Cultivating New Pathways: Dr. Ken Mix on Regenerative Ag Education

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 and enhance regenerative practices. This episode explores the intersection of education, policy, and on-the-ground agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for collaboration and community to cultivate successful farming pathways that will save family farms and ranches.  MEET OUR GUEST: DR. KEN MIX is the Director of the Small Producers Initiative (SPI) whose mission is to support small producers by providing opportunities and assistance that help build sustainable, thriving businesses while promoting environmental stewardship and long-term resilience. SPI helps program the Southern Family Farmers and Foods Systems Conference and statewide workshops on soil health and regenerative agriculture. Dr. Mix is also Professor of Soil and Crop Science at TXState University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students while actively advancing research and education in sustainable agriculture. And he leads the Soil, Plant, and Animal Health Research Continuum Lab (SPAHRC), housed in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Texas State University.TIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast00:29 Introducing Dr. Ken Mix02:13 Challenges in Regenerative Agriculture10:09 Educational Pathways in Regenerative Agriculture12:50 Economic Realities of Farming20:30 Health and Safety in Farming34:28 Historical Farming Practices36:45 Challenges of Non-GMO Cotton37:52 Regenerative Agriculture Practices38:41 Technological Impact on Farming46:33 Mental Health in Farming47:28 Community and Cooperation Among Farmers01:03:07 Introduction to the TX State University Soil Lab01:08:39 The Role of Water in Agriculture01:10:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ 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🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey.Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.