing carbon and targeted sugars as energy sources to expand leaf size and drive tree vigor . Testing AEA's Pinion to manage severe powdery mildew without applying conventional fungicides . Maintaining a strict twenty-dollar-per-acre budget for foliar applications . Supporting multi-year crop loads without sacrificing branch strength or tree vitality . Additional ResourcesTo listen to the podcast episode featuring Jim Dunlop, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/podcast/episode-183-overcoming-the-ammonium-death-spiral-with-jim-dunlop/ 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

Join us for a discussion led by Heather Poutre of Agronomy Diversified LLC, Jeff True of True Potential Ag Consulting, LLC, and John Kempf, founder of Advancing Eco Ag. With nitrogen management remaining a central topic amidst heightened focus on water quality, Heather, Jeff, and John will dive into practical agronomic strategies designed to balance environmental stewardship with farm profitability. Topics in this webinar that are discussed include: Navigating evolving water quality focuses and proactive nitrogen management. Building a practical fertility program designed to maximize nutrient efficiency and profitability. Implementing management practices that address root causes rather than relying on bulk fertilizer top-ups. Actionable strategies for cutting conventional commercial fertilizer dependence while maintaining yield. Utilizing biology, humic and fulvic acids, and amino acids to improve nutrient uptake. Maximizing Return on Investment (ROI) by lowering unit costs per bushel through smarter nutrient delivery. Additional ResourcesClick here to watch "How Excess Nitrogen Creates Yield Drag" For Iowa/Midwest growers who want to reach out to Heather or Jeff, contact info is below: Jeff True, True Potential Ag Consulting, LLC. 641-431-0436 Jeff serves the NW and SE corners of Iowa Heather Poutre, Agronomy Diversified LLC 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

Brody Benton is an agronomist and no-till farmer in Guthrie County, Iowa, specializing in continuous corn rotations and hoop-barn hog manure management . Brody works with growers in Iowa and the midwest as an independent consultant through his company, Six B, using sap analysis and field trials to help growers reduce synthetic chemical dependency. To forward regenerative agriculture, Brody focuses on restoring soil fungal communities, accelerating humification, and keeping living roots in the ground year-round through cover cropping . He advocates replacing synthetic fungicides with targeted trace mineral nutrition to resolve plant nutrient backlogs, boost photosynthesis, and rebuild natural crop immunity . In this episode, John and Brody discuss: The historical shift over the last 50 years from naturally maturing green corn to crops dependent on continuous synthetic inputs . How late-season cover crops feed soil biology with exudates to increase organic matter and boost cash crop yields . The severe impact of chemical herbicides on soil fungi and how proper planting depth protects biological inoculants . How AEA ReBound trace minerals and PhotoMag clear nitrogen backlogs, lower plant nitrates, and reactivate photosynthesis . The success of Pinion as a fungicide alternative that suppresses tar spot without harming soil biology . How trace mineral nutrition prevents phantom yield loss by maintaining a reducing internal environment in the plant during grain fill . 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

Mike Thompson is a fifth-generation farmer in West Texas who grew up in conventional "cotton-on-cotton" country. After leaving the farm for 16 years, he returned to face the region's harsh climate, hot winds, and declining water reserves. His perspective shifted during his first year back when his plow hit a patch of decomposing hay on pasture land, effortlessly slicing through moist mud instead of pulling up massive dirt clods. Today, Mike manages a resilient operation by rotating corn, wheat with summer cover crop mixes, and cotton, while dividing his pivot irrigation fields into thirds to optimize water efficiency. By incorporating livestock grazing and multi-species covers like sunn hemp, he has built rich soil structure, eliminated synthetic plant growth regulators, and produced his highest-yielding cotton crops even during severe dry spells. In this episode, John and Mike discuss: Navigating landlord relationships by splitting fields into thirds for consistent annual cotton income and incorporating vegetable species in cover crop mixes. The crucial role of deep pre-watering before planting to build subsoil moisture reserves for late-summer heat. Haney soil test results showing 57 pounds of available nitrogen remaining after harvesting a heavy three-bale cotton crop. Plant physiological changes under regenerative management, including dark green, dinner-plate-sized leaves that act as massive solar panels. Using AEA sap analysis to track how a targeted spring boron application activated a massive mid-season surge in boron, calcium, and magnesium uptake. Testing handheld Croptix sensors for instant field data and utilizing FieldLark AI to analyze root zone nutrient mobility. Mike's advice on the intense scouting, preparation, and attention to detail needed to succeed in regenerative agriculture. Resources To learn more about Croptix, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/news/how-the-croptix-platform-is-changing-plant-nutrition-and-disease-monitoring/ To learn more about FieldLark AI, please visit: https://advancingecoag.com/land/fieldlark/ To learn more about plant sap analysis: https://advancingecoag.com/plant-sap-analysis/ To learn more about Green Cover, please visit: https://greencover.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

In this Podcast Extra episode, John Kempf joins Stefan Sobkowiak and his son, Zach, on the Permaculture Orchard Podcast . During the course of the episode, they discuss John's background growing up on an Ohio Amish farm ; plant biophysics, including seeds as living microbial inoculants and quantum mechanics in photosynthesis ; high-ROI grower tips like adding sugar to foliar sprays to cut nutrient inputs in half , planting eight plant families to trigger quorum sensing , and avoiding excess nitrogen and potassium to prevent pest outbreaks and extend storage life ; and Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), the company John founded to offer living, non-suppressive fertility inputs alongside AI agronomy tools like FieldLark. Host Stefan Sobkowiak uses The Permaculture Orchard Podcast to give growers access to cutting-edge insights on ecological agriculture . Through the podcast, resources like the Permaculture Orchard Blueprint ebook , and his work transforming traditional monocultures into diverse permaculture ecosystems , Stefan demonstrates how hands-on testing, non-chemical weed management, and multi-family ground covers build long-term soil health, fruit quality, and farm profitability. Resources To listen to more episodes of the Permaculture Orchard Podcast and learn more about Stefan's work, please visit the links below: YouTube Channel : www.youtube.com/c/stefansobkowiak POP Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@PermacultureOrchardPodcast Permaculture Orchard Masterclass: https://permaculture.study/ Talks: Stefan Sobkowiak Les Fermes Miracle Farms & Courses: miracle.farm Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesfermes.farms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefansobkowiak/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-sobkowiak-91694442/ Ma Chaîne Française YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-fKD72AtioxXV2C9oZf6ZQ 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

In this Podcast Extra, Join John as he answers a wide range of grower-submitted questions covering challenges in agriculture. The discussion focuses on managing high summer leaf temperatures, optimizing organic nitrogen budgets, and navigating severe base saturation imbalances. John emphasizes the critical connection between precise crop nutrition, active soil biology, and the natural suppression of destructive diseases and pests. Other topics discussed include: Managing nutrition and the microbiome through AEA's integrated approach to help achieve crop resistance to spotted wing drosophila in berries. Reducing pecan scab and weevil pressure by balancing trace minerals and applying AEA products like Pinion and PhotoMag. Evaluating plant metabolism and internal health by measuring sugar levels, EC, and pH/EH homeostasis on a sap analysis. Managing almond bloom diseases and pests like navel orange worm using AEA's Pinion alongside targeted applications of calcium and boron. Executing safe foliar applications of solubilized urea by managing overall solution concentration and electrolyte levels to prevent crop leaf burn. Improving late-season calcium absorption in fruit crops through soil shading and foliar boron applications. Pre-blending AEA nutritional products before spraying to create a synergistic response because the formulations are designed to support living biology. Addressing insect pests like the apple borer using a foliar combination of AEA's PhotoMag, Rejuvenate, and Rebound Boron. Mitigating crop damage from herbicide drift using AEA products like SeaStim, MacroPak, MicroPak, HoloCal, and Rebound minerals to bind chelating herbicide molecules. Utilizing micronized mineral products like AEA's Accelerate and HoloCal to deliver fast results as leaf-surface microbes rapidly metabolize the minerals. Generating disproportionate crop responses in soil by fertigating and feeding rhizosphere microbes with the same consistency as foliar feeding. Increasing lipid levels in pasture forage through adequate soil levels of calcium, sulfur, and boron combined with strategic grazing management. Understanding how high sodium and chloride accumulation distorts refractometer brix readings by inflating total dissolved solids rather than indicating pure sugar content. About John Kempf 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. Visit https://advancingecoag.com to learn more.