The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

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.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
Nicole Masters’ ‘Integrity Soils’: https://www.integritysoils.com/

For more than 50 years, Ed Baumgartner has dedicated his life to breeding better corn—but his journey has taken him from conventional agriculture to the forefront of regenerative farming. In this episode, Ed shares the remarkable story behind Bass Hybrids, his family's deep roots in the seed industry, and why he chose to build a non-GMO breeding program in an industry dominated by multinational corporations.
Ed explains how decades of breeding for stronger root systems, drought resilience, nutrient efficiency, and natural pest tolerance have positioned his hybrids to thrive in regenerative systems—long before he even knew regenerative agriculture had a name. The conversation dives into the consolidation of the seed industry, the challenges of competing against Big Ag, and why independent genetics matter for the future of farming.
You'll also hear Ed's vision for reducing fertilizer and herbicide dependence through biology, interseeded cover crops, and genetics that work with nature instead of against it. Whether you're a corn grower, livestock producer, or simply interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers an insightful look at how innovation, resilience, and stewardship can help restore profitability while building healthier soils for generations to come.
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
Bass Hybrids Website: https://www.basshybrids.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.com
Acres 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_X5N0uT1P3irxndrfx6xUVIQ
GoFundMe Link to Support Joel’s Mission: https://www.gofundme.com/f/protecting-herdshares-local-food-rights
Press Release: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ymTm0H7gY15jTJllHXFpt85bRk9LDfPKkXM8JhQ8MhA/edit?usp=drivesdk
Contact your Oklahoma Legislator Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10sGhcpIPcirfQ5e3Pf3L7neOCN95Hov74xmiQ5SEYwI/edit?usp=sharing

What separates successful regenerative farmers from everyone else? According to Luke Jones, it starts with mindset. In this thought-provoking presentation, Luke shares his journey from conventional ag retail to building a regenerative farming operation focused on profitability, resilience and stewardship. Rather than chasing every new practice, he encourages farmers to understand their own unique context, start small, and build systems that fit their land, finances and goals.
Along the way, Luke shares lessons from his own successes and failures—from cover crops and livestock integration to niche marketing opportunities and diversifying farm income. More than a discussion about regenerative practices, this episode is a powerful reminder that lasting success comes from thinking differently, embracing continual learning, and having the courage to forge your own path. Whether you're just beginning your regenerative journey or looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to farm with greater purpose.
Inspired by Luke's approach to regenerative agriculture? Join him and fellow Understanding Ag consultant Brian Dougherty for an immersive, two-day regenerative agriculture workshop in southwest Wisconsin. Through classroom sessions and hands-on field learning, you'll dive deeper into soil health, regenerative agronomy, adaptive grazing, profitability, and more—all on a working farm. Plus, early bird pricing has been extended through July 31. Learn more and register at: https://understandingag.acresusa.com/wisconsin-register

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. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025
Luke Jones UA Page: https://understandingag.com/team/luke-jones/

Bob Quinn has spent four decades challenging conventional agriculture—and proving that healthier soils produce healthier people. In this conversation, the fourth-generation Montana grain farmer, scientist, and founder of the Quinn Institute joins Taylor Henry to discuss the future of regenerative and organic agriculture, the connection between food and chronic disease, and why farmers should be recognized for growing food as medicine.
Bob shares the story of his family's transition from conventional wheat farming to organic production, the discovery of ancient grains like KAMUT® wheat, and the groundbreaking research showing how seed genetics, soil health, and farming practices influence human health. The conversation also explores climate variability, rebuilding rural communities, integrating livestock, the importance of regional food systems, and why regenerative agriculture should be viewed as a pathway toward truly regenerative organic farming.
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. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025
Bob’s Research: https://quinninstitute.org/