Welcome to “The Grow Down on Soil Health” podcast, where we dive deep into sustainable farming practices designed to enhance both your land and your bottom line. Join host Ben West, Ph.D., executive director of Farmers for Soil Health, and a diverse lineup of guests from various agricultural backgrounds as they share entertaining stories, invaluable soil health management techniques, and the incredible benefits cover crops can bring to your farm.
Episode 14
Cover Crops in the Midwest: From Slugs to Nutrient Stratification
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.
Episode 13
From Soil to Store: How Sustainability is Shaping Farming’s Future
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.
Episode 12
Soil Health, Water Quality, and the Path Forward
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.
Episode 11
Progress Starts with a Problem: A Practical Look at Soil Health Consulting
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.
Episode 10
How to Find Solutions for Conservation Barriers
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 cover crops, for the first time.
Episode 9
From Field to Fuel: Conservation for a Cleaner Future, and Why it Matters to Farmers
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.
Episode 8
From Practice to Profit: The Role of New Technology and Farming Practices on Profitability
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.
Episode 7
Putting Farmers First: The Farmers for Soil Health Approach
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.
Episode 6
On the Ground with Farmers: Conservation, Data, and Trust
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.
Episode 5
Bridging the Gap: Economics, Efficiency, and Farmer Trust
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.
Episode 4
Family Legacy of Cover Crops and Wildlife
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.
Episode 3
Cover Crops: A Valuable Tool for Today’s Farmer
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.
Episode 2
Starting Cover Crops: A 5-Step Guide with Kristin Poley
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.
Episode 1
Insights from the Field with Stefan Maupin
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.
