Joni Kindwall-Moore welcomes Merlin Yockstick to discuss his extensive educational publishing background and innovative contributions to regenerative agriculture. Born and raised on a small family farm in Iowa, Merlin shares his transformative journey from the educational sector to spearheading regenerative initiatives across the United States. His career shift from publishing to sustainable development exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning and adaptation, reflecting on historical agricultural practices and forward-thinking soil and community health strategies.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Early Life and Career Shifts: Merlin's upbringing in Iowa, his initial career in education, and his pivot to publishing educational materials focused on state history, which later influenced his approach to regenerative agriculture.
2. Innovative Educational Materials: Development of interactive, multimedia educational programs that diverged from traditional textbooks, which set a new standard across the industry.
3. Return to Iowa and Sustainable Development: After successful ventures in publishing, Merlin returned to Iowa to address the challenges of modern agriculture and its impact on community health and soil degradation.
4. Regenerative Agriculture Initiatives: Details of Merlin’s current projects, including statewide and national efforts to promote sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health and food quality.

Links:

FarmHero.com

Connect with Merlin Yockstick:

LinkedIn: Merlin Yockstick

Quotes:

• "We don't really retire; we transition to work on things we're passionate about." — Merlin Yockstick
• "Education is not just about filling a bucket, but lighting a fire." — Joni Kindwall-Moore

Conclusion: Merlin's work encapsulates the essence of regenerative design by integrating historical insights with innovative solutions to restore ecological and community health. His story is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and adaptation in facing global challenges.

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to explore regenerative agriculture more and consider how they can support sustainable practices in their communities.

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Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories. Visitsnacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

Funding for the Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the authors' responsibility and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.