Empowering Agtivism: Judith McGeary on Building a Regenerative Food System

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 agricultural policies. Whether it's buying local food, engaging with policymakers, or attending conferences, there are numerous ways to support a sustainable food system. Tune into this episode and get inspired to join us! MEET OUR GUEST: Judith McGeary is an attorney, activist, and sustainable farmer.  After earning her Bachelors of Science from Stanford University and her law degree with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin, she clerked for a Federal Appeals Court and went on to private law practice.  During that time, she became a passionate advocate of sustainable agriculture, and she and her husband established their own livestock farm.  After seeing how government regulations benefit industrial agriculture at the expense of family farms, she founded the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance to promote common-sense policies for local, diversified agricultural systems. Judith has been profiled in the Texas Observer and Edible Austin, appears in the documentary Farmageddon, and has been interviewed on numerous radio shows across the country. Judith has served as the Vice Chair of the U.S. Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health and is also active with Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Weston A. Price Foundation, and the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund.Time Stamps:00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast00:31 Introducing Judith McGeary and FARFA01:48 Judith's Journey from Law to Farming Advocacy03:27 The Battle Against National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and Big Agribusiness04:54 The Importance of Regenerative Agriculture06:23 Historical Parallels and Antitrust Movements08:42 Challenges Facing Small Farmers11:17 FARFA's Legislative Successes17:09 Cottage Food Law and New Opportunities22:31 Federal Issues and Labeling Regulations29:22 Agtivism 101: How to Get Involved31:33 Understanding Political Realities32:10 Effective Advocacy Strategies34:39 Personal Experiences with Advocacy37:58 The Power of Persistence45:02 Challenges with the Farm Bill49:31 Encouraging Local Food Systems57:54 Invitation to Engage 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.