We’re revisiting a timeless highlight from AgEmerge Podcast Episode 100 — our 3-hour masterclass, recorded in 2023, with soil health pioneer Gabe Brown.

In this standout segment, Gabe and Monte tackle the real hurdles of transitioning markets, succession planning, and farm profitability. You'll also hear why and how Gabe built a thriving ranch with zero reliance on government subsidies — proving true independence is possible when soil health comes first.

As many heard just last week, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, alongside RFK Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, announced a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program under the Make America Healthy Again agenda. It’s the first time regenerative agriculture has ever received this level of dedicated national funding and quite a spotlight — not perfect, not equal to conventional subsidies, but a massive step forward.

These aren’t crutches — they’re bridges, helping more farmers follow Gabe’s proven path. Timeless wisdom now backed by timely momentum.

Enjoy this throwback clip from Episode 100 with the one and only Gabe Brown.

If you haven’t watched the full episode yet, be sure to go back and catch the complete context of Gabe’s journey. But if you’re looking for a powerful example of how to thoughtfully hand a farm off to family, click the Watch Now button below as podcast episode 177 stands on its own.

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Watch the entire AgEmerge Episode 100​: https://youtu.be/nX9up_iG0Zc

Gabe is featured in two films: Kiss the Ground partnered with Big Picture Ranch on the 2020 film, Kiss the Ground, and the follow-up documentary, Common Ground, which continue to impact viewers worldwide. Both films are now available to stream globally on Prime Video!

​Watch Kiss the Ground​​: https://kisstheground.com/about/kiss-the-ground-film/

Watch Common Ground​: https://kisstheground.com/about/common-ground-film/

Follow Gabe's Work:

Brown's Ranch website: https://brownsranch.us/

Understanding Ag website: https://understandingag.com/

*** Show notes and Links ***

Subscribe to AgEmerge here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AgSolutionsNetwork

Ready to hear from more soil health leaders? Watch here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF-Hc8USB_JtEZZNPL7OlrW4gLBHe9poI&si=ev203Eoxs6Z5CoH5

Ag Solutions Network Socials:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast

https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm

https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork

https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO

https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/

Ag Solutions Network website:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/

Gabe Brown is one of the pioneers of the current soil health movement which focuses on the regeneration of our resources. Along with his wife Shelly, and son Paul, Gabe owns and operates Brown's Ranch, a diversified 5,000 acre farm and ranch near Bismarck, North Dakota. The ranch consists of several thousand acres of native perennial rangeland along with perennial pastureland and cropland. Their ranch focuses on farming and ranching in nature's image.

The Browns holistically integrate their grazing and no-till cropping systems, which include a wide variety of cash crops, multi-species cover crops along with all natural grass finished beef and lamb. They also raise pastured laying hens, broilers and swine. This diversity and integration has regenerated the natural resources on the ranch without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides.

Gabe authored the book, “Dirt to Soil, One Family’s Journey Into Regenerative Agriculture.”

He is a partner, along with David Kleinschmidt, Shane New, Kathy Richburg, and Dr. Allen Williams, in Understanding Ag LLC. He is also an instructor for Soil Health Academy, which focuses on teaching others the power and importance of healthy functioning ecosystems.

Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge podcast?

Email [email protected]

Lucas Horsch and the Horsch Company are leading agricultural innovation with careful attention to tradition. Lucas grew up immersed in the family business and shares his journey from working alongside his parents in the office to becoming a key player in the company's global expansion. With a background in agronomy and business consulting, Lucas has spent over a decade in farming and product development, focusing on planters and seeding technology.

Lucas delves into the history of the Horsch Company, founded by his father, and discusses the challenges and innovations shaping the future of agriculture. From the importance of adapting to change to the global differences in farming practices, Lucas offers valuable insights into the evolving world of farming. He also highlights the critical role of family in their business success and the exciting advancements in farming technology.

Discover how the Horsch Company is leading the way with localized solutions and cutting-edge technology. Don't miss this engaging conversation that underscores the impact of family, technology, and adaptability in the agricultural industry.

#Farming #Agriculture #Innovation #FamilyBusiness

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Show Notes:

Ag Solutions Network Socials:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast

https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm

https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork

https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO

https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/

Ag Solutions Network website:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/

Click to watch or listen and as always, let us know if you have any questions or guest ideas by emailing ​[email protected]​.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Lucas Horsch and Horsch Company

00:06:00 - Global Farming Practices

00:12:00 - Future of Farming Technology

00:15:00 - The Horsch Company's Global Expansion

00:18:00 - Localized Solutions for Different Markets

00:21:00 - The Role of Technology in Farming

00:30:00 - Horsch's Approach to Autonomy

00:33:00 - Family Dynamics in Business

00:36:00 - Adapting to Market Needs

00:39:00 - Sustainability in Agriculture

00:42:00 - Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Discover how innovative drip irrigation technologies are transforming water management and boosting efficiency in farming. Mike Hemman, Netafim Senior Vice President of North America, shares his journey from crop protection to leading irrigation solutions, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in modern agriculture. Tune in to explore the future of precision farming and the vital role of water conservation across the globe.

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Show Notes:

Ag Solutions Network Socials:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast

https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm

https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork

https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO

https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/

Ag Solutions Network website:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/

Click to watch or listen and as always, let us know if you have any questions or guest ideas by emailing ​[email protected]​.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Drip Irrigation

00:06:00 - Mike Hemman's Journey

00:12:00 - Innovative Irrigation Solutions

00:18:00 - Water Conservation and Efficiency

00:24:00 - Future of Precision Farming

00:30:00 - Challenges in Water Management

00:36:00 - The Role of Technology in Agriculture

00:42:00 - Sustainable Farming Practices

00:48:00 - Netafim's Global Impact

00:54:00 - Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

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Introducing the Ag Modernization Fund

Water basins are strained across the nation, and while modern irrigation remains one of the fastest and most proven ways to improve water use efficiency, many farmers still face barriers to accessing the financing for installing the latest systems.

To address this challenge, Orbia, Netafim USA along with California Water Resilience Initiative (CWRI), launched the Ag Modernization Fund, a first-of-its-kind investment vehicle that pools private-sector capital to directly fund irrigation upgrades for growers.

Backed by Keurig Dr Pepper, Gilead Sciences, and General Mills, the fund closed in 2025 with $300,000, already supporting five farms spanning 200 acres. These projects, to be completed within the year, are projected to reduce water use by 491 acre-feet — nearly 159 million gallons annually, enough to fill 241 Olympic-sized pools.

This fund is also listed on the UN-backed CEO Water Mandate’s Water Action Hub, aligning with global sustainability goals to address water stress across 100 priority basins worldwide — 8 of which are in the United States.

About Our Guest:

Mike Hemman - SVP, Netafim North America Division

Mike joined Netafim, Orbia Precision Agriculture business, in 2019 as the President of Netafim USA and was promoted to Senior Vice President of North America in 2024. He has been instrumental in driving strategic growth and expanding profit margins through innovative market strategies, customer segmentation, product lifecycle management, and improvements in supply chain and manufacturing efficiencies.

With multiple decades of experience in the crop protection and seed industry, Mike has held key commercial leadership positions at DuPont, Corteva, and Pioneer Seed. His extensive background in biologicals, fertility, crop protection, seed, and irrigation give him a unique cross-sector perspective on the agricultural industry.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science from California State University, Fresno, where he also pursued Master of Science coursework in agronomy. He is currently a member of the Executive Board of the Irrigation Association and has previously served on the boards of the Agricultural Retailers Association, Western Plant Health Association, and California Association of Pest Control Advisers.

AgEmerge Podcast 173 (Part I of Exploring the Haney Soil Test) laid the foundation for understanding how to read your soil test results. Now, AgEmerge Podcast 174 continues the conversation with Part II, featuring Liz Haney and Monte Bottens as they dive deeper into what those results actually mean.

Together, they explore the “what”—what soil testing reveals about soil health and how it informs fertility recommendations and management decisions. Dr. Liz Haney explains how the Haney Soil Test measures microbial activity and soil respiration, providing valuable insights into soil function and vitality.

This episode also covers key topics like interpreting soil health metrics, managing compaction, and the benefits of diverse crop rotations. Growers will gain practical takeaways on consistent sampling, understanding soil types and management zones, and the importance of working with trusted advisors to make informed decisions on the farm.

Are you a visual learner or would you like some additional materials to help this all make sense? Join our mailing list by clicking below and we'll send the Exploring the Haney Test PDF Guide straight to you.

Join the AgEmerge Mailing List: https://ag-solutions-network.kit.com/b47ceb598a

Chapters:

00:00 Exploring Soil Fertility Testing Methods

01:03 The Importance of Soil Health Metrics

09:48 Diversity in Crop Rotation and Soil Health

19:34 Understanding Soil Health Calculations

26:43 Fertility Recommendations and Their Context

40:49 Understanding Soil Health and Protozoa

46:13 Innovative Sampling Techniques for Soil Analysis

53:24 The Role of Soil Organic Matter in Soil Health

59:18 Impact of Cover Crops on Soil Nutrient Dynamics

01:04:32 Soil Survey Methodologies and Their Implications

01:11:04 Building Soil Health for Future Generations

Takeaways:

- Soil health is crucial for sustainable farming practices.

- The Haney test provides insights into soil microbial activity.

- Soil respiration is a key indicator of soil health.

- Microbial active carbon (MAC) is essential for understanding soil biology.

- Soil compaction can significantly affect microbial activity.

- Phosphorus levels can impact soil health metrics.

- Diverse crop rotations can improve soil health.

- Soil testing should be done at consistent times for accurate comparisons.

- Understanding soil types and management zones is vital for effective farming.

- Farmers should seek trusted advisors for soil management decisions.

Ag Solutions Network Socials:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast

https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm

https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork

https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO

https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/

Ag Solutions Network website:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/

Gaining a deeper understanding of the Haney Soil Test can transform your approach to agriculture by offering critical insights into nutrient availability and microbial activity. Whether you're a veteran grower or just beginning your regenerative agriculture journey, this series delivers practical knowledge to elevate your soil management and increase productivity.

Liz is a soil and ecosystem scientist with experience in soil testing and analyses, carbon and conservation practice modeling, and is the co-developer of the Haney Soil Health Test. Liz’s purpose, drive and passion are helping to improve producer profitability, environmental sustainability, and human health through regenerative practices and soil health.

Throughout her career she has developed an expansive network of scientists, thought leaders, consultants, farmers and ranchers within the sustainable agriculture space. Liz loves nothing more than creating community and is skilled at coordinating and conducting educational events, workshops and conferences bringing together today’s leading innovators in regenerative agriculture. Liz is also a co-founder of ​Regen Mills​ and Heritage Ground.

In this special two-part series, Dr. Liz Haney joins Monte in the studio for an in-depth exploration of the Haney Soil Test. Originally recorded as an internal education piece for our Ag Solutions Network Dealers and customers, this insightful conversation has too much good info not to share.

In Part I, we break down the Haney Soil Test—explaining what it measures and the meaning behind each component. In the following episode, we dig deeper into how the test can influence soil health and farming practices, from optimizing input use to uncovering potential cost savings.

Gaining a deeper understanding of the Haney Soil Test can transform your approach to agriculture by offering critical insights into nutrient availability and microbial activity. Whether you're a veteran grower or just beginning your regenerative agriculture journey, this series delivers practical knowledge to elevate your soil management and increase productivity.

Don’t miss it—tune in to discover how smarter soil decisions today can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

About our guest:

Liz is a soil and ecosystem scientist with experience in soil testing and analyses, carbon and conservation practice modeling, and is the co-developer of the Haney Soil Health Test. Liz’s purpose, drive and passion are helping to improve producer profitability, environmental sustainability, and human health through regenerative practices and soil health.

Throughout her career she has developed an expansive network of scientists, thought leaders, consultants, farmers and ranchers within the sustainable agriculture space. Liz loves nothing more than creating community and is skilled at coordinating and conducting educational events, workshops and conferences bringing together today’s leading innovators in regenerative agriculture. Liz is also a co-founder of ​Regen Mills​ and Heritage Ground with Russell.

Come see Liz Haney in Person!

​Premier Soil Health Event 2025, Dec. 2-3​ in Mankato, MN​Big Soil Health Event 2025: Dec. 8-9​ in Cedar Rapids, IA

Regenerative farmers need better financial assurances. Eric Gibson from Rabobank shares his expertise on the current challenges faced by farmers, including risk management and crop insurance. Explore the economic implications of soil health practices and the importance of policy in driving agricultural innovation. With a focus on soil health, nutrient density, and generational perspectives, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the future of farming. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on aligning risk management with soil health and the potential for transformative change in the agri-food value chain.

Rabobank Report: US Farmers Confront Risks in Face of Change https://rabobankna.com/knowledge-hub/us-farmers-confront-risks-in-face-of-change/

About our guest:

Eric Gibson, Rabobank Analyst – Farm Inputs & Crop Production Sustainability

Eric is an analyst for RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness in the US, where he focuses on sustainability in farm inputs and crop production. Eric’s industry knowledge has a broad reach, ranging from hands-on farming and livestock experience, to research, communications, and client and stakeholder management.

Before joining Rabobank, he served as a Fusion Leader & Intelligence Analyst at Aimpoint Research, where he conducted market research and data analysis to support client ambitions. Prior to Aimpoint, he worked as a Product Marketing Manager in the Crop Marketing & Sustainability and Seed & Digital Technology teams at Farmers Business Network. Eric also spent six years with the US Soybean Export Council, where he helped coordinate USSEC’s sustainability program.

Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri, with concentrations in plant science, animal science, and agricultural economics.

Ag Solutions Network website:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/

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Click to watch or listen and as always, let us know if you have any questions or guest ideas by emailing ​[email protected]​.

We're having a heart to heart about the mental health challenges faced by those in the farming and veterinary professions. Meet Dr. Kim Stevens and Liz Hulsizer, as they share personal experiences and resources for our agricultural families and businesses. Links to counseling and suicide prevention are below. We ask you to share, listen, watch and learn how to help one another actively work to keep our farmers, vets, and their loved ones from missing their seat at the table.

About our guests:

Liz Hulsizer and her family are fifth-generation farmers in Knox County, Illinois. They experienced significant personal challenges, including the suicide of her father-in-law shortly after she and her husband were married. This event profoundly impacted their lives and farming operations. Liz is actively involved in promoting mental health awareness within the farming community, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and acceptability of mental health resources. She is also a board member of the Farm Family Resource Initiative, which provides support to those in agriculture. Liz is committed to sharing her story to help others understand the impact of mental health issues and to encourage open conversations about these challenges.

Dr. Kim Stevens is a veterinarian based in Galva, Illinois, which is also her hometown. She studied dairy production in veterinary school with the goal of becoming a dairy veterinarian. After graduating in 2010, she returned to Galva to join a veterinary practice, which she later purchased in 2013. Dr. Stevens is deeply involved in her community, providing veterinary services for both small and large animals. She is passionate about mental health awareness within the veterinary community and is part of the organization "Not One More Vet," which addresses mental health challenges faced by veterinarians. Dr. Stevens is known for her dedication to her practice and her community, often emphasizing the importance of support networks and open communication in overcoming mental health struggles.

Resources:

Not One More Vet (NOMV):An organization focused on mental health support for veterinarians. They provide resources and support networks to help veterinarians cope with mental health challenges. ​https://nomv.org​

Farm Family Resource Initiative:This initiative offers a 24/7 confidential phone line specifically for those in Illinois agriculture. The phone number is 1-833-FARMSOS. It provides up to six free counseling sessions for farm families and those working in agriculture. ​

Nationwide Programs: ​Farm State of Mind® | American Farm Bureau Federation​

Suicide Prevention Hotline: US & Canada: ​988​

Taylor Herren is a beach-loving Californian who traded Santa Barbara for Cotton Plant, Arkansas, to pursue her dream of becoming a farmer and agricultural entrepreneur. What she cares most about is regenerative agriculture that works for real farmers and can be scaled on millions of acres—she's not interested in perfection, but in progress that helps farmers benefit from soil health through on-farm savings, increased market opportunities, and more time with their families.

*** Show notes and Links ***

Subscribe to AgEmerge here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AgSolutionsNetwork

Hear from another entrepreneur, Taylor Henry sharing his farming story: https://youtu.be/rt2V_YnBfsI

Ag Solutions Network Socials:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast

https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm

https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork

https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO

https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/

Ag Solutions Network website:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/

*** ***

More about Taylor Herren:

After 15 years working in regenerative agriculture—including roles with Green America, Kiss the Ground and Chico State —Taylor made the leap into farming last year. Her first crop year in 2025 marks a significant milestone as one of the few women entering large-scale row crop agriculture, farming 400 acres of corn, soybeans, and rice with a USDA crop loan while building a pasture livestock operation starting with 600 birds.

The transition from one of California's most beautiful coastal cities to the hot, swampy Mississippi Delta has been challenging but transformative, connecting her to both the land and her farming partner Adam Chappell. Taylor's mission goes beyond building a successful agricultural business—she's driven by those meaningful moments in nature where life abounds in the plants, birds, bugs, and the passionate farmers who tend the land.

Currently at Soil & Climate Initiative, she leads the farm transition program and regenerative crop market development work, including the Delta Regen Rice project. What she cares most about is regenerative agriculture that works for real farmers and can be scaled on millions of acres—she's not interested in perfection, but in progress that helps farmers benefit from soil health through on-farm savings, increased market opportunities, and more time with their families.

Her ultimate goal: to become a successful "chicken baroness" while proving that regenerative agriculture can create profitable, resilient farming operations.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-herren-590196107/

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/taylor.herren.5

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsfarmhard/

Waldo Moraga, founder of ECO2MIX, talks with Monte about the huge strides carbonic acid has taken in farming, and even the golf industry as sustainable water pH control. Learn how carbonic acid is a safer alternative to sulfuric acid, and plays a significant role in soil health by breaking down minerals in the soil and releasing essential nutrients plants need to grow. Carbonic acid also improves soil structure by promoting the formation of soil aggregates, which enhances water retention and infiltration, ultimately supporting healthy plant growth. Join Monte and Waldo as they uncover the science behind this innovative solution and its promising future.

Learn how carbonic acid is a safer alternative to sulfuric acid, and plays a significant role in soil health by breaking down minerals in the soil and releasing essential nutrients plants need to grow. Carbonic acid also improves soil structure by promoting the formation of soil aggregates, which enhances water retention and infiltration, ultimately supporting healthy plant growth. Join Monte and Waldo as they uncover the science behind this innovative solution and its promising future.

Waldo Moraga: Waldo earned his B.S. of Agriculture and has a passion for water related topics, from conservation to treatment. More than 30 years in irrigation, fertigation, and water pH control in Chile, Peru, Mexico and since 2016 fully committed to change the paradigm on how farmers deal with water pH in the Central Valley of California and the US.

ECO2MIX: https://www.eco2mix.com

We decided to find a better solution, specifically designed for agriculture, to reduce pH in irrigation water with a more sustainable process. That’s when we designed a system that uses carbonic acid to acidify water, mimicking nature. CO2 is not new to the world of agriculture. There’s plenty of research and publications about its biological and soil benefits and yields improvements. With this in mind, we decided to design a highly efficient system using this natural compound. Our mission is to provide a sustainable solution for water pH control, using an eco-friendly technology that helps the plant and soil biology by replacing the use of toxic and dangerous mineral acids with innocuous carbonic acid (CO2 + water). We are the only carbon pH control designed with the grower’s problem in mind.

What's up with kids these days? Meet Drew Cotton and Andrew Larson. Mr. Larson is fresh into the retirement scene but together, the two men served as professors at Black Hawk College in Galva, Illinois. They've seen it all. And they confidently say, we're in good hands.

*** Show notes and Links ***

Subscribe to AgEmerge here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AgSolutionsNetwork

Watch another outstanding educator, Dr. Dwayne Beck, here: https://youtu.be/1JlTPcoKB0M

Ag Solutions Network Socials:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast

https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm

https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork

https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO

https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/

Ag Solutions Network website:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/

Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to [email protected] we’d love to hear from you.

*** Show notes and Links ***

Monte Bottens hosts interns and classes from Black Hawk multiple times throughout the year. The three guys talk all about the unique learning approach Black Hawk provides and the depth of experience students have under their belts by graduation.

Drew Cotton is the Co-Department Chair for the Agriculture Department at Black Hawk College. He focuses on agribusiness education. Prior to Black Hawk, Mr. Cotton studied Animal Sciences at the University of Florida and completed undergrad at Kansas State University. Mr. Cotton leads the Agribusiness Club and coaches the Agricultural Business and Horse Judging teams. With his peers and students, Mr. Cotton has coached and guided wins with the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference Sweepstakes Awards.

Andrew Larson: We thank Mr. Larson for his military service, prior to becoming an instructor. He recently retired after teaching at Black Hawk College for 27 years. He earned a Master's of Science in Nutrient Management and Crop Production from the University of Illinois in 1998 after completing his undergrad from the Illinois State University in Environmental Sciences and Protection in 1994. While at Black Hawk, Mr. Larson served as a full-time instructor in the agriculture department of Black Hawk College. He taught production, marketing and management of agriculture curriculums. He's secured places of employment for over 500 graduates in the agriculture industry. And provided leadership to place and supervise over 100 internships. Mr. Larson managed a 25-acre college agronomy lab, coached college soil and crop judging teams, and also served as Advisor for the Trap Shooting Club.

He was the lead Investigator for Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant that supported a four-acre sustainable agriculture research plot and conducted numerous field trials annually in the agronomy lab. He designed subsurface drainage system in the agronomy lab to implement nutrient management study; facilitated installation of a bio-reactor.