In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman sits down with legendary organic farmer and regenerative agriculture pioneer Joel Salatin to explore the deep connections between farming, food, and human health. With wit, wisdom, and decades of hands-on experience, Joel shares his family’s journey transforming degraded land into a thriving, sustainable farm ecosystem—and how his philosophy challenges the status quo of industrial agriculture.

Together, they unpack the vital role of healthy soil, ethical animal husbandry, and diverse diets in restoring not just ecosystems, but also individual and public health. Joel also sheds light on the regulatory obstacles that small farmers face and passionately advocates for food freedom—the right to choose local, nutrient-dense food without bureaucratic interference.

Whether you're a conscious consumer, homesteader, or simply food-curious, this episode will inspire you to rethink where your food comes from and how it shapes your health and the planet.

Show Highlights:

✅ Joel’s family legacy and how they turned abused land into abundant farmland

✅ Why farming is fundamentally a biological—not industrial—system

✅ The crucial link between soil health, animal health, and human health

✅ What’s broken in the industrial food model—and how to fix it

✅ How diverse, seasonal diets contribute to vitality and resilience

✅ The truth about food regulation, and why small farmers struggle to compete

✅ Why local food networks and food freedom matter more than ever

Some Questions We Explore:

✅ How does regenerative agriculture support both land and human health?

✅ What does “food freedom” mean, and why is it under threat?

✅ Why is diversity in farming—and in our diets—so essential?

✅ What choices can individuals make to support sustainable food systems?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✅ How you can be part of a movement toward healing food, health, and land

✅ Practical ways to source food more locally and responsibly

✅ The philosophy behind regenerative farming and how it contrasts with industrial methods

✅ Why trusting your local farmer could be the most powerful health decision you make

Resources & Links:

🌐 Joel Salatin – Polyface Farm: polyfacefarms.com

📘 Book – Folks, This Ain’t Normal by Joel Salatin

🌐 Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com

🌐 LinkedIn – Aaron Hartman, MD: Connect Here

📺 YouTube – Richmond Functional Medicine: Watch Here

🎧 Closing Call to Action:

👉 Want to take control of your health and support a healthier planet? Subscribe to Made for Health, share this episode, and start connecting with your local food system today.

Mentioned in this episode:

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