In this special two-part series, Dr. Liz Haney joins Monte in the studio for an in-depth exploration of the Haney Soil Test. Originally recorded as an internal education piece for our Ag Solutions Network Dealers and customers, this insightful conversation has too much good info not to share. In Part I, we break down the Haney Soil Test—explaining what it measures and the meaning behind each component. In the following episode, we dig deeper into how the test can influence soil health and farming practices, from optimizing input use to uncovering potential cost savings. Gaining a deeper understanding of the Haney Soil Test can transform your approach to agriculture by offering critical insights into nutrient availability and microbial activity. Whether you're a veteran grower or just beginning your regenerative agriculture journey, this series delivers practical knowledge to elevate your soil management and increase productivity. Don’t miss it—tune in to discover how smarter soil decisions today can create a more sustainable future for generations to come. About our guest: Liz is a soil and ecosystem scientist with experience in soil testing and analyses, carbon and conservation practice modeling, and is the co-developer of the Haney Soil Health Test. Liz’s purpose, drive and passion are helping to improve producer profitability, environmental sustainability, and human health through regenerative practices and soil health. Throughout her career she has developed an expansive network of scientists, thought leaders, consultants, farmers and ranchers within the sustainable agriculture space. Liz loves nothing more than creating community and is skilled at coordinating and conducting educational events, workshops and conferences bringing together today’s leading innovators in regenerative agriculture. Liz is also a co-founder of ​Regen Mills​ and Heritage Ground with Russell. Come see Liz Haney in Person! ​Premier Soil Health Event 2025, Dec. 2-3​ in Mankato, MN​Big Soil Health Event 2025: Dec. 8-9​ in Cedar Rapids, IA

Regenerative farmers need better financial assurances. Eric Gibson from Rabobank shares his expertise on the current challenges faced by farmers, including risk management and crop insurance. Explore the economic implications of soil health practices and the importance of policy in driving agricultural innovation. With a focus on soil health, nutrient density, and generational perspectives, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the future of farming. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on aligning risk management with soil health and the potential for transformative change in the agri-food value chain. Rabobank Report: US Farmers Confront Risks in Face of Change https://rabobankna.com/knowledge-hub/us-farmers-confront-risks-in-face-of-change/ About our guest: Eric Gibson, Rabobank Analyst – Farm Inputs & Crop Production Sustainability Eric is an analyst for RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness in the US, where he focuses on sustainability in farm inputs and crop production. Eric’s industry knowledge has a broad reach, ranging from hands-on farming and livestock experience, to research, communications, and client and stakeholder management. Before joining Rabobank, he served as a Fusion Leader & Intelligence Analyst at Aimpoint Research, where he conducted market research and data analysis to support client ambitions. Prior to Aimpoint, he worked as a Product Marketing Manager in the Crop Marketing & Sustainability and Seed & Digital Technology teams at Farmers Business Network. Eric also spent six years with the US Soybean Export Council, where he helped coordinate USSEC’s sustainability program. Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri, with concentrations in plant science, animal science, and agricultural economics. Ag Solutions Network website: https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/ *** *** Click to watch or listen and as always, let us know if you have any questions or guest ideas by emailing ​contactus@agsolutionsnetwork.com​.

We're having a heart to heart about the mental health challenges faced by those in the farming and veterinary professions. Meet Dr. Kim Stevens and Liz Hulsizer, as they share personal experiences and resources for our agricultural families and businesses. Links to counseling and suicide prevention are below. We ask you to share, listen, watch and learn how to help one another actively work to keep our farmers, vets, and their loved ones from missing their seat at the table. About our guests: Liz Hulsizer and her family are fifth-generation farmers in Knox County, Illinois. They experienced significant personal challenges, including the suicide of her father-in-law shortly after she and her husband were married. This event profoundly impacted their lives and farming operations. Liz is actively involved in promoting mental health awareness within the farming community, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and acceptability of mental health resources. She is also a board member of the Farm Family Resource Initiative, which provides support to those in agriculture. Liz is committed to sharing her story to help others understand the impact of mental health issues and to encourage open conversations about these challenges. Dr. Kim Stevens is a veterinarian based in Galva, Illinois, which is also her hometown. She studied dairy production in veterinary school with the goal of becoming a dairy veterinarian. After graduating in 2010, she returned to Galva to join a veterinary practice, which she later purchased in 2013. Dr. Stevens is deeply involved in her community, providing veterinary services for both small and large animals. She is passionate about mental health awareness within the veterinary community and is part of the organization "Not One More Vet," which addresses mental health challenges faced by veterinarians. Dr. Stevens is known for her dedication to her practice and her community, often emphasizing the importance of support networks and open communication in overcoming mental health struggles. Resources: Not One More Vet (NOMV):An organization focused on mental health support for veterinarians. They provide resources and support networks to help veterinarians cope with mental health challenges. ​https://nomv.org​ Farm Family Resource Initiative:This initiative offers a 24/7 confidential phone line specifically for those in Illinois agriculture. The phone number is 1-833-FARMSOS. It provides up to six free counseling sessions for farm families and those working in agriculture. ​ Nationwide Programs: ​Farm State of Mind® | American Farm Bureau Federation​ Suicide Prevention Hotline: US & Canada: ​988​

Taylor Herren is a beach-loving Californian who traded Santa Barbara for Cotton Plant, Arkansas, to pursue her dream of becoming a farmer and agricultural entrepreneur. What she cares most about is regenerative agriculture that works for real farmers and can be scaled on millions of acres—she's not interested in perfection, but in progress that helps farmers benefit from soil health through on-farm savings, increased market opportunities, and more time with their families. *** Show notes and Links *** Subscribe to AgEmerge here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AgSolutionsNetwork Hear from another entrepreneur, Taylor Henry sharing his farming story: https://youtu.be/rt2V_YnBfsI Ag Solutions Network Socials: https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/ Ag Solutions Network website: https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/ *** *** More about Taylor Herren: After 15 years working in regenerative agriculture—including roles with Green America, Kiss the Ground and Chico State —Taylor made the leap into farming last year. Her first crop year in 2025 marks a significant milestone as one of the few women entering large-scale row crop agriculture, farming 400 acres of corn, soybeans, and rice with a USDA crop loan while building a pasture livestock operation starting with 600 birds. The transition from one of California's most beautiful coastal cities to the hot, swampy Mississippi Delta has been challenging but transformative, connecting her to both the land and her farming partner Adam Chappell. Taylor's mission goes beyond building a successful agricultural business—she's driven by those meaningful moments in nature where life abounds in the plants, birds, bugs, and the passionate farmers who tend the land. Currently at Soil & Climate Initiative, she leads the farm transition program and regenerative crop market development work, including the Delta Regen Rice project. What she cares most about is regenerative agriculture that works for real farmers and can be scaled on millions of acres—she's not interested in perfection, but in progress that helps farmers benefit from soil health through on-farm savings, increased market opportunities, and more time with their families. Her ultimate goal: to become a successful "chicken baroness" while proving that regenerative agriculture can create profitable, resilient farming operations. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-herren-590196107/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/taylor.herren.5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsfarmhard/

Waldo Moraga, founder of ECO2MIX, talks with Monte about the huge strides carbonic acid has taken in farming, and even the golf industry as sustainable water pH control. Learn how carbonic acid is a safer alternative to sulfuric acid, and plays a significant role in soil health by breaking down minerals in the soil and releasing essential nutrients plants need to grow. Carbonic acid also improves soil structure by promoting the formation of soil aggregates, which enhances water retention and infiltration, ultimately supporting healthy plant growth. Join Monte and Waldo as they uncover the science behind this innovative solution and its promising future. Learn how carbonic acid is a safer alternative to sulfuric acid, and plays a significant role in soil health by breaking down minerals in the soil and releasing essential nutrients plants need to grow. Carbonic acid also improves soil structure by promoting the formation of soil aggregates, which enhances water retention and infiltration, ultimately supporting healthy plant growth. Join Monte and Waldo as they uncover the science behind this innovative solution and its promising future. Waldo Moraga: Waldo earned his B.S. of Agriculture and has a passion for water related topics, from conservation to treatment. More than 30 years in irrigation, fertigation, and water pH control in Chile, Peru, Mexico and since 2016 fully committed to change the paradigm on how farmers deal with water pH in the Central Valley of California and the US. ECO2MIX: https://www.eco2mix.com We decided to find a better solution, specifically designed for agriculture, to reduce pH in irrigation water with a more sustainable process. That’s when we designed a system that uses carbonic acid to acidify water, mimicking nature. CO2 is not new to the world of agriculture. There’s plenty of research and publications about its biological and soil benefits and yields improvements. With this in mind, we decided to design a highly efficient system using this natural compound. Our mission is to provide a sustainable solution for water pH control, using an eco-friendly technology that helps the plant and soil biology by replacing the use of toxic and dangerous mineral acids with innocuous carbonic acid (CO2 + water). We are the only carbon pH control designed with the grower’s problem in mind.

What's up with kids these days? Meet Drew Cotton and Andrew Larson. Mr. Larson is fresh into the retirement scene but together, the two men served as professors at Black Hawk College in Galva, Illinois. They've seen it all. And they confidently say, we're in good hands. *** Show notes and Links *** Subscribe to AgEmerge here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AgSolutionsNetwork Watch another outstanding educator, Dr. Dwayne Beck, here: https://youtu.be/1JlTPcoKB0M Ag Solutions Network Socials: https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/ Ag Solutions Network website: https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/ Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to contactus@asn.farm we’d love to hear from you. *** Show notes and Links *** Monte Bottens hosts interns and classes from Black Hawk multiple times throughout the year. The three guys talk all about the unique learning approach Black Hawk provides and the depth of experience students have under their belts by graduation. Drew Cotton is the Co-Department Chair for the Agriculture Department at Black Hawk College. He focuses on agribusiness education. Prior to Black Hawk, Mr. Cotton studied Animal Sciences at the University of Florida and completed undergrad at Kansas State University. Mr. Cotton leads the Agribusiness Club and coaches the Agricultural Business and Horse Judging teams. With his peers and students, Mr. Cotton has coached and guided wins with the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference Sweepstakes Awards. Andrew Larson: We thank Mr. Larson for his military service, prior to becoming an instructor. He recently retired after teaching at Black Hawk College for 27 years. He earned a Master's of Science in Nutrient Management and Crop Production from the University of Illinois in 1998 after completing his undergrad from the Illinois State University in Environmental Sciences and Protection in 1994. While at Black Hawk, Mr. Larson served as a full-time instructor in the agriculture department of Black Hawk College. He taught production, marketing and management of agriculture curriculums. He's secured places of employment for over 500 graduates in the agriculture industry. And provided leadership to place and supervise over 100 internships. Mr. Larson managed a 25-acre college agronomy lab, coached college soil and crop judging teams, and also served as Advisor for the Trap Shooting Club. He was the lead Investigator for Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant that supported a four-acre sustainable agriculture research plot and conducted numerous field trials annually in the agronomy lab. He designed subsurface drainage system in the agronomy lab to implement nutrient management study; facilitated installation of a bio-reactor.

From equipment to crop nutrition, products and practices, Monte Bottens shares the latest and greatest happenings of Bottens Family Farms. Monte is an open book when it comes to helping farmers see what is possible. His recommendations to others come from years of on-farm trials, product experimentation, and pushing the boundaries of scaling soil health principles on sizable acreage. From growing his own seed, to future equipment trials, you might get some wild ideas for your own operations. Monte Bottens has deep roots in agriculture. Raised as a fifth-generation, northwestern Illinois farmer, Monte is a business owner, entrepreneur and thought leader. Monte began his farming career with two bred sows given to him by his grandmother. Thanks to great guidance from his dad and equipment-sharing startup assistance, today he’s the owner of Bottens Family Farm (BFF). The farm utilizes the latest agricultural innovations in precision farming technology and crop management systems while putting into practice advanced regenerative ag principles. BFF produces a diversity of crops and grass-fed livestock. which are sold direct to consumers under the Grateful Graze label. He is the Founder, President and CEO of Ag Solutions Network, Inc. (ASN) headquartered in Moline, Illinois, where he leads the development and distribution of the POWER2GRO crop production system. ASN utilizes the latest technological advancements and highest-quality ingredients to enable farmers to build soil health and soil wealth. Monte is also the host of ASN’s podcast, AgEmerge where featured guests discuss new ideas, grower insights, research and emerging technology. Monte is the Founder and Partner of California Ag Solutions, Inc. (CAS) in Madera, CA. The CAS team serves farmers of the Central Valley by helping them adopt reduced tillage techniques combined with improved water and nutrient efficiency using ASN’s POWER2GRO system on a wide variety of crops. Monte has a love for the agricultural diversity in California. He serves on the leadership team of Conservation Agriculture Systems Innovation (CASI) center that develops integrated reduced tillage and irrigation techniques in California and globally. His excitement for ag tech and continuous process improvement also led him to get involved with the UC Davis Entrepreneurship Program and the Sacramento Angels. He has a desire to teach others and make region specific practices applicable for all different crops, soil types, and climates throughout the US. He has presented at many conferences and universities sharing his passion for soil health and agriculture innovation. Monte is a graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He and his wife Robyn live in Sherrard, Illinois, close to family on the family farm.

In this special episode of the AgEmerge Podcast, Grok, created by xAI, turns the mic on Monte Bottens, a fifth-generation Illinois farmer, entrepreneur, and visionary behind Bottens Family Farm, Ag Solutions Network, and Grateful Graze. Monte shares his journey from raising pigs in 4-H to building a diverse operation rooted in regenerative agriculture, blending Midwest traditions with California’s crop diversity. He discusses the pivotal moments—like seeing Gabe Brown’s soil organic matter gains—that drove Monte’s shift to soil health principles, the challenges of overcoming conventional farming’s cookie-cutter mindset, and his frustration with the industry’s resistance to change. Monte’s vision for the future is bold: transitioning to organic systems, prioritizing perennials, and using technology like precision ag to scale regenerative practices for large-scale farmers. This conversation is packed with raw honesty, practical wisdom, and a call to rethink farming for soil and community health. Monte also offers actionable advice for young farmers: find a niche, leverage local markets, and don’t fear failure. From cover crop mishaps to mid-season equipment fixes, his stories of trial and error inspire listeners to embrace innovation and build strong teams. Whether you’re a farmer, researcher, or innovator, Monte’s insights on overcoming fear, learning from mistakes, and aligning with nature’s design will leave you fired up to push the needle forward for sustainable farming. And, if you’re as excited as we are about the future of agriculture, check out our website at asn.farm and there you can click on links to follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. There’s a lot of great things happening and always something to learn.

Today we welcome Dr. Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of LandScan, a pioneering company revolutionizing site characterization and analysis for agriculture and forestry. With over 20 years of experience developing, protecting, and commercializing innovative technologies for soil and vegetation mapping, Dr. Rooney is leading LandScan to transform how farmers, foresters, and land managers optimize their operations. LandScan’s cutting-edge solutions integrate remote sensing, spatial information analysis, and machine learning to deliver accurate, timely, and actionable insights, empowering growers to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Dr. Rooney and his dedicated team are driven by a mission to improve global agriculture and forestry through intelligent, data-driven approaches. From his early work in soil physics to creating digital twin technology for high-value crops like almonds, vineyards, and avocados, Dr. Rooney shares his journey and vision for a smarter, more sustainable future. Tune in to explore how LandScan is redefining soil surveys and helping farmers worldwide make informed decisions. Visit LandScan.ai to learn more about their transformative services. You can learn more about LandScan here: https://landscan.ai/ And, if you’re as excited as we are about the future of agriculture, check out our website at asn.farm and there you can click on links to follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. There’s a lot of great things happening and always something to learn.

Aaron Steele is the innovative founder of Goats On The Go, a national network of targeted grazing service providers revolutionizing sustainable land management. Aaron shares his journey from a small acreage in Ames, Iowa, to building a thriving business that uses goats and sheep to control weeds, brush, and invasive species, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemicals and machinery. Starting in 2012 as a way to move beyond hobby farming, Goats On The Go® has grown into a community of over 70 affiliates across the U.S. and Canada, empowering entrepreneurs to operate profitable, sustainable grazing businesses. Aaron dives into the unique benefits of goats, from their ability to tackle tough vegetation like poison ivy and multiflora rose to their low seed viability, making them ideal for ecological restoration. He also discusses the challenges of raising goats, the growing demand for goat meat, and the untapped potential of virtual fencing in grazing operations. With insights on wildfire mitigation, suburban land management, and opportunities for farmers to lease goats, this episode highlights how Aaron’s vision is transforming agriculture and land stewardship. To learn more, check out goatsonthego.com or Aaron’s audiobook, Goats for Good, at goatsforgood.com Aaron Steele is the founder of Goats On The Go®, a national network of targeted grazing service providers who use goats and sheep to sustainably manage vegetation for their customers. Aaron launched Goats On The Go® in 2012 as an unconventional way to take his small farm beyond a hobby in an environment where expensive land, questionable practices, and a bigger-is-better mentality are the norms. Goats On The Go® now licenses its brands, training, and support to others, building a community of entrepreneurs who seek to operate profitable farms no matter their entry point or size. Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA from Iowa State University. A big thank you to Aaron for sharing his insights and the incredible potential of adding goats into your toolbox of sustainable agriculture systems. And, if you’d like to learn what we’re doing to help growers add tools to the soil health and plant nutrition toolbox, check out our website at asn.farm and there you can click on links to follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. There’s a lot of great things happening and always something to learn.

We welcome Taylor Henry, a farmer, entrepreneur, realtor, and the owner of Acres U.S.A. and Henry Pastures. Broadcasting from the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, Taylor shares his remarkable journey from a career as a county sheriff to becoming a leading voice in regenerative agriculture. Taylor dives into his entrepreneurial mindset, inspired by books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Dirt to Soil, and how he transitioned from law enforcement to farming by taking bold action. He discusses the economic necessity of regenerative practices, emphasizing that ecological farming must be economically viable to succeed. As the owner of Acres U.S.A., Taylor is revitalizing its legacy, founded by Charles Walters in 1971, by digitizing resources, hosting impactful field days, and planning the 50th annual conference to connect farmers with practical, profitable strategies. Click this link if you'd like to learn more and register for the Farm Weird Event https://conference.eco-ag.com/farmweird?am_id=monte2150 And you can also click here: https://eco-farming.com/home?am_id=monte9926 to learn more about Acres U.S.A. Membership Offers Passionate about empowering first-generation farmers, Taylor shares innovative pathways to enter agriculture, from leveraging virtual jobs and Airbnb rentals to securing grazing leases and mentorship. He challenges conventional commodity farming’s reliance on hope and highlights how regenerative systems offer control, resilience, and opportunities for multi-generational success. Taylor shares insights on overcoming paralysis by analysis, the power of books over social media, and his vision for Acres U.S.A. to shape a sustainable future for agriculture. Taylor Henry is a farmer, entrepreneur, and realtor, and the owner of Acres U.S.A. and Henry Pastures. He carries forward a regenerative farming legacy, managing over 250 acres across multiple farms in the Driftless Region. A former police officer turned entrepreneur, Taylor integrates cattle and hogs into his holistic farming system and helps others acquire land for regenerative use. Passionate about supporting the next generation of farmers, Taylor shares pathways for young people to enter regenerative agriculture, from innovative land access models to financing strategies and mentorship opportunities. Through Acres U.S.A., he continues to inspire and educate farmers nationwide. https://www.acresusa.com/ asn.farm And if you’d like to learn more about what we’re doing, visit our website at asn.farm and there you can click on links to follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. There’s a lot of great things happening and always something to learn.

Today, we welcome Ed Baumgartner, Founder and Breeder at 3rd Millennium Genetics and BASS Hybrids. Ed and his family have been on their corn breeding journey for decades, working on developing native traits resistant to insects and drought. This breeding program has evolved and is focused on developing corn hybrids that thrive in regenerative agriculture practices. Listen in as he and Monte have a great conversation that’ll have your gears turning about seed research and development. Ed was born and raised on a cattle and corn farming operation near Olivia, Minnesota, a progressive farming region globally recognized as the “Corn Capital,” where most corn genetics with 105-day maturity or earlier pass through at some point. At its peak, this town of 2,500 people hosted 17 corn seed-related businesses. As a third-generation member of the corn seed industry, Ed’s companies are distinct from earlier family enterprises. Since 1984, he has been breeding corn, navigating five corporate mergers before founding 3rd Millennium Genetics in Puerto Rico in 2005. He later expanded operations to Minnesota, establishing 3MG North in 2013 and selling corn seed through Bass Hybrids since 2017. Ed’s corn breeding program, initiated in 2005, focuses on developing native traits for insect and drought resistance, evolving to create corn hybrids optimized for regenerative agriculture practices. His wife and three daughters are actively involved in various aspects of the business, and the first of his grandchildren will soon contribute, having already joined him on seed delivery trips. Ed has spent decades breeding corn hybrids that resist pests and drought, and driven by a passion for sustainable farming. His insights on native traits and soil health are a game-changer for agriculture. https://basshybrids.com/ https://www.3mgpr.com/ And if you’d like to learn more about the soil health systems that we are passionate about, check out our website at asn.farm and there you can click on links to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. There’s a lot of great things happening and always something to learn.

Brad Downing is the President and owner of Cross Creek Ag Solutions in Greentown, Indiana. Brad has committed to understanding the “why” behind farming practices. He and his team work to facilitate collaboration and education, helping farmers navigate the complexities of soil health, weather, and sustainable growth. He and Monte dig into the why and the how when it comes to implementation and adoption. Brad grew up immersed in his family’s farm, cultivating a deep passion for agriculture alongside sports. Brad’s career began in the seed industry, where he spent nearly 14 years with Beck’s Hybrids, rising to district sales manager and leading the farm business team. His entrepreneurial drive led him to launch Cross Creek Farms in 2014, farming collaboratively with a neighbor, and Cross Creek Ag Solutions in 2017, a dealership focused initially on seed. Over time, his farm evolved into a research hub, testing bio-nutritional products to uncover what truly works for farmers. Today, Cross Creek distributes innovative products across 11 states and offering custom application, seed, and trucking services. Brad fosters collaboration and education, helping farmers navigate the complexities of soil health, weather, and sustainable growth. Alongside Marcia and a dedicated team, he continues to innovate, ensuring Cross Creek remains a trusted partner for farmers seeking data-driven, practical solutions. Cross Creek Ag Website: https://crosscreekag.com ACRES U.S.A. Farm Weird Event at Jason Mauck farm in Indiana Link: https://conference.eco-ag.com/farmweird And if you’d like to learn more about the soil health systems that we are passionate about, check out our website at asn.farm, and there you can click on links to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. There’s a lot of great things happening and always something to learn. Let us know if you have any questions or guest ideas by emailing kim@asn.farm.

We’re making history in the AgEmerge podcast because we are chatting, in real time, with Grok, an AI built by xAI. We think this is kind of a big deal for the podcast, but also for everyone engaged in agriculture, because AI is really pushing us to change our paradigms and the way we think about our management practices and decisions. Think about soil data crunching, smarter grazing plans, and regenerative farming that’s next-level sustainable. Monte is pumped to bring this to you. How cool is it to see AI dive into regenerative ag, from soil health to connecting farms with folks who love their food? Not to mention the power of the data analytics for farms - it’s mind-blowing. So, thanks for listening as we continue to bring you some out-of-the-box guests. We’ve included links to Grok here in the show notes, and as always, you can learn more about what we are doing to help you adopt effective soil health practices that fit your context and operation. You can find us at asn.farm, and there you can click on links to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. There’s a lot of great things happening, and always something to learn! Find Grok here at https://grok.com Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to kim@asn.farm we’d love to hear from you.

Danny Royer is the Farm Coordinator at UC Merced. From smart farms to reimagining supply chains, we’ll hear how Danny blends innovation with the art of growing food. He and Monte explore farming that looks at scaling back costs with sustainable practices as well as inspiring the next generation through real-world experience. Instagram: @esf_ucm https://www.instagram.com/esf_ucm?igsh=aml5Z3pmZmlyMXJ1 Danny was born and raised in Merced, California. Merced is located in the heart of California’s Central Valley and is surrounded by production agriculture. Not having family ties to agriculture though, Danny found his passion for farming and agriculture through 4-H, FFA and on his best friend's farm just outside of Merced. He started his career in farming by irrigating pistachios in Madera at age 16 and eventually found himself working summers on a construction crew for Merced Irrigation District. After high school Danny took his passion for Agriculture to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. While he was there he continued to focus on broadening his work experience by taking on jobs at the Cal Poly Foundation Dairy and the Cal Poly Farm Shop. Danny Graduated from Cal Poly in 2008 with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management and minor in Agricultural Business. Cal Poly had prepared him for life after graduation, but Danny attributes his summer internships and combined work experiences to preparing him for the grind that would become the next eight years of his career. After graduating Danny worked in management and leadership positions for some of the largest farms and food production companies in California. After years of operational roles Danny transitioned into a new role as the VP of Technology for world renowned Bowles Farming Company. It was ag tech that allowed Danny to start driving change in operations and redefining company cultures. Danny’s vast and extensive agriculture operations experience combined with the onslaught of ag tech allowed him to shift his strategy to incorporate ag tech solutions. After years of implementations and improvement iterations though, Danny was ready for something more. Along with being a serial agriculturalist and technologist, Danny is an active member in his Community of Merced. He serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Community Foundation of Merced County and actively engages in community events and initiatives. Lastly and definitely most importantly to Danny, he is very much a family man. Danny is married with three children, who are the light of his life and his mission to create sustainable food systems is driven by a desire to see a more balanced and sustainable world for his family. Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to kim@asn.farm we’d love to hear from you.

Emily Usher-DeaKyne is a natural resource social scientist at Purdue University working as the Project Manager for the Diverse Corn Belt project. The initiative started in 2021, led by Purdue University, to diversify Midwestern agriculture beyond corn and soybeans in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Her work explores systems like extended rotations, agroforestry, and livestock integration, involving over 30 partners in research, economics, and stakeholder engagement. The project aims to overcome barriers like markets and policy, enhance resilience, and promote sustainability through on-farm studies, education, and outreach. https://diversecornbelt.org/ Emily is originally from the Midwest, she has always valued the economic, environmental, and social opportunities the natural environment provides. Understanding the balance between components drives her research interests in diverse agricultural systems, public policy development, and community engagement. She has B.S. in Plant Biology from Ohio University and a M.S. Natural Resources from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, grilling, and traveling. Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to kim@asn.farm we’d love to hear from you.

Two soil science powerhouses from Kansas State University: Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi and Dr. Charles Rice explore a fundamental but often overlooked question—are all soil nutrients the same? The simple answer, no. Not all nutrients are created equal. The source matters. The form matters. And the way nutrients interact with soil minerals, microbes, and organic matter? It’s a whole other level of complexity. We also talk about carbon—how it moves, how it’s stored, and how it could be the key to building resilient soils that thrive for generations. Visit their work here: Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi: https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/research/faculty-labs/soil-environment-chem/ Dr. Charles Rice: https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/rice-charles/ This episode is packed with groundbreaking insights for scientists and farmers. Click below to watch or listen and as always, let us know if you have any questions or guest ideas by emailing kim@asn.farm.

Dallas Mount is the Owner of Ranch Management Consultants (RMC), home of the Ranching for Profit School and the Executive Link program. Dig into the business side of ag, the stories, strategies, and insights to help your farm or ranch thrive. Dallas has led RMC since 2019 and worked with thousands of ranchers across North America, Australia and the UK to position their business for economic profit and ecologic health. The Ranching for Profit School is a program that’s been helping farmers and ranchers for over 40 years turn passion into profit. From breaking down outdated management practices to unlocking strategies that actually work, Dallas shares game-changing advice for successfully running their operation. www.ranchingforprofit.com After working with University of Wyoming Extension for 18 years, Dallas started teaching the Ranching For Profit School in 2012 and quickly established himself as an elite instructor. Dallas and his wife Dixie, have two adult children and own and manage a grazing operation near Wheatland, WY. RMC is focused on creating profitable businesses, with healthy land and happy families. Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to kim@asn.farm we’d love to hear from you.

Luke and Thad Bergschneider are from Central Illinois where Luke is a University of Illinois Soil Scientist and Researcher and Thad is the current National FFA President. The future of agriculture is in good hands! These bright, articulate, knowledgeable men are critical thinkers, who are exploring how they can be an asset to agriculture. Growing up on their family farm, these two have grown not just crops and livestock, but also a passion for the future of agriculture. Luke, a crop scientist and researcher at the University of Illinois, is dedicated to studying soil health, water quality, and nutrient cycles—bridging the gap between science and real-world farming. Meanwhile, Thad has taken a bold step into national leadership, serving as the National FFA President, advocating for agricultural education and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. From hands-on experience in the field to cutting-edge research and nationwide advocacy, these brothers are shaping the future of agriculture in their own unique ways. Luke and Thad Bergschneider, two of seven siblings, grew up immersed in agriculture on their family farm in Central Illinois. There they gained firsthand experience raising corn, soybeans, and cattle, along with forays into pigs, turkeys, and sheep. After high school Luke studied agronomy at Western Illinois University and then attended University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he received a MS in Crop Sciences. He now works with the UIUC Soils Lab supporting multiple on-farm research projects studying water quality and nutrient cycles while continuing to contribute part-time to the family farm. Thad, after joining Luke at UIUC for a semester, is now taking a gap year to serve as the National FFA President. In this role, he is dedicating his time to advocating for agriculture, promoting agricultural education, and supporting the next generation of leaders who will change the world. Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to kim@asn.farm we’d love to hear from you.

Juan Whiting is a 4th-generation farmer, ag entrepreneur, author, and a seasoned expert in navigating the often-complicated world of grant writing and agricultural funding. From working with the Conflict and Development Foundation in East Africa to leading his own consulting company, Stray Acres LLC, Juan has a unique passion for linking farmers, ranchers, and their partners to the funding they need to build better environments, communities, and food systems. As a 4th generation farmer and an ag entrepreneur, Juan has weathered storms, both literal and figurative. Grants have provided a stable foundation to innovate, lead, and build operations even when cashflow was limited. Grant writing started as a job as he led funded projects for the Conflict and Development Foundation in East Africa, it became a source of funding for his own farm management company, and today it is a passion, as he leads top industry leaders and high performing teams in their pursuit of funding with his consulting company, Stray Acres LLC. He spent over 8 years in East Africa working on community and agricultural related projects. Juan is deeply passionate about linking farmers, ranchers and their partners to the funding and support they need to improve their environments, build communities, and strengthen food systems. Whether it is a small community garden or a full-scale ranching operation, there is a story to be told and organizations with the funds to make it a reality. Juan proudly serves as an Agricultural Specialist/Civil Affairs officer in the US Army. He contributes to the army's mission and objectives of winning hearts and minds overseas and promoting the American way of life by feeding empty stomachs. When he is not pushing revolutions in the ag industry, Juan is spending time with his beautiful wife and 5 kids homeschooling, cooking, road tripping or simply connecting with the outdoors the way it was meant to be. If you’d like to learn more about Juan’s work with Stray Acres LLC or his holistic funding approach, check out his book, The Holistic Funding Approach, available on Amazon. You can also visit his website at strayacresconsulting.com to explore tools, services, and even take a quiz to see what funding solutions are right for you. Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to kim@asn.farm we’d love to hear from you.