The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

What happens when an innovative ranching model designed to rebuild local food systems attracts the attention of government regulators?
In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Joel Hollingsworth of Smoke River Ranch to explore a story that goes far beyond one ranch. From overcoming Crohn's disease and building a regenerative cattle operation from scratch to creating a unique herdshare model that connects families directly to food production, Joel shares the vision behind one of the country's most innovative regenerative ranches.
But after a viral video thrust Smoke River Ranch into the national spotlight, Joel found himself facing an unexpected legal battle with the Oklahoma Department of Securities—despite no customer complaints, no allegations of fraud, and no reported victims.
Together, Joel and Taylor dive into the future of regenerative agriculture, the economics of rebuilding the disappearing middle of American farming, ultra-high-density grazing, community-based food systems, property rights, and the growing tension between agricultural innovation and government regulation. They also discuss why this case could set a precedent that reaches far beyond one ranch, potentially impacting ranchers, custom grazers, herd shares, and cooperative farming models across the country.
Whether you're a farmer, rancher, homesteader, or simply someone who cares about the future of food, this conversation raises important questions about who controls agriculture, what true food freedom looks like, and what it will take to restore resilient, locally rooted farming communities in America.
Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/
American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
Members site: https://members.acresusa.com
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
Eco-Ag 2026 Tickets: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/
Letters in Support of Smoke River Ranch: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15E_c2tOP_X5N0uT1P3irxndrfx6xUVIQ
GoFundMe Link to Support Joel’s Mission: https://www.gofundme.com/f/protecting-herdshares-local-food-rights
Press Release: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ymTm0H7gY15jTJllHXFpt85bRk9LDfPKkXM8JhQ8MhA/edit?usp=drivesdk
Contact your Oklahoma Legislator Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10sGhcpIPcirfQ5e3Pf3L7neOCN95Hov74xmiQ5SEYwI/edit?usp=sharing

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

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/
American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
Members site: https://members.acresusa.com
Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025
Luke Jones UA Page: https://understandingag.com/team/luke-jones/

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

Can regenerative agriculture help solve America's healthcare crisis? In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Erin Martin Hollinsworth, founder and executive director of FreshRx Oklahoma, a nationally recognized Food Is Medicine program connecting healthcare providers, regenerative farmers and patients through produce prescriptions.
Erin shares how FreshRx has invested more than $1 million into local farms while helping patients reverse chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes through nutrient-dense food and nutrition education. They discuss why soil health and human health are inseparable, how regenerative farmers can become a vital part of the healthcare system, and why supporting local producers could reduce healthcare costs while creating stronger rural economies.
The conversation also explores the future of Food Is Medicine policy, the role of regenerative livestock, the challenges of scaling these programs, and why restoring community, food and soil may be one of the most effective investments we can make.
If you're interested in regenerative agriculture, nutrition, healthcare reform, or building profitable markets for ecological farmers, this episode offers an inspiring look at a movement that's changing lives from the ground up.
Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/
American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
Members site: https://members.acresusa.com
Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025
Erin’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/expertonaging

What can modern farmers learn from the origins of biodynamic agriculture? In this presentation from the Eco-Ag Conference, Jeff Poppen—better known as the Barefoot Farmer—shares decades of hands-on farming experience while exploring the principles of Rudolf Steiner's agricultural teachings. From composting and livestock integration to soil biology, crop rotations, and farm self-sufficiency, Jeff explains how healthy soil creates healthy food. Blending practical wisdom, historical perspective, and plenty of humor, this conversation challenges conventional agriculture and offers timeless lessons for building resilient, regenerative farms that work in harmony with nature.
Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/
American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/
Important Links from Today’s Episode:
Members site: https://members.acresusa.com
Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/
Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/
2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025
Jeff’s Book: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/barefoot-biodynamics?_pos=1&_sid=e3bf87d71&_ss=r