175. Jesse McDougall on Revitalizing Land Health for Organic Growing

What is regenerative agriculture, and what are your options to becoming regenerative as a farmer?    On today’s episode we’re featuring Jesse McDougall of Studio Hill Farm, located in southern Vermont. Studio Hill Farm’s primary goal is to strengthen the land's natural water, carbon, and nutrient cycles so that they may restore the abundant ecosystem of their 5th-generation family farm. To achieve this goal they: raise livestock on pasture using holistic land management practices, use no-till gardens for their annual vegetable and flower production, are in the process of building a 4-acre perennial food forest, and keep bees. Jesse is an accredited professional with the Savory Institute, serves on the advisory board for Soil4Climate, and was the author of the first regenerative agriculture legislation. Join us today to hear all about how Jesse, his wife and their team accomplishes all of this and thrives while doing it! You’ll hear:   How Jesse became attracted to farming 1:07 What the different enterprises on Studio Hill Farm are 7:49 What major changes Jesse and his wife have made to the farm since taking over 12:15 How Studio Hill monetizes their sheep 18:52 How Jesse authored the first regenerative agriculture legislation 23:05 How Studio Hill implements their education programs 43:34 What’s going on with Studio Hill’s funding campaign right now 53:29   About the Guest   Jesse McDougall is a farmer at Studio Hill--a 4th-generation family farm in Vermont and Savory Influencer Hub. He is also co-founder of Regenerative Food Network, Inc., and CEO of Southshire Meats.   Resources   Website: https://studiohill.farm   Instagram: https://instagram.com/studiohillvt   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!   Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994.  Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines.  We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses.  Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.  Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project visit Rimol.com   At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife. Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment. Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.