Regenerative Agriculture Podcast
Science:Earth Sciences
Zack Smith is a fifth-generation farmer from northern Iowa. He is the owner and operator of Smith Seed and Agronomy, LLC, and co-founder and CEO of Stock Cropper, Inc.
Zack previously worked in seed production and chemical retail as a certified crop advisor and then as a seed rep while farming on the side. He eventually became interested in soil health and started experimenting with strip-tilling and using cover crops, which marked the beginning of his shift towards regenerative agricultural. Zack recently developed a system called “stock cropping,” a regenerative farming system that raises row crops in conjunction with multiple species of livestock simultaneously in the field. He and his business partners, Sheldon Stevermer and Lance Peterson, went on to develop the Cluster Cluck 5000, an autonomous, self-moving barn.
In this episode, Zack and John discuss:
The concept of stock cropping and its benefits to plant and soil health
Developing barns for mobile grazing that integrate multiple species of livestock
Implementing a rotational grazing system with frequent moves to optimize animal impact and pasture utilization
Developing high-quality pasture mixes using cool-season and warm-season species
The importance of innovation and collaboration in advancing regenerative agriculture practices
Additional Resources
To learn more about stock cropping and the Cluster Cluck 5000, visit https://thestockcropper.com/
About John Kempf
John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.
Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.
Support For This Show & Helping You Grow
Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.
AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.
AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.
Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.
Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com
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VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk
Episode 116: Restoring Water Cycles and Ecosystems with Alpha Lo
Episode 115: Covering Ground: How Cover Crops Can Change Your Farm with Brian Magarin
Podcast Extra - AEA's Regenerative Future: Hear From Our Investors
Episode 114: The State of the American Food System with Austin Frerick
Episode 113: The Economics and Ethos of Market Gardening with Jean-Martin Fortier
Episode 112: Transforming Arid Landscapes with Taimur Malik
Episode 111: Questioning Farm Management Traditions with Boe Clausen
Episode 109: From Urban Organizers to Organic Pioneers with Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge
Episode 108: Increasing the Nutrient Density of Wine Grapes with Nicole Dooling and Michael Frey
Episode 107: Sustainable and Profitable Agriculture with Marty Travis
Episode 106: The Cumulative Benefits of Regeneration with Will Harris
Episode 105: Moving From Organic to Regenerative Management with Steven Cardoza
Episode 104: Introducing Integrity Grown™ with John Kempf
Episode 103: Regenerative Cotton and Industry Disruption with Amy Williams
Episode 102: The Learning Experience of Regenerative Ag with Dr. Allen Williams
Episode 101: Making the Most of Water Variability with Joel Grosbach
Episode 100: Hear from the Host - James Johnson Interviews John Kempf
Episode 99: Reshaping How Agriculture Sees Plant Nutrient Uptake With Dr. James White
Episode 98: Growing For Nutrition Through Color and Flavor with Bob Jones
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