The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with Keith Berns of Green Cover Seed to explore the powerful resources farmers already have available to them—and how regenerative management can turn those resources into real economic value.Keith shares the story behind Green Cover Seed and the experiments that convinced him of the power of diverse cover crop mixes. From capturing more sunlight and cycling nitrogen to improving soil structure, infiltration, mineral availability, and biological activity, Keith explains his concept of the “Farmer’s Free Lunch”—seven resources that are freely available but only become valuable when farmers manage their systems to capture and utilize them.The conversation dives deep into the relationship between cover crops, livestock, soil biology, carbon, and nitrogen, including how farmers without cattle can still benefit from grazing partnerships and how virtual fencing technology could make integrating livestock onto crop ground more practical. Keith also discusses Green Cover’s own return to cattle, their plans for establishing perennial pasture, and strategies for extending the grazing season.The episode wraps up with practical cover crop recommendations for late summer and fall planting, along with a look ahead to Keith’s upcoming presentation at Eco-Ag 2026 in Iowa City. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about reducing dependence on purchased inputs, rebuilding soil, and learning to work with the resources already present on the farm.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.comAcres 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-pageGreen Cover Website: https://greencover.com/

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin shares the story behind his 63-acre Salvatierra Farm in Minnesota and the development of the Tree-Range System—a poultry-centered regenerative agroforestry model designed around collaboration, infrastructure, processing, and shared economic opportunity.Reginaldo explains why he believes individual farmers often struggle to succeed on their own and how coordinated networks can provide the processing, distribution, financing, training, and market infrastructure that small and mid-sized farms need. He also dives into the practical realities of building a poultry-centered farm, including tree crops, forage, broilers, farm design, processing, and value-added products.The conversation goes beyond poultry to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing regenerative agriculture today—including farmer individualism, the culture of cheap food, government dependency, supply-chain vulnerability, and the growing threat of regenerative “whitewashing.” Reginaldo makes the case for community-based accountability, measurable outcomes, biodiversity, and farmer-led governance as the foundation for protecting the integrity of the regenerative movement.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.comAcres 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‘In the Shadow of a Green Man’ Book: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/in-the-shadow-of-green-manRegenerative Agriculture Alliance Website: https://www.regenagalliance.org/

What does it really take to move agriculture forward? In this inspiring presentation from Eco-Ag 2021, renowned agroecologist Nicole Masters explores the mindset behind regenerative agriculture and why lasting transformation begins with people, not just practices.Drawing from decades of experience working with farmers and ranchers around the world, Nicole shares practical strategies for overcoming resistance to change, communicating with skeptical neighbors, and creating the conditions for successful behavior change. She explains why resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge old paradigms are just as important as soil biology and grazing management.Whether you're a seasoned regenerative producer or just beginning your journey, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, community, and the future of agriculture. Nicole offers an encouraging roadmap for helping more farmers embrace regenerative practices—and why building healthy soils starts with cultivating a healthy mindset.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.comAcres 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-pageNicole Masters’ ‘Integrity Soils’: https://www.integritysoils.com/

What happens when an innovative ranching model designed to rebuild local food systems attracts the attention of government regulators?In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Joel Hollingsworth of Smoke River Ranch to explore a story that goes far beyond one ranch. From overcoming Crohn's disease and building a regenerative cattle operation from scratch to creating a unique herdshare model that connects families directly to food production, Joel shares the vision behind one of the country's most innovative regenerative ranches.But after a viral video thrust Smoke River Ranch into the national spotlight, Joel found himself facing an unexpected legal battle with the Oklahoma Department of Securities—despite no customer complaints, no allegations of fraud, and no reported victims.Together, Joel and Taylor dive into the future of regenerative agriculture, the economics of rebuilding the disappearing middle of American farming, ultra-high-density grazing, community-based food systems, property rights, and the growing tension between agricultural innovation and government regulation. They also discuss why this case could set a precedent that reaches far beyond one ranch, potentially impacting ranchers, custom grazers, herd shares, and cooperative farming models across the country.Whether you're a farmer, rancher, homesteader, or simply someone who cares about the future of food, this conversation raises important questions about who controls agriculture, what true food freedom looks like, and what it will take to restore resilient, locally rooted farming communities in America.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.comAcres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/Letters in Support of Smoke River Ranch: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15E_c2tOP_X5N0uT1P3irxndrfx6xUVIQGoFundMe Link to Support Joel’s Mission: https://www.gofundme.com/f/protecting-herdshares-local-food-rightsPress Release: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ymTm0H7gY15jTJllHXFpt85bRk9LDfPKkXM8JhQ8MhA/edit?usp=drivesdkContact your Oklahoma Legislator Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10sGhcpIPcirfQ5e3Pf3L7neOCN95Hov74xmiQ5SEYwI/edit?usp=sharing