The Grow Down on Soil Health

On this episode, Carl Coleman, a farmer with 36 years of experience who also joined the seed business, is here to share his story of starting cover crops and the benefits he, his neighbors and his customers have seen. He’ll explain the importance of changing his mindset on cover crop use, how they improved the longevity of soil biological life and reduced the need for synthetic inputs. Meet the Gu...

For today’s episode, we have Kaitlyn Dozler here to give us the ins and outs of virtual fences. She’ll break down topics such as how the technology works, the labor and cost savings for producers and how the cattle respond. Learn more about this grazing option and how it can not only be a solution for ranchers who don’t have time to rotate but also for the herd. Meet the Guest: Kaitlyn Dozler is t...

Today’s episode features Rob Myers, Ph. D., a well-known figure in regenerative agriculture. He’s here to share his cover crop knowledge on topics like getting started, species selection before row crops, grazing and how farmers can experience continued success. Meet the Guest: Rob Myers, Ph. D., is the director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Missouri. Through his...

Today’s episode features Wayne Honeycutt, Ph. D., as he takes us on a journey to not only break down the importance of soil health but also how nonprofits like the Soil Health Institute work to help farmers overcome the knowledge barrier that can prevent them from making the best management decisions.  You’ll learn about the functions of microorganisms in the soil, the role cover crops play in soi...

On today’s episode, we have John Fulton, Ph. D. He’s here to discuss his research findings and how that information can empower farmers when making decisions on their operations. Learn what has come from his three years of research at The Ohio State University on cover crop seeding with drones as well as tips on how to interpret research results. Meet the Guest: John Fulton, Ph. D., is a professor...

This episode features Michael Thompson, a well-known name in conservation agriculture. Michael is here to discuss his family farm’s journey to implementing conservation practices and the resources he used to make that transition possible, such as building strong peer relationships and finding trusted resources. Hear Michael’s perspective on the importance of livestock in today’s farming landscape,...

On today’s episode, we have Hans Schmitz here to share his knowledge on the role cover crops play in farming systems affected by a common variable: the weather. You’ll learn more about the role of cover crops in 4R management systems, nutrient stratification in no-till systems, and slug problems. Hans will also share some of the benefits his farmers have seen with cost-share programs.  Meet the Gu...

In this episode, we have Mark Eastham, sustainable products lead at leading grocery retailer Ahold Delhaize USA. Mark gives us a better understanding of the retailer's perspective on sustainability. Learn why sustainable practices matter to retailers and how that impacts your operation, as well as what these retailer-supplier partnerships mean for the future of agriculture. Editor’s Note: At...

Today’s episode features NRCS Minnesota State Conservationist, Troy Daniell, who will help us take a closer look at the present and future impacts of soil health practices, such as cover crops, on the water cycle and agriculture as a whole.  Learn how regenerative agricultural practices and technical assistance can help farmers improve profitability, meet market demands, and protect their soil. Me...

For today’s episode of “ The Grow Down on Soil Health ,” we have Lee Briese with us to break down what any farmer should expect when a crop consultant steps onto their field. Learn how regular visits, strong relationships and a problem-first approach can help farmers make steady progress towards their soil health goals, one acre and one issue at a time. Meet the Guest: Lee Briese is a Certified Cr...

On today’s episode of “ The Grow Down on Soil Health ,” we have Jeff Chandler here to dive into the impact of conservation barriers and how to find the solutions to overcome them. Learn how better technology, support from peers who’ve been through the same challenges, and hands-on help in the field can give farmers the confidence and know-how they need to try conservation practices, like planting...

In this episode of “The Grow Down on Soil Health,” we have Bill Leigh with us to discuss not only how cover crops, soil health and conservation practices are changing the future of farming and driving opportunities with ethanol and low-carbon markets, but also why these practices matter to farmers on the ground. Hear Bill share how farming is not a hobby; it is a living, so farmers have to make a...

In this episode of The Grow Down on Soil Health, we are joined by Courtney Yuskis to explore how new technology and farming practices are shaping farmer profitability and adoption decisions. Courtney breaks down why there’s no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to conservation, especially when weighing the cost of adoption versus return on investment. Hear Courtney share how technology and...

In this episode of The Grow Down on Soil Health, we sit down with Jack Cornell, Director of Supply Chain Resilience at the United Soybean Board (USB), to explore how farmer stewardship and sustainable supply chains are at the heart of Farmers for Soil Health. Jack shares how his personal journey, from Ohio to Hawaii and back, shaped his passion for conservation, and even how his tradition of “Hawa...

On today’s episode of “ The Grow Down on Soil Health ,” we have Aidan Walton here to discuss the interconnected impact that trust, technology and dedicated conservation specialists have on the adoption of conservation practices in his home state of Illinois. Learn about what drives farmer decisions and how neighbors can impact the start of trying something new. Aidan speaks on honesty and big data...

In this episode of The Grow Down on Soil Health, we are joined by Greg Goodwin to explore how economics, efficiency, and trust play a critical role in the future of conservation. Greg breaks down how funding conservation transitions, improving farm efficiency, and earning farmer trust are essential to bridging the gap between farmers and supply chains. Hear Greg share about how advisors can build...

In this episode of The Grow Down on Soil Health, we are joined by Ryan Heiniger to explore how family, wildlife, and conservation come together to shape a farm legacy that benefits both the land and future generations. Ryan reflects on his journey back to Iowa after years away, the role of his children in carrying forward a fifth-generation farm, and how conservation and profitability can be woven...

On today’s episode of “The Grown Down on Soil Health,” Olivia Caillouet, Ph. D., and Erin Gundy detail the benefits of cover crops, highlighting why they are a game-changer for sustainability and soil health. Caillouet is the soil health program manager at the University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture, a partner of Farmers for Soil Health. She has a background in agricultural ed...

Today on “The Grow Down on Soil Health,” Kristin Poley guides you through a practical and easy-to-follow five-step process for establishing cover crops in your fields. Topics covered include: How to establish both short-term and long-term goals.  Identifying a test area.  Selecting species that align with your goals and equipment. Developing both an initial and backup termination plan. The importa...

In today’s episode of The Grow Down on Soil Health , we explore soil health and sustainable agriculture practices with Stefan Maupin, the executive director of the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council. Maupin discusses what is needed to enhance cover crops in Southern states, the reasons behind the popularity of certain sustainable practices in different regions, and the role organizations play in...