Derek Lange is a third-generation citrus grower and cattle rancher from Tulare County, California. He's also a Regenerative Agronomist at California Ag Solutions. In AgEmerge Podcast Episode 179, Derek shares his challenges and successes transitioning from conventional farming methods to innovative, soil health first practices.

Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to the world of agriculture, Derek's story offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of farming. Tune in to learn about the intersection of tradition and innovation in agriculture and how Derek is making farming fun again.

***

Ag Solutions Network website:

https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Derek Lange

00:03:00 Transition to Regenerative Agriculture

00:09:00 Integrating Citrus and Cattle Farming

00:15:00 Challenges and Successes

00:21:00 The Role of Cover Crops

00:27:00 Epigenetics in Cattle Selection

00:33:00 Impact on Pest Management

00:39:00 Future of Agriculture in Central California

00:45:00 Inspiration for Sustainable Practices

Takeaways

- Derek Lange transitioned from conventional to regenerative agriculture.

- He integrates citrus and cattle farming for sustainability.

- Regenerative practices improve soil health and reduce costs.

- Derek emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming for the future.

- He shares challenges and successes in his farming journey.

- Derek discusses the role of cover crops in citrus farming.

- He highlights the importance of epigenetics in cattle selection.

- Derek talks about the impact of regenerative practices on pest management.

- He shares insights into the future of agriculture in Central California.

- Derek's story inspires a shift towards sustainable farming practices.

As we close out 2025, we’re excited to launch a special End-of-Year episode of bite-sized 15-minute video clips pulled from some of our most impactful AgEmerge Podcast episodes. Each clip focuses on the heart of the conversation: practical applications, groundbreaking ideas, and actionable steps for building healthier soils, farms, and ecosystems. We encourage you to catch each episode in its entirety and place these sections into greater context. But these recaps are perfect for quick inspiration during the busy holiday season or as you plan for the year ahead.

Want to watch a full episode? Click the links below:

1. Human Health Starts in the Soil | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUevAQAQGeo

(From Episode 80 with Dr. Stephanie Seneff)

MIT Senior Research Scientist Dr. Stephanie Seneff connects the dots between soil-degrading chemicals like glyphosate, micronutrient deficiencies in our food, and rising chronic diseases. Explore how regenerative practices can restore soil biology, boost nutrient density, and directly improve human health. A must-watch for understanding the profound soil-to-human link.

2. Goats: Nature’s Weed Warriors | https://youtu.be/nIth3AKcgOQ

​(From Episode 164 with Aaron Steele)​

Join Aaron Steele, founder of Goats on the Go®, talks targeted grazing with goats as profitable vegetation management. Learn real-world stories of controlling invasive species, improving land health, mitigating wildfires, and building scalable affiliate businesses—all while regenerating ecosystems.

3. Revolutionizing Water pH with Carbonic Acid | https://youtu.be/GiBSox_GlPE

​(From Episode 169 with Waldo Moraga)​

ECO2MIX founder Waldo Moraga reveals how carbonic acid is transforming sustainable irrigation and pH control in farming (and even golf courses). Discover safer, eco-friendly ways to improve water quality, enhance nutrient uptake, reduce chemical inputs, and support soil health for better crop performance.

4. Scaling Regenerative Practices on the Farm | https://youtu.be/WTgF1zManWs

​(From Episode 170 with Taylor Herren)​

Taylor Herren shares proven strategies for transitioning and scaling regenerative agriculture. Packed with practical insights on soil regeneration, overcoming challenges, and unlocking ecosystem benefits—ideal for farmers ready to implement actionable changes.

These shorts are designed to spark ideas and motivate action as we head into a new year of regenerative possibilities. Which one resonates most with you? Reply to this email and let us know—or suggest topics for future episodes.

Wishing you Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026.

The AgEmerge Team

Ag Solutions Network

​

As always, let us know if you have any questions or guest ideas by emailing [email protected].

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.

​

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

***

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.

***

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

*** ***

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/

*** ***

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/