Across the south, generations of Black farmers and business owners have faced losing not just their land, but their livelihoods - pushed out by discriminatory lending, land theft, and the consolidation of power. Yet from that struggle has grown something powerful: a movement rooted in cooperation, where farmers pool their resources, share their knowledge, and build wealth together instead of competing for survival. That spirit of collective power is what drives the Federation of Southern Cooperatives [https://www.federation.coop/], where Terence Courtney works to support Black-owned farms and rural businesses through education, advocacy, and cooperative enterprise. The Federation's model flips the extractive script of traditional capitalism, proving that shared ownership and community investment are sound economic strategies. In this episode, we dive into: * The long history of Black cooperative movements in the South. * How cooperative models help farmers build wealth and autonomy in the face of systemic discrimination. * Why collective economics is key to sustaining rural communities. * The Federation's approach to balancing profitability with community values. * How policy and history continue to shape access to land and opportunity. * What true self-determination looks like in agriculture. More about Terence and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives [https://www.federation.coop/]: Terence Courtney began organizing with the Service Employees International Union to improve economic conditions for working people. He led union campaigns and later became the union's statewide representative in Georgia. He's co-founded and led coalitions such as Atlanta Jobs with Justice and a community group focused on the public sector called the Atlanta Public Sector Alliance. Expanding from a city to a regional focus, Terence organized US born and foreign born (immigrants) of African descent to educate and raise consciousness about immigrant rights and mass incarceration from a Black Diasporic perspective for the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. He co-developed the Organization for Human Rights and Democracy and served as the Director of Organizing overseeing campaigns against school privatization, as well as its spin off project: Cooperative Atlanta. Currently Terence serves as the Director of Cooperative Development & Strategic Initiatives for theFFederation of Southern Cooperatives [https://www.federation.coop/] Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

What happens when you leave behind a career in food journalism to take over a family farm in Iowa? For Beth Hoffman, it meant putting theory into practice - and learning firsthand just how difficult it is to make small and mid-sized farming work in today's economy. In her book Bet the Farm [https://bookshop.org/p/books/bet-the-farm-the-dollars-and-sense-of-growing-food-in-america-beth-hoffman/91116e97c0557857?ean=9781642831597&next=t&next=t] and in her daily life raising grass-finished cattle and organic crops, Beth confronts the financial and cultural realities most farmers face: land that's too expensive for beginners, markets that reward consolidation over stewardship, and infrastructure built for scale instead of community. Yet her story is also one of possibility -o f finding ways to align values with viability and imagining what a more just and sustainable food system could look like. In this episode, we dive into: * Beth's journey from food journalist to first-generation farmer in Iowa * The hidden costs of farming and why most operations run on razor-thin margins * The double bind of land access, generational transfer, and skyrocketing prices * Why infrastructure like slaughterhouses and markets is as important as the land itself * The trade-offs between environmental ideals and financial realities on the ground * How gender and cultural narratives shape who is seen as a "real farmer" * What a truly sustainable and just farming system would require More about Beth [https://www.farmbetiowa.com/]: Beth Hoffman began her food writing career focused on culture, producing a food series on KUER in Salt Lake City and receiving a grant to document the stories of immigrant women as they cooked in their homes (which became a radio series that aired on Weekend America). Now, twenty-five years into writing and producing work on food and agriculture, Beth has freelanced for radio and print publications (NPR, The World, The Guardian, Forbes and many more) and was an Associate Professor at the University of San Francisco in Media Studies. But perhaps most importantly, she and her husband John moved from the big city to rural Iowa to take over his family's 530-acre farm. She wrote a book called Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America, using their experiences to illustrate how the American food system works. The couple raises grass-fed and finished beef, pastured goats and some vegetables and offer cooking and writing classes on the farm. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

Before industrial dredging, clear-cutting, and destructive fishing practices, our rivers and oceans were full of wood. Fallen trees, driftwood, and branches created underwater forests where fish and countless other creatures could thrive. That wood provided shelter, food, and the foundation for entire aquatic ecosystems. Today, much of it is gone, and so are the fish. Marine restoration expert Jon Dickson noticed this loss while working along Europe's coasts and asked a deceptively simple question: if we remove the wood, do we also remove the fish? His answer is the "tree reef," an artificial reef made from pear trees and other natural materials that replaces destroyed habitat. It is a low-tech, high-impact idea with the potential to revive aquatic life far beyond local waters, and it is deeply connected to the broader regenerative agriculture movement on land and at sea. In this episode, we dive into: * The forgotten role of wood in rivers, estuaries, and oceans and why it matters for fish * How dredging and "cleaning" waterways destroyed essential aquatic habitats * Why restoring fish populations is critical for global ecological balance, including land-based food systems * The limitations of many well-meaning marine restoration efforts and how tree reefs succeed where others fail * The design, construction, and surprising results of tree reefs * How low-cost, replicable solutions could transform restoration at scale * Why thinking like an ecosystem is the key to regeneration everywhere If you have ever wondered how oceans and rivers fit into the future of regenerative food systems, Jon's work might change the way you see both land and sea. More about Jon and Marine Trees [https://www.marinetrees.com/]: Jon grew up in British Columbia, Canada, where after university, he worked as a forest fire fighter. In the off season, he worked as a polar guide and boat driver in Antarctica, Greenland, and Northern Canada. These seasonal jobs and education were interspersed by backpacking trips; his favourite countries (so far) are Iceland, Mongolia, Uganda, Slovenia, and with a vote for the home team, Canada. Since moving to the Netherlands to work on a PhD, he noticed a distinct lack of driftwood in Europe and decided to see if fish were missing habitat due to lack of wood - and so invented tree-reefs, an artificial reef made of trees to replace destroyed habitat. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

Years before regenerative ag and grass-fed beef hit the spotlight, Will Harris was figuring it out on his own land. At White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia, Will spent the last few decades unwinding everything industrial agriculture taught him: the chemicals, the confinement, the commodity mindset. In its place, he's built a vertically integrated, closed-loop system that honors the land, the animals, the people who work it, and the rural town that depends on it. White Oak Pastures is now one of the shining lights of what the future of agriculture can look like. If you're thinking about what it takes to make regenerative ag not just real but resilient, you'll have something to learn from Will Harris. In this episode, we get into: * The real costs of industrial efficiency and what it takes to opt out. * Why Will restructured every aspect of his farm—from soil health to slaughter. * How White Oak Pastures uses animal impact to build biology, not extract from it. * The economics of rebuilding a rural economy around regenerative principles. * Will's take on corporate greenwashing, fake meat, and the soul of agriculture. * And the core belief that drives it all: regeneration is about relationships, not inputs. More about Will and White Oak Pastures [https://whiteoakpastures.com/]: Will Harris is a fourth-generation cattleman, who tends the same land that his great-grandfather settled in 1866. Born and raised at White Oak Pastures, Will left home to attend the University of Georgia's School of Agriculture, where he was trained in the industrial farming methods that had taken hold after World War II. Will graduated in 1976 and returned to Bluffton, where he and his father continued to raise cattle using pesticides, herbicides, hormones, and antibiotics. They also fed their herd a high-carbohydrate diet of corn and soy. In the mid-1990s, Will became disenchanted with the excesses of these industrialized methods. They had created a monoculture for their cattle, and, as Will says, "nature abhors a monoculture." In 1995, Will made the audacious decision to return to the farming methods his great-grandfather had used 130 years before. Since Will has successfully implemented these changes, he has been recognized all over the world as a leader in humane animal husbandry and environmental sustainability. Will is the immediate past President of the Board of Directors of Georgia Organics. He is the Beef Director of the American Grassfed Association and was selected 2011 Business Person of the year for Georgia by the Small Business Administration. Will lives in his family home on the property with his wife Yvonne. He is the proud father of three daughters, Jessi, Jenni, and Jodi. His favorite place in the world to be is out in pastures, where he likes to have a big coffee at sunrise and a 750ml glass of wine at sunset. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

We all need land to eat, but more and more, farmland has become a financial asset instead of a source of food, livelihood, and community. And when agriculture becomes just another investment, we risk losing something essential, not just for farmers, but for the health, resilience, and future of our entire society. Journalist and researcher Sarah Mock joins us to unpack the deep consequences of treating land like a commodity - from pricing out new farmers, to consolidating ownership, to weakening the rural communities that once thrived around agriculture. We explore the forgotten history of agrarian populism, the modern land trap that affects both aging landowners and aspiring farmers, and why the future of food depends on rethinking ownership - not just optimizing yields. In this episode, we dive into: * Why land "defies capitalism" - and what that means for our food system. * The double bind of retiring farmers and new farmers locked out by land prices. * How the disappearance of agrarian populism has shaped today's agriculture policy. * The myth of the silver-bullet tech fix for food and farming. * Real alternatives to land as a speculative commodity. * And what it would take to make small and mid-size farming viable again. More about Sarah [https://sarahkmock.com/]: Sarah Mock is a food and agriculture writer, researcher, and podcaster. She grew up on a small farm in Wyoming, and since then has spent more than a decade working on everything from farm production, strategy, and marketing to ag history and economics to food logistics, supply chains, and climate impact. She's worked in and around agriculture across the country and around the globe, with non-profits, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Silicon Valley companies, the national news media, and directly with farms. Her work has culminated in a number of award-winning projects, including her best-selling book Farm (and Other F Words) [https://bookshop.org/books/farm-and-other-f-words-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-small-family-farm] and her podcast series The Only Thing That Lasts [https://ambrook.com/research/podcast/the-only-thing-that-lasts], which explores the past, problems, and possibilities of American farmland. Learn more at https://sarahkmock.com/. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

Are fewer, bigger farms putting our entire food system at risk? That's the warning at the heart of Land Rich, Cash Poor [https://www.brian-reisinger.com/], the latest book by Brian Reisinger. In it, he explores the forces—technological, political, and economic—that have hollowed out rural America and made it harder than ever to keep a family farm alive. Drawing from his own multigenerational farming roots in Wisconsin, Brian traces how policy choices and market consolidation have left farmers squeezed—sometimes literally sitting on millions of dollars of land they can't afford to keep. In this episode, we dive into: * Why the U.S. has lost over 70% of its farms in the past century—and what that's done to rural communities. * The role of technology and policy in fueling unnecessary consolidation. * How farm crises, past and present, continue to push out small and mid-sized producers. * The rise of land as an investment asset—and what that means for food producers. * The growing divide between those who own the land and those who work it. * Why America's tradition of small landowners is worth fighting for. * What scale-neutral technology and smarter R&D could do to level the playing field. * How we create real economic opportunity for a new generation of small farms. More about Brian [https://www.brian-reisinger.com/]: Brian Reisinger is an award-winning writer and rural policy expert who grew up on a family farm in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Reisinger worked with his father from the time he could walk, before entering the worlds of business journalism and public policy, then going on to work as a columnist and consultant. He lives to tell the hidden stories of rural America and has been published by USA Today, Newsweek, Yahoo News, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, PBS/Wisconsin Public Radio's "Wisconsin Life," The Daily Yonder, RealClearPolitics, The Hill, and elsewhere. He's given a TEDx talk on risks to our food supply, and appeared on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal," CNN, public radio, farm radio, and other outlets across the political spectrum. Reisinger's writing has won awards from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, first place in the Seven Hills Literary Contest, a Solas Award, and more. He lives with his wife and daughter, and helps lead Midwestern-based Platform Communications, splitting time between northern California and the family farm in Wisconsin. Land Rich, Cash Poor is his first book. Find him on X: @BrianJReisinger Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

What do we lose when our food comes from nowhere in particular? For Cole Mannix, that question is at the heart of his work. He's part of Old Salt Co-op [https://www.oldsaltco-op.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoraYO3_5wSO3lmz7D4i1d4ryGJBF0q9MHKQJAvEvhIV4q1eJ50C\], a group of ranchers outside Helena, Montana working to unseat Big Beef—not with billion-dollar backing or slick marketing, but with community, collaboration, and a commitment to place. In today's episode, we talk about what it means to break out of the commodity system, the power of cooperation in an industry dominated by consolidation, and how reconnecting food production to place might just be the key to restoring rural and small town life. This is a story about beef—but really, it's about belonging. In this episode, we dive into: * How Old Salt Co-op is using a cooperative model to rebuild local meat economies. * Why the beef you buy at the store often has no traceable connection to where—or how—it was raised. * What we lose when we prioritize cheap, consistent food over community and ecology. * The hidden costs of a commodity system that favors efficiency over stewardship. * What it takes to rebuild local processing, distribution, and marketing from the ground up. * The creative mix of restaurants, festivals, and direct-to-consumer sales that make Old Salt's model work. * Why betting on local food systems might be the least risky path forward. More about Cole and Old Salt Co-Op [https://www.oldsaltco-op.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoraYO3_5wSO3lmz7D4i1d4ryGJBF0q9MHKQJAvEvhIV4q1eJ50C]: Cole is part of an extended family that has ranched together since 1882 near Helmville, MT.  He did an undergrad in biology, then another in philosophy at Carroll College, then a masters in theology at Boston College. From '12-'16 he worked for a valiant startup called Salt of the Earth Ranchers Cooperative. From '17-'20 he worked for Western Landowners Alliance to advance policies and practices that sustain working lands, connected landscapes, and native species. As a co-founder of Old Salt Co-op, he is helping to build a regenerative economy for damn fine Montana meat. He was part of Helena's 20 under 40 class of ''22 and in '23 was named Montana Ambassadors Entrepreneur of the Year. He and spouse Eileen Brennan live in Helena with two sons, Finn and Charlie. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

It's no secret our world is in upheaval right now—climate disasters, political unrest, economic uncertainty. But in the midst of it all, there are also stories of resilience, adaptation, and new ways forward. That's a theme Anthony James, host of The Regen Narration Podcast [https://www.regennarration.com/], has explored deeply. From an extended road trip across the U.S., interviewing community leaders navigating climate adaptation, to studying how people respond to upheaval, Anthony has seen firsthand how crisis can be a catalyst for transformation. In this episode, we dive into: * Why witnessing and pitching in during disaster—rather than looking away—is essential to change. * Lessons from his travels across the U.S., meeting communities in the midst of transformation. * A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit, and how joy and transcendence can emerge from catastrophe. * Real-world examples of people coming together across political and cultural divides to build something new. * What modern society can learn from Indigenous worldviews that see nature as kin and resilience as a collective effort. * Do we focus on building centralized movements, or do we nurture local seeds of change and trust in their transformative power? * And much more… More about Anthony and The Regen Narration Podcast [https://www.slowmoneynyc.org/]: The RegenNarration podcast features the stories of a generation that is changing the story, enabling the regeneration of life on this planet. It's independent media, ad-free, freely available and entirely listener-supported. Created and hosted by Anthony James, a fifth generation Australian man living on ancient lands among the oldest continuous cultures on earth. He is a Prime Ministerial award-winner for service to the international community, sought after MC, widely published writer, facilitator and educator, Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia, and Warm Data Lab Host Certified by the International Bateson Institute. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

If we want regenerative farms and food businesses to thrive, we have to talk about money. How do we help them grow without forcing them to sell out their values? That's exactly what Claude Arpels - and Slow Money NYC - is working to solve. Claude has spent years rethinking investment strategies to support regenerative food systems. After a first career in luxury fashion, he pivoted to impact investing, helping farms and food businesses secure the land and capital they need—without compromising their mission. In this episode, Claude breaks down: * Why traditional venture capital and private equity push businesses toward environmental and labor exploitation. * How Slow Money NYC was created as a response to these challenges. * The creative funding tools—like revenue notes—that align investment with long-term sustainability. * The role of local investment in building resilient food systems. * And much more… More about Claude and Slow Money [https://www.slowmoneynyc.org/]: After a first career in the fashion and luxury biz, Claude chose to dedicate himself to his interests in food, the environment, social enterprise, and the arts.  He has become an impact angel investor, with a focus on local economies and businesses that have a sustainable/regenerative food and agriculture mission.  His portfolio of investments includes Brooklyn Grange, Matriark Foods, Raven & Boar, and Edenesque.  Claude is the Co-Chair of Slow Money NYC and a founding member of Foodshed Investors New York, which is now part of Investors Circle, whose advisory board he sits on.  An important part of Slow Money's work is helping small farms find access to land and capital.  As part of this mission, Claude was one of the founding investors in Local Farms Fund and has led several investments in local farm projects. Claude is the Board President of International Contemporary Ensemble, the nation's pre-eminent contemporary music ensemble.  Championing the works of emerging and under-represented composers, ICE has developed and performed over 1000 world premieres since its founding in 2001. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

On this show, we've talked a lot about how traditional banking and financial systems make it tough for new farmers or those without direct land ownership to get a fair shot. But those challenges run even deeper for agricultural producers in Indian Country. Enter Skya Ducheneaux, who's tackling these barriers head-on as the leader of Akiptan [https://www.akiptan.org/]—the first Native CDFI dedicated to serving agricultural producers all across Indian Country. Skya brings fresh eyes to lending, challenging old-school banking practices that just don't work for farmers without big land holdings or a long financial track record. Instead, Akiptan focuses on sweat equity, work ethic, hands-on support, and long-term solutions - and yield tremendous outcomes as a result. In this episode, Skya shares: * Her journey from growing up on a cattle ranch to leading a groundbreaking financial institution. * Why extractive capital leads to extractive practices—and how patient, thoughtful capital can support regenerative agriculture. * The unique ways Akiptan removes barriers and empowers Native ag producers. * Remarkable success stories from the communities Akiptan serves. * Why Native CDFIs have an opportunity to step up investment in agriculture. * And how outside investors can better align with the long-term needs of Native farmers. * And much more… More about Skya and Akiptan [https://www.akiptan.org/]: Skya Ducheneaux is the Executive Director of Akiptan and is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She spent her first 18 years of life on a cattle ranch on the CRST Reservation in South Dakota. She then pursued a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Business Administration while working at a county FSA office and buffalo meat processing plant. After returning home to work for the Intertribal Agriculture Council, she was tasked with creating the first Native CDFI dedicated to serving Native Agriculture producers all across Indian Country. Akiptan began lending in January of 2019 and has grown rapidly over the years. In addition to Akiptan, Skya has served on many advisory committees and is currently the Board Chair of the Mountain Plains CDC. In her role as Executive Director, she is a part of several CDFI coalitions, advocates locally and federally and presents at conferences to share the mission of Akiptan. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

In the face of climate change and biodiversity loss, the solutions we hear the most are technological ones - many of which mirror the economic and philosophical approaches that precipitated these crises in the first place. But what if that vision is flawed? Chris Smaje, author of Saying NO to a Farm-Free Future, challenges the dominant eco-modernist philosophy head-on. He critiques its reliance on techno-fixes—not just on technological grounds, but also economic, political, and spiritual ones. In this episode, Chris shares an alternative vision: a localist, agro-ecological approach to modern agriculture, rooted in self-provisioning for our basic needs and leveraging natural cycles instead of hyper-technological systems. It's a vision that reconnects us to the land, promotes food sovereignty, and rethinks what a feasible and fulfilling future could look like. In this episode, we dive into: * Why he wrote Saying NO to a Farm-Free Future, inspired by a critique of prominent environmental and agricultural thinker George Monbiot. * What our environmental crises reveal about the deeper flaws in our econmic systems. * How industrial agriculture's obsession with efficiency undermines ecological and social resilience. * The ecological work of animals and why they're vital to sustainable farming systems. * The drive toward urbanism and the assumptions—often misguided—about its benefits for the planet. * Reimagining quality of life beyond financial measures. * And much more… More about Chris [https://chrissmaje.com/]: Chris Smaje helps run a small farm in Somerset, England and has worked as a commercial vegetable grower and an academic social scientist. He's recently published two books, A Small Farm Future (2020) and Saying NO to a Farm-Free Future (2023). He's currently at work on a third – Lights for a Dark Age – all published by Chelsea Green. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

It's easy to feel powerless in the face of climate change, but where can we find models for living in harmony with the planet—before it's too late? Alexis Zeigler and the community at Living Energy Farm are doing just that: building a self-sustaining, non-extractive way of life and sharing their knowledge with others. Alexis brings a unique blend of practical, technical expertise and a deep philosophical vision for restoring our spiritual connection to nature—and to one another. These themes are at the heart of this show. If you're seeking grounded hope and a climate-resilient model for living, we think you'll find this conversation inspiring. In this episode, we cover: * Living Energy Farm's mission to live without reliance on fossil fuels or grid electricity and how that works in practice. * The limitations of climate change mitigation strategies that rely on just converting consumer products into something more sustainable. * The sacrifices they make to live self-sufficiently, and how its less than what you might think. * The core tenets necessary to live this way. * The benefits of living intentionally and in community vs a life focused on private property. * And much more... More about Alexis and Living Energy Farm [https://livingenergyfarm.org/]: Alexis Zeigler is an author, activist, designer and builder of renewable energy systems. He was raised on small, diversified farm in Georgia. He is the primary designer of Living Energy Farm, a community of 10 people that grows most of its food and provides all of its own domestic energy. Alexis has a passion for growing food on trees, and is particularly devoted to persimmons. His books include Integrated Activism, which discusses the links between ecological change and politics, as well as Empowering Communities, which describes how to build food and energy independent communities. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Keith J. Nelson, Alexandre Miller, and Drew O'Doherty.

Today's guest is proving that financial models can prioritize the well-being of farmers and the resilience of our food systems—not just financial returns. Mark Watson, president and chief investment officer of Potlikker Capital, leads a fund dedicated to supporting BIPOC farmers in the U.S. who operate at the intersection of racial and climate justice. Drawing from his extensive background in conventional finance, Mark sheds light on why our current economic systems fail small farmers—and how Potlikker is pioneering a blended approach to overcome these challenges. How can rural BIPOC farmers thrive in an industrialized, consolidated food system? Mark is helping to chart the path forward. In this episode, we cover: * Mark's journey from traditional finance to seeing the need for a new kind of financing for rural BIPOC farmers. * Potlikker Capital's strategy for building a networked, resilient food system with an emphasis on supporting farmers of color. * The revolutionary power of de-centering financial returns from the investment process. * How they've structured their organization to invest wisely. * How to engage the broader investment community in food and racial justice work. * And much more... More about Mark and Potlikker Capital [https://www.potlikkercapital.com/]: Mark Watson is the President and Chief Investment Officer of Potlikker Capital. Previously, his impactful tenure as Managing Director of the Fair Food Fund mobilized catalytic capital to enhance community access to healthy food and promote local ownership in food production and distribution, always with a focus on social equity. In addition, Mark founded Keel Asset Management LLC, a pioneering financial advisory firm dedicated to providing socially responsible investment solutions to nonprofits and public and corporate pension plans. His career began in commercial banking at the First National Bank of Chicago (now JP Morgan Chase), where he amassed over 30 years of experience managing investment portfolios for foundations, endowments, and institutional pension funds. Notably, Mark co-designed and launched the Boston Impact Initiative Fund, an integrated racial justice capital fund that successfully deployed capital to over 30 small businesses. He continues to contribute his expertise as an investment committee member for the Fund. He serves as an advisory board member of MIT/Health Innovation Systems Inc., Director of Transition at The Institute of Educational Leadership, board president of Sustainable Cape, Inc., and was previously a board member of the Social Venture Network. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Drew O'Doherty.

Register for the Acres USA conference [https://conference.eco-ag.com/register?am_id=austin2243] coming up on December 2-5, 2024. And if you can't make those dates or its already passed, you can purchase the event recordings as well! Can a digital bookstore and learning community reshape the world of farming? On our latest episode Taylor Henry, owner of Acres USA [https://bookstore.acresusa.com/], makes a compelling case.  He takes us through his journey into regenerative agriculture, sparked by Acres USA's rich catalogue. Taylor shares how Acres USA is redefining what it means to learn the craft of farming, offering an education that could rival, and even surpass, the traditional university path. We also dive into the upcoming Acres USA conference, where leaders and learners come together to inspire, innovate, and transform the future of agriculture. Taylor explains why it's essential for farmers to see themselves as entrepreneurs and how Acres USA equips them to do just that. In this episode, we cover: * How Acres USA's bookstore sparked Taylor's journey into regenerative farming. * The history of Acres USA and its role in pushing forward organic and regenerative ag. * How they're marrying archival and historical knowledge, with the latest thinking in regards to agriculture. * Why Taylor believes the offerings of Acres USA can rival the traditional university system when it comes to learning the business of regenerative farming. * Why farmers need to see themselves as entrepreneurs. * What's in store at the upcoming Acres USA conference where leaders in the field will be sharing insights and regenerative farmers can gather to learn from each other. * Some exciting innovations that can showcase the health benefits of regeneratively grown beef. * And much more... Register for the Acres USA conference [https://conference.eco-ag.com/register?am_id=austin2243] More about Taylor, Acres USA [https://bookstore.acresusa.com/], and the Acres USA Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/4GtS5JrMvHolMDV7gQvAHe?si=c07c4655da124b29]: Taylor Henry is the owner and CEO of Acres USA, which he acquired in 2023. He is also the visionary behind Henry Pastures, a regenerative farm in Wisconsin. Originally setting aside his farming dreams, Taylor's journey began in law enforcement and later led him into entrepreneurship. Eventually, he returned to his passion by establishing Henry Pastures, a 200-acre regenerative farming operation dedicated to holistic land management and sustainable practices. Taylor also works in real estate, helping others pursue land ownership with a focus on regenerative agriculture. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller of You Should Have a Podcast [https://www.youshouldhaveapodcast.com/], who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Keith J. Nelson [https://keithjnelson.tumblr.com/].

"I believe there is something dangerous about our entire notion of what a solution to climate change even is. We're trying to engineer our way out of an ecological crisis that we engineered ourselves into. Growing bigger and more complex might not help. We're going to have to humble ourselves first." - Rex Weyler [https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/65193/warm-data-searching/] In this episode, we were joined by the one and only Rex Weyler - activist, author, co-founder of Greenpeace, and a veteran of the ecology movement - to examine why the early momentum for ecological change slowed and how our obsession with controlling nature has led us astray. He offers a compelling critique of our collective fixation on technological fixes, arguing that it blinds us to a deeper truth: we're part of nature, not separate from it. Rex challenges us to rethink what living sustainably truly means and to question the myths of "green technology" and perpetual growth that define our modern world. Instead, he advocates for a life rooted in simplicity and intentional choices, where individual and community well-being align with the rhythms of the natural world. Join us as we explore Rex's vision for a society that is rooted in an ecological lens, and learn how living simply might be the most radical—and effective—path forward. In this episode, we cover: * How Rex's childhood in wild places shaped his appreciation for the natural world. * The radical origins of Greenpeace and the famous intervention that launched "Save the Whales" * An exploration of why the environmental movement has been - in Rex's words - "mostly a failure." * Why Rex believes we lost an important concept in transitioning from an "ecological" movement to an "environmental" movement * How our fixation on growth undermines efforts to halt climate change. * Positive examples of communities living in harmony with nature * The joy and restorative power of living simply * And much more... More about Rex [https://www.rexweyler.ca/]: Rex Weyler is a writer and ecologist. His books include Blood of the Land, a history of indigenous American nations, nominated for a Pulitzer Prize; Greenpeace: The Inside Story, an account of the first decade of the Greenpeace organization and a finalist for the Shaughnessy-Cohen Award for Political Writing; and The Jesus Sayings, a deconstruction of first century history and finalist for the BC Book Award. In the 1970s, Weyler was a cofounder of Greenpeace International and editor of the Greenpeace Chronicles, the organization's newsletter. In the 1980s, he founded the Hollyhock Learning Centre in BC, Canada. He currently works with the International Bateson Institute as an ecology researcher and teacher. He lives on Cortes Island in British Columbia, Canada. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller, who also wrote our theme song. This episode was edited by Keith J. Nelson [https://keithjnelson.tumblr.com/].

If most of us are honest—banking probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when we think about social and environmental change. But what if it could be? In today's episode, we talk with Charley Cummings, CEO of Walden Mutual, an innovative bank that's restoring a community-driven model that has largely disappeared in the face of 50 years of banking consolidation. Charley walks us through the recent history of US banking and how the fundamental thesis behind it has changed, leaving many behind. He explains how is own experience as the founder of Walden Local - a sustainable meats company - helped him see the lack of a local financing option that embodied his values. From there, Charley dives deep into their community driven model, showcasing what a relationship-driven, place-based banking model could mean for the future of local agriculture and our food systems at large. In this episode, we cover: * Charley's political origins and how he came to see the need for a new model for community financing. * The essential role that community banking played in building the American middle class. * How shareholder primacy - which is taken as gospel now - is a societal construct that arose in the 1970s and has fundamentally reshaped our banking system. * How they are restoring character based lending through a fusion of modern tools and a relationship driven approach. * Financing local economic "ecosystems" in order to create mutually * What a place-based banking model could mean for the future of food systems. * And much more... More about Charley: Charley Cummings is the founder and CEO of Walden Mutual Bank, the first newly chartered mutual bank in the US in 50 years.  Walden Mutual lends to sustainable food and agriculture businesses in New England and New York, while offering impact driven online and mobile deposit accounts to businesses and consumers.  Charley previously founded and ran Walden Local, Inc., now the leading brand of locally produced pasture-based meat in the Northeast.  Previously he worked at various venture-backed clean technology companies and co-founded a non-profit advocacy organization formed in support of the country's first proposed offshore windfarm.  Charley began his career at Monitor Group (now part of Deloitte) and earned a BA from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.  He lives with his wife, three children and small flock of Kitahdin sheep in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller of You Should Have a Podcast [https://www.youshouldhaveapodcast.com/], who also wrote our theme song.

What does it take to leave the city behind and embrace the life as a cowboy? In this episode, we trace Tyler's unique path from competitive running, to beekeeping and vegetable farming, to life as a regenerative cattle rancher. Tyler shares the transformative experience of building a relationship with the land, the day-to-day realities of cowboy life, and the complex dynamics of being a non-binary person of color in a traditionally conservative rural setting. We also dive into the myths surrounding the cowboy legend, exploring the true, multicultural history behind the iconic figure. Tyler's journey is one of both personal and professional evolution. As we discuss the social challenges of transitioning from an urban environment to a rural community, Tyler opens up about their experiences of belonging, identity, and ambition. This episode invites you to reimagine the past, present, and future of the cowboy. In this episode, we cover: - Tyler's winding journey from beekeeping, to vegetable farming, to ranching in rural Montana - The day to day lifestyle of a regenerative rancher - How Tyler's relationship to the land has evolved over their time as a cowboy - Navigating the social dynamics as a city dweller moving to a rural community, and the added complexities of being a non-binary person of color in the rural West. - The real history of the cowboy and how our popular culture mythos doesn't capture the complex and multicultural history behind it. - And much more... More about Tyler: Tyler is a long haired, tattooist and body modification enthusiast, Asian, non-binary agricultural labour who is working up to starting their own enterprise, dreams, and place in life. They grew up in the city life of Georgia and spent most of their formative years in San Jose California where they found their love for a career in the agricultural sphere. Tyler and their dog Sage the border collie are currently residing and working in Roundup Montana. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller of You Should Have a Podcast [https://www.youshouldhaveapodcast.com/], who also wrote our theme song.

For Cole Bush, life as a shepherd is more than a job—it's a calling. As the founder of her own grazing business in Southern California, she's using livestock to help restore land, reduce wildfire risks, and promote better agricultural practices. At the same time, she's using her knowledge to train the next generation of pastoral graziers through the Grazing School of the West. We'll dive into her journey, sharing the insights she gained along the way about the co-evolution of humans, animals, and our environment. Cole's work is changing the way people think about grazing, and today, she's here to share how livestock can be a powerful tool for healing the land. In this episode, we cover: - An introduction to prescribed grazing - using sheep and goats to benefit local ecosystems. - The history of pastoralism in California and how plants, animals, and people have co-evolved. - Pastoral strategies to build fire resilience. - The importance of learning from ancient indigenous practices - Training the next generation of graziers through the Grazing School of the West. - And much more... Learn more and get in touch with Cole at Sherpherdess Land and Livestock [https://shepherdesslandl.co/] and the Grazing School of the West [https://grazingschoolofthewest.com/]. Follow her on Instagram: @bcbshepherdess [https://www.instagram.com/bcbshepherdess] @shepherdess.land.and.livestock [https://www.instagram.com/shepherdess.land.and.livestock] @shepherdesshides [https://www.instagram.com/shepherdesshides] @grazingschoolofthewest [https://www.instagram.com/grazingschoolofthewest] More about Cole: Cole Bush, known for bringing the practice and ancient vocation of shepherding to Southern California, is an entrepreneur, advocate, and creative liberator in the fields of climate-beneficial agriculture, land stewardship, and prescribed grazing. With over a decade of experience, Cole has developed and managed prescribed grazing projects on thousands of acres of private and public lands throughout California for ecological enhancement and fire hazard reduction. Guided by her drive for meaningful work Cole is passionate in supporting others to find vocational pathways for non-traditional agrarians. She is the founder of Shepherdess Land and Livestock Co. [http://shepherdesslandl.co/] - a prescribed grazing company based in Ojai, California, Shepherdess Holistic Hides [http://shepherdess.co/] - a purveyor of mindfully sourced sheep hides, and Grazing School of The West [http://grazingschoolofthewest.com/] - a non-profit 501(c)3 multidisciplinary vocational training program for the next-generation of graziers. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller of You Should Have a Podcast [https://www.youshouldhaveapodcast.com/], who also wrote our theme song.

In the 1990s, the success of the US organic movement seemed undeniable. Demand for healthy, chemical-free produce skyrocketed amidst public health concerns and a growing environmental consciousness. As a consequence, many small organic farmers could make a real living selling healthy produce and restoring farmland in the process.  In the decades since, however, the story has gotten much more complicated. Corporate co-optation, lax government oversight, and splinters within the movement itself have created a new set of challenges for organic farmers and activists - challenges our guest today is helping lead the fight to overcome. Dave Chapman is a lifelong organic farmer, and Co-Director and Board Chair of the Real Organic Project, an organization dedicated to reigniting and reconnecting the organic movement. In this episode, he takes us through the history of the organic movement, where it is today, the differences and similarities between organic and "regenerative", and where the movement can go from here. In this episode, we cover: - The history of organic, tracing its roots from indigenous practices to modern day agriculture. - The original definition of organic and the fight to maintain those core principles through the Real Organic Project. - The longtime debate over certification and institutionalization. - The organic boom, the entrance of Big Food into the marketplace, and the challenge of enforcement. - "Regenerative," and the risk of cooptation of any new label. - The difference between building brands and building movements, and an insight into what that movement can look like. - And much more... Learn more about Dave and the Real Organic Podcast at the Real Organic Project [https://realorganicproject.org/]. More about Dave: Dave Chapman is a lifelong organic farmer who runs Long Wind Farm in Vermont. They grow the best tasting organic tomatoes in the country in the fertile soil underneath a glass greenhouse. He is the Co-Director and Board Chair of the Real Organic Project, dedicated to reigniting and reconnecting the organic movement. He leads the  Real Organic Podcast, providing a platform for many organic farmers, eaters, scientists, authors, educators, activists, and chefs. He was a co-founder of Vermont Organic Farmers in 1985, and was among those first certified by the USDA's National Organic Program in 2003. He served on the Policy Committee of the Organic Farmers Association for 6 years. He also served on the USDA Hydroponic Organic Taskforce.  He has worked for years as an advocate for reform of the National Organic Program. He has met with Secretary Vilsack seeking reform of the organic program. His latest project is the creation of the Tomato Masterclass, a training for farmers working to create a stronger economic base for their market gardens. In his spare time he practices tai chi to stay sane and healthy. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller of You Should Have a Podcast [https://www.youshouldhaveapodcast.com/], who also wrote our theme song.

Carlyle Stewart is living many of the core ideas behind Agrarian Futures. Like many of us, he grew up without a close connection to farming or our agricultural landscapes, but that didn't stop him from taking a massive leap to move across the country and establish himself as a skilled cattle rancher. He fuses these skills with wise-beyond-his-years thoughtfulness about what it means to steward the land, lift up rural communities, and confront the complicated - and often violent - history of westward expansion and ranching. This conversation is bursting with insights from his time spent on the land as well as his background in divinity school and as a community organizer. In this episode, we cover: - Carlyle's eclectic journey from Detroit, to divinity school, to life as a cattle rancher. - Finding purpose, meaning, and satisfaction through a deeper connection with the land. - The ins and outs of ranching and managing cattle in a regenerative fashion. - The challenges of building a sustainable economic future in ranching and creative ways of getting the next generation back on the land - The importance of a more direct relationship with your food. - Reconciling the complicated, violent history of western expansion and ranching, with the importance in stewarding these landscapes. - New approaches for communal land ownership and stewardship to support rural, black, and indigenous communities. - And much more... You can follow Carlyle on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carlylestewartiv?igsh=MWM2NXd1YXFrdG82ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr]. More about Carlyle: Carlyle Stewart, originally from the Metro Area of Detroit, Michigan. Is a teacher, minister, writer, rancher, horseman, and land manager. His first major exposure to ranching in the intermountain west was through the Quivira Coalitions New Agrarian Program. He has worked on various cow/calf and yearling operations throughout Montana and New Mexico. He is in the process of developing his own grazing operation that will be centered around his passions for agricultural mentorship and healthy land stewardship. He is currently living and working in Northern New Mexico. Agrarian Futures is produced by Alexandre Miller [https://alexmillercomposing.com/], who also wrote our theme song.