Cultivating Regenerative Wisdom: An Old Farmer’s Journey Out of the Chemical Culture

In this episode of the Soil Sisters podcast, you'll meet Bob Kirkwood, a 78-year-old farmer from Clyde, Texas, who's focused on cultivating regenerative wisdom. Bob shares his recent journey from traditional chemical farming to regenerative agriculture, inspired by his brother and research by experts like Dr. David Johnson and Gabe Brown. The discussion covers the benefits of intelligent tilling, compost use, cover crops, soil structure and biology, and the positive impact of regenerative practices on livestock health. Bob highlights the long-term benefits and challenges of transitioning to regenerative agriculture, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, experimenting, and adapting. The Soil Sisters love Bob's insights for older farmers in ditching the chemical culture and adopting healthy practices to heal themselves and the land.  Bob Kirkwood proves you can teach an old farmer new tricks. So, please share this episode with your farming/gardening community. And please rate and review the Soil Sisters podcast on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify so more folks can grow with the Soil Sisters. TIME STAMPS:00:00 Morning Prayer and Pre-Show Chat03:34 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast04:06 Bob Kirkwood's Farming Journey05:00 Transitioning to Regenerative Practices12:31 Challenges and Learnings in Regenerative Farming16:41 The Importance of Soil Health19:57 Techniques and Experiments35:07 Chemical Farming and Pest Management36:27 The Role of Brix Levels and Chitinase37:20 Insect Control and Soil Health38:42 Balancing Ecosystems and Regenerative Agriculture42:12 Financial Aspects of Regenerative Practices45:00 Intelligent Tilling and Soil Permeability49:12 Success Stories in Regenerative Agriculture52:44 Challenges with Pecan Trees57:17 Advice for Older Farmers01:01:44 Wildlife Observations01:03:45 Conclusion and Future Plans 💚 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 | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @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.