Ag Emerge Podcast
by Hosted by Monte Bottens
Soil health, regenerative practices, and emerging technology — The AgEmerge Podcast. Join our host, Monte Bottens, as he engages with guests from diverse agriculture interests to discuss experiences, practices and scalable applications for any operation. Tune in to new episodes every other Tuesday to regenerate your ideas, soil, crops, livestock and livelihood.ag-emergeag emerge
Episodes
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AgEmerge Podcast 199 with Dr. Jennifer Pett-Ridge
Soil carbon is not mainly leftover residue, and that changes everything you think you know about building healthier fields. Dr. Jennifer Pett-Ridge reveals why the real engine of soil organic matter is the life and death of microbes—and why managing the whole underground food web may matter more...
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AgEmerge Podcast 198 with Robert Boyle
Rob discusses moving from dairy farming into custom hay work, using strip till and diverse cover crops to improve soil, and adopting robotic sprinklers to apply water more precisely. He also shares lessons from experimenting with new equipment, why he sees winter cover crops as a profit center…
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AgEmerge Podcast 197 with Chris Jones
Iowa’s fight over water quality is no longer academic. Monte Bottens sits down with Chris Jones—a research scientist, author, water-quality expert, and candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture—to examine how nitrate pollution, agricultural policy, public health, and rural decline are shaping…
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AgEmerge Podcast 196 with Colin Hurd of MACH
Autonomous tractors are only the beginning. The next breakthrough in ag tech is a physical AI layer that can learn, adapt, and make farms dramatically more efficient without forcing every grower to become a robotics expert. Colin Hurd returns to the AgEmerge Podcast with a behind-the-scenes look…
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AgEmerge Podcast 195 with Chuck Schembre
Regenerative agriculture is not a slogan—it is a system. And Chuck Schembre knows where that system can break, where it works, and how growers can make the transition without throwing yields out the window. If you care about specialty crops, produce, vineyards, apples, almonds, or the real-world...
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AgEmerge Podcast 194 with Dr. Jessica Chiartas and REGENSCORE
Unlock the future of sustainable farming with Dr. Jessica Chiartas, currently serving at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on the long-term impacts of agriculture on soil carbon and overall soil health with a unique focus on carbon at depth. Jessica shares her inspiring...
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AgEmerge Podcast 193 with Verdant Robotics
The future of ag tech is here—aimable, precise, and radically more efficient. Gabe Sibley and Curtis Garner reveal how they’ve built Verdant Robotics platform to target weeds and pests with pinpoint accuracy but also transforms how farms scout, analyze, and act on data in real time. Discover how...
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AgEmerge Podcast 192 with Chris Baggott
A tech entrepreneur turned regenerative farmer is rewriting the future of agriculture. Chris Baggott, a serial entrepreneur behind Salesforce's pioneering marketing platform and innovative food ventures, shares how his journey from Silicon Valley to the farm is helping producers thrive beyond...
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AgEmerge Podcast 191 with Steve Groff
Steve Groff continues to provide agricultural thought leadership. Sure, he's an author, speaker, farmer and recently claimed himself as a bird nerd. But one of Steve's hallmark accomplishments, is developing and promoting the tillage radish. Hailing from Holtwood, Pennsylvania, Steve's Cedar…
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AgEmerge Podcast 190 Bonsai Robotics and Tyler Niday
Most farms struggle with dust, inefficiency, and labor shortages—but Tyler Niday of Bonsai Robotics reveals how AI-driven machinery is changing the game by transforming existing equipment into autonomous workhorses. Inspired by biology, Bonsai Robotics is making some of agriculture's toughest...
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AgEmerge Podcast 189 with Jason Mauck
Jason Mauck's approach to relay cropping, alley cropping, and tight plant timing might just be the game-changer every farmer needs to think about.It’s not just about planting crops; it’s about planning the whole system—synchronizing crop timing with solar angles, plant growth stages, and…
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AgEmerge Podcast 188 with Natalie Sturm
Most conversations about sustainable agriculture focus on practices—what to plant, how to till, or cover crop secrets. But what if the future of healthy soils and resilient farms hinges on something deeper? Dr. Natalie Sturm, Dakota Lakes Research Farm’s new farm manager, reveals how long-term…
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AgEmerge Podcast 187 with Matt Griggs
Most farmers abandon their soil health innovations at the first sign of trouble — but Matt Griggs chose perseverance over resignation. After a near-fatal combine accident and years battling fragile, erodible soils, he’s proving that bold, strategic changes can turn disaster into success.…
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AgEmerge Podcast 186 with Dr Lisa Kissing Kucek
Lisa Kissing Kucek shares her expertise on developing sustainable, high-performing cover crop varieties like hairy vetch, cereal rye, and other legumes, transforming agricultural systems for long-term soil health and productivity. Lisa and Monte discuss the innovative world of cover crop…
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AgEmerge Podcast 185 with Ty Brown | Incremental Improvements Transform Farm Operations
Discover how Ty Brown, founder and owner of Drago Indiana, uses innovative practices like cover crop breeding, drone technology, and water quality management to enhance sustainability, crop yields, and farm productivity. Hold on tight—this isn’t just about incremental improvements; it’s about...
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AgEmerge Podcast 184 with Dr. Michael McNeill | The Saga of Soggy Sauerkraut
Many farmers assume glyphosate is a reliable tool for weed control with minimal downsides, but Dr. Michael McNeill shows how this herbicide quietly disrupts the very foundation of productive farming—from soil biology to crop health and long-term field resilience. In this eye-opening episode, Dr....
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AgEmerge Podcast 183 with James Hepp
Rockwell City native James Hepp aspired to farm, but with no direct ties to land, that dream seemed out of reach. So how did he get to be farming thousands of acres and a Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner? About Our Guest: James Hepp aspired to farm, but with no direct ties to…
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AgEmerge Podcast 182 with Dave Krog
Imagine autonomous equipment that transforms productivity, reduces costs, and addresses soil health like never before. In this episode, Dave Krog—founder of Salin 247— shows how farmers can replace massive, soil-compacting machinery with sleek, small-scale autonomous tools designed to work around...
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AgEmerge Podcast 181 with NRCS Chief Aubrey JD Bettencourt
Unlock the future of farming with insights from one of America's leading agriculture champions. Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the NRCS, and Host Monte Bottens, talk through how innovative programs, voluntary practices, and market-driven solutions are transforming the ways farmers conserve…
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AgEmerge Podcast 180 with Damian Mason
Damian Mason brings his signature wit, straight talk, and decades of experience to remind us: agriculture isn't just about growing crops—it's about feeding people, building resilient systems, and securing the future. Monte Bottens sits down with Damian, an agricultural speaker, podcaster, and...
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AgEmerge Podcast Episode 179 | Derek Lange's Take on California's Central Valley Agriculture
Derek Lange is a third-generation citrus grower and cattle rancher from Tulare County, California. He's also a Regenerative Agronomist at California Ag Solutions. In AgEmerge Podcast Episode 179, Derek shares his challenges and successes transitioning from conventional farming methods to...
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AgEmerge Podcast 178 Recap of Top Episodes
As we close out 2025, we’re excited to launch a special End-of-Year episode of bite-sized 15-minute video clips pulled from some of our most impactful AgEmerge Podcast episodes. Each clip focuses on the heart of the conversation: practical applications, groundbreaking ideas, and actionable steps...
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AgEmerge Podcast 177 with Gabe Brown
We’re revisiting a timeless highlight from AgEmerge Podcast Episode 100 — our 3-hour masterclass, recorded in 2023, with soil health pioneer Gabe Brown. In this standout segment, Gabe and Monte tackle the real hurdles of transitioning markets, succession planning, and farm profitability. You'll...
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AgEmerge Podcast 176 with Lucas Horsch
Lucas Horsch and the Horsch Company are leading agricultural innovation with careful attention to tradition. Lucas grew up immersed in the family business and shares his journey from working alongside his parents in the office to becoming a key player in the company's global expansion. With a...
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AgEmerge Podcast 175 with Mike Hemman of Netafim
Discover how innovative drip irrigation technologies are transforming water management and boosting efficiency in farming. Mike Hemman, Netafim Senior Vice President of North America, shares his journey from crop protection to leading irrigation solutions, highlighting the challenges and...
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AgEmerge Podcast 174: Exploring the Haney Soil Test Part II
AgEmerge Podcast 173 (Part I of Exploring the Haney Soil Test) laid the foundation for understanding how to read your soil test results. Now, AgEmerge Podcast 174 continues the conversation with Part II, featuring Liz Haney and Monte Bottens as they dive deeper into what those results actually...
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AgEmerge Podcast 173: Exploring the Haney Soil Test Part I
In this special two-part series, Dr. Liz Haney joins Monte in the studio for an in-depth exploration of the Haney Soil Test. Originally recorded as an internal education piece for our Ag Solutions Network Dealers and customers, this insightful conversation has too much good info not to share. In...
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AgEmerge Podcast 172 with Eric Gibson of Rabobank
Regenerative farmers need better financial assurances. Eric Gibson from Rabobank shares his expertise on the current challenges faced by farmers, including risk management and crop insurance. Explore the economic implications of soil health practices and the importance of policy in driving...
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AgEmerge Podcast 171: Breaking the Stigma on Mental Health Challenges in Agriculture
We're having a heart to heart about the mental health challenges faced by those in the farming and veterinary professions. Meet Dr. Kim Stevens and Liz Hulsizer, as they share personal experiences and resources for our agricultural families and businesses. Links to counseling and suicide…
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AgEmerge Podcast 170 with Taylor Herren
Taylor Herren is a beach-loving Californian who traded Santa Barbara for Cotton Plant, Arkansas, to pursue her dream of becoming a farmer and agricultural entrepreneur. What she cares most about is regenerative agriculture that works for real farmers and can be scaled on millions of acres—she's…
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AgEmerge Podcast 169 with Waldo Moraga and ECO2MIX
Waldo Moraga, founder of ECO2MIX, talks with Monte about the huge strides carbonic acid has taken in farming, and even the golf industry as sustainable water pH control. Learn how carbonic acid is a safer alternative to sulfuric acid, and plays a significant role in soil health by breaking down...
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AgEmerge Podcast 168 with Black Hawk East College
What's up with kids these days? Meet Drew Cotton and Andrew Larson. Mr. Larson is fresh into the retirement scene but together, the two men served as professors at Black Hawk College in Galva, Illinois. They've seen it all. And they confidently say, we're in good hands. *** Show notes and Links…
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AgEmerge Podcast 167 with Monte Bottens
From equipment to crop nutrition, products and practices, Monte Bottens shares the latest and greatest happenings of Bottens Family Farms. Monte is an open book when it comes to helping farmers see what is possible. His recommendations to others come from years of on-farm trials, product...
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AgEmerge Podcast 166 with Monte Bottens and Grok Ai Part II
In this special episode of the AgEmerge Podcast, Grok, created by xAI, turns the mic on Monte Bottens, a fifth-generation Illinois farmer, entrepreneur, and visionary behind Bottens Family Farm, Ag Solutions Network, and Grateful Graze. Monte shares his journey from raising pigs in 4-H to…
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AgEmerge Podcast 165 with Dan Rooney of LandScan
Today we welcome Dr. Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of LandScan, a pioneering company revolutionizing site characterization and analysis for agriculture and forestry. With over 20 years of experience developing, protecting, and commercializing innovative technologies for soil and vegetation mapping,...
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AgEmerge Podcast 164 with Aaron Steele Goats on the Go
Aaron Steele is the innovative founder of Goats On The Go, a national network of targeted grazing service providers revolutionizing sustainable land management. Aaron shares his journey from a small acreage in Ames, Iowa, to building a thriving business that uses goats and sheep to control weeds,...
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AgEmerge Podcast 163 with Taylor Henry ACRES USA
We welcome Taylor Henry, a farmer, entrepreneur, realtor, and the owner of Acres U.S.A. and Henry Pastures. Broadcasting from the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, Taylor shares his remarkable journey from a career as a county sheriff to becoming a leading voice in regenerative agriculture. Taylor...
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AgEmerge Podcast 162 with Ed Baumgartner - Founder of 3rd Millennium Seed and BASS Hybrids
Today, we welcome Ed Baumgartner, Founder and Breeder at 3rd Millennium Genetics and BASS Hybrids. Ed and his family have been on their corn breeding journey for decades, working on developing native traits resistant to insects and drought. This breeding program has evolved and is focused on...
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161 AgEmerge Podcast with Brad Downing - Cross Creek Ag Solutions
Brad Downing is the President and owner of Cross Creek Ag Solutions in Greentown, Indiana. Brad has committed to understanding the “why” behind farming practices. He and his team work to facilitate collaboration and education, helping farmers navigate the complexities of soil health, weather, and...
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160 AgEmerge Podcast with a Mystery Guest
We’re making history in the AgEmerge podcast because we are chatting, in real time, with Grok, an AI built by xAI. We think this is kind of a big deal for the podcast, but also for everyone engaged in agriculture, because AI is really pushing us to change our paradigms and the way we think about...
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AgEmerge Podcast 159 with Danny Royer - Farm Coordinator at UC Merced
Danny Royer is the Farm Coordinator at UC Merced. From smart farms to reimagining supply chains, we’ll hear how Danny blends innovation with the art of growing food. He and Monte explore farming that looks at scaling back costs with sustainable practices as well as inspiring the next generation...
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AgEmerge Podcast 158 with Emily Usher-DeaKyne, Natural Resource Social Scientist at Purdue
Emily Usher-DeaKyne is a natural resource social scientist at Purdue University working as the Project Manager for the Diverse Corn Belt project. The initiative started in 2021, led by Purdue University, to diversify Midwestern agriculture beyond corn and soybeans in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa....
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AgEmerge Podcast 157 with Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi and Dr. Charles Rice at Kansas State University
Two soil science powerhouses from Kansas State University: Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi and Dr. Charles Rice explore a fundamental but often overlooked question—are all soil nutrients the same? The simple answer, no. Not all nutrients are created equal. The source matters. The form matters. And the…
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AgEmerge Podcast 156 with Dallas Mount
Dallas Mount is the Owner of Ranch Management Consultants (RMC), home of the Ranching for Profit School and the Executive Link program. Dig into the business side of ag, the stories, strategies, and insights to help your farm or ranch thrive. Dallas has led RMC since 2019 and worked with…
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AgEmerge Podcast 155 with Luke and Thad Bergschneider
Luke and Thad Bergschneider are from Central Illinois where Luke is a University of Illinois Soil Scientist and Researcher and Thad is the current National FFA President. The future of agriculture is in good hands! These bright, articulate, knowledgeable men are critical thinkers, who are…
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AgEmerge Podcast 154 with Juan Whiting
Juan Whiting is a 4th-generation farmer, ag entrepreneur, author, and a seasoned expert in navigating the often-complicated world of grant writing and agricultural funding. From working with the Conflict and Development Foundation in East Africa to leading his own consulting company, Stray Acres...
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AgEmerge Podcast 153 with Andrew Carroll - Founder of EcoThrive Farm Management
Andrew is a forward-thinking farmer and entrepreneur based in Chowchilla, California, dedicated to advancing regenerative agriculture practices. Andrew will be one of the speakers at the 4th Annual Regenerative Tree Nut Field Day Jan 21-22, 2025. You can find out more about the event here:...
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AgEmerge Podcast 152: The Big Soil Health Event 2024
Guest host David Kleinschmidt joined us at the 2024 Big Soil Health Event in Cedar Falls, IA, where we had the privilege of connecting with some incredible attendees. It was a great event where hundreds of farmers and ranchers from all over the country gathered to learn, share, and encourage each...
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AgEmerge Podcast 151 with Lydia Dresbach of Dresbach Farms
Thanks for listening today, we’re digging into the power of regenerative farming, enterprise stacking, and community-driven agriculture with our guest, Lydia Dresbach. Lydia’s story is a testament to rethinking what’s possible on the farm—from growing heritage grains and running agritourism…
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AgEmerge Podcast 150 with Adam Daugherty Soil Health Specialist - NRCS State of Tennessee
As a trailblazer in soil health and regenerative practices, Adam Daugherty, a farmer, educator, and NRCS Soil Health Specialist for the State of Tennessee. Adam has inspired farmers to embrace big, diverse cover crops and innovative no-till practices that challenge the conventional norms. So…
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About this show
Soil health, regenerative practices, and emerging technology — The AgEmerge Podcast. Join our host, Monte Bottens, as he engages with guests from diverse agriculture interests to discuss experiences, practices and scalable applications for any operation. Tune in to new episodes every other Tuesday to regenerate your ideas, soil, crops, livestock and livelihood.ag-emergeag emerge
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Hosted by Monte Bottens
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