Free Daily Podcast Summary
Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Johanna Nuding, Crystal Nuding
The Soil Sisters podcast documents the journey of rehabilitating Texas farm and ranch land using regenerative practices - from land stewardship and intentional farm and ranch planning to growing industrial hemp, ancient grains, and nutrient-dense food for our communities. If you're a newbie to regenerative agriculture or simply curious to grow healthy food for your family, we invite you to dig in with the Soil Sisters.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago1h 9m
Biomentum, Soil Biology & Farm Profitability: Howard Vlieger on Regenerative Results
Can improving soil biology reduce synthetic inputs while maintaining yields—and improve farm profitability at the same time?In this episode of Soil Sisters, we sit down with Howard Vlieger at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference to explore what happens when farmers work with biology instead of relying solely on conventional inputs. Howard is a regenerative farmer, researcher, and crop and livestock nutrition adviser who identifies as a student of the soil.Howard shares field experiences with Biomentum, a biological product he is helping expand with longtime mentor, Verlyn Sneller. Howard recounts results ranging from reduced nitrogen use in corn to managing rootworm without insecticide by rebuilding soil biology. Beyond row crops, Howard discusses early observations from vineyards, pasture and cattle nutrition, manure and lagoon management, septic and pond applications, odor and fly reduction, and efforts to address glyphosate residues.We explore water infiltration and flooding, why soil testing matters, and how tools such as the Haney Test and soil genomics can help farmers develop practical management plans based on their specific fields. Listen to the full discussion to hear Howard's examples, application strategies, and approach to connecting soil health with practical farm economics.Meet Our Guest:Howard Vlieger is a regenerative farmer, researcher, and crop and livestock nutrition adviser who identifies as a student of the soil. Howard has dedicated decades of his life to research and experimentation on the effects of GMO crops and glyphosate on livestock and ecosystem health. He and his family steward Vlieger Family Farm near Maurice, IA. They raise and sell natural meat (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, eggs and milk). Howard is also instrumental in educating lawmakers and the agricultural community on soil health and gut health through his efforts with scientists and doctors such as Dr. Michelle Perro, Dr. Don Huber, Dr. John Fagan, and has worked with RFK, Jr. and the MAHA movement. Howard is so serious about clean food that he travels with a mini fridge in his truck stocked with protein from his farm and snacks he trusts… and shares with the Soil Sisters.Learn More About Biomentum and ABC Soil Healthy by Terra Transitional SolutionsTime Stamps:00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters00:17 Meet Howard Vlieger01:35 The Biomentum Origin Story04:41 Iowa Policy Momentum07:53 Cut Inputs, Keep Yield09:52 Field Success Stories12:35 Vineyard Trial Results14:22 From Soil Health to Gut Health18:10 Manure, Septic & Water Applications25:38 Flooding & Infiltration Math28:50 Lawn Care & Soil Lessons30:55 Biomentum Application Plan38:06 Seed Treatment: How-To40:05 In-Furrow Biology Application Options41:40 Seed Treatment Trials42:27 Cover Crop Reality Check45:06 Soil Testing & Genomics: Creating a Plan49:01 Building a Soil Health Recipe54:08 Scaling Biomentum Validation59:22 What Carbon Really Means01:02:26 ROI & Input Savings01:05:39 Hogs & Show Wrap 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed c
- Sep 1, 202628 min
Saving Texas Prairies and Grasslands
Less than 1% now remains of Texas’ original native prairies, making them one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Recorded at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, this conversation with Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT) stewardship specialist, Andy Olson, explores why prairies matter, what a healthy prairie ecosystem looks like, and how landowners and everyday citizens can help protect these increasingly threatened landscapes. This conversation builds on our previous discussion on conservation easements, regenerative land stewardship, and the critical role farmers and ranchers can play in restoring native ecosystems. MEET OUR GUEST: Andy Olson is from central Iowa where he grew to appreciate the tiny remnants of the tall grass prairie. His love of nature and history led him to earning a master’s degree in cultural resource management from Colorado State University. He worked for the University of Northern Iowa’s Tallgrass Prairie Center where he helped landowners restore native prairie on their farms before joining NPAT as a stewardship specialist helping to manage NPAT's 11 fee-simple properties across Texas. Want to learn more about protecting and restoring Texas prairies? Visit the Native Prairies Association of Texas at texasprairie.org. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Soil Sisters Intro 00:44 Meet Andy Olson 03:24 Texas Prairie Status 04:26 Prairie Ideal Ecosystem 06:13 How Much Is Left 07:08 Threats And Goals 08:14 Landowner Solutions 12:12 CRP And Prairie Strips 13:54 Pollinators And Connectivity 15:50 NPAT Land Trust Basics 17:56 Why NPAT Is Different 20:39 Easements And Rights 22:28 Stewardship Monitoring 25:07 Community And Volunteers 26:43 Help Without Land 27:57 Where To Learn More 28:17 Closing Credits 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey.Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Aug 18, 202654 min
Conservation Easements 101: Protecting Texas Working Lands with Darren Clark
How can Texas families keep their farms and ranches in agriculture for generations instead of watching them disappear to development? In this episode of Soil Sisters, recorded from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, meet Darren Clark, Director of Land Conservation for the Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT). Learn about conservation easements in Texas—a voluntary tool that can help landowners protect family farms, ranches, wildlife habitat, and open space while keeping ownership of their land. With roots in South Texas ranching and 33 years of experience with NRCS, Darren breaks down how conservation easements work, what landowners can—and can’t—do with an easement, and how these agreements can be tailored to support working lands and future operations, including agritourism. The conversation covers purchased and donated conservation easements, land conservation funding, potential tax benefits, NRCS and Farm Bill programs, land valuation, stewardship, and common misconceptions about conservation easements. Darren also explains why an easement does not mean government ownership or public access—and why protecting land today can be an important part of farm and ranch succession planning. Most importantly, this episode looks at conservation easements through the lens of Texas land loss and keeping family land intact for future generations. For farmers, ranchers, and families thinking about their land's future, this conversation offers a practical starting point for understanding whether a conservation easement could fit their goals. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters 00:34 Meet Darren Clark 02:31 Why Easements Matter 06:35 What Is an Easement? 09:05 Stewardship Visits 12:21 About TALT Origins 14:35 Donated vs. Purchased Easements 16:34 Funding and Rules 21:32 Success Stories 22:50 How Payouts Work 26:17 Agritourism Flexibility 30:17 Future-Proofing Easements 32:08 Taxes and Family Buy-In 35:37 Farm Bill Program Eligibility 36:56 Starting the Family Conversation 38:51 Succession Planning and Land Value 42:27 Common Easement Misconceptions 46:00 When Not to Do It 48:15 Outreach and Getting Started 52:02 Final Wrap-Up 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey.Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical
- Jul 16, 202650 min
Small Producers Spotlight: Southern Sunny Acres
In this episode, the Soil Sisters connect with Ty and Tokie Morgan of Southern Sunny Acres, a veteran-owned family farm in East Texas producing pasture-raised chicken, eggs, and lamb. Starting with just 50 broiler chickens in 2021, they've grown their direct-to-consumer operation by focusing on regenerative practices, serving their local community, and making thoughtful business decisions along the way. Ty and Tokie share the honest lessons they've learned while scaling a farm business—from managing freezer capacity and cash flow to reducing input costs through "no-icide" farming and improving efficiency with better systems. They discuss the challenges of growing a farm before it reaches profitability, the importance of tracking metrics, and the mindset shifts required to build a sustainable operation. They also talk about running a farm as a married couple, including how they divide responsibilities, communicate through challenges, and protect their relationship as they build a business together. The conversation previews their upcoming keynote at the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference happening on August 3-4, in San Marcos, TX. Whether you're starting a farm, expanding a direct-to-consumer business, or looking for real-world lessons in regenerative agriculture and farm entrepreneurship, this episode offers an honest look at the work it takes to build a successful farm. MEET OUR GUESTS: Ty & Tokie Morgan | Southern Sunny Acres Farm | @southernsunnyacres FIND DETAILS FOR THE SOUTHERN FAMILY FARMERS & FOOD SYSTEMS CONFERENCE ON AUG. 3-4, 2026: https://www.southernfamilyfarmersconference.org/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Soil Sisters Welcome 00:30 – Meet Southern Sunny Acres 02:38 – Why Ty & Tokie Started Farming 04:13 – Scaling the Farm 05:46 – Building a Direct-to-Consumer Business 08:10 – Expanding Their Market 10:18 – The 'Profit First' Mindset 13:22 – Efficiency Improvements That Increase Profit 17:09 – Regenerative "No-icide" Farming 19:31 – Farming, Marriage & Business 27:42 – Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference (SFFFS) 29:46 – Building a Regenerative Farming Community 36:51 – Agricultural Grants 43:11 – Why Asking for Help Matters 46:21 – Creating a Sustainable Farm Income 48:40 – SFFFS Conference Details and Ticket Information 49:48 – Closing 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB:<a href="htt
- Jun 18, 202654 min
Stay Moody: Real Talk on Regenerative Goat Farming
What does it take to become a regenerative farmer with no agricultural background? Recorded live at Regenerative Revival in Salado, Texas, the Soil Sisters sit down with David Deitsch of The Moody Goat to talk about building a regenerative goat operation from the ground up. From growing up in suburban Connecticut to managing a thriving herd in Central Texas, David shares the hard-earned lessons, failures, pivots, and mindset shifts that are helping him create a resilient farm business. Whether you're interested in regenerative agriculture, livestock management, grazing systems, homesteading, ranching, or starting a farm from scratch, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to keep moving forward. Connect with and shop The Moody Goat: Follow David's regenerative farming journey, learn about his goat herd, and discover Moody Goat meat sticks and swag through The Moody Goat website and on Instagram @themoodygoat_ and @moodygoatmeat TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Regenerative Revival 01:14 Why regenerative agriculture came first 04:01 The Moody Goat's origin story 06:41 Finding the land in Moody 07:49 Going all in with goats 10:21 Markets and money lessons 15:00 Raising children on the ranch 20:28 Passing a love of land to the next generation 24:18 Dreaming up a rent-a-goat business 25:58 NRCS programs teaser 26:40 Free USDA assistance available to producers 27:47 Regenerative training opportunities 28:31 Learning through community 31:23 Herd-building strategy 33:10 The importance of rest and deferment 35:07 Pivoting through setbacks 36:02 Creating goat meat snack sticks 38:49 How to connect with The Moody Goat 39:57 Why now is the time to start 43:48 Red flags when purchasing your first farm 45:51 The "don't quit" mindset 49:16 The future of regenerative agriculture 51:48 Pride in producing clean food 53:18 Closing remarks 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agr
- May 29, 20261h 16m
Are AI Data Centers Destroying Rural Texas? Water, Farms & Power with Clayton Tucker
Former NSF water researcher, Texas Farmers Union secretary, and candidate for Texas Ag Commissioner, Clayton Tucker joins the Soil Sisters to discuss the rapid expansion of AI data centers across Texas—and why many farmers and rural communities are sounding the alarm. Tucker explains how large AI facilities are impacting water supplies, electricity prices, housing costs, health, and agricultural land in towns like Abilene and across rural Texas. The conversation explores concerns around power grid strain, backup generators, noise pollution and heat, effects on livestock, and the lack of transparency surrounding data center resource use. We also talk regenerative ranching, hemp, data center cooling alternatives, soil remediation, food monopolies, PFAS runoff, and Tucker’s campaign ideas for the future of Texas agriculture. Plus: school gardens, local organizing, and why he believes communities need a stronger voice in shaping AI infrastructure development. MEET OUR GUEST: Clayton Tucker is a former water researcher for the National Science Foundation, Secretary of the Texas Farmers Union, a fair trade organizer, and he helps manage his family ranch in Lampasas, TX. Clayton is running to be our next Texas Agriculture Commissioner to make food and farming affordable, protect our water, and put the brakes on AI Data Centers in our communities. Learn More & Get Involved: https://www.claytontuckertx.com/ | Connect Clayton Tucker on Social: @claytontuckertx on X, FB, IG, YT TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Meet Clayton Tucker 02:17 Ranch Roots and Regenerative Shift 06:05 Why Data Centers Alarm Farmers 08:50 Noise and Heat Impacts 15:03 Tech Fixes and Short Lifespans 17:25 Jobs Claims and Local Inflation 21:37 What Counts as AI Data 26:04 Power Grid Strain and Organizing 32:36 Water Risks and Water-Free Cooling 35:47 Hemp Oil and Texas Hemp Future 58:46 Food Policy And Monopolies 01:04:33 School Gardens For Kids 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- May 19, 202656 min
Building a Farm-to-Consumer Regenerative Grocery Business
How do you build a local food system that actually works at scale? Farmhouse Delivery founder Stephanie Scherzer joins the Soil Sisters podcast to discuss regenerative sourcing, seasonal eating, grocery delivery, and supporting more than 250 Texas farmers and food producers. Stephanie shares how her work at The Natural Gardener and Rain Lily Farm led to launching Farmhouse Delivery in 2009, and how the company has reinvested roughly $20 million into local agriculture while making fresh, sustainably raised food more accessible. Explore: Regenerative farming and sourcing standards Clean animal feed and no seed oils Reducing food waste through meal kits and scratch cooking Seasonal eating and food freshness Farmer relationships and fair pricing Local grocery logistics and delivery challenges How consumer habits changed after 2020 Plus: surprising Texas-grown crops, produce storage tips, prepared meals, and a SoilSisters15 discount code for first-time orders. Meet Our Guest: Stephanie Scherzer has spent over two decades focused on building and supporting local food systems. She founded Farmhouse Delivery in 2009 to connect consumers with sustainably raised local food while expanding market access for regional producers. Under her leadership, the company has partnered with over 250 Texas farmers and reinvested approximately $20 million into the local food economy. Connect and Grow: Visit Farmhouse Delivery at farmhousedelivery.com and follow them on social media @FarmhouseDelivery. To celebrate your initiation into this local food movement, use the code SoilSisters15 for 15% off your first order. 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Apr 28, 20261h 2m
Family Farming & Ranching in Texas: NRCS Programs, Regenerative Agriculture & Conservation with Kristy Oates
Want to strengthen your family farm or ranch in Texas? Learn how NRCS programs, regenerative agriculture practices, and conservation funding can help you improve soil, water, and long-term profitability. In this episode of Soil Sisters, Kristy Oates, USDA NRCS Texas State Conservationist, breaks down the agency's mission, programs, and real-world support for working lands. We dig into EQIP and CSP funding, application timelines, and how payments actually work. Kristy also explains conservation easements, the new Regenerative Pilot Program, and how NRCS is working to simplify systems for producers. Learn how to connect with your local USDA Service Center, why you don't need to apply for funding to receive help, and how NRCS supports both novice and experienced producers. Whether you're new to NRCS or looking to navigate its programs better, this episode is your practical guide to getting started and making conservation work for your operation. MEET OUR GUEST: Kristy Oates is the State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas. Kristy leads a diverse workforce of approximately 600 employees in 228 field offices across Texas to deliver voluntary, private lands conservation assistance throughout the estimated 142 million acres of farms, ranches and family forests. Kristy holds a Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University and is a graduate of the USDA Emerging Leaders Development Program from The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters 00:39 Meet Kristy Oates 02:44 NRCS Origins and Mission 04:41 Technical Assistance Access 09:51 Kristy's Background 14:41 EQIP and CSP Basics 17:21 Funding Timelines and Payments 20:20 Conservation Easements Explained 25:43 Regenerative Pilot Program 30:53 Follow Up and Record Keeping 36:26 Getting Started at USDA Office 42:08 Practice Standards and Feedback 44:59 Local Workgroups and Priorities 46:56 Water Conservation Focus 54:11 More NRCS Programs and Partners 58:35 How NRCS Guides Newcomers 01:00:53 Get Involved in the State Technical Committee Meeting and Closing 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Get Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Working Cows - Regenerative Ranching to Maximize Profitability and Soil Health
Discusses regenerative ranching practices focusing on soil health, grazing, herd management, and profitability with industry leaders.
The Acres U.S.A. Podcast
Explores organic and regenerative farming practices through interviews and insights aimed at building a sustainable, profitable food system.
Regenerative Agriculture: Buzzwords & Bullsh*t
A no-nonsense look at the realities and myths behind regenerative agriculture practices and the claims they generate.
Sustainable World Radio- Ecology and Permaculture Podcast
Experts discuss ecology, permaculture, organic gardening, and sustainable living through interviews and commentary.
Grassfed Life
Covers small-scale farming, grass-fed livestock, and farm-based entrepreneurship with seasonal insights and practical guidance.
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
Homesteading skills like gardening, food preservation, livestock care, and natural remedies for a self-sufficient life in the modern world.
Growing For Market Podcast
Practical advice for small-scale farmers and market gardeners on growing and selling produce, flowers, and plants profitably.
Farm Small Farm Smart Daily
A daily podcast covering practical farming and gardening topics, from soil prep to marketing, for small-scale growers.
Farming Together
Farmers, fishers, and foresters discuss building resilient communities through collaboration on environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast
Experts discuss science-based organic cannabis cultivation techniques and advancements in growing technology.
Just Ingredients
Explores whole, non-toxic ingredients for nutrition, wellness, and daily living with expert guests discussing health and natural product choices.
The Backyard Naturalists
Explores backyard ecosystems through native plants, birdwatching, wildlife attraction, and citizen science in the Greater Charlotte region.
About Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land
The Soil Sisters podcast documents the journey of rehabilitating Texas farm and ranch land using regenerative practices - from land stewardship and intentional farm and ranch planning to growing industrial hemp, ancient grains, and nutrient-dense food for our communities. If you're a newbie to regenerative agriculture or simply curious to grow healthy food for your family, we invite you to dig in with the Soil Sisters.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Johanna Nuding, Crystal Nuding.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land release new episodes?
Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land cover?
Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land covers topics including Leisure, Education, Garden, Documentary, Culture, Society & Culture, Home & Garden. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.