In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, recorded from the 2025 Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems conference, Michael Bell from Dallas Half Acre Farm shares his journey of starting an urban farm without electricity and water. Mike delves into the importance of community support and innovative solutions in maintaining a profitable market garden. The second part of the episode features Howard Vlieger, a regenerative farmer and researcher representing Contact BioSolutions. Howard discusses the adverse effects of glyphosate on soil health and livestock, and introduces an innovative organic herbicide designed to support the soil microbiome. Howard also shares insights from his extensive research on GMO crops and their impact on livestock and human health, underscoring the need for safer, regenerative agricultural practices.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

00:21 Introducing Michael Bell and Dallas Half Acre Farm

00:47 Challenges of Starting an Urban Farm

01:23 Navigating Bureaucracy and Red Tape

02:36 Innovative Solutions for Water and Electricity

03:51 Grant Money and Its Challenges

05:16 Community Fundraising and Self-Reliance

08:30 Water Catchment Systems

14:49 The Journey to Starting Dallas Half Acre Farm

19:18 Efficient Delivery Strategies for Fresh Produce

21:24 Meet Howard Vlieger, Regenerative Farmer and Researcher

22:55 The Impact of GMO Crops on Livestock

31:30 Developing Alternatives to Glyphosate

34:53 The Future of Organic Herbicides

37:54 The Far-Reaching Effects of Glyphosate

41:57 Connecting Soil Health to Human Health

44:28 Finding Firehawk Bioherbicide - Save 10% with promo code: SOILSISTERS10

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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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Recorded live from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, the Soil Sisters are talking dirt therapy with Kris Vandenberg, US Army veteran and founder of Vetted Farms and Kitchens. Kris shares his evolution from professional chef to farmer, catalyzed by the pandemic and personal health changes. The discussion centers around his mission to engage veterans in regenerative farming, the benefits of community outreach, receiving support, and the challenges and rewards of making transitions and doing hard things. Kris also highlights grant support from Kiss the Ground and his aspirations for Vetted Farms' upcoming projects.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast 

00:33 Introducing Kris Vandenberg, US Army Veteran and founder of Vetted Farms and Kitchen

02:00 The Birth of Vetted Farms 

03:15 Challenges and Realizations in the Food Industry 

05:02 The Importance of Community in Farming 

09:37 Veterans and the Healing Power of Nature 

13:18 Kiss the Ground Grant and Future Plans 

17:43 Personal Background and Farming Roots 

21:31 The Impact of Modern Convenience on Hard Work 

21:41 Nostalgia and the Labor of Farming 

21:56 Exploring Agricultural Techniques 

23:52 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 

26:46 Challenges Facing Small Farms 

36:45 The Role of Community and Faith 

38:36 Conclusion and Ways to Support

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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.

⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

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In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, we chat with our friend Chris Jones, an R&D project manager and designer at Symbiosis in central Texas. Chris shares his compelling journey from a career in finance to regenerative land management, inspired by his mental health struggles. He explains how changing how and what he ate and connecting with nature guided his path to health, clarity, and ecology. The discussion dives into his transition, the importance of healthy local food, and his work on developing universal soil amendments at scale to restore degraded lands. Chris also recounts his recent survival trek experience, underscoring the essential roles of food and community. This conversation leans into holistic well-being, community efforts, and restorative agricultural practices.

TIME STAMPS & LINKS:

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

00:48 Meet Chris Jones

02:10 Chris's Journey to Mental Health Through Healthy Eating

04:15 From Finance to Farming: Chris's Transition

05:26 Exploring Regenerative Agriculture Across the U.S.

09:15 Symbiosis: Regenerative Landscape Design

13:11 The Importance of Organic Matter in Soil Health

16:17 Mental Health and Regenerative Practices

22:06 Principles Over Practices

28:34 The Importance of Local and Regenerative Food Systems

31:38 Survival Trek Experience with Earth Native

43:22 Symbiosis Soil Amendments

53:02 Conclusion and Message to Elon Musk

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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.

⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

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The Soil Sisters discuss the foundational basics of structured water with expert guest Clayton Nolte-- a physicist, inventor, researcher, and structured water expert. Clayton explains how structured water can significantly enhance hydration, detoxification, and nutrient absorption at the cellular level. The discussion covers the science behind structured water, its health benefits, and its impact on agriculture, including reduced plant water consumption and soil rejuvenation. The episode also delves into practical applications, such as using structured water in homes, for livestock, and even for personal health benefits. With practical advice on how to incorporate structured water into daily life, this episode promises a fascinating look into a technology that could revolutionize health and sustainability practices. 

TIME STAMPS & LINKS

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast

00:21 Introducing Clayton Nolte: Structured Water Expert

01:17 Understanding Structured Water

06:57 Benefits of Structured Water in Agriculture

10:21 Structured Water and Personal Health

15:45 The Science Behind Structured Water

22:28 Energy and Listening to Your Body

28:57 Power of Structured Water for Longevity

30:53 Structured Breathing, Handheld Device and Hydration

40:45 Taking Minerals and Supplements

41:23 Energy and Supplements: A Physicist's Perspective

42:34 Transmitting and Receiving Energy with Your Hands

45:02 The Concept of Biophotonics

46:04 Real-Life Applications of Structured Water

48:23 Advanced Structured Water Technologies

52:51 Structured Water Hardware for Agriculture

58:27 Structured Water for Pools and Daily Life

01:02:01 The Importance of Structured Water for Health

01:12:23 Final Thoughts and Special 25% Savings on SWCBC devices with Promo Code: soilsisters

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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.

⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

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Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSisters

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Tara Dukart from Seek First Ranch joins the Soil Sisters to discuss the importance of clear, value-driven communication within family-operated farms and ranches. Tara shares her transition to family ranch life, the challenges and benefits of multigenerational ranch operations, and the significance of succession planning. The episode also highlights the positive psychology-inspired 'Win Warriors' accountability group, aimed at maintaining progress and celebrating collective wins. We hope you're inspired to seek community and mentor support in your agricultural endeavors.

With a knack for turning chaos into clarity, Joshua & Tara have already helped hundreds of families and teams from around the world level-up their land, relationships, and wealth through their signature "REGENERATE" Schools & Retreats.  Connect with Josh and Tara Dukart at SeekFirstRanch.com to learn more.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast

00:23 Meet Tara Dukart from Seek First Ranch

02:08 Hair Sheep vs. Wool Sheep

04:54 The Importance of Regenerative Agriculture

06:33 Family Dynamics in Farming

09:16 The Power of Asking Questions

15:00 Being a Legacy Leader

19:22 Engaging the Next Generation

23:24 Facilitating Family Conversations

32:02 Personal Stories and Legacy Planning

35:23 Retirement Dreams Clash

36:54 Unpacking the Real Issue

38:18 Finding a Compromise

41:44 Succession Planning Insights

51:19 The Role of Facilitators

53:21 Introducing 'Win Warriors'

55:31 Positive Psychology in Action

01:01:17 Holistic Management Principles

01:03:05 Joining the Community

01:05:11 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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.

⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

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Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.

Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSisters

Website: txsoilsisters.co

Meet renowned soil and ecosystem scientist Dr. Liz Haney on the latest Soil Sisters podcast. Dr. Haney provides insights into the Haney Soil Health Test's development and its applications for off-ramping from conventional to regenerative agriculture while reducing input costs. The conversation also delves into building and expanding a farmer-owned regenerative market infrastructure. Dr. Haney explains how Regen Mills, Heritage Ground, and Farmers Reserve Distillery aim to create market opportunities and value chain solutions for regenerative farmers. We also discuss the vital components for advancing the regenerative agriculture movement. Discover ways to get involved in the regenerative community. And join us at the Regenerative Revival event on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Salado, TX. 

Time Stamps and Links:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast

00:30 Introducing Dr. Liz Haney

01:46 The Haney Soil Health Test: Origins and Development

04:16 Conventional vs. Haney Soil Testing

05:58 Benefits of the Haney Soil Test for Farmers

10:07 Transitioning from Conventional to Regenerative Agriculture

11:51 Flexibility in Regenerative Practices

20:28 Real-World Examples and Success Stories

25:03 Taking and Submitting Soil Samples for Haney Test

27:50 Building a Regenerative Market Infrastructure

28:47 The Mobile Mill Initiative

30:15 Farmers Reserve Distillery and Heritage Ground

31:14 Expanding the Reach of Regenerative Practices

34:49 Consumer Education and Community Events

40:47 Research and Collaboration in Regenerative Agriculture

43:13 Soil Test Stacking - PLFA Test and Metagenomics Testing

45:05 Final Thoughts and Community Spirit - Attend the Regenerative Revival Event on 5/3/25

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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.

⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

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Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.

Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSisters

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Meet Troy Swift, a first-generation farmer operating Swift River Pecans and the president of the Texas Pecan Growers Association. Troy shares his experiences entering the pecan farming business in 1998, the benefits of regenerative agriculture, and his passion for soil health. He discusses functions like systemic acquired resistance (SAR), the use of beneficial insects, birds, and bats, and innovative methods to enhance tree and soil health. Troy also explains his diversified farming operations, emphasizing the importance of vertical integration and sustainable practices. This Soil Sisters' chat with Troy is rich with practical insights, making it a must-listen no matter what you're farming.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

00:29 Introducing Troy Swift and Swift River Pecans

01:31 Troy's Journey into Pecan Farming

03:16 The Lifespan and History of Pecan Trees

04:57 Challenges and Adaptations in Pecan Farming

06:51 Embracing Regenerative Agriculture at Swift River Pecans

15:59 Innovative Pest Management Techniques for Pecan Scab Fungus

24:38 The Role of Bats in Agriculture

26:00 Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation

32:04 Success with Bat Houses

33:45 Exploring Soil Health

36:24 Water: The Most Limiting Nutrient

38:42 Regenerative Agriculture Techniques

45:02 Diversifying the Pecan Business

50:41 Advice for New Pecan Farmers

55:13 The Importance of Continuous Learning

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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.

⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

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Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.

Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSisters

Website: txsoilsisters.co

Wayne Knight has been ranching for thirty years and serves as the executive director of Holistic Management International (HMI). On this Soil Sisters podcast, we discuss Wayne's experience of the transformative power of holistic decision-making in agriculture. Wayne shares insights on land stewardship, holistic management principles, the importance of holistic goal setting, stockmanship, animals' role in ecosystem health, and effective financial planning for farmers and ranchers. The episode also delves into practical applications taught at HMI's Regen Ag School and the benefits of attending, including hands-on experiences and community building. Wayne emphasizes the significance of focusing on desired outcomes and proactive solutions for long-term regeneration of both the ecosystem and your ranch's profitability. 

Join HMI's next Regen Ag School Coming up this month (April 2025)  |  And Save 10% using promo code: SoilSisters2025

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

00:30 Introducing Wayne Knight, executive director of HMI

01:23 Holistic Management: A Game Changer

04:38 Understanding Holistic Management

05:33 The Importance of Goal Setting

12:22 Benefits of Holistic Management

20:19 Regen Ag School: Hands-On Learning

36:34 Identifying the Root Cause of Problems

37:00 Decision Testing Process for Ranchers

37:56 Embracing Failure and Complexity in Farming

39:23 The Importance of Planning and Adaptability

40:50 Drought Planning for Texas Farmers

43:42 Stockmanship and Low-Stress Livestock Handling

51:07 Holistic Management Courses and Community

54:44 The Value of Practical Training at Leo Ranch

01:02:46 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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.

⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

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Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.

Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSisters

Website: txsoilsisters.co

Greg Phillips, co-founding partner of the Houston-based law firm Phillips Kaiser, joins the Soil Sisters to discuss the challenges of preserving family land. Greg's rural upbringing in East Texas and the difficulties faced by generational landowners inspired his commitment to helping those families with limited financial resources find solutions. This discussion dives into the challenges of succession planning, heirs' property issues, maintaining family land, and the newly launched East Texas Heirs Property Initiative. The conversation emphasizes the importance of keeping family land intact and out of the box thinking to build generational wealth.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast

00:25 Meet Greg Phillips

01:14 Greg's East Texas Roots

03:53 The Importance of Succession Planning

04:48 Greg's Journey into Land Ownership

13:05 Alternative Land Uses and Opportunities

20:09 The East Texas Heirs Property Initiative

27:14 Land Utilization for Generational Wealth

28:08 Innovative Land Use Programs

29:45 Building Infrastructure for Landowners

31:18 Nonprofit and Private Sector Collaboration

34:47 Hemp Production and Industrial Uses

44:02 Getting Involved and Next Steps 

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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.

⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

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Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.

Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSisters

Website: txsoilsisters.co

Meet our Soil Sister Arlana Brumfield, founder of Soilution Holistic Ag in Dallas, TX, where she is healing her community through regenerative farming. Explore Arlana's journey from military service to becoming a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture and holistic health in urban communities. Through personal anecdotes and educational insights, Arlana shares her mission to address nutritional deficiencies and environmental issues affecting BIPOC communities, driven by the alarming rate and rise of diet-related diseases. The discussion delves into the therapeutic benefits of gardening and eating fresh food, the regenerative power of robust soil,  and the critical need for supporting the livelihoods of local farmers. And the good news, it's a WIN-WIN! This episode will get you excited to support community health and local agriculture. Listen and let's grow!

Time Stamps and Links:

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

00:19 Meet Arlana Brumfield on TikTok or Instagram

01:29 The Power of Passion and Authenticity

03:20 Introducing Soilution Holistic Ag

04:16 Nutrition-Related Diseases in the BIPOC Community

07:08 The Impact of Processed Foods

16:04 Food Deserts and Food Apartheid

23:27 The Healing Power of Gardening

29:51 The Grit and Passion of Farming

30:21 Shifting National Priorities

30:53 The Profit-Driven Food Industry

31:17 Teaching Future Generations

33:08 The Impact of Processed Foods

35:06 The Fight for Healthier Habits

36:12 Challenges of Promoting Health

38:42 The Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture

40:20 Economic Comparisons in Conventional vs. Regenerative Farming

45:29 Community Engagement and Education

52:27 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

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.

⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

---------------------------------

Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.

Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSisters

Website: txsoilsisters.co