Farming Frontiers: Urban Ingenuity and Soil Science Insights

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 from his extensive research on GMO crops and their impact on livestock and human health, underscoring the need for safer, regenerative agricultural practices.TIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast00:21 Introducing Michael Bell and Dallas Half Acre Farm00:47 Challenges of Starting an Urban Farm01:23 Navigating Bureaucracy and Red Tape02:36 Innovative Solutions for Water and Electricity03:51 Grant Money and Its Challenges05:16 Community Fundraising and Self-Reliance08:30 Water Catchment Systems14:49 The Journey to Starting Dallas Half Acre Farm19:18 Efficient Delivery Strategies for Fresh Produce21:24 Meet Howard Vlieger, Regenerative Farmer and Researcher22:55 The Impact of GMO Crops on Livestock31:30 Developing Alternatives to Glyphosate34:53 The Future of Organic Herbicides37:54 The Far-Reaching Effects of Glyphosate41:57 Connecting Soil Health to Human Health44:28 Finding Firehawk Bioherbicide - Save 10% with promo code: SOILSISTERS10 💚 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.