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:

Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin - Regenerative Poultry Production Systems Ep. 66 Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Recorded live at the 2021 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show in Covington, Kentucky, Dec. 6-9, 2021.

Scaling up your chicken operation to become a commercial operation can be difficult. Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin’s system of integrating poultry into your crop and pasture operation is spreading around the world because it helps farmers see clear, humane paths forward and to reach the larger markets. He brings an indigenous-based approach to putting poultry back into its natural environment and to the business development process for aggregating and scaling the collective impact of small farms for a new and regenerative industry. In this workshop, he will lay out the regenerative poultry production protocol and will incorporate the larger-scale planning underway at the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance to scale up this system across regions in the U.S. and internationally.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

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

Reginaldo's Poultry Production Website: https://www.regenpoultry.com/

Increase Profits with Regenerative Ag - John Kempf Ep. 65 Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

This throwback Eco-Ag session from 2017 will address how to produce more profitably through regenerative agriculture. John Kempf has become one of the most inspiring and promising crop consultants in agriculture today. Kempf’s consulting company, Advancing Eco Agriculture, has successfully implemented profitable organic programs for a large number of fruit and vegetable growers and crop producers across the country. In this discussion, Kempf will lay out the foundational principles he uses to succeed in bring operations to pesticide free production and how these principles enable growers to make more money with regenerative agriculture.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

Beyond the Label: Unveiling the Pesticide Industry with Chuck Benbrook Ep. 64 Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Join host Taylor Henry from Acres U.S.A. as he interviews Chuck Benbrook in a captivating episode of The Acres U.S.A. podcast. Discover Chuck's fascinating journey from a childhood playing in his grandmother's flowerbed to becoming a pivotal figure in agricultural economics and pesticide regulation. The discussion delves into Chuck's experiences in British Columbia's remote areas, his challenges and achievements in ranching, and his significant contributions to understanding the impact of pesticides, particularly glyphosate, on human health and agriculture. This episode also touches on Chuck's involvement in high-profile litigation against large chemical companies, revealing how industry practices and regulatory decisions have shaped modern farming and public health.

This podcast is brought to you by OCIA and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

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Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

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

Dr. Christine Jones - The Liquid Carbon Pathway and Common Mycorrhizal Networks Ep. 63 Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Join us as we delve into the transformative insights of Dr. Christine Jones, who explores the intricate relationships between plant diversity, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. This throwback Eco-Ag Keynote begins with a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Phil Callahan, a pioneer in agricultural knowledge, and transitions into Dr. Jones's in-depth discussion on the importance of green plants, mycorrhizall networks, and the liquid carbon pathway in creating healthy, resilient soils. Learn about groundbreaking experiments and real-world applications that reveal how increasing plant diversity can lead to greater soil carbon and nitrogen levels, improved drought tolerance, and overall healthier ecosystems. Whether you're a farmer, gardener, or agricultural enthusiast, this episode provides valuable knowledge on building nutrient-dense food systems through regenerative practices.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

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

Beyond the Conventional: A Deep Dive into Regenerative Farming with Will Harris and Melissa Norris Ep. 62 Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Acres USA podcast, host Taylor Henry is joined by Author Melissa Norris to interview Will Harris of White Oak Pastures. They delve into the complexities of pesticide immunity laws, discussing how pesticide companies seek protection from liabilities despite evidence of harmful consequences. Will shares his journey from conventional to regenerative farming, the economic challenges involved, and the importance of transparency and education in sustainable agriculture. Additionally, they touch on the significant role that federal subsidies play in the farming industry, the disparity between industrial and regenerative farming, and the vital need for consumer awareness and education.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

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

Melissa Norris’s Website: https://melissaknorris.com/

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

Monte Bottens: Bridging Generations in Farming Innovation Ep. 61 Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of ‘The Acres U.S.A. Podcast’ Taylor Henry sits down with Monte Bottens, a fifth-generation Illinois farmer who manages over 2000 acres and operates multiple agricultural businesses. Monty discusses his journey from conventional farming to regenerative practices, his ventures such as Ag Solutions Network and the insights he gained from his experiences in both Illinois and California. Learn about the challenges and successes in soil health improvement, integrating livestock, direct-to-consumer sales, and the potential of virtual fencing. This episode is filled with valuable tips and stories for anyone interested in sustainable and profitable farming practices.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

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

Bottens Family Farms Website: https://www.bottens.com/

Ranching Reinvented: Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture with Joel Hollingsworth Ep. 60 Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast host Taylor Henry dives deep into the world of sustainable and regenerative farming practices, with a special focus on the economic challenges and innovative solutions within the industry. Joined by Joel Hollingsworth, owner of Smoke River Ranch, the conversation explores a multitude of topics—from the intricacies of herd share programs and the macroeconomic impacts of trade policies to advanced high-density grazing techniques and the transformative potential of nutrient-dense food production. Joel shares his unique approach to transitioning traditional ranches to regenerative systems, shedding light on how economic viability can be achieved through community-supported herds and adaptive grazing practices. Learn about the importance of supporting tariffs to address trade imbalances, the role of hard money and asset diversification, and the exciting advances in nutrient testing technology that promise to revolutionize the agricultural sector. Don't miss this insightful discussion packed with practical advice, visionary perspectives, and actionable steps for both producers and consumers committed to a sustainable farming future.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

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

‘Soil and Money’ Article: https://www.theamericantribune.news/p/soil-and-money

Smoke River Ranch Website: https://www.smokeriverranch.com/

Homesteading Wisdom: Sean and Beth Dougherty's Journey Ep. 59 Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. podcast, host Taylor Henry sits down with homesteaders Sean and Beth Dougherty to discuss their journey into regenerative farming and sustainable living. Tune in as they share their experiences from starting on 'junk' land to creating a thriving farm that produces 90-95% of their food. Learn about the principles that have guided their success, the books and authors who inspired them, and the practical tips for homesteading, including livestock management and ecosystem-based farming. Whether you're an aspiring homesteader or simply curious about sustainable agriculture, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

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

‘The Independent Farmstead”: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/independent-farmstead?_pos=1&_sid=7b771d85a&_ss=r

Brix, Bones, and Better Beef with Dr. Will Winter and Steve Campbell Ep. 58 May 26, 2025

Show notes

Join us in this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast, hosted by Taylor Henry, as we dive deep into sustainable farming and regenerative agricultural practices with renowned experts Steve Campbell and Dr. Will Winter. Steve shares his journey from ranching in Idaho to discovering the transformative effects of nutrition and grass finishing on livestock. Will recounts his evolution from conventional livestock practices in Kansas to founding a holistic veterinary practice. They cover a wide array of topics, including the importance of mineralization, the impact of diet on livestock health, grass finishing techniques, and the role of biological stimulants in improving soil fertility. Be prepared to learn invaluable insights on how to increase the productivity and sustainability of your farming practices. This episode also includes practical advice for young farmers and the significance of niche markets in modern agriculture. Don't miss out on these conversations if you are serious about taking your farming practices to the next level!

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

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

Dr. Winter’s Website: https://www.willwinter.com/

Steve Cambell’s “Tailor Made Cattle”: https://www.tailormadecattle.com/

https://eco-farming.com/viroquaevent

Farm Weird: Embracing Unconventional Ag Practices with Jason Mauck Ep. 57 May 19, 2025

Show notes

Join Taylor Henry, owner and CEO of Acres U.S.A., as he interviews Jason Mauck on the latest episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast. This in-depth conversation covers sustainable farming, regenerative practices, and innovative agricultural techniques like relay cropping, using livestock for in-crop grazing, and adapting crop systems for economic resilience. Jason shares his unique approaches to farming, including integrating cattle grazing into crop production and maximizing crop yield with strategic soil management. The episode also previews the upcoming Acres U.S.A. “Farm Weird” Field Day at Jason's farm in Gaston, Indiana on June 21st, featuring speakers John Kemp, Gary Zimmer, and Jason Mauck himself. Don't miss this insightful episode as they explore modern eco-agricultural practices and the future of sustainable farming.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

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

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Access Eco-Ag 2024 Recordings: https://conference.eco-ag.com/24recordings

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