In this special episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, we welcome our father, Butch Nuding, to delve into the rich history of our fifth-generation family ranch in West Texas. We discuss everything from the establishing of JD Patterson Ranch by our great-great-grandfather Jefferson Davis Patterson in 1887 to modern challenges and adaptations in farming and ranching. Butch shares personal anecdotes and insights into the evolution of ranch operations. We discuss inheritance taxes, the importance of trust structures, succession planning, and his hope for the ranch's future. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about family, heritage, and the journey toward regenerative ranching.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast

00:27 Introducing Our Special Guest

01:08 The History of JD Patterson Ranch

01:46 Early Life and Memories on the Ranch

04:39 Challenges and Changes Over the Years

05:55 Building and Expanding the Ranch

11:06 Innovations and Adaptations

14:08 Generational Shifts and Responsibilities

39:30 Financial Struggles and Inheritance

43:35 Modernizing the Ranch Operations

47:25 Trusts and Succession Planning

52:39 Collective Land Ownership

54:18 Trust Ownership and Generational Wealth

55:50 Enterprise Management and Revenue Streams

01:01:46 Family Memories and Ranch Stories

01:12:18 Running a Family Ranch as a Business

01:18:06 Breeding and Cattle Management

01:26:59 Innovative Ranching Techniques and Future Plans

01:41:09 Closing Thoughts and Family Love

✨ 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

Website: txsoilsisters.co

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

✨ 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

The Soil Sisters get down to the roots of community agriculture with Brooke and Killian Keller who own and operate Better Days Gardens outside of Lockhart, Texas. We discuss their journey of transforming raw, unused land into a thriving regenerative market garden. Brooke and Killian share insights on their challenges with water issues and land preparation, as well as the farmer support and resources they are utilizing to sustain their farming operation. They emphasize the importance of soil health, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and cooperative farming. The episode highlights the dedication and resilience required to run a successful small-scale farm; it underscores the impact of local farms on community health and sustainable living. This Soil Sisters conversation originally aired on 107.9 KLKT Radio Lockhart in late October 2024. 

TIME STAMPS AND LINKS:

00:00 Soil Sisters Introduction

00:10 Meet the Farmers: Brooke and Killian Keller, Better Days Gardens

00:35 Expanding the Farm - From Austin to Lockhart, TX

01:20 Challenges and Infrastructure

05:10 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

09:12 Support and Resources for Farmers:

• Small Producers Initiative | TX Center for Local Food | https://www.southernfamilyfarmersconference.org/scholarships | USDA Farm Loans | National Young Farmers Coalition

18:00 Building a Farmer's Co-op

24:03 Human-Scale Farming

29:31 Challenges of Starting a Farm

30:54 Water Testing and Salty Water Issues

36:00 Fall Crops and Favorite Recipes

41:10 The Therapeutic Benefits of Farming

44:32 Where to Find Better Days Gardens: Area Markets and CSA Info

✨ 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

We crack open the official beverage of the Soil Sisters podcast with Aaron Owens, a longtime goat and cattle rancher, innovator in the Texas hemp industry and the creator of Tejas Tonic. We discuss Aaron’s West Texas roots and the challenges and opportunities in the Texas hemp market. Aaron details his journey from cowboying and ranching in West Texas to farming and building a hemp-derived beverage business. The conversation covers the importance of genetics in agriculture, a little Cannabis Consumer 101 education, the complexities of the hemp and cannabis markets, and the legislative landscape affecting hemp farmers and businesses in Texas. Aaron underscores the necessity of banning synthetic cannabinoids while promoting plant-derived THC for the sustainability of local farmers and the hemp industry in Texas.

Buy Tejas Tonic and support a TX farm that's vertically integrated into TX-made products. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS

Find and Connect with the new @drinktejastonic on Instagram.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

00:34 Meet Aaron Owens, founder of Tejas Tonic and Tejas Hemp

03:01 West Texas Beginnings

05:17 Ranching and Cowboying Adventures

11:00 The Business of Livestock

19:57 Transition to Tejas Tonic

26:29 Challenges in the Hemp Industry

37:27 Innovations in CBD Beverages

40:48 Understanding Cannabis Nuances

41:14 Cannabinoids and Terpenes Explained

43:45 Consumption Methods: Smoking vs. Edibles vs. Drinks

46:25 Legal Aspects of Hemp and THC Products in Texas

53:45 Hemp as a Sustainable Agricultural Resource

55:42 Challenges and Opportunities in Hemp Farming

59:14 The Future of Hemp Legislation in Texas - Get Involved!

01:11:38 Marketing and Distribution of Hemp Products

01:16:42 Where to get Tejas Tonic, Gummies, and Swag

✨ 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

The Soil Sisters welcome Andie Marsh, a soil health practitioner and founder of Rhizos, LLC. Andie shares her approach to improving soil health - from backyard gardens to farmland - using a microscope to assess soil microbiomes and methods for addressing soil issues. The conversation covers the impact of biological restoration, delving into Johnson Su bioreactors and other composting techniques, the role of fungi in soil health, and the importance of maintaining predator-prey balance in soil ecosystems. The episode also explores practical tools for gardeners and the impact of regenerative agriculture on climate change. The gals discuss an innovative on-farm trial proposal using industrial hemp and regenerative conservation practices to enhance soil health. This chat underscores the collaboration required for sustainable land stewardship and the critical role of soil biology.

Work With Andie Marsh:  https://www.rhizos.science/

Subscribe to Andie Marsh's Substack: https://substack.com/@soilissexy

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast

00:08 Andie Marsh's Background and Expertise

02:34 The Impact of Soil Health Practices

06:21 Mushrooms and Soil Health

11:14 Practical Soil Management Tips

21:14 Soil Health Principles and On-Farm Trials

27:35 High-Level Basics of Soil Testing

28:45 Composting Methods: Johnson Su and Vermi-Compost

29:07 Building a Johnson Su Bioreactor

37:54 Compost Extract vs. Compost Tea

39:10 Managing Weeds and Soil Health

44:06 Microscope Use in Soil Analysis

49:15 Essential Tools for Composting

50:40 Concluding Thoughts and Future Collaborations

✨ 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

The Soil Sisters welcome sister duo Kari Collins and Kelsey Kruzona of True Femme Collective to discuss the rhythm of nature and women. The sisters share their journey from a holistic upbringing in the 1990s to creating conscious beauty products. Kari and Kelsey share stories about their family's lifestyle transition, their father's battle with cancer, and their mother's influence. The sisters discuss the science behind women's monthly cycles, the value of phase-specific skincare and eating whole foods, when to fast, and the detrimental effects of dehydration and synthetic ingredients. We touch on collaborating with siblings, the power of a shared mission, and the parallels between human health and soil health. Explore the 'how and why' behind True Femme Collective's botanical body products - designed to align with women's natural hormonal rhythms to feed the body what it needs through the skin with hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic ingredients.   

Join the True Femme Collective email list now to be the first to know when they launch! Use Promo Code: SOILSISTERS and save 15% on your first order. 🤠

SHOW TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast

00:27 Intro Guest Sisters: Kari Collins and Kelsey Kruzona

01:29 The Journey to Holistic Living

03:02 A Family's Holistic Transformation

07:08 Honoring a Mother's Legacy

11:01 The Power of Sisterhood and Holistic Health

14:20 Understanding the Woman's Cycle

25:27 The Impact of Fasting on Women's Health

28:59 Creating a Skincare Line for Women

29:20 The Birth of True Femme Collective

35:39 The Power of Collaboration

35:54 The Impact of Clean Skincare

37:35 Designing with Intention

38:27 The Entourage Effect in Holistic Skincare

41:05 Understanding Menstruation and Skin Health

45:31 Creating Phase-Specific Products

48:01 Skincare for Menopause

53:18 Synthetic Ingredients - Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Effects

59:39 Sunscreen Myths and Natural Sunscreen Protection

01:01:57 Launching True Fem Collective

01:04:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell

✨ 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

Join the Soil Sisters as they discuss their enriching experience at Holistic Management International's Regen Ag School, which has empowered them to ask the right questions to make the next right move on the road to healing their family's land. If you're considering continuing education in holistic management or want practical tools to plan for profit in family farming and ranching, dig into this episode. The sisters rave about the valuable tips and tools for holistic land management and the open-hearted and inspiring community they found through HMI. They also touch on succession planning and adapting operations in a way that makes both profits and sense.

Thank you to HMI for offering scholarships for training farmers and ranchers currently practicing Holistic Management or who plan to do so in the near future. You can learn more and apply for those scholarships HERE. 

And NOW, Small Producers Initiative is offering travel stipends to further support us attending an SPI workshop or a qualifying HMI event. To apply, please register for the workshop you want to attend, then complete the application HERE. You will be notified of whether you were awarded the stipend in a timely manner. If your application is not accepted, your registration fee may be refunded.  Questions?  Contact [email protected]

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Soil Sisters Welcome

00:13 HMI Regen Ag School Highlights

01:42 Holistic Management Insights

02:57 Practical Applications in Ranching

11:18 Family and Succession Planning

19:18 Community and Learning Experience

28:13 Hemp in Agriculture

32:17 Visionary Land Planning with HMI

33:26 Holistic Goals and Living Documents

34:22 Managing for Success and Weak Links

36:29 Planning, Monitoring, and Adjusting

39:18 Aha Moments and Learning

40:45 10x Growth and Best Practices

45:57 Adapting to Environmental Challenges

50:30 Reflecting on the Learning Experience

✨ 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

The Soil Sisters visited Fallen Oak Mycology to chat with the founder, Josh Googins, and COO Zahia Tawil, exploring the intersection of fungi, hemp, and regenerative agriculture. The conversation delves into how fungi and hemp can be harnessed for soil remediation, sustainable farming, and building. The episode discusses innovative nature-based solutions for fashion, construction, and plastic waste. The duo share the realities, challenges, and creativity of scaling a sustainable mushroom operation. And if you’re curious to grow your fungi and up your culinary game, Josh and Zahia share practical insights into at-home cultivation and preparing mushrooms like a chef.

www.fallenoakmycology.com | @fallenoakmycology on IG

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

01:06 Introducing Our Guests: Josh and Zahia of Fallen Oak Mycology

01:22 Josh's Journey with Fungi and Agriculture

03:22 Zahia's Path from Biomedical Engineering to Sustainable Fashion and Fallen Oak Mycology

07:11 Exploring the Synergy of Hemp and Fungi

29:45 Challenges and Innovations in Mushroom Cultivation

38:21 Scaling Up: Challenges and Solutions

38:59 The Importance of Temperature in Mushroom Cultivation

40:21 Shelf Life and Dehydration of Mushrooms

41:07 Exploring the Supplement Market

43:09 Personal Stories and Health Benefits

44:47 Grain Choices for Mushroom Cultivation

46:40 Local Agriculture and Community Support

49:02 Hemp Genetics, Fiber, and Agricultural Potential

56:03 Genetic Modification and Sustainable Practices

01:09:43 Cooking Tips and Final Thoughts

Book Recommendation from Josh and Zahia: The Mushroom Cultivator

Industrial Hemp Processing in Texas: www.pandabiotech.com

✨ 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

The Natural Gardener, John Dromgoole, joins the Soil Sisters in the KLKT studio in Lockhart, TX. John shares his origin story from his early days in South Texas to his influential career in Austin creating a world-class gardening destination known for its pioneering work in organic gardening and sustainable living. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including radio broadcasting, the benefits of organic gardening, planting tips and techniques, composting, urban gardening, and the role of community in spreading natural gardening knowledge. John emphasizes the importance of being open to learning from nature, communicating with plants, and using sustainable practices to nurture the soil and environment.  

Connect with The Natural Gardener  in Austin, TX, and get monthly gardening tips.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:16 John Dromgoole's Gardening Journey 

02:01 From Radio to Retail: A Unique Path 

06:26 Organic Gardening and Learning in Austin 

09:52 The Importance of Soil and Microbes 

11:26 Communicating with Plants 

18:06 Birds and Biodiversity in the Garden 

20:48 Cover Crops and Soil Health 

22:53 Understanding Weeds and Soil Health 

24:08 Recommended Reading for Sustainable Agriculture 

25:29 The Visionary Farmer: Malcolm Beck 

26:23 Partnership and Potting Soil 

27:28 Composting and Organic Techniques 

29:17 Urban Gardening and Worm Farms 

31:53 Fruit Trees and Espalier Techniques 

39:00 Seaweed Benefits and Gardening Tips 

43:48 Composting at Home 

47:08 Organic Gardening Advocacy 

50:18 Conclusion and Future Plans

✨ 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

If you find yourself uncomfortable at every turn these days, you're not alone. In this episode, the Soil Sisters wade through the idea and experience of getting comfortable with discomfort. They talk about tackling new and uncomfortable tasks - from starting a radio show, to learning holistic farm management, to participating in agriculture committees, and maintaining family land. And how it's all led to personal growth and excitement for the process. This conversation touches on their efforts to be better stewards of the land, healing family relationships through shared projects, and the importance of advocating for agricultural changes. The Soil Sisters also touch on the benefits of methylene blue as part of a daily wellness protocol and its impact on health. This conversation originally aired on KLKT-LP 107.9 Radio Lockhart.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Soil Sisters Introduction

00:55 Embracing Discomfort in Life

03:34 Health Habits and Uncomfortable Realizations

08:26 Family Conversations and Ranch Plans

10:45 Managing Discomfort and Personal Growth

24:04 Community and Collaboration

26:29 Participating in Important Meetings

28:03 USDA NRCS State Technical Committee

29:33 Municipal Advocacy Training - FARFA

34:41 The Power of Decision Making

45:03 Serendipitous Interaction

46:57 Methylene Blue Benefits

52:31 Upcoming Episode Teaser

✨ 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