The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

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

What happens when a former corporate professional, journalist, and ballet dancer trades boardrooms for flower fields? In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Briana Bosch,  of Blossom and Branch Farm and author of The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook.
Briana shares her journey from corporate America back to her family’s agricultural roots, building a successful flower farm while challenging conventional growing practices. The conversation explores regenerative gardening techniques, cover crops, soil health, water conservation, reducing farm inputs, and the realities of transitioning away from plastic-intensive production systems.
They also discuss the economics of small-scale farming, direct-to-consumer marketing, U-pick operations, social media education, and Briana’s efforts to bring regenerative practices to her family’s row-crop farm in Minnesota. Along the way, Briana offers practical insights for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers looking to improve soil health, reduce costs, and create resilient agricultural systems.
Whether you're growing on a quarter-acre, managing hundreds of acres, or simply interested in the future of food and farming, this episode is packed with actionable lessons and inspiration.
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
Blossom and Branch Farm Website: https://blossomandbranchfarm.com/

What if one of the biggest challenges facing livestock, crops and human health is something we can’t see?
In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, Taylor Henry sits down with Dan Stachofsky of Essential Energy Solutions to explore the growing impact of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on regenerative agriculture, livestock performance and overall farm health.
Dan shares the personal journey that led him into EMF research, how his family’s health struggles opened the door to bioenergetics, and why he believes modern electrical infrastructure—from cell towers and Wi-Fi to data centers and virtual fencing—may be creating unseen stress on animals, people and ecosystems.
The conversation covers fertility and reproduction in livestock, milk production, pasture performance, GPS collar technology, energy stewardship on the farm, and practical steps farmers can take to reduce electromagnetic stress in their homes and operations.
Whether you're skeptical, curious or already exploring the role of energy in biological systems, this discussion offers a thought-provoking look at a topic that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
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
Essential Energy Solutions Website: https://essentialenergy.solutions

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, host Taylor Henry sits down with Austin Unruh, founder of Trees for Grazers and author of The Grazer’s Guide to Trees, to explore the real-world economics and management of silvopasture.
Austin shares the lessons learned from establishing thousands of trees on working livestock farms, including the tree protection methods that are delivering 90%+ survival rates. The conversation dives into shade as a profit driver, the forage benefits of well-designed silvopasture systems, and how species like honey locust, persimmon, and mulberry can provide valuable livestock feed throughout the year.
They also discuss:
The latest updates in the second edition of The Grazer’s Guide to Trees

Tree establishment strategies that minimize risk and maintenance

Research on livestock performance and heat-stress reduction

Feed-producing trees for cattle, pigs, and poultry

Silvopasture economics and return on investment

Lessons from projects with farms like White Oak Pastures

Funding opportunities and practical steps for getting started

Whether you're interested in improving animal performance, extending the grazing season, or building a more resilient farm for future generations, this episode offers a practical roadmap for integrating trees into your 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. 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
Austin’s Website: https://treesforgraziers.com/

Get his new book here: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-graziers-guide-to-trees-how-to-integrate-silvopasture-for-resilience-and-profit?_pos=1&_sid=edda8ac1a&_ss=r

What does it take to transform an orchard from a high-input production system into a thriving, resilient ecosystem? In this presentation from the 2024 Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference, regenerative agriculture consultant and orchard specialist Chuck Schembre shares his practical approach to regenerative orcharding.Drawing from decades of experience in vineyards, orchards, and diversified farming systems, Chuck explores how soil biology, mycorrhizal fungi, plant diversity, livestock integration, and adaptive management can dramatically improve tree health, nutrient cycling, water infiltration, and profitability. Rather than focusing on inputs and prescriptions, he challenges growers to embrace observation, ecosystem function, and the power of photosynthesis to create healthier, more productive orchards.
Whether you're managing commercial fruit production, planting a homestead orchard, or simply interested in regenerative agriculture, this episode offers actionable insights into building living soils, reducing dependency on external inputs, and working with nature to grow stronger crops.
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
Understanding Ag’s Website: https://understandingag.com/