The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast host Taylor Henry sits down with Rodney Saunders of Understanding Ag to discuss how farmers and ranchers can improve profitability by building healthier soils, reducing input costs, and implementing regenerative agricultural practices.
Drawing on his 34-year career with the NRCS and his experience as a regenerative agriculture consultant, Rodney shares practical insights into cover cropping, nutrient management, livestock integration, and adaptive grazing. He explains how producers are reducing fertilizer applications, extending grazing seasons, and improving their bottom lines without sacrificing productivity.
Taylor and Rodney also discuss the challenges facing today's farmers, the importance of experimenting on a small scale, and how biological soil function can help producers become less dependent on costly inputs.
Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/
American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
Members site: https://members.acresusa.com
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page
Understanding Ag Website: https://understandingag.com/
Understanding Ag/Acres USA Course: https://understandingag.acresusa.com/regen-ag-101

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Megan Neubauer, founder of Pure Land Farm, to discuss the business of regenerative agriculture, building a loyal customer base, and creating a profitable pick-your-own farm operation.
Megan shares lessons learned from 15 years in agriculture, including how her family's farm developed a successful business model centered on customer relationships, season passes, and simplifying farm operations. They explore the importance of marketing, the advantages of focusing on a single revenue stream, and how farmers can turn their operations into destinations that bring consumers closer to their food.
Megan also discusses her upcoming book, Eat Like a Farmer: The Guide to Sourcing and Cooking Real Food, her plans to transition into consulting and education, and how technology is making direct-to-consumer farming more manageable.
Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/
American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
Members site: https://members.acresusa.com
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page
Pure Land Farm Website: https://www.purelandorganic.com/
Megan’s Website: https://www.farmermeg.com/

In this episode of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with John Kempf, founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of regenerative agriculture and what it takes for farmers to thrive in today's challenging economy.
John shares insights into new developments in plant health and disease resistance, including the promising results he's seeing with AEA's Pinion technology. The two also explore the economic pressures facing American farmers, opportunities in specialty crops and grass-fed dairy, and how reducing input costs and building independent markets can create more profitable farming operations.
Drawing on his Amish upbringing and experience building Advancing Eco Agriculture, John discusses the importance of financial discipline, family farm succession, and creating businesses that deliver real value to farmers. They also dive into soil biology, fall fertility management, and the innovations shaping the next generation of regenerative agriculture.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about agricultural independence, profitability, and the opportunities ahead for farmers willing to think differently.
Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/
American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
Members site: https://members.acresusa.com
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page
AEA’s Website: https://advancingecoag.com/

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Catherine Austin Fitts, former Assistant Secretary of Housing and Wall Street investment banker, for a thought-provoking conversation about financial freedom, food independence, and the future of American agriculture.
Catherine shares her perspective on the growing influence of corporations and government in agriculture, the importance of protecting independent farmers, and why rebuilding local food systems is essential to strengthening rural communities. The discussion explores how farmers and consumers can work together to finance farmland, develop local processing infrastructure, and create profitable agricultural businesses without relying on traditional financial institutions or government programs.
They also dive into the challenges of rising land prices, agricultural data collection, emerging technologies, and the role of private investment in helping the next generation of farmers succeed.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Eco-Ag Conference, Catherine discusses her plans to move beyond conversation and explore real-world investment opportunities that could help farmers gain greater independence.
Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/
American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
Members site: https://members.acresusa.com
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page
Solari website: https://solari.com/

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor sits down with fourth-generation cattleman Will Harris of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia, for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of American agriculture and where regenerative farming fits into the future.
Will shares his perspective on the cattle market, rising land values, outside investment in farmland, and the growing challenge of making farming financially accessible to the next generation. He also discusses why he believes regenerative management can provide an economic advantage by reducing dependence on volatile outside inputs while keeping more money circulating in rural communities.
The conversation dives into White Oak Pastures’ approach to grazing, labor, direct marketing, land management and diversification, as well as Will’s experiences working with policymakers and the federal government on regenerative agriculture. Will also offers advice for conventional farmers looking to make the transition, including creative opportunities to enter regenerative agriculture without having to completely overhaul an existing operation.
Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/
American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
Members site: https://members.acresusa.com
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Exhibitor Information: https://conference.eco-ag.com/booth-selection-page-page
White Oak Pastures Website: https://whiteoakpastures.com/