This Soil Sisters podcast explores Chef Mollie Engelhart’s trek to Sovereignty Ranch. Mollie shares her transformative journey from being a vegan chef in Los Angeles to owning and operating a regenerative ranch in Bandera, Texas, with her family. The conversation delves into her catalyst for change, misconceptions about veganism, and the challenges and insights gained from transitioning to regenerative agriculture. Mollie explains the Sovereignty Ranch business model — including pastured beef, pork, poultry, sheep, dairy (cows, sheep, goats), a farm stand, CSA subscription, and homestead education enterprises. The hospitality venture includes large event and overnight accommodations, a farm-to-fork restaurant, and a brewery that's currently under construction. As a chef, farmer, and mom- Mollie emphasizes the importance of building and supporting local food systems in order to create healthy, resilient communities. The episode is a rich dialogue on environmental stewardship, investing in agriculture, personal sovereignty, and the power of local consumer choices.

Make Weekend Plans to Dine at "The Barn" at Sovereignty Ranch - a farm-to-table restaurant & bar by chef farmers in Texas Hill Country open weekly on Saturday/Sundays.

Celebrate and Stay a While at Sovereignty Ranch in Bandera, TX.

Connect on Social: @ChefMollie | @eatatTheBarn | @SovereigntyRanch

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

00:28 Tour of Sovereignty Ranch

01:55 Chef Mollie's Intro to Regenerative Agriculture

04:03 From Veganism to Regenerative Farming

06:19 Challenges and Backlash

11:19 Health and Environmental Concerns

23:08 Journey to Texas

29:45 The Challenges of Starting a Farm

30:09 Educating the Public on Regenerative Agriculture

30:56 Adventures in Moving to the Ranch

34:20 Diversifying Farm Enterprises

35:40 The Economics of Farming

38:37 Homestead Courses and Community Engagement

42:31 The Raw Milk Debate

46:48 The Importance of Local Food Systems

55:46 Investing in Agriculture

01:01:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.

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