Land Ledger Podcast

What can the rise of steam-powered tractors teach us about today’s tech booms? In this episode of The Land Ledger, Brian Kearney sits down with Neil Dahlstrom, historian and author of Tractor Wars, for a deep dive into the early evolution of farm technology and the major players that shaped it. Neil shares insights from his extensive archival research, shedding light on the surprising boom of steam engine tractors and their use in large-scale farming operations, as well as the roles of major companies like John Deere, International Harvester, and Ford Motor Company in shaping the competitive landscape of the tractor market.

Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/yrywrfhf

What if your soil could pay you back? In this episode of The Land Ledger, Brian Kearney talks with Stephen Lamb and Tony Feitz of Andes Ag about how the Andes carbon program is allowing farmers to earn $10/acre without changing the way they farm. Listen in to learn who’s eligible for the Andes Carbon Program, how to get started, and why even skeptical farmers should take a second look. 

Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/2masd6bp

What does it take to transform farmland ownership for the future? In this episode of The Land Ledger, Brian Kearney sits down with Will Harris, a fourth-generation farmer and owner of White Oak Pastures, to dive into the challenges and opportunities of regenerative agriculture. They explore its scalability, applicability, and how it compares to industrial farming. Listen in to learn about the economic viability of regenerative farming, the impact of industrial agriculture on natural resources, and why Will believes the current farming system is unsustainable in the long run.

Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/5atxxemw

What does it take to transform farmland ownership for the future? In this episode of The Land Ledger, guest host Justin McMenamy sits down with Brian Kearney and Marc Hartness, co-founders of Farmland Stock Exchange, to explore the evolving landscape of farmland investing. From navigating emotional bonds with land to grappling with the debate between conventional and organic farming, Brian and Marc share how they’re tackling these challenges, offering an innovative approach to farmland ownership that balances financial returns with sustainable practices. With farmland ownership poised to shift dramatically over the next decade, they discuss their vision for the future: empowering farmers to secure the land they work and ensuring it doesn’t fall into the hands of the highest bidder.

Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/4v98ardv

Can farmers escape the financial traps of traditional agriculture while restoring their land? In today’s episode, Brian Kearney talks with Rodger Savory, a leading expert in holistic and regenerative agriculture, about transforming barren land into thriving ecosystems. Rodger shares how biodiversity and holistic grazing can restore soil health, boost productivity, and break the cycle of unsustainable farming. With real-world examples, he challenges conventional wisdom, proving that struggling farmers don’t have to wait for a crisis to embrace change.

 Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/4kr2u3cd

What’s driving the future of ranching? In this episode, host Brian Kearney and guest, Rich Bradbury explore the evolving landscape of ranching, from shifting cattle markets to land access challenges. Sharing insights from his experience managing large-scale grazing operations, Rich sheds light on the biggest opportunities and obstacles facing today’s ranchers, including sustainability, global demand, and the financial realities of the beef industry. Listen in to learn how young ranchers are navigating barriers to land ownership, why regenerative practices are gaining traction, and what the future holds for beef production in a rapidly changing world.

 Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/mr2haafk

How can regenerative agriculture transform both the environment and farmland investments? In this episode of The Land Ledger, we’re joined by Wayne Ebersole to explore the powerful intersection of sustainable farming and smart investing. Sharing his insights from years as a consultant helping farmers transition to more sustainable practices, Wayne highlights the biggest obstacles farmers face—and how these challenges inspired him to launch an investment fund designed to purchase farmland from retiring farmers, implement regenerative practices, and ultimately sell the improved land at a premium.

Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/3j5jukkn

What if you could boost your farm’s revenue and improve soil health—without taking on excessive financial risk? In today’s episode, we sit down with seasoned farmer Paul Butler to explore innovative strategies for increasing farm profitability while prioritizing sustainability. Paul shares his insights on conservation programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), as well as the economic benefits of no-till farming and cover cropping. He also reveals how maintaining strong relationships with landlords has allowed him to implement sustainable practices that would otherwise be financially challenging.

Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/yc5bmdy9

How is farmland ownership evolving in today’s market, and what role do investors play in that transformation? In this episode of The Land Ledger, Brian Kearney sits down with Steve Bruere, President of Peoples Company, to explore the dynamic shifts happening in farmland investing. Steve shares his insights on how institutional capital is reshaping farmland ownership and the innovative approaches his company is taking to support both farmers and investors. From the growing demand for farmland as a stable asset class to the creative structures that make ownership more accessible, this conversation sheds light on the forces driving today’s farmland market.

 Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/ytwpf7py

How can regenerative agriculture reshape farming profitability while addressing sustainability? In this episode, we dive into the financial side of the regenerative movement with Mitchell Hora, CEO and Founder of Continuum Ag. Mitchell shares the journey of building Continuum Ag, now a leading soil health data intelligence company. Discover how no-till farming, cover crops, and regenerative practices can enhance soil health and reduce carbon intensity (CI) scores, creating profitable opportunities for farmers while benefiting the environment.

Find show notes and resources here: https://tinyurl.com/mr42swav