Rooted in Organic Podcast

Klaas Martens is an organic Farmer from Penn Yan, NY. He and his wife, Mary farm 2000 acres as well as run Lakeview Organic Grains. Klaas sits down with us to share his journey into organics and how he learned to start asking the right questions. Back to the Roots is sponsored by Byron Seeds, SoilBiotics and Elite Equine and Farm Supply

Tai Lopez is best known as an investor and entrepreneur as well as for his social media presence. What might be less known, but of great interest to us, is that he has also put some of his money where his mouth is and operates several farms using regenerative farming principles. He joins us to talk about his learning journey in agriculture and how it has applied to the rest of his life. Tai can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube Back to the Roots is sponsored by Byron Seeds, SoilBiotics and Elite Equine and Farm Supply

Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics discussed: Fertilizer shortages 2022 Crop Planning Outlook Organic grain supply and pricing Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Abbie Corse (Whitingham, VT), Ann Miller (Fredericksburg, OH), Melissa Weyland (Neenah, WI) and Jolynn McClelland (Petaluma, CA) join to give an overview of their farming year. They share some highlights and lowlights of the year and share advice for each other. Thanks to Abbie, Ann, Melissa and Jolynn for their time! Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

Ivan Troyer is an organic dairy farmer in Fredericksburg, OH. He sits down with us to talk about how he got into dairy, learning from his peers and how the next generation of dairy farmers can survive. Here is a link to the video referenced, Weekend with an Amish Farmer: https://youtu.be/Ex4d9LwmpvM Sponsored by Byron Seeds

Rob Wallbridge, Agronomist with SureSource Commodities and Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics, join to give the latest updates from the field and organic marketplace. Topics discussed: 2021 Harvest update Fall crop progress India tariff and certification decisions Organic grain pricing Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Eric Beiler (New York), Marlin Eash (Indiana), Corby Groen (Washington/Wisconsin) and Chris Hoffner (North Carolina) give an overview of their farming year. They share the positives and negatives, ask questions of each other and give some goals they're working towards next year. Thanks to Eric, Marlin, Corby and Chris for their time in 2021! We'll have part 2 with Ann, Melissa, Jolynn and Abbie in December. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

Mary Hostetler and her husband, Bert, run Sweetwater Farm in Sugarcreek, OH. Mary joins us to share how the farm market got started, their growing practices and how the customers shape their business. This episode is sponsored by Byron Seeds

Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics at Mercaris, and Rob Wallbridge, Agronomist with SureSource Commodities, join to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace and the field. Topics discussed: Outlook for organic corn market 2021 Harvest progress Ripple effects of fertilizer shortages Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics at Mercaris, and Rob Wallbridge, Agronomist with SureSource Commodities, join to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace and the field. Topics discussed: Outlook for organic corn market 2021 Harvest progress Ripple effects of fertilizer shortages Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics at Mercaris, and Rob Wallbridge, Agronomist with SureSource Commodities, join to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace and the field. Topics discussed: Outlook for organic corn market 2021 Harvest progress Ripple effects of fertilizer shortages Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics at Mercaris, and Rob Wallbridge, Agronomist with SureSource Commodities, join to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace and the field. Topics discussed: Outlook for organic corn market 2021 Harvest progress Ripple effects of fertilizer shortages Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics at Mercaris, and Rob Wallbridge, Agronomist with SureSource Commodities, join to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace and the field. Topics discussed: Outlook for organic corn market 2021 Harvest progress Ripple effects of fertilizer shortages Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Regional updates from the farm by: Ann Miller (Fredericksburg, OH) Melissa Weyland (Neenah, WI) Jolynn McClelland (Petaluma, CA) Abbie Corse (Whitingham, VT) We will feature these four women in ag every other month to give updates from their farms. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

Mel Lapp is from Elizabethville, PA and raises organic chickens and crops on his farm. He joins us to talk about how he got his start in the organic poultry business and what he has learned over the years on how to produce high quality eggs. This episode is sponsored by Byron Seeds

Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics with Mercaris and (new this month!) Rob Wallbridge, Agronomist with SureSource Commodities, join to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace and a crop report. Topics discussed: Department of Commerce report on Indian imports Effects to organic grain prices Organic crop update and yield outlook Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Regional updates from the farm by: Marlin Eash (Shipshewana, IN) Chris Hoffner (Mount Ulla, NC) Eric Beiler (Croghan, NY) Corby Groen (Lyndon, WA) These four farmers will join us every other month to give on-farm updates from their regions. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

Robin Brekken of Crookston, MN has just about perfected growing organic hay in the Red River Valley of Minnesota. And now he's deciding to try something else. Robin joins us to tell his story of getting into organic, the challenges along the way and changing goals in life. This episode is sponsored by Byron Seeds.

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics with Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics Discussed: Yield predictions for organic grains Organic grain imports Organic grain prices Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Regional updates from the farm by: Ann Miller (Fredericksburg, OH) Abbie Corse (Whitingham, VT) Jolynn McClelland (Petaluma, CA) We were unable to connect with Melissa Weyland this month. We will feature these four women in ag every other month to give updates from their farms. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

We don't have our usual conversation episode today because I wanted to release an episode to let people know what my co-host Mike's wife, Martha and the whole Kline family are going through after a cancer diagnosis. I also want to share how people can help. A link to the GoFundMe is below and thank you to anyone who can help as well as all of those who added their well wishes. https://gofund.me/3670bbe9

Megan Thomas, Economist with Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics discussed: Impact of drought throughout the country Organic grain prices Organic grain import report Organic livestock inventories Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Regional updates from the farm by: Corby Groen (Lyndon, WA) Chris Hoffner (Mount Ulla, NC) Eric Beiler (Croghan, NY) Marlin Eash (Shipshewana, IN) These four farmers will join us every other month to give on-farm updates from their areas. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

This is part two of our visit to Uncle Matt's Organics in Clermont, FL. Benny McLean is Matt & Ben's father and got into the citrus business with his father. He talks to us about that history and some of the hardships and lessons learned along the way. He is the Head of Production with Uncle Matt's. Ben McLean, Head of Research at Uncle Matt's, then brings us up to today on the agronomy behind growing citrus. He has taken those lessons learned from his father and grandfather to continue to improve the quality of fruit and potential disease resistance. Uncle Matt's is a story of perseverance and thank you to Matt, Benny and Ben for sharing. This episode is brought to you by Byron Seeds.

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics discussed: Regional impacts of drought Imports of organic grains Organic grain prices Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Regional Updates from the farm by: Melissa Weyland (Neenah, WI) Jolynn McClelland (Petaluma, CA) Abbie Corse (Whitingham, VT) Ann Miller (Fredericksburg, OH) We will feature these four women in organic ag every other month to give updates from their farms. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

Matt McLean is the founder and CEO of Uncle Matt's Organic in Clermont, Florida. Matt joins us to talk about building a brand, dealing with adversity and the twists and turns the business has taken to get where it is today. This episode is part 1 of 2. Next month we will have Ben and Benny McLean of Uncle Matt's Organics to talk about the agronomic side of growing oranges. This episode is sponsored by Byron Seeds.

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics discussed: Organic dairy report Organic soybean shortage in United States Organic grain prices Sponsored by Byron Seeds and Mercaris

Regional updates from the farm by: Chris Hoffner (Mount Ulla, NC) Marlin Eash (Shipshewana, IN) Corby Groen (Lyndon, WA) Eric Beiler (Croghan, NY) These four farmers will join us every other month to give on-farm updates from their areas. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics.

Hugh Kent, owner of King Grove Organic Farm in Eustis, FL, joins us to give the history of the farm, moving from citrus to blueberries and the Real Organic Project. This episode is brought to you by Byron Seeds.

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics discussed: Drought conditions setting in Organic Livestock market update Organic grain imports and pricing impacts Sponsored by Mercaris and Byron Seeds

Regional Updates from the farm by: Ann Miller (Fredericksburg, OH) Jolynn McClelland (Petaluma, CA) Abbie Corse (Whitingham, VT) Melissa Weyland (Neenah, WI) We will feature these four women in organic ag every other month to give updates from their farms. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

Marcus Yoder, Executive Director at the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Ohio, joins us to walk through the 2000 years of history that have led to the Anabaptists in America today. This history follows the cyclorama mural called Behalt, which is housed at the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center. A quick video tour can be found on our YouTube page. This episode is brought to you by Byron Seeds.

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics Discussed: Spring weather update Organic soybean market impacted by imports Organic corn market rising Sponsored by Mercaris and Byron Seeds

Regional updates from the farm by: Marlin Eash (Shipshewana, IN) Chris Hoffner (Mount Ulla, NC) Eric Beiler (Croghan, NY) Corby Groen (Lynden, WA) These four farmers will be joining us every other month to give on-farm updates from their areas. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

It's sugaring season! Steve Sommers of Millersburg, OH joins us to talk us through the process of tapping trees, gathering sap and making maple syrup. Video of the process can be found on our YouTube page This episode is brought to you by Byron Seeds

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics Discussed: Weather impacting crops India equivalency agreement update Cargill/Rodale/Bill & Evans transitioning acres to organic Sponsored by Mercaris and Byron Seeds

Regional Updates from the farm by: Ann Miller (Fredericksburg, OH) Jolynn McClelland (Petaluma, CA) Abbie Corse (Whitingham, VT) Melissa Weyland (Neenah) We will feature these four women in organic ag every other month to give updates from their farm. Sponsored by Byron Seeds and SoilBiotics

John Kempf, Founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, expert in the biological systems of farming and a strong voice of regenerative agriculture, joins us to talk about carbon, photosynthesis being the engine that drives the whole system and being stewards of the land. More on John at: https://www.advancingecoag.com/john His Podcast is: http://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com/ This is episode is brought to you by Byron Seeds

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics Discussed: Organic livestock markets India equivalency agreement ending Organic corn pricing and outlook Sponsored by Mercaris and Byron Seeds

Regional updates from the farm by: Marlin Eash (Shipshewana, IN) Eric Beiler (Croghan, NY) Chris Hoffner (Mt Ulla, NC) Corby Groen (Lynden, WA) These four farmers will be joining us every other month to give on-farm updates from their areas. Sponsored by SoilBiotics and Byron Seeds

Nathan and Jessica Williams are Organic Dairy Farmers in Kentucky. They join us to tell their story about making career changes from being professionals living in Louisville to deciding to move back home to farm and raise their family.

Today it's just Mike and Bryan talking about starting Back to the Roots Podcast and what the plans for 2021 are. This is available in video on YouTube as well: https://youtu.be/B55ZTjcYZ54 Back to our regular schedule next week!

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics Discussed: Slow Markets to end year Organic vs Conventional Corn Prices Items to Watch in 2021

Sam Dobson (North Carolina), Thomas Heckman (Ohio), John Ihm (Wisconsin) and Jon Bansen (Oregon) join us to discuss their farming year of 2020. They give us an overview of their year, tell us about some positives and negatives and ask questions of each other. Thanks to Sam, Thomas, John and Jon for their time in 2020!

Elmwood Stock Farm is a certified organic farm in Georgetown, KY. They have a CSA, beef, poultry, pigs, turkeys and lambs. Mac Stone of Elmwood sits down with us to discuss their operation and what they have learned and implemented over their years being organic. https://elmwoodstockfarm.com/

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics Discussed 2020 Harvest Update Organic Fluid Dairy Sales Levelling off of Imports Organic Grain Pricing

Regional updates from the farm by: Thomas Heckman (Ohio) Jon Bansen (Oregon) Sam Dobson (North Carolina) John Ihm (Wisconsin)

Mary Berry is the Executive Director and Founder of the Berry Center and daughter of Wendell Berry. She joins us to discuss the mission of the Berry Center, history of agriculture in Kentucky and what we can learn from that history to support rural communities into the future. https://berrycenter.org/

Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris, joins to give the latest updates from the organic marketplace. Topics Discussed: 2020 Harvest Status Organic Broiler and Turkey Production Organic Trade Update Organic Grain Price Outlook