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