The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

Welcome to “The Acres U.S.A. Podcast,” where we dive deep into the world of production-scale organic and regenerative farming. For over 50 years, Acres U.S.A.® has been the go-to resource for farmers, ranchers, and market gardeners, guiding them to grow food profitably and sustainably, all while honoring the rhythms of nature. Join our host, Taylor Henry, owner, and CEO, as he brings you weekly insights, interviews, and practical tips to cultivate a healthier, more resilient food system. Tune in and let’s grow together!

Latest Episodes:

More Profit, Fewer Inputs: Regenerative Farming with Rodney Saunders Ep. 133 Nov 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast host Taylor Henry sits down with Rodney Saunders of Understanding Ag to discuss how farmers and ranchers can improve profitability by building healthier soils, reducing input costs, and implementing regenerative agricultural practices.

Drawing on his 34-year career with the NRCS and his experience as a regenerative agriculture consultant, Rodney shares practical insights into cover cropping, nutrient management, livestock integration, and adaptive grazing. He explains how producers are reducing fertilizer applications, extending grazing seasons, and improving their bottom lines without sacrificing productivity.

Taylor and Rodney also discuss the challenges facing today's farmers, the importance of experimenting on a small scale, and how biological soil function can help producers become less dependent on costly inputs.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

Understanding Ag Website: https://understandingag.com/

Understanding Ag/Acres USA Course: https://understandingag.acresusa.com/regen-ag-101

Building a Profitable Pick-Your-Own Farm with Megan Neubauer Ep. 132 Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Megan Neubauer, founder of Pure Land Farm, to discuss the business of regenerative agriculture, building a loyal customer base, and creating a profitable pick-your-own farm operation.

Megan shares lessons learned from 15 years in agriculture, including how her family's farm developed a successful business model centered on customer relationships, season passes, and simplifying farm operations. They explore the importance of marketing, the advantages of focusing on a single revenue stream, and how farmers can turn their operations into destinations that bring consumers closer to their food.

Megan also discusses her upcoming book, Eat Like a Farmer: The Guide to Sourcing and Cooking Real Food, her plans to transition into consulting and education, and how technology is making direct-to-consumer farming more manageable.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

Pure Land Farm Website: https://www.purelandorganic.com/

Megan’s Website: https://www.farmermeg.com/

John Kempf on Plant Immunity, Soil Biology & Farming Independence Ep. 131 Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with John Kempf, founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of regenerative agriculture and what it takes for farmers to thrive in today's challenging economy.

John shares insights into new developments in plant health and disease resistance, including the promising results he's seeing with AEA's Pinion technology. The two also explore the economic pressures facing American farmers, opportunities in specialty crops and grass-fed dairy, and how reducing input costs and building independent markets can create more profitable farming operations.

Drawing on his Amish upbringing and experience building Advancing Eco Agriculture, John discusses the importance of financial discipline, family farm succession, and creating businesses that deliver real value to farmers. They also dive into soil biology, fall fertility management, and the innovations shaping the next generation of regenerative agriculture.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about agricultural independence, profitability, and the opportunities ahead for farmers willing to think differently.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

AEA’s Website: https://advancingecoag.com/

Catherine Austin Fitts: Financial Freedom and Food Independence Ep. 130 Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Catherine Austin Fitts, former Assistant Secretary of Housing and Wall Street investment banker, for a thought-provoking conversation about financial freedom, food independence, and the future of American agriculture.

Catherine shares her perspective on the growing influence of corporations and government in agriculture, the importance of protecting independent farmers, and why rebuilding local food systems is essential to strengthening rural communities. The discussion explores how farmers and consumers can work together to finance farmland, develop local processing infrastructure, and create profitable agricultural businesses without relying on traditional financial institutions or government programs.

They also dive into the challenges of rising land prices, agricultural data collection, emerging technologies, and the role of private investment in helping the next generation of farmers succeed.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Eco-Ag Conference, Catherine discusses her plans to move beyond conversation and explore real-world investment opportunities that could help farmers gain greater independence.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

Solari website: https://solari.com/

Land, Cattle and the Future of American Agriculture with Will Harris Ep. 129 Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with fourth-generation cattleman Will Harris of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia, for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of American agriculture and where regenerative farming fits into the future.

Will shares his perspective on the cattle market, rising land values, outside investment in farmland, and the growing challenge of making farming financially accessible to the next generation. He also discusses why he believes regenerative management can provide an economic advantage by reducing dependence on volatile outside inputs while keeping more money circulating in rural communities.

The conversation dives into White Oak Pastures’ approach to grazing, labor, direct marketing, land management and diversification, as well as Will’s experiences working with policymakers and the federal government on regenerative agriculture. Will also offers advice for conventional farmers looking to make the transition, including creative opportunities to enter regenerative agriculture without having to completely overhaul an existing operation.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

White Oak Pastures Website: https://whiteoakpastures.com/

Soil Fertility, Nutrient Balance & the Legacy of Dr. William Albrecht with Neal Kinsey Ep. 128 Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Neal Kinsey, author of Hands-On Agronomy and one of the most respected voices in soil fertility and the Albrecht approach to soil management.

Neal shares the story of how he became a student of Dr. William Albrecht and how Albrecht’s approach to soil testing and nutrient balance shaped his career. They discuss why pH alone can provide an incomplete picture of soil fertility, how calcium, magnesium, potassium and other nutrients interact, and why farmers should focus on measuring what their soils actually need rather than simply following standard fertilizer programs.

Neal also explains how farmers can prioritize fertility investments within an existing fertilizer budget, avoid slowly mining nutrients from their soils, and use soil testing to identify where inputs will have the greatest return. He shares decades of real-world examples, including dramatic improvements in crop yields and cases where farmers were able to reduce fertilizer expenses while maintaining or improving production.

Neal will also be returning to the 2026 Eco-Ag Conference in Iowa City for a full-day workshop on soil fertility and the Albrecht approach.

As Neal puts it: “You can't manage what you can't measure.”

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

Hands on Agronomy: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/hands-on-agronomy

Kinsey Ag Website: https://kinseyag.com/

The Energy Challenge Facing Modern Agriculture with Brian Dougherty Ep. 127 Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with Brian Dougherty of Understanding Ag to discuss energy constraints, rising input costs, farm economics, and building more resilient agricultural systems.

Brian shares his experience developing a startup direct-to-consumer farm in Wisconsin while transitioning former cropland toward diverse forages, perennial systems, and livestock integration. The conversation then expands into the growing dependence of modern agriculture on fossil fuels and what rising fuel and fertilizer costs could mean for farmers.

Taylor and Brian discuss practical strategies for reducing input dependence, including improving nitrogen-use efficiency, reducing tillage, utilizing cover crops, integrating livestock, and conducting on-farm trials to better understand what soils can produce. They also explore global supply chains, local food systems, and why farmers should begin “stress testing” their operations for potential increases in fuel and fertilizer prices.

Brian also previews his upcoming sessions at the 2026 Eco-Ag Conference in Iowa City, where he will dive deeper into cover crops, agronomy, soil health, livestock integration, and strategies for building more economically and energetically resilient farms.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

Understanding Ag Website: https://understandingag.com/

Brian’s Course: https://understandingag.acresusa.com/soiltesting

Minerals, Genetics & Human Health with Dr. Richard Olree Ep. 126 Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Dr. Richard Olree, a chiropractic physician, longtime student of minerals and genetics, and author of Minerals for the Genetic Code. Dr. Olree shares the remarkable story of how a chance encounter with Gerald Fry led him into the Acres U.S.A. community and ultimately shaped decades of his work.

The conversation explores the connection between soil mineralization, livestock nutrition and human health, including the importance of minerals such as selenium, iodine, boron and magnesium. Dr. Olree discusses his work with hair tissue mineral analysis, what he looks for when evaluating mineral levels and heavy metals, and why he believes farmers should think beyond simply producing food to consider the mineral density and nutritional quality of what they grow.

Taylor and Dr. Olree also dive into his research and perspectives on COVID-19, genetics, selenium, the microbiome, environmental contaminants, and the relationship between mineral balance and human health. They discuss his work with dairy cattle, sea kelp and iodine, as well as how the principles of soil mineralization can be applied to the human body.

Dr. Olree will be returning to the Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference this year for a full-day workshop and general session, where he will expand on his approach to connecting soil health, mineral nutrition and human health.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

Dr. Olree’s Website: https://hillmanhealthfood.com/

Minerals for the Genetic Code: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/minerals-for-the-genetic-code

Using Plant Data to Build Healthier, More Resilient Crops with David Knaus Ep. 125 Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with David Knaus, founder and president of Apical Crop Science, to explore the world of leaf sap analysis, plant nutrition, and nutrient density.

David explains how leaf sap testing differs from traditional tissue testing and how analyzing both new and old leaves can reveal nutrient imbalances, antagonisms and excesses that may otherwise go unnoticed. The conversation dives into how targeted nutrition can reduce unnecessary inputs, improve crop resilience, and even help growers transition away from pesticides and conventional fertility programs.

They also explore some of the lesser-understood relationships in plant nutrition, including aluminum, silicon, carbon, calcium and sodium, and how these interactions can influence plant health and susceptibility to insects and disease.

The conversation also looks toward the future of agriculture, including Apical's nutrient density testing, secondary metabolites, biofortification, artificial intelligence and the potential for growers to market crops based on their nutritional characteristics.

David will also be speaking at the 51st Annual Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show, December 1–4, 2026, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

Apical Crop Science Website: https://apical-ag-home.com/

David’s Webinar with Acres U.S.A.: https://youtu.be/mMHgzYzOAXk?si=1TepwuSDraVSo5dh

From Organic Farming to a Nationwide Food Network: David Stelzer of Azure Standard Ep. 124 Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with David Stelzer, founder of Azure Standard, to hear the story behind one of the country’s largest organic food distribution networks.

David shares how his family’s journey into organic agriculture began in the 1960s after a dramatic change in diet helped restore his health—and how discovering what was being put on conventional seed pushed his father to leave chemical farming behind.

He takes us through the early days of Azure Standard, from delivering grain and flour in an old pickup truck to creating the company’s first catalog and developing the drop-point model that now serves communities across all 50 states. David also discusses the challenges of building a food distribution system outside the traditional supply chain and the unexpected role Y2K played in Azure’s growth.

The conversation dives into the biggest challenges facing organic and regenerative agriculture today, including the lack of domestic production, limited mid-sized processing infrastructure, and the need for private investment in regional food systems.

David will be speaking at Eco-Ag 2026 in Iowa City, December 1–4, focusing on how farmers can connect with consumers and build economically viable markets.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/

Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page

Azure Standard Website: https://www.azurestandard.com/

Pre-Order ‘Seeds of Hope’ (David’s Book): https://www.seedsofhopebook.com/