Are farm bankruptcies really skyrocketing… or are headlines missing the bigger picture?

In Episode 15 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm break down the recent headlines claiming that farm bankruptcies increased 46% — and unpack the context, economics, and realities behind the numbers.  

This episode explores the financial pressures facing modern farmers, the role of debt and industrial agriculture, and why farming is far more complicated than the internet often makes it seem.

From fuel costs and fertilizer prices to government subsidies, equipment debt, and vertically integrated farming systems, Mike explains why many farmers feel financially squeezed — while also pushing back against sensationalized “collapse of agriculture” narratives.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• The truth behind the “46% increase” in farm bankruptcies

• Why headlines can be technically true but emotionally misleading

• Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy explained

• Why restructuring doesn’t always mean a farm is failing

• The difference between clickbait economics vs reality

• Rising fuel, fertilizer, and equipment costs in agriculture

• Why modern farming has become heavily dependent on debt

• How government subsidies and corporate contracts shape farming

• The hidden pressures facing Midwest grain farmers

• GMO seed contracts and input dependency

• Why farmers often can’t repair their own equipment

• The similarities and differences between today and the 1980s farm crisis

• Why many farmers continue farming despite razor-thin margins

• The psychology and lifestyle behind agricultural life

Mike also discusses the growing disconnect between urban America and agriculture — and why people outside farming often misunderstand the realities of food production and rural life.

Key Takeaway

The situation in agriculture is nuanced.

There are real pressures on farmers today — but headlines alone rarely tell the full story.

And despite the economics, many farmers continue because farming is more than a business:

it’s a lifestyle, a calling, and a connection to something deeper.

Why do golf courses stay green, lush, and healthy… while so many homeowners struggle with patchy, unhealthy lawns?In Episode 14 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Joseph Boehm sits down with special guest Phillip McWhirter to break down the difference between professional turf management and typical homeowner lawn care — and what everyday homeowners can learn from golf course superintendents. From lawn maintenance habits to organic turf solutions, this episode explores why golf courses operate differently, why most lawn problems are recurring, and how soil-first lawn care can produce longer-lasting results.Topics Covered in This Episode• Why golf courses look healthier than most residential lawns• The difference between homeowner lawn care vs professional turf management• Why golf course superintendents think like chemists• Common lawn problems homeowners repeatedly face• Why many lawn issues return every year• The problem with relying only on fertilizer• Why overusing chemical fertilizers creates long-term issues• How seasonal fungi and pests affect lawns• Why golf courses are proactive while homeowners are reactive• The role of soil health in long-term turf performance• Organic lawn care vs traditional chemical programs• How carbon-based products improve turf quality• What C-FIX is and how carbon-treated chicken manure works• Why organic fertilizers don’t create “immunity” issues in soil• How to improve lawn color, density, and overall health naturallyPhillip also explains why many homeowners are hesitant to transition to organic lawn care — even when better long-term solutions exist — and why the shift is often easier than people think.Key TakeawayHealthy lawns don’t come from dumping more fertilizer on the grass.They come from understanding the system underneath it — the soil, biology, moisture balance, and long-term health of the turf.Golf courses don’t stay beautiful by accident.They stay beautiful because professionals pay attention to the details most homeowners overlook.

Soil Conditioners Explained: Why They Don’t Work (And How to Use Them Right) | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 13

What is a soil conditioner, and why do so many people use them incorrectly?

In Episode 13 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm continue their lawn care series by breaking down one of the most misunderstood tools in soil health: soil conditioners.  

Most homeowners expect fast, visible results—like fertilizer—but soil conditioners work differently. They target what you can’t see: the foundation of your lawn.

This episode explains what soil conditioners actually do, why they’re critical for long-term lawn health, and the biggest mistakes people make when using them.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• What a soil conditioner is (and how it differs from fertilizer)
• Why carbon is the most overlooked nutrient in soil
• How soil conditioners improve soil structure, compaction, and water retention
• The role of microbes in unlocking nutrients for plants
• Why soil conditioners don’t deliver instant results
• The biggest mistake homeowners make when using soil conditioners
• Why poor soil conditions limit product effectiveness
• Can you over-apply soil conditioners?
• How watering habits affect root growth and soil health
• Why most lawn care companies don’t use soil conditioners
• Southland’s soil conditioner products (Genesis, Omega, Revival)
• How humic and fulvic acids improve nutrient uptake
• Why soil conditioners enhance fertilizer efficiency instead of replacing it

Mike explains that soil conditioners are not a “quick fix”—they’re a long-term investment in soil health, helping rebuild the microbial ecosystem that supports strong, resilient grass.

Key Takeaway

Soil conditioners aren’t the paint—they’re the foundation.

If your lawn isn’t improving, the issue may not be what you’re applying… it’s what’s happening beneath the surface.

Why Most Lawn Programs Fail (Even Expensive Ones) | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 12

Why do so many lawns struggle… even when homeowners are spending thousands on lawn care?

In Episode 12 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm kick off a new series on lawn care, soil health, and turf management by breaking down one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry: most lawn programs are built on the wrong foundation.  

From brand-new neighborhoods to established lawns, this episode explains why grass often looks good at first—but declines over time—and what’s really happening beneath the surface.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• Why homeowners’ expectations for lawns are often unrealistic
• How modern neighborhoods are built on poor, compacted soil
• Why topsoil is removed during construction—and why that matters
• The problem with monoculture lawns (Bermuda, fescue, zoysia, etc.)
• Why most lawn care programs focus on fertilizer instead of soil health
• The truth about NPK fertilizers and short-term results
• Why over-fertilization is a growing problem in the U.S.
• How fertilizer runoff contributes to environmental issues
• Signs of an unhealthy lawn (thin grass, pests, disease, weak growth)
• Why insects target weak grass
• The difference between treating symptoms vs fixing root causes
• Why soil biology is the foundation of a healthy lawn
• The role of soil conditioners, humic substances, and carbon-based products

Mike explains that most lawn programs are designed for speed and volume, not long-term soil health—leading to fragile lawns that require constant inputs just to maintain appearance.

Key Takeaway

If you want a better lawn, stop focusing only on the grass.

Healthy lawns are built from the ground up—starting with soil biology, structure, and long-term system health, not just fertilizer applications.

What is regenerative agriculture, and why are more farmers turning to it?

In Episode 11 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm wrap up their 3-part series on organic vs natural & regenerative farming by breaking down the principles behind one of the fastest-growing movements in agriculture today.  

While organic focuses on what you can’t use, regenerative agriculture focuses on what you should do — rebuilding soil, restoring ecosystems, and working with nature instead of against it.

This episode takes a practical, real-world look at regenerative farming through firsthand experience on the Southland farm.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• What regenerative agriculture is (in simple terms)

• The difference between organic and regenerative farming

• Why regenerative agriculture is centered around soil health

• How rotational grazing works (pigs, cattle, and paddocks)

• Why moving animals frequently improves land and animal health

• How manure becomes food for soil biology

• The role of microbes, insects, and ecosystems in regenerative systems

• Why avoiding antibiotics can improve soil function

• How regenerative systems reduce the need for chemical inputs

• When and why soil conditioners are still used in regenerative systems

• Whether regenerative agriculture can scale to large commercial farms

• First steps to transition from organic to regenerative practices

• The mindset shift required for regenerative farming

Mike also shares a key principle:

The most important thing a farmer can put on his land… is his own shadow

Regenerative agriculture requires attention, observation, and active stewardship — not just inputs.

Key Takeaway

Regenerative agriculture isn’t just a method — it’s a mindset.

Instead of trying to control the system, it’s about building a system that sustains itself through healthy soil, biodiversity, and natural cycles.

What does “all natural” actually mean on a food label… and can you trust it?

In Episode 10 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm continue their 3-part series on organic vs natural vs regenerative agriculture by breaking down one of the most misleading terms in the food industry: “all natural.”  

While “organic” is a regulated, enforceable label, “all natural” is not — and that opens the door for confusion, marketing tactics, and misleading claims.

This episode dives into what “natural” really means (and doesn’t), how companies use it, and how consumers can protect themselves by understanding what’s actually in their food.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• What consumers think “all natural” means vs reality

• Why “natural” is not a legally regulated term

• The difference between organic and natural labeling

• How companies use “natural” as a marketing strategy

• Why “natural” does NOT mean healthy

• Real examples of misleading “all natural” products

• Why sugar, additives, and even harmful substances can still be “natural”

• How to read ingredient labels effectively

• Red flags to look for on food packaging

• Tools and apps to help analyze food ingredients

• Why trusting the brand matters more than trusting the label

Mike explains that just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s good for you — and emphasizes the importance of education, label-reading, and understanding ingredients over blindly trusting front-of-package claims.

Key Takeaway

Don’t trust the front of the label.

“Natural” is a marketing term — not a guarantee.

If you want to make better decisions about your food, flip the package over, read the ingredients, and understand what you’re actually consuming.

Organic vs Natural (Part 1): What “Organic” Really Means — And What It Doesn’t | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 9

What does “organic” actually mean… and what are you really getting when you see that label?

In Episode 9 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm kick off a 3-part series breaking down one of the most misunderstood terms in food and agriculture: organic.  

Most consumers assume organic means healthier, more nutritious, and better for the environment — but the reality is more nuanced.

This episode dives into the legal definition of organic, how certification works, and what the label actually guarantees (and doesn’t).

• What “organic” really means in agriculture and food

• Why organic has become a buzzword in modern marketing

• USDA organic certification explained

• What organic labels actually guarantee

• What organic does NOT guarantee (nutrition, quality, etc.)

• The difference between organic food vs products used in organic farming

• How pesticides and chemicals are regulated in organic systems

• Why some foods absorb more chemical residue than others

• OMRI vs USDA Organic — what’s the difference?

• What OMRI listing means for agricultural products

• The real cost and process behind organic certification

• How to spot misleading “organic” claims in the marketplace

Mike also explains why consumers should look for certification seals, not just marketing language — and how terms like “organic,” “natural,” and “regenerative” are often misunderstood or misused.

Topics Covered in This Episode Key Takeaway

“Organic” doesn’t automatically mean healthier or better — it means the product has met a specific set of regulated standards.

Understanding those standards is the difference between being an informed consumer… and being sold a label.

AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 8

What was the original vision for the Southland Organics farm, Soul Miner's Eden?

 In Episode 8 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm step back from theory and talk about the land itself - Soul Miner's Eden- what the property looked like before Mike bought it, how the vision for the farm developed over time, and where Mike sees it going next. 

 Before it became home to Southland’s offices, animals, residence, and daily operations, this property was largely overgrown, neglected land being reclaimed by invasive species and natural overgrowth. Mike shares how years of hands-on work and stewardship slowly turned that raw land into something intentional.

This episode covers:

• What the Soul Miner's Eden property was before it was developed

• How the original vision for the farm began

• The company principle of “think big and become”

• Why Mike wanted the land to function as a sanctuary and testing ground

• How the farm reflects Southland’s broader mission and values

• Why stewardship of land matters

• How the property has evolved over the last few years

• Why cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens are now part of the vision

• How regenerative farming fits into the future of the farm

• Southland’s previous hydroponic lettuce and farm box efforts

• The possibility of future community access, classes, milk, and eggs

 Mike also explains how the property serves multiple purposes at once:

part working farm, part product testing ground, part long-term vision for what Southland believes agriculture can look like.

 This is less about abstract farming theory and more about the story of one specific farm — how it started, what it means to the people building it, and how vision becomes reality over time.

 This episode is about more than land management. It’s about building a place with intention — one that reflects stewardship, experimentation, beauty, and Southland’s long-term mission.

🎧 AG & Culture Podcast – Episode 8

Hosted by Mike Usry & Joseph Boehm

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Explained: Why Farmers Hate It | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 7

Why are farmers across America frustrated with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?

In Episode 7 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm dive into one of the most controversial topics in modern agriculture: DEF regulations, emissions systems on diesel equipment, and the real-world impact on farmers.

What started as an environmental regulation designed to reduce diesel emissions has become a major source of frustration for farmers, truck drivers, and equipment operators across the country.

In this episode, we break down what DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) actually is, why it was implemented, and why many farmers believe the system has created more problems than it solves. 

• What Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) actually is

• Why emissions regulations were introduced for diesel engines

• How DEF systems work in tractors, trucks, and heavy equipment

• Why farmers say DEF systems fail too often

• The real-world dangers of DEF shutdown systems on equipment

• Why emissions policies designed for cities may not work for rural agriculture

• The rising costs of sensors, repairs, and equipment downtime

• The “Right to Repair” debate with modern farm equipment

• How government policy impacts farm productivity and food prices

• The tension between environmental regulation and practical farming

Mike shares firsthand experiences with tractors, trucks, and skid steers that shut down unexpectedly due to DEF system failures — sometimes creating dangerous situations in the field or on the highway.

The conversation also explores the broader debate between environmental policy, rural infrastructure, and agricultural realities, asking an important question:

Are regulations designed for urban environments being applied to rural America without considering how farms actually operate? 

For many farmers, the problem isn’t the idea of improving emissions — it’s how these systems were implemented and the unintended consequences they’ve created in real-world agriculture.

Whether you’re a farmer, equipment operator, policymaker, or someone interested in agriculture, energy policy, or the future of food production, this episode offers a candid look at a controversial issue affecting modern farming.

Commercial Soil Health: Scaling From Backyard to Farm Without Destroying Your Soil | AG & Culture Podcast Ep. 6What actually changes when you scale from backyard gardening to commercial farming?In Episode 6 of the AG & Culture Podcast, Mike Usry and Joseph Boehm break down the realities of commercial soil health — and why the principles stay the same, even when the acreage multiplies.From monoculture lawns to large-scale row crops, this episode explores the difference between managing soil as a hobby… and managing it as your livelihood.We cover:• Backyard vs commercial soil health — what really changes• Why scale affects machinery, not biology• The environmental myth of lawns vs farmland• How subdivisions destroy soil structure• Why established farmland is often more biologically diverse than neighborhoods• The dangers of monoculture farming• Why crop rotation matters more than fertilizer• How soil diversity impacts long-term productivity• Modern farm monitoring (drones, soil testing, pH management)• The impact of legislation on farming practices• The mindset shift required when farming becomes your income• Why “let nature do its job” is the most underestimated principle in agricultureMike explains why soil health fundamentals remain constant whether you’re growing tomatoes in a raised bed or managing hundreds of acres of cattle pasture, vineyards, or row crops.Key Takeaway:Commercial farming doesn’t require a different biology — it requires better stewardship.The biggest mistake farmers and homeowners make?Chasing production instead of building the underlying system.If you’re interested in:– Regenerative agriculture– Crop rotation strategies– Soil microbiome at scale– Sustainable farm management– Backyard vs commercial farming differencesThis episode will reframe how you think about soil, monocultures, and long-term land stewardship.🎧 AG & Culture Podcast — Episode 6