Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land

What's next for hemp in Texas? 🌱

Join the Soil Sisters for a live conversation in Lockhart, Texas, with Aaron Owens, founder and CEO of Tejas Tonic. Together, we explore the evolving hemp industry, the current challenges, and hemp's potential to transform agriculture and sustainable manufacturing.

Featuring a Q&A with the local community, this episode covers:

🌿 Hemp in Texas: How legalization in 2019 created new opportunities for farmers and businesses.

⚖️ The legal landscape: The regulatory uncertainty surrounding hemp and why staying informed matters.

📣 Community engagement: Ways to learn about proposed legislation a...

Recorded at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, this Soil Sisters Podcast explores the present and future of agriculture, soil health, water use, and family farming through conversations with two of the TX Soil Sisters' agricultural mentors: Fred Morales of Morales Feed and Supply and Troy Swift of Swift River Pecans. 
Fred shares his perspective as a longtime agricultural business owner who has watched his farming clients and his own family's farm struggle with rising costs, worsening conditions, and the challenges of keeping farms viable. He discusses the critical shift from conventional inputs toward biological solutions a...

Can improving soil biology reduce synthetic inputs while maintaining yields—and improve farm profitability at the same time?

In this episode of Soil Sisters, we sit down with Howard Vlieger at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference to explore what happens when farmers work with biology instead of relying solely on conventional inputs. Howard is a regenerative farmer, researcher, and crop and livestock nutrition adviser who identifies as a student of the soil.

Howard shares field experiences with Biomentum, a biological product he is helping expand with longtime mentor, Verlyn Sneller. Howard recounts res...

Less than 1% now remains of Texas’ original native prairies, making them one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Recorded at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, this conversation with Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT) stewardship specialist, Andy Olson, explores why prairies matter, what a healthy prairie ecosystem looks like, and how landowners and everyday citizens can help protect these increasingly threatened landscapes. This conversation builds on our previous discussion on conservation easements, regenerative land stewardship, and the critical role farmers and ranchers can play in restoring native ecosystems.

MEET OUR GUEST: Andy Ols...

How can Texas families keep their farms and ranches in agriculture for generations instead of watching them disappear to development?

In this episode of Soil Sisters, recorded from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, meet Darren Clark, Director of Land Conservation for the Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT). Learn about conservation easements in Texas—a voluntary tool that can help landowners protect family farms, ranches, wildlife habitat, and open space while keeping ownership of their land.

With roots in South Texas ranching and 33 years of experience with NRCS, Darren breaks down how conservation ea...

In this episode, the Soil Sisters connect with Ty and Tokie Morgan of Southern Sunny Acres, a veteran-owned family farm in East Texas producing pasture-raised chicken, eggs, and lamb. Starting with just 50 broiler chickens in 2021, they've grown their direct-to-consumer operation by focusing on regenerative practices, serving their local community, and making thoughtful business decisions along the way.

Ty and Tokie share the honest lessons they've learned while scaling a farm business—from managing freezer capacity and cash flow to reducing input costs through "no-icide" farming and improving efficiency with better systems. They discuss the challenges of growing a...

What does it take to become a regenerative farmer with no agricultural background? Recorded live at Regenerative Revival in Salado, Texas, the Soil Sisters sit down with David Deitsch of The Moody Goat to talk about building a regenerative goat operation from the ground up. From growing up in suburban Connecticut to managing a thriving herd in Central Texas, David shares the hard-earned lessons, failures, pivots, and mindset shifts that are helping him create a resilient farm business. Whether you're interested in regenerative agriculture, livestock management, grazing systems, homesteading, ranching, or starting a farm from scratch, this episode offers...

Former NSF water researcher, Texas Farmers Union secretary, and candidate for Texas Ag Commissioner, Clayton Tucker joins the Soil Sisters to discuss the rapid expansion of AI data centers across Texas—and why many farmers and rural communities are sounding the alarm.

Tucker explains how large AI facilities are impacting water supplies, electricity prices, housing costs, health, and agricultural land in towns like Abilene and across rural Texas. The conversation explores concerns around power grid strain, backup generators, noise pollution and heat, effects on livestock, and the lack of transparency surrounding data center resource use.

We...

How do you build a local food system that actually works at scale? Farmhouse Delivery founder Stephanie Scherzer joins the Soil Sisters podcast to discuss regenerative sourcing, seasonal eating, grocery delivery, and supporting more than 250 Texas farmers and food producers. Stephanie shares how her work at The Natural Gardener and Rain Lily Farm led to launching Farmhouse Delivery in 2009, and how the company has reinvested roughly $20 million into local agriculture while making fresh, sustainably raised food more accessible.

Explore:

Want to strengthen your family farm or ranch in Texas? Learn how NRCS programs, regenerative agriculture practices, and conservation funding can help you improve soil, water, and long-term profitability. In this episode of Soil Sisters, Kristy Oates, USDA NRCS Texas State Conservationist, breaks down the agency's mission, programs, and real-world support for working lands.

We dig into EQIP and CSP funding, application timelines, and how payments actually work. Kristy also explains conservation easements, the new Regenerative Pilot Program, and how NRCS is working to simplify systems for producers.

Learn how to connect with your local...

What if you could actually see what’s happening in your soil—and use that to grow healthier food and more resilient farms?

On this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet bestselling author, educator, and citizen scientist Matt Powers and explore the soil science behind regenerative agriculture—and how it’s being taught from classrooms to farms around the world.

Matt shares how his unexpected journey through public education led to the creation of his K–12 “seed to table” curriculum, now used by everyone from homeschool families to colleges. His work connects biology, chemistry, and ecology th...

The Soil Sisters welcome one of their former coaches and teachers, Dr. Nelson Coulter, to the podcast to discuss his experience in Texas public schools. This discussion takes a ground-level look at changing school food systems and what becomes possible when communities prioritize health. Dr. Coulter explains the steps and bureaucracy involved in formally leaving the National School Lunch Program, the budget tradeoffs required, and why small districts can oftentimes innovate faster. The conversation covers what changed after the shift—less food waste, steadier energy and performance throughout the day, improved athletic practices, reduced after-school overeating at home, and be...

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, hear Nate Sheets' vision for Texas agriculture. A Texas food and agriculture entrepreneur, Nate shares his journey from a hobby beekeeper to leading Nature Nate's into a national honey brand and now running for Texas Ag Commissioner. The conversation covers vital topics such as integrating regenerative agricultural practices, improving school lunch quality, the potential of industrial hemp, and Texas's water challenges. Nate shares his approach and commitment to both local farmers and consumer health. Additionally, Nate discusses the urgent need for change in our food system and why he thinks he's...

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet Dr. Ben Edwards, founder and CEO of Veritas Medical and Veritas Wellness in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Edwards shares his path from conventional family medicine to a holistic, root-cause resolution approach to health and wellness. He discusses his transformation following a divine intervention that guided him to realize the flaws in conventional chronic disease management. The conversation explores real patient experiences and the importance of nutrition, hydration, movement, and peace—The four pillars taught at Veritas Wellness. Dr. Ben also explains in practical terms the role of the gut microbiome and mi...

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, recorded on September 12, 2025, you’ll learn the impacts of GMOs and glyphosate on children's health with Dr. Michelle Perro, a veteran pediatrician with over four decades of experience in acute and integrative medicine. Dr. Perro is also co-founder and CEO of GMOScience.org; she shares insights from her clinical experience and research with us. We discuss the alarming rise in chronic pediatric disorders and actionable ways to reverse them. The conversation highlights practical solutions for families, including dietary changes, the importance of regenerative organic foods, and ways to naturally detoxify the bo...

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet Dr. Ken Mix, the Director of the Small Producers Initiative and professor of Soil and Crop Science at Texas State University. Dr. Mix discusses his experience educating the next generation of farmers and the recent rollout of regenerative agriculture degree pathways at the university level. We discuss the challenges associated with off-ramping from conventional agriculture. We delve into farmers' mental health and initiatives to create supportive community networks. The conversation also touches on the newly established soil lab at Texas State University, which offers advanced soil testing services to support...

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet Jonah and Kendra Martin, the couple behind Holdfast Farmstead in Southwest Iowa. They unfold their transition from being ship captains to becoming homesteaders focused on regenerative agriculture. The conversation delves into establishing their 50-acre farm with rotational grazing practices, setting up a community-oriented farm store, and maintaining balance in their diversified income streams. The podcast explores their faith-driven approach to farming and discusses the philosophical connections between regenerative agriculture and spirituality. If you're curious what it's like to make a major life shift into regenerative farming and ranching, this podcast...

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, discover the integral role of advocacy in agriculture with Judith McGeary, the executive director and founder of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA). Explore the mission and achievements of FARFA, including significant legislative wins that support small farmers and local food producers. The conversation delves into the importance of civic engagement, the challenges and opposition faced from large agribusinesses, and the opportunities available for cottage food producers. Judith also provides actionable advice on how you can become an effective 'agtivist' with an invitation to become more involved in shaping future...

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, we're talking DIY microbial-rich compost with Matthew Batchelder, founder of Fun-guy Compost, at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference. Explore the nuances of composting with Johnson-Su bioreactors, a specialized form of composting that serves as living seed inoculant. Matthew shares the components of a successful bioreactor and the significance of microbial inoculation in gardening and farming. Get practical tips for building the Johnson-Su, maintaining moisture levels, and the benefits of incorporating red wigglers. This conversation underscores the potential of microbial diversity in transforming soil health and rehabbing the environment...

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, gain insights into Texas' first resilient farm plan (aka carbon farm plan) with Matt Simon, the farm director at the Refugee Collective Farm in Elgin, Texas. Matt shares the origins of the Refugee Collective, a nonprofit supporting refugee livelihoods through sustainable farming and textile production. He explains the unique features of their 20-acre certified organic farm, which is part of a broader conservation effort. Dig into their resilient farm plan, the use of chickens in cropping systems, large-scale composting methods, and strategies for securing funding for regenerative agricultural projects. The episode...

Dig in on school gardens with Farmer Kim and the Soil Sisters. Kim Aman is the executive director and founder of Grow Garden Grow. From public school teacher to a leader in the school garden movement in Texas, Kim shares insights on the importance of connecting children with agriculture, the benefits of school gardens, and tips for funding and sustaining such programs. The conversation covers the wide-ranging impacts of school gardens on students, teachers, parents, and communities.

MEET OUR GUEST: Kim Aman (aka Farmer Kim) is a former public school teacher and a 7th generation farmer, growing...

This Soil Sisters podcast features Austin Frerick, an author and expert on agriculture and antitrust policy, discussing his book 'Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry.' The conversation unpacks many complexities of the American food system and solutions to break free from the current model. Austin emphasizes the power of our voices to usher in substantial food system reform through local and institutional channels like schools and hospitals, to rekindle traditional farming practices, and create resilient agricultural communities. 

MEET OUR GUEST: Austin Frerick is an expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. In 2024, he p...

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet our farmer friend and regenerative agriculture advocate Tim Auld. We discuss the recent Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, where Tim participated in a three-day grazing masterclass - and where this conversation was recorded. Tim shares insights he gained on soil health, grazing practices, and adaptive livestock management. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in farming, the impact of healthy soil on food systems, and the benefits of community involvement in agricultural advocacy. Tim also elaborates on his personal journey toward regenerative farming, some lessons he...

Recorded live from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference at Texas State University, the Soil Sisters interview Jessi Roesch, founder and CEO of Downland. The discussion focuses on the importance of farm succession planning and the challenges faced by both retiring and aspiring young farmers. Jessi explains Downland's mission to facilitate the smooth transition of farmland ownership through a three-part solution: preparing successors, finding suitable matches, and ensuring legally sound transactions. They delve into the human and emotional aspects of succession planning, emphasizing the need for values alignment, comprehensive financial planning, and innovative tools to ease the...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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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 l...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...