Six Inches of Soil - The Podcast

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Six Inches of Soil:

YouTube (Podcast episodes & clips) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaC7dt2Hu528Xs7HL9V8OeQ

Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinchesofsoil/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/six-inches-of-soil-b75059234/

Summary

Exploring the impact of biodiversity in pastures on cattle health, meat quality, and soil health, with insights from Dr. Allen Williams. Discover how diverse diets improve

Intro to Allen:

Allen Williams is a 6th generation family farmer and founding partner of Libertas Land. He also is an original founding member of Understanding Ag, the Soil Health Academy and Regenified. He has consulted with thousands of farmers and ranchers in all 50 U.S. states and 45+ other countries, on operations ranging from a few acres to over 2 million acres. He is a “recovering academic”, having served 15 years on the faculty at Louisiana Tech University and Mississippi State University. He has authored more than 400 scientific and popular press articles, and is an invited speaker at regional, national, and international conferences and symposia

Website: https://libertas-land.com/pages/the-bunk-house

Instagram:

Personal: https://www.instagram.com/carboncowboys?exln=MXJ0Yjk2ZnVqejluOA==

Farm: https://www.instagram.com/ettahillsfarmofficial?mdxt=MXNrcnQxandsNzA5cw==

https://www.instagram.com/libertasland?dlrf=aGJrd2szcXp1MTJx

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EPISODE 20 Un-Herd of Benefits: Regenerative grazing restores soil health

• Host/Producer: Richard Tufton
• Co-host/Producer: Claire Mackenzie
• Editor: Meg Chatham
• Score: Matt Griffin (poet & farmer) | Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Six Inches of Soil Links

• YouTube: Podcast episodes & clips
• Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/
• Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book
• Instagram: @sixinchesofsoil
• LinkedIn: Six Inches of Soil

This episode explores the vital role of soil health, grasslands, and regenerative agriculture across the globe. Featuring experts from Kenya, the US, New Zealand, and the UK, it highlights innovative practices that enhance resilience, profitability, and ecological balance.

Guests

Silas Hedley Lawrence Currently based in the UK, Silas is positioned to work with farms and organisations globally. He dreams big, with a mission to achieve landscape & community regeneration on 5 million hectares over his lifetime. Over the last fifteen years, he has strategically integrated practical farming experience with a broad network across the supply chain, and extensive training in agroecological systems. His farming journey began on the family dairy farm and kiwi fruit orchards in New Zealand. In the UK, he has managed farms in both commercial and direct selling models and was farm manager at FAI Farms during their seminal “AMP Grazing” research project. He now farms in the Cotswolds with his business partner at “Cotswold Cattle Company”, focusing on collaborating with landowners to increase natural capital through integrating cattle into arable systems.

• Website: https://www.grassfedfarmer.com/
• Instagram: @grassfed_farmer
• LinkedIn: Silas Hedley Lawrence

Dr. Jason Rowntree The faculty coordinator for two research facilities at Michigan State University, The Lake City Research and Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Centers. His current research and outreach focus on applying holistic management principles to agricultural settings. Jason and his wife Cara have three children. They have a small 10-acre farm that allows for his family to raise grass-finished beef, pastured poultry, and eggs for their friends and church family.

• LinkedIn: Jason Rowntree
• Grassfed Exchange: Jason Rowntree Profile

Dr. Leigh Ann Winowiecki The Global Research Lead for Soil and Land Health at Landscape Alliance, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Her work focuses on landscape restoration, identifying drivers of land degradation, and quantifying how land management practices influence soil health and ecosystem resilience.

• LinkedIn: Leigh Winowiecki
• Landscape Alliance: Leigh Ann Winowiecki Profile
• Instagram: @lawinowiecki
• COP27 Presentation: YouTube Link

Matt and Lynley Wyeth (Spring Valley Farm) Matt and Lynley Wyeth established Spring Valley Enterprises Ltd in 2002. From their deep connection to the beautiful Wairarapa region of New Zealand, they’ve built a privately owned, highly successful, and innovative sheep and beef farming operation. Each day on Spring Valley farm reminds them of the profound responsibility they carry to nurture this land and the animals that call it home.

• Matt's LinkedIn: Matt Wyeth
• Business LinkedIn: Silver Fern Farms Ltd
• Business Website: Spring Valley & Silver Fern Farms
• Facebook: Silver Fern Farms
• Instagram: @silverfernfarms

Key Topics

• Soil as the foundation of ecosystems and food security
• The importance of grasslands and their role in carbon storage
• Innovative soil monitoring and land degradation surveillance
• Global perspectives on regenerative farming practices
• The link between soil health, resilience, and profitability
• Youth engagement and education in sustainable agriculture
• Policy and community actions for soil and land restoration
• The role of consumer choices in promoting sustainable farming

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Host & Producer: Richard Tufton

Co-Host & Producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Score: Matt Griffin (poet & farmer) | Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Guests:

• Joanna Bowen & John Cherry – The Groundschool

• Hannah Thorogood – The Inkpot Farm

• Rachel Phillips – Apricot Centre

• Special Outro Guest: Cath Conlon – Blackwood Educational Land Institute

Six Inches of Soil

• Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

• Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaC7dt2Hu528Xs7HL9V8OeQ

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinchesofsoil/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/six-inches-of-soil-b75059234/

Intro

This special episode features many good friends of Six Inches of Soil. Our journey started at Groundswell in 2021, and we are delighted to be joined by Groundswell co-founders Joanna Bowen and John Cherry.

Before making the film, we produced a teaser featuring farmer, teacher, and advisor Hannah Thorogood, who works in a truly agroecological way. In the film, we feature the Apricot Centre (founded by the late Marina O’Connell), and we are thrilled to speak with Rachel Phillips, who now runs the centre.

Stay tuned until the end for a special guest from the USA, Cath Conlon, who works tirelessly to remind students of humanity’s intrinsic bond with the land.

Guest Details & Resources

Joanna Bowen & John Cherry (The Groundschool)

John Cherry has farmed for four decades and co-founded Groundswell. Joanna Bowen is a teacher, actor, director, and writer focusing on the Groundswell Outreach programme. GroundSchool is a non-profit learning centre sharing knowledge and teaching skills in regenerative food systems.

• Groundswell: https://www.groundswellag.com/

• Groundswell YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNI_ZA1T4n5dIbB1kO57QIQ

• Groundswell Film: https://fionacunninghamreid.com/groundswell/

• Granville Farm Hub: https://granvillecommunitykitchen.org.uk/farm-hub/

• Groundschool Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundschool_/

• Irongate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irongate.farm/

• Granville Farm Hub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/granville_farmhub/

Hannah Thorogood (The Inkpot Farm)

A permaculture designer and senior tutor in the British diploma system since 2004, Hannah teaches PDCs, Permaculture Teacher Training, and other courses at her home farm, The Inkpot in Lincolnshire.

• The Inkpot Shop: https://openfoodnetwork.org.uk/the-inkpot/shop

• Pasture for Life: https://pastureforlife.org/

• Permaculture Association: https://www.permaculture.org.uk/

• Joe Polaischer Tribute: https://permaculture.com.au/joe-polaischer-tribute/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkpotfarm/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-thorogood-7430b52b/

Rachel Phillips (Apricot Centre)

With 20 years in wellbeing and creative arts, Rachel develops ancestral, regenerative, and ethnobotanical practices to foster mental health, boost land biodiversity, and build climate resilience.

• Apricot Centre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apricotcentre/

• Rachel Phillips Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelphillips_apricotcentre/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-phillips-6328aa4b/

• Marina O’Connell’s Book: https://www.hawthornpress.com/books/agriculture/designing-regenerative-food-systems/

Cath Conlon (Blackwood Educational Land Institute)

Cath founded Blackwood on family land to reconnect youth with nature. Starting in 1990 with her son’s school building a garden, the initiative expanded across schools, inspiring students to build a relationship with the land.

• Blackwood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwoodland/

• Cath Conlon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cath.conlon/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cath-conlon-3295a938/

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What can a nomadic culture teach us about soil, livestock, food, community, and living within nature's limits?

In this special episode of Six Inches of Soil, host Richard Tufton travels to Mongolia to meet Amraa and Oggy—two people with deep connections to the country's nomadic traditions. Mongolian nomadic life is built around movement, observation, and adaptation, with families moving according to the seasonal availability of grass and water. Together with superstar producer Claire Mackenzie, they explore how nomadic practices offer a fresh perspective on land stewardship, food systems, and community resilience.

In This Episode

• Seasonal Movement: Why Gobi families move 20–30 times a year while northern herders move just four times.
• The Ger (Yurt): How traditional homes are dismantled and rebuilt in around 30 minutes.
• Livestock & Land: How mixed herds (horses, cows, camels, sheep, goats, yaks) interact with grasslands.
• Zero Waste Living: Fermenting milk, preserving meat, and using every part of the animal.
• Stewardship Without Ownership: The cultural duty to care for shared land and water amidst rising desertification.
• Community vs. Market: Moving from "How do we feed the world?" to "How do we feed our communities?"

Key Takeaways

• Move when the land tells you to: Nomadic families follow grass and water rather than forcing the landscape into a fixed production model.
• Diversity matters: Different animals interact with pasture differently, maintaining ecological balance across grazing lands.
• Nothing goes to waste: Meat, milk, hides, and offal are all utilized—as Oggy notes, the only thing wasted from an animal is its breath.
• Care for land you don't own: Traditional culture places immense value on protecting shared water sources and territory.
• Feed communities first: Shifting focus from abstract global market production to local community nourishment builds true sustainability.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: A different episode of Six Inches of Soil

00:34 – Amraa’s childhood and nomadic traditions

02:50 – The ger: Building a portable home in 30 minutes

05:40 – Livestock diversity: Horses, cows, camels, sheep, goats, and yaks

14:04 – Meet Oggy: Growing up as a Mongolian herder

16:04 – Moving with seasons: Gobi vs. Northern migration

19:03 – How livestock, soil, and grasslands interact

20:58 – Seasonal food systems, fermentation, and zero-waste meat/milk preservation

26:45 – Climate change, desertification, and the Billion Tree Project

32:18 – Caring for land and water without individual ownership

42:09 – Reframing production: "How do we feed our community?"

43:01 – Richard and Claire reflect on waste, consumption, and growth

51:43 – Finding balance: Ulaanbaatar vs. rural Mongolia

54:34 – How nomadic philosophy changes our perception of life

Hosts & Production

• Host & Producer: Richard Tufton
• Co-host & Producer: Claire Mackenzie
• Editor: Meg Chatham
• Original Score: Matt Griffin (Poet & Farmer) @neidpath_farms

Learn More About Six Inches of Soil

• Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org
• Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinchesofsoil
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/six-inches-of-soil-b75059234

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A Regenerative future starts with HOPE not fear.

Untold: Behind the Scenes at Groundswell

The Films Changing Agriculture: What story has the power to transform the way we think about food, farming, and the environment? In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant filmmaker, author, and activist Rebecca Harrell Tickell. As a premier climate communicator, Rebecca is driving vital global discussions around our current food and farming systems through the lens of impact cinema. We thoroughly enjoyed talking with her about the power of storytelling to heal our planet so please listen to the end where things get a bit emotional in the best way! We recorded the conversation live at Goundswell the Festival in July 2026.

GROUNDSWELL is the powerful third chapter in the soil trilogy, taking viewers on a breathtaking journey across the globe. As climate change, species loss, and soil degradation threaten our future, this film uncovers the groundbreaking solutions already restoring our planet, proving that regeneration is not just possible, it's happening now and it's all linked to FOOD.

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Score: Matt Griffin (poet & farmer) Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Guest: Rebecca Harrell Tickell: Big Picture Ranch (Kiss the Ground, Common Ground, Groundswell)

Featuring Tilly & Oscar Tufton!

Six Inches of Soil:

• Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/
• Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinchesofsoil/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/six-inches-of-soil-b75059234/

About Rebecca Harrell Tickell:

Rebecca Harrell Tickell is an award-winning filmmaker, author, and environmental activist. Rebecca is the co-director and producer at Big Picture Ranch, the production company behind the revolutionary documentary trilogy Kiss the Ground, Common Ground, and Groundswell, which have brought the regenerative farming movement into the global mainstream. Her work bridges the gap between complex soil science and mainstream cultural awareness, mobilizing a global audience to support planetary restoration.

Based in California, Rebecca splits her time between directing high-impact environmental films, authoring books on climate solutions, and driving global advocacy campaigns to transition agricultural land into certified regenerative practices. She is also Mom to two awesome kids!

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Unite: Bringing Together Podcasters & Ideas in the Field

The Stories Changing Food: What story changed the way you think about food, farming, or the environment? Maybe it was from listening to one of our brilliant guests—all communicators creating vital discussions around our current food and farming system. Plus, we have a very special guest for the outro, so please listen to the end!

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Score: Matt Griffin (poet & farmer) Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Six Inches of Soil

• Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/
• Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book
• Instagram: @sixinchesofsoil
• LinkedIn: Six Inches of Soil

Featured Guests

Abby Rose | Farmerama

Abby is a soil health advocate, part-time farmer, and co-founder of Vidacycle, creators of Sectormentor and Soilmentor—practical tools that help vineyards and farms track and build soil health (including the Regen Platform developed with Nicole Masters). She is also the co-creator of Farmerama Radio, an award-winning podcast sharing the voices behind regenerative farming. Splitting her time between her family farm in Chile and international farm visits, Abby was named one of the ‘50 Next’ young people shaping the future of gastronomy by The World’s 50 Best.

Ben Eagle | Meet the Farmers

Based in the east of England, Ben is a writer, podcaster, and rural communications specialist. As the founder of RuralPod Media, his passion is telling rural stories and building an extensive network of agricultural contacts across the UK. His podcast portfolio includes the Meet the Farmers Podcast and Rural Business Focus.

Clay Conry | Working Cow Podcast

A Western South Dakota native raised on a cow-calf operation, Clay recently relocated to West Central South Dakota. Alongside managing a small ranch with his family, Clay pastors Prairie Home Church—an independent congregation that has met on the prairies for 110 years. Over the last three years, Clay has used his platform to learn and implement paradigm-challenging agricultural practices.

Ffinlo Costain | Farmgate

Ffinlo is the Editor-in-Chief of http://8point9.comand has worked in farming, land, and food policy for over 20 years. As Chief Executive of Farmwel (2016-2022), he provided evidence to UK parliamentary committees and advised ministers on agricultural climate gases. He founded the Food & Global Security Network, published Soil Health: A security threat profile ahead of COP26, and delivered the highly popular TEDx Talk, "We can't solve the climate crisis without cows."

Sheila Dillon | The Food Programme (Special Guest)

A food journalist for over four decades, Sheila moved from editing Food Monitor magazine in New York to BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme, where she now serves as presenter. Throughout her career, she has produced groundbreaking, early coverage on BSE (mad cow disease), the rise of GM foods, the organic movement, and the globalization of the food supply via the WTO—shining a light on these critical subjects long before they entered the mainstream media.

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Unwinding curious minds: Fourth graders dig into soil facts

Richard heads to the classroom for this special episode, joined by a lively group of students, some vocal chicks, a regenerative farmer, and a soil scientist! Enjoy the background chirps and the deeply inquisitive minds of the fourth-grade class at The International School of Texas, led by their teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Passi, as they dlve into the world of soil and food. As part of the faculty at IST, Jennifer contributes to a curriculum rooted in global citizenship and core values like integrity and intellect. Her work in the STEM lab helps students develop the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate and protect the planet's future.

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Score: Matt Griffin (poet & farmer) Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Six Inches of Soil:

To watch the film and ‘dig deeper’:

https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinchesofsoil/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/six-inches-of-soil-b75059234/

ANDIE MARSH is a soil health specialist, science communicator, and founder of Rhizos LLC - a Soil Food Web certified lab. More than that, she is a human building relationship with land in a suburban context.

Website:

https://www.rhizos.science/

Soil is Sexy instagram

Soil is Sexy is the newsletter

Daniel Coindreau is the owner of Río Salado, a ranch in northern Nuevo León, Mexico. A first-generation cattle rancher since 2012, he has built his operation with a focus on productivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability. Since 2020, he has led the transition toward regenerative practices, including the development of adapted cattle genetics that enhance operational performance while improving soil health and restoring native ecosystems. He is also a partner in Tierra de Todos, a Mexican brand that brings poultry, eggs, and meat from regenerative producers to market.

Daniel Coindreau LinkedIn

https://tierradetodos.com/

Amy Arnold (outro), Head Teacher who has embedded food, farming and sustainability across the curriculum at Barnham school.

Amy Arnold insta

Barnham CEVC primary school , Suffolk, UK

Euston Hall where Barnham do their farm visits

Shimpling Park Farm mentioned and featured in Six Inches of Soil Documentary

UK organisations mentioned by Amy

Worm City

LEAF Countryside Classroom

Farmer Time

Harmony

Earthworm foundation

BSSS

USA - agriculture for kids:

National Agriculture in the Classroom:

USDA

Kiss the Ground

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Episode 14: Under the Weather: How the Water Cycle Starts with Soil

Join us as we explore the critical relationship between soil, water, and weather with experts in climate science, regenerative ranching, and meteorology. Discover how land management practices influence water cycles, climate change, and resilience against extreme weather events.

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Score: Matt Griffin (poet & farmer) Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Six Inches of Soil:

Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinchesofsoil/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/six-inches-of-soil-b75059234/

GUESTS

Alpha Lowe

Alpha Lo is a scientist specializing in water research. He leads the Climate Water Project, where he writes the project’s newsletter ( http://climatewaterproject.substack.com/) and hosts its podcast of the same name. He has taught water-focused content in Permaculture Design Courses, including how designing landscapes to infiltrate rainwater can enhance precipitation recycling (aka the small water cycle). He has studied physics and geography at the graduate level, where his research explored how water in the landscape influences rainfall.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alpha-lo-284900a8/

https://climatewaterproject.substack.com/podcast

https://climatewaterproject.substack.com/

Alejandro Carillo

Alejandro Carrillo is a fourth-generation rancher in the Chihuahuan desert. Rarely his

precipitation goes beyond 9” per year (< 225mm). He is not willing to waste any water in such a

brittle environment if he wants to graze year-round without inputs.

Alejandro’s ranch, Las Damas, has been part of multiple documentaries and studies focused on regenerative ranching and “greening the desert” using livestock such as Common Ground, Sacred Cow, To Which We Belong, and Water in Plain Sight.

Alejandro’s Grasslands Regeneration Project company assists ranchers and organizations on regenerative grazing projects in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Australia, China and the Middle- East. He also participates as a delegate to the United Nations Convention to Combat

Desertification.

Las Damas Cattle Ranch

Common ground - doco

Sacred Cow documentary

Mary Wasson:

Mary has worked as a meteorologist for more than 20 years, a career inspired by a childhood experience sheltering from a tornado with her family that sparked her fascination with storm development. A native of Winchester, Kentucky, she earned her undergraduate degree in communications from Morehead State University and later completed a Master of Science in Geoscience at Mississippi State University.

Throughout her career, Mary has worked in television markets. She now serves as a digital meteorologist, producing daily forecasts along with engaging and informative weather content for the Austin American-Statesman, Houston Chronicle, and San Antonio Express-News.

Facebook: @Metrologist Mary Wassonn

Instagram: @wassonweather

Twitter: @Mary_Wasson

Bella Lowes (featured in the outro)

Bella is the resident grazing specialist at Mill Barton, where she stewards the land alongside a beloved herd of Red Devon cattle. With deep-rooted knowledge in pasture-based systems and bovine behaviour, Bella brings both integral understanding and instinctive care to her work. Her approach to grazing prioritises soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare, ensuring that the landscape thrives as much as the herd. Whether she’s planning a rotational grazing cycle or spotting subtle shifts in herd dynamics, Bella’s insight into all things cow is unmatched.

Website: https://www.diggandco.com/meet-the-team

Further Research:

https://agendagotsch.com/en/

Abigail Swan, Washington Uni

Water Stories platform - YouTube - and a course where you can learn

FarmGate podcast - episode: how regenerative grazing can wash methane out of the atmosphere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCjvCQHX7mQ Beavers in Scotland

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 13: Unruly: soil secrets for gardeners and green keepers

On this episode our guests question all we think about weeds, bugs, soil life and the commonly used garden chemicals. You may start to look at your garden or public spaces in a very different way. They offer top tips on how to nurture our soils and plants, the show notes are full of vital links.

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Score: Matt Griffin Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Six Inches of Soil

Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinchesofsoil/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/six-inches-of-soil-b75059234/

Vicki Hird

Vicki Hird MSc FRES is Strategic Lead for Agriculture at The Wildlife Trusts and former Head of Sustainable Farming at Sustain Alliance. With 35+ years of experience in environmental, food, and farming policy, she is an award-winning campaigner, author, and advisor working with organisations and governments to transform food systems.

Links

Website: www.rebuggingtheplanet.org

Book: Rebugging the Planet

Latest blogs: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/blogs/vicki-hird

Socials:

Instagram, X, LinkedIn: @vickihird

Bluesky: @vickihird.bsky.social

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vickihird

Wildlife gardening resources:

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/gardening

Nicole Masters

Nicole Masters is an agroecologist, coach, and author specialising in regenerative soil and land management. Since 1999 she has worked with farmers, organisations, and land stewards worldwide, helping implement regenerative practices across more than 30 million acres through ecological systems thinking and practical coaching.

Links

Website: https://www.integritysoils.com/ for online course, coaches

Book "For the love of Soil"

Their CREATE school applications open on the 1st of May

https://www.integritysoils.com/pages/create-2026-mexico

Socials: Facebook

Insta: @masters.nicole & @integrity_soils

YouTube

Excellent tutorial YouTube videoswith Nicole by LA Sanitation

Nick Mole

Nick Mole joined PAN UK (Pesticide Action Network UK) in 2007 after working with the Environmental Investigation Agency. He leads PAN’s national policy work, conducting research and gathering evidence to support reduced pesticide use and safer alternatives. PAN UK is the only UK charity focused solely on addressing pesticide harms and promoting sustainable alternatives in agriculture, urban areas, homes, and gardens.

Links

PAN UK: https://www.pan-uk.org

Pesticide-Free Towns: https://www.pan-uk.org/pesticide-free/

Pavement Plant Guide: https://www.pan-uk.org/pavement-plants/

Gardening Without Pesticides: https://www.pan-uk.org/gardening-without-pesticides/

Marni Thompson

Marni Thompson grew up on a family ranch in Montana and holds a BSc in Range Science from Montana State University. She has worked with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for 26 years and helps farmers and ranchers implement soil health principles across the state. She also supports the annual Soil Health Symposium in Billings, Montana.

Socials

Facebook and Instagram: @marnikittothompson

Understanding Ag: @Understandingag

Further References

Medieval Way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDS6dGi6oZY

Ghent parks (Netherlands) – managed without pesticides.

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FARMING MENTAL SUPPORT RESOURCES:

If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In the UK, you can call 111 and select option 2 to access urgent mental health support. If you’re elsewhere, please seek out local crisis services in your country. You’re not alone. It’s okay to ask for help.

Other resources:

UK

RABI https://rabi.org.uk/ 0800 188 4444

LensLight: https://lenslight.co.uk/

Young Farmersset up Mental health support

Farming Community Network: https://fcn.org.uk/ 03000 111 999

Yellow Wellies https://www.yellowwellies.org/

We are Farming Minds: https://www.wearefarmingminds.co.uk/

RSABI https://www.rsabi.org.uk (Scotland): 0808 1234 555

YANA (You Are Not Alone) https://www.yanahelp.org/ 0300 323 0400

The DPJ Foundation (Wales) https://www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk/ 0800 587 4262

USA

Farm Aid Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243)

Call: 988

Agrisafe: agri stress helping 833-897-2474

https://www.agrisafe.org/agristress-helpline/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):https://www.nami.org/ 800-950-6264.

SAMHSA National Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/ 1-800-662-HELP(4357)

Regional Resources: Many agricultural states, such as Minnesota (833-600-2670)

NZ

FARM STRONG https://mentalhealth.org.nz/our-work/farmstrong

Canada

https://ccaw.ca/ Call 1-866-FARMS01

Farm talk care: https://farmtalkcare.ca/care/

EPISODE 12: Unraveled – Mental Health in Farming

This episode explores the often-unseen mental health challenges faced by farmers around the world. Through personal stories, expert insight, and urgent calls to action, we examine the deep connections between mental health, soil health, and community—and how regenerative systems can help heal both land and people.

Host & Producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host & Producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Original Score: Matt Griffin (poet & farmer) – Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Featured Partners & Resources

Six Inches of Soil

Website: www.sixinchesofsoil.org

Book & socials available via website

Microbz

microbz.co.uk

Get 20% off with code LOVESOIL

Guests

Tom Morphew

Founder of Full Circle Farms Sussex and The Garden Army CIC, Tom is a regenerative farming pioneer working at the intersection of soil health, social impact, and circular economy. His closed-loop farms turn food waste into compost and chemical-free food, while also serving as care farms and outdoor classrooms. A two-time TED Talk speaker, Tom is proving that farming can restore soil, support people, and remain commercially viable.

Hugh Addison

Raised on an organic dairy, beef, and sheep farm in Cumbria, Hugh is passionate about strengthening the mental health and resilience of the farming community. In 2025, he co-founded The Borderline Challenge, a UK and Ireland ultratriathlon raising awareness and funds for farmer mental health in partnership with RABI.

Instagram: @theborderlinechallenge

Dr Michael Rosmann

A psychologist and farmer, Michael Rosmann is a global leader in agricultural mental health. Through his work with AgriWellness, he helped shape the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in the U.S. Farm Bill. His research and writing, including the amazing book Meditations on Farming, laid the foundation for the field of agricultural behavioral health.

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FEATURING:

Host, producer: Richard Tufton & Oscar Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Director: Colin Ramsay

Score: Matt Griffin (poet & farmer) Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Megs Blog: https://regenagvocate.substack.com/

From the Ground Up - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2RPjS3v6uA&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dfrom%2Bthe%2Bground%2Bup%2B-%2Bcambridge%2Bsoil%26sca_esv%3D76156e36b6817723%26sxsrf%3DANbL-n4MXFxu8dFBg5dMxP0yQa9h9&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjg2NjY

Six Inches of Soil:

Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinchesofsoil/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/six-inches-of-soil-b75059234/

Microbz: https://microbz.co.uk/

Get 20% off with code LOVESOIL at http://microbz.co.uk/.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host and producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host and producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Score: Matt Griffin

Six Inches of Soil

Website: www.sixinchesofsoil.org

Book: sixinchesofsoil.org/book

Instagram: @sixinchesofsoil

LinkedIn: six-inches-of-soil-b75059234

Sponsored by

Fielden: fielden.com

Code SOIL10 gives 10 percent off all whisky.

Microbz: https://microbz.co.uk/

Code LOVESOIL gives 20 percent off.

Introduction

We welcomed Michael Kennard, Jeff Allen, Erin Martin, and Evan Buckman into the studio. We talked about soil health, human health, and how microbes link everything together. We explored composting, farming practices, nutrient-dense food, and the connection between soil and gut health.

Jeff Allen

Jeff and his wife Sue co-founded Microbz. Jeff grew up on a farm in Kenya and built a strong connection to land and wildlife. In 2008 he travelled across the US, Europe, and Australia in search of environmental solutions and discovered microbial technology. He has since pioneered fermenting microbes with herbs and minerals for health and agriculture. He runs the Microbz brewery in Wiltshire and focuses on scaling microbial solutions.

Website: https://microbz.co.uk/

Instagram: @microbzprobiotics

Facebook: MicrobzProbiotics

TikTok: @microbz

Michael Kennard

Michael Kennard is a Soil Association Ambassador and founder of Regenerative Soils Consultancy and Compost Club, makers of Biolife Compost in East Sussex. This World Soil Day, Compost Club expands to Hailsham, Herstmonceux, and Heathfield. He now farms regeneratively at Furnace Brook’s Meliora Farm and will launch his podcast Soil, Seed, and Soul in the new year.

Use code COMPOSTCLUB15 for 15 percent off at agriton.co.uk.

Instagram: @compost_michael @compost_club

Website: compostclub.online

Farm: furnacebrook.org.uk

Erin W Martin

Erin Martin’s drive to help others started at fifteen while working in a retirement community. She later earned a master’s in Gerontology from USC. Certified in Regenerative Soil Advocacy, she focuses on food as medicine and its link to soil. She serves as President of the Tulsa Urban Ag Coalition, Director of Oklahoma’s FreshRx program, and co-leads the state’s Food is Medicine Policy Coalition. Her work brings regenerative agriculture into care for people with chronic disease.

Instagram: @expertonaging @freshrxok

Facebook: FreshRx Oklahoma, Erin W. Martin

YouTube: @freshrxok @erinwmartin

X: @erinwmartin

TikTok: @foodasmedicine

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erinwmartin

FreshRx: linkedin.com/company/freshrx

Evan Buckman

Evan Buckman is Executive Director at Soil Food Web. He works at the intersection of science, food systems, and regenerative land projects. He earned a Permaculture Design Certificate in 2014 and later a BS in Applied Chemistry from Minerva University, focusing on Biological and Earth Systems. Evan has supported clean water and sanitation projects for rural and Indigenous communities and worked on regenerative bio-economies in the Amazon. Now based in Texas, he produces commercial bio-amendments for farmers, landscapers, and land stewards.

Living Legacy webinar series: community.soilfoodweb.com

YouTube: youtube.com/soilfoodwebschool

Facebook: Soil Food Web School

LinkedIn: soilfoodwebschool

Instagram: @soilfoodwebschool

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Score: Matt Griffin (poet & farmer) Instagram: @neidpath_farms

Code SOIL10 gives 10% off all whisky on http://fielden.com.

Six Inches of Soil film: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Six Inches of Soil book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

We explore one question: What does it mean to save us from the ground up?

Katharine Hayhoe shows you how to talk about climate change with connection and hope.

Will Harris has spent years rebuilding his family’s land in Bluffton, Georgia.

Mike Fossum has seen the planet from above on his missions to the International Space Station.

Katharine Hayhoe: https://www.katharinehayhoe.com/

https://www.instagram.com/katharinehayhoe

Saving Us book

Ted Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BvcToPZCLI

Col Mike Fossum https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fossum.pdf

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-fossum-93391686/

Will Harris

https://whiteoakpastures.com/

https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakpastures

A Bold Return to Giving a Damn

Runoff video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85El8PzfKa4

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Six Inches of Soil:

Website: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinchesofsoil/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/six-inches-of-soil-b75059234/

Introduction

Dr Grandin and Gabe Brown explore how uniting animal welfare with regenerative agriculture and combining soil practices with Temple’s farming solutions, you have nature and nurture working together as one big metaphorical “hug machine”. This offers a communal hug, if you will, by enveloping the animal’s life with a safe, healthy, happy and tranquil environment, which we know will undoubtedly provide a better life for them. Their conversation explores integrating livestock with crops, consumer expectations, youth involvement, climate change, and the role of innovation and visual thinking in food production.

Featuring

Dr. Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin is a leading scientist, author, and speaker whose autism experience shaped her groundbreaking work on reducing stress for humans and animals. Now a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, she also consults on livestock handling and welfare.

Her life has been highlighted by NPR (National Public Radio), the BBC film "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow" and HBO’s Emmy-winning Temple Grandin. She was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2016.

Websites:

https://www.templegrandin.com/

https://agsci.colostate.edu/ag_stories/temple-grandin/

Gabe Brown is a pioneer of the soil health movement. With his family, he transformed Brown’s Ranch, a 5,000-acre North Dakota farm, by working in nature’s image. Now run by his son Paul and wife Jazmin, the ranch reflects his legacy. Author of Dirt to Soil, Gabe is a Regenified board member, founding partner of Understanding Ag, and co-founder of the Soil Health Academy, which trains farmers worldwide in ecosystem-based practices.

Websites:

https://brownsranch.us/

https://regenified.com/about-us/

https://understandingag.com/partners/gabe-brown/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownsranch/?hl=en

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In this second part of the Dairy Diaries we travelled to New York State to chat to Tom McGrath at Family Farmstead Dairy. We would like to have had him round the table for part one but the time differences didn’t work and it turns out Dairy Farmers work really hard!!

The farm is nestled in the rolling hills of central New York, where Tom and his family currently milk 45 cows on their 158 acre farm. They both come from farming backgrounds and it has taught them to appreciate the land, animals and instilled good work ethics.

Along with their own farm, they also support six other small family farms in their region. All the farms are certified organic, and all cows are 100% grass-fed and have been tested to carry the A2/A2-casein protein gene.

In this episode of Six Inches of Soil, Tom McGrath, founder of Family Farmstead Dairy, discusses the journey of transforming a conventional dairy farm into a certified regenerative and organic operation. He highlights the importance of nutrient density in dairy products, the impact of pasteurization on milk quality, and the significance of A2 milk for consumer health. Tom shares insights into the challenges faced by small family farms in the dairy industry, the mission-driven approach of his business, and the importance of animal welfare and sustainable practices. He emphasizes the need for consumer education and the role of informed purchasing decisions in supporting regenerative agriculture.

Website: https://www.familyfarmsteaddairy.com/

Insta: @familyfarmsteaddairy

Certified with:

https://regenified.com/

https://organicfarmersassociation.org/

https://www.usda.gov/farming-and-ranching/organic-farming

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EPISODE 7 PART 1

UNCURDLED

This is the first time we have featured the dairy industry. We decided to start with two family farms in the UK, one producing for their local community and the other running a highly successful yoghurt business. They both have a deep connection to their soils and are caring for their land and communities.

James Robinson:

James farms at Strickley Farm, a 300-acre organic dairy farm that has been free from artificial fertilisers or pesticides for the past 16 years. James’ approach to supporting nature includes planting woodland, leaving areas of grassland ungrazed, maintaining sensitive hedgerow management and fencing off watercourses to improve water quality, so there is less silt and soil from his cattle on the banks. His farm’s hedgerows are seven miles long, some 20-22ft tall.

Website: https://www.strickleydairy.co.uk/

Instagram:

@jrfromstrickley

@strickleydairy

@nffnuk

L’in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-robinson-7a2816273/

Tim Mead:

Tim was born into a dairy-farming family in 1963. He lives with his wife Sarah on the original farm in the Yeo Valley on the edge of Blagdon Lake, Somerset. After qualifying as a chartered accountant in London, Tim joined the Yeo Valley business in 1987, Yeo Valley Organic is the UK’s largest organic brand and celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024.The business is still family controlled, with 20% held by an employee benefit trust. In 2017 after 30 years as a yogurt maker, Tim turned his attention to the farming side of the business and is still learning…..

Website: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/

Instagram:

@yeovalley

Sponsored by Fielden:

The discount code is SOIL10 and gives 10% off all whisky on http://fielden.com/.

Six Inches of Soil film - find links here to watch it: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Six Inches of Soil book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

Finally if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast please do rate it - many thanks!

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Episode 6 - Unearthed

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

In the episode we are finally bringing us all back down to earth

ANDY NEAL :

Andy is a Soil Microbiologist at Rothamsted Research. He is interested in understanding the feedback between plant primary productivity, soil structure and soil microbial metabolism

Twitter @microbass1

Research papers:

Andrew Neal on Google Scholar

ANDIE MARSH is a soil health specialist, science communicator, and founder of Rhizos LLC - a Soil Food Web certified lab. More than that, she is a human building relationship with land in a suburban context.

Website:

https://www.rhizos.science/

@soilissexy insta

Soil is Sexy is the newsletterCarefully crafted accounts of the wonders beneath our feet, plus insights from a woman building a career in soil health - that’s me, Andie!

RAY ARCHULETA - Ray’s mission is to teach a framework of ecological and spiritual renewal

Ray the soil Guy

Film: https://kissthegroundmovie.com/

KAREN JOHNSON is a professor in the Department of Engineering, University of Durham

She is all about rebuilding soils for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Resources/Papers:

Smart Soils Video:

Royal Society Rosalind Franklin lecture on soil health and the Embracing our wastes video. Xiao, K-Q, et al. (2023)Introducing the soil mineral carbon pump. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment. You can also watch our animations about soil exploring the links between soil degradation and flooding +links between soil health (SDG15) and climate change (SDG13)

A nation that rebuilds its soils rebuilds itself- an engineer's perspective and watch our COP26 video https://vimeo.com/639855822

Sponsored by Fielden:

The discount code is SOIL10 and gives 10% off all whisky on http://fielden.com.

Six Inches of Soil film - find links here to watch it: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Six Inches of Soil book: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/book

Finally if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast please do rate it - many thanks!

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Episode 5 - Unbred - Heritage Grains - this episode takes us back to the arable fields, this time we are focussing on crops that are closely related to the first-ever cultivated grasses. Our guests are working with these varieties to bring them to our plates and glasses, “these fields full of life” benefit our soil, health, and the planet.

Guests:

Luke Jones, Impact Family Farms, Illinois

Luke and his family operate a diverse livestock and cropping operation in western Illinois. He now values diversity and bringing life back to the acres he manages along with making a profit.

https://www.facebook.com/share/12Mn7pBnpCS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://understandingag.com/team/luke-jones/

Dave Smith, Fielden Whisky

Dave Smith is Fielden’s CEO. With over thirty years of experience, Dave has worked internationally with both mature and challenger brands.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-smith-69120513?originalSubdomain=uk

https://fielden.com/

Samuel Taylor, Longtable Pancakes

Samuel Taylor is the founder of Long Table Pancakes, a company dedicated to creating artisan pancake mixes that celebrate local and sustainably sourced ingredients.

http://linkedin.com/in/pancakesamuel

https://longtablepancakes.com/pages/about

Fred Price, Gothelney Farm, Somerset

Fred is a farmer reimagining his practices and place within our food system. He’s a passionate advocate for agroecology, working with UK Grain Lab and the South West Grain Network to reimagine our food system.

Instagram: @gotheleyfarmer @fieldbakery @swgrainnetwork @uk_grain_lab

Websites: https://www.gothelneyfarmer.co.uk/

https://www.fieldbakery.com/

https://www.ukgrainlab.com/

https://www.southwestgrainnetwork.co.uk/

Sponsored by Fielden:

https://fielden.com

The discount code is SOIL10 and gives 10% off all whisky on http://fielden.com.

Finally, if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast please rate it - many thanks!

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 4 PART 2

SHOW NOTES:

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Unground Part 2 - World of Coffee, in Part 2 we meet Marcus McCombe who is the Director of Routes Coffee who aims to: 🌍 Building a Better Coffee Industry, One Roast and One Cup at a Time

Guest:

Marcus McCombe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-mccombe/

Director at Routes Coffee

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/routescoffee/

As the Director of Routes Coffee, they are committed to reshaping the way specialty coffee is sourced, roasted, and experienced. Their mission goes beyond exceptional coffee—they strive to regenerate coffee farms, nurture soil health, and enhance biodiversity, ensuring that every step in their supply chain contributes to sustainability and long-term prosperity for farmers.

Sponsored by Fielden:

https://fielden.com

Most grains in whisky are grown industrially, with chemicals: same grain, same height, same flavour. Not on our farms. We’re regenerating England’s fields with heritage grains, grown in clover (we never, ever use chemicals). It’s a more sustainable way of farming that’s better for the soil, the grain, and the wildlife. And it makes a whisky full of flavour.

The discount code is SOIL10 and gives 10% off all whisky on http://fielden.com

Six Inches of Soil The Documentary

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host, producer: Richard Tufton

Co-host, producer: Claire Mackenzie

Editor: Meg Chatham

Unground - World of Coffee, in this episode we are diving into something many of us enjoy every day—coffee. But how often do we stop to think about where it comes from? What impact does coffee have on the soil, the farmers who grow it, and the ecosystems that sustain it?

Guests:

Gally Mayer of Buena Vida Specialty Coffee, who works directly with farmers to bring regenerative coffee to consumers.

Roberto Mata from Costa Rica, who is growing coffee regeneratively and can share what that looks like on the ground.

Heather Terry, founder of Good Sam, a company committed to transparent, regenerative supply chains.

Roberto Mata

https://www.caferobertomata.com/

https://www.instagram.com/laslajascafe/

Gally Mayer

https://buenavida.coffee/pages/our-story

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gally-mayer/

Heather Terry

https://goodsamfoods.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-k-terry-44b81828/

Sponsored by Fielden:

https://fielden.com

Most grains in whisky are grown industrially, with chemicals: same grain, same height, same flavour. Not on our farms. We’re regenerating England’s fields with heritage grains, grown in clover (we never, ever use chemicals). It’s a more sustainable way of farming that’s better for the soil, the grain and the wildlife. And it makes a whisky full of flavour.

The discount code is SOIL10 and gives 10% off all whisky on http://fielden.com.

Six Inches of Soil The Documentary

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.