Sequoia was born in New Zealand and raised in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California. She got her masters in Soil Science from UC Davis in the Gaudin Agroecology lab, and is currently a livestock operator in Petaluma, California, working with Coastal Land and Livestock, implementing targeted grazing with sheep and goats.

We start by discussing soil, from a detailed breakdown of what soil is made up of, to a discussion about why soil is a key component of our conversations about climate change. We talk about Sequoia’s experience as a livestock operator, and how targeted grazing with various animals impacts the health of the grazed land. We also explore a paper Sequoia is currently working on about how we can think about our food systems using a framework of power, motives, values, and relationality, and what a re-envisioned food system, backed by the principles of agroecology, might look like.

Tune in to learn more about:

• A dive into the organic, mineral, and air components of soil compositions

• Soil in the context of agriculture and food systems

• Why soils end up being different colors

• The role of microbial life in soil

• How soil health impacts the nutritional profile the foods grown in it

• The process of building relationships with animals that are slow to trust

• Targeted grazing with small ruminants and why specific animals are chosen for it

• The necessity of making sure grazing animals get the nutrients they need

Connect with Sequoia:

• Follow her on Instagram @sequoia.rw

• Gaudin Agroecology Lab

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

Jamie Balesteri is the Farm Production Manager at Coastal Roots Farm, managing the crop production fields, propagation house, food forest, laying hen flocks, and compost operation. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm in 2021, she worked with several farms and farmers markets in the Phoenix area while earning a degree in Food and Nutrition Management with a focus on Sustainability. She also has a certificate in Permaculture Design and is passionate about healing people and the planet through good food, community, and regenerative growing practices.

In this episode, we discuss the roundabout way that Jamie came to farming, and the recommendations that she has for anyone that’s interested in pursuing their interest in food systems work. We talk about what it means to work intuitively with land, and why being able to listen is a key skill for farming success.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The differences between working on a for-profit farm versus a non-profit farm

• Striking the balance between letting nature take over versus stepping in to intervene and influence the growth

• Revisiting the importance of volunteering on farms

• Engaging with regional and international food systems

• How regenerative farming can be healing in surprising ways

• The quiet way that our body shows us how in alignment we are

• The joys of fermented foods throughout the seasons

• How nutritional education can often lead us astray

• … And so much more!

Connect with Jamie:

• Follow her on Instagram: @jbalesteri92 and @coastalrootsfarm

• Visit the Coastal Roots Farm website: www.coastalrootsfarm.org

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In today’s mini episode, we explore the question of how to get started on your path towards working in food systems. I discuss my own non-linear path to getting to where I am today, and offer advice for steps to take to getting involved in this ever-evolving landscape.

Tune in to learn more about…

• The many examples of non-farming jobs in the food systems sector, from activism and policy-making to education and food waste reduction

• The importance of networking and connecting with others that are already doing what you’re interested in

• Why you need to put yourself out there

• How to apply seemingly irrelevant skills to the job you want to do

• Why farming is not meant to be done alone

• … And so much more!

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

• The Farm Lab in Encinitas: If you’re local, we would love to meet you! https://farmlab.eusd.net/volunteer