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In this episode of the Soil Network Podcast (formerly Combines & Coffee), host Ian Virtue visits Brant County, Ontario, to chat with local farmers who work similar land, but manage it in very different ways. From organic and conventional operations to beef and dairy farms, each farmer brings their own unique approach—but what ties them together is a shared passion for learning from each other.

Steve Sickle, Gordon Alblas, Doug Donkers, and Lammert Koonstra share their experiences with no-till planting, cover crops, and balancing livestock while staying adaptable through changing seasons. They open up about what’s working, what’s not, and how peer-to-peer conversations keep them improving year after year.

Whether you farm organically, conventionally, or somewhere in between, this episode highlights how diverse approaches can strengthen a farming community when knowledge is shared.

So grab a coffee—or hop in the cab of your tractor—and join us for a candid conversation about farming systems that may be different but share the same foundation: healthy soil and a commitment to growth.

🎙️ Recorded in Brant County, ON | 🌱 Powered by the Ontario Soil Network

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If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

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Let’s keep growing—together. See you next time!

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Episode 5: Bridging Innovation and Sustainability in Agriculture with Shawn Catherwood, Dr. Joel Gruver, and Brandon Schlautman

Join us for an engaging episode of the Soil Network podcast, recorded live from the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario conference in Kitchener, Ontario. Host Ian Virtue brings together three outstanding guests: Shawn Catherwood, a leading voice in regenerative agriculture; Dr. Joel Gruver, a soil science professor and conservation expert; and Brandon Schlautman, a pioneering scientist in perennial cropping systems.

In this episode, our guests dive deep into their unique perspectives on sustainable agriculture:

• Shawn Catherwood shares his dual experience as a family grain farmer in Saskatchewan and his role with PepsiCo, focusing on developing and executing regenerative agriculture programs that align with corporate sustainability goals. Shawn emphasizes the importance of collaboration across the food supply chain to promote sustainability from field to table.
• Dr. Joel Gruver discusses his mission in education, facilitating the next generation of sustainable agriculture leaders. He highlights the importance of integrating ecological and global perspectives into the agricultural curriculum and fostering learning communities that support innovation and resilience in farming practices.
• Brandon Schlautman brings insights from his work at The Land Institute in Kansas, where he leads efforts in developing perennial legume systems. Brandon talks about the challenges and opportunities of introducing perennial crops into traditional row cropping systems, aiming to enhance soil health and agricultural sustainability.

The conversation covers a range of crucial topics, including:

• The impact of climate change on agriculture and the innovative solutions being implemented to address these challenges.
• The role of perennial crops and other regenerative practices in building resilient farming systems.
• The economic viability of sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of demonstrating their benefits to farmers.
• The significance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in tackling complex agricultural problems and driving systemic change.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

• Strategies for integrating sustainable practices into conventional farming systems.
• The role of education and community-building in promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Practical examples of how farmers can leverage new technologies and practices to improve soil health and farm resilience.

Guest Information:

• Shawn Catherwood: A family grain farmer from Saskatchewan and Canada Regina Engagement Lead for PepsiCo, focusing on regenerative agriculture programs. Connect on Twitter @CatherwoodShawn.
• Dr. Joel Gruver: Professor at Western Illinois University, teaching soil science and conservation classes, with research interests in organic grain production and innovative cropping systems. Learn more about his work here.
• Brandon Schlautman: Lead scientist for the perennial legume pro

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

🌾 Stay Connected:
📢 Explore more stories, events, and resources through our Linktree:
👉 linktr.ee/ontariosoilnetwork

Let’s keep growing—together. See you next time!

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Join us for an insightful episode of the Soil Network podcast, recorded live from the Innovative Farm Association of Ontario 2024 conference in Kitchener, Ontario. Host Ian Virtue sits down with three distinguished guests: Jeff Cook, a cash crop producer from London, Ontario; Murray McLaughlin, an expert in agricultural bioeconomy; and Guillaume Tant, a French agronomist focused on plant nutrition and health and a current Nuffield Scholar.

In this episode, our guests share their perspectives on the interconnectedness of global markets and their impacts on local farming decisions. Jeff Cook discusses the influence of international trends on his crop choices and profitability. Murray McLaughlin delves into the potential of the bioeconomy and the innovative uses of biomass. Guillaume Tant provides insights into the challenges European farmers face due to the war in Ukraine and the excess grain in the market, emphasizing the need for flexibility in crop planning.

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of these trends on sustainability and resilience in agriculture. Our guests explore how Canadian farmers can position themselves to better adapt to these changing circumstances, highlighting the importance of innovation, technology, and community cooperation.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on:

• The effects of global market dynamics on local farming economies.
• Strategies for making farming systems more resilient and sustainable.
• The role of biomass and bioeconomy in future agricultural practices.
• The importance of building strong farmer networks to share knowledge and support innovation.

Tune in to hear real-world examples, expert insights, and practical advice that can help farmers navigate the complexities of modern agriculture.

Guest Information:

• Jeff Cook: A cash crop farmer with a strong focus on technology, profitability, and sustainability, farming near London, Ontario. Contact Info. Connect on Twitter
• Murray McLaughlin: An agricultural bioeconomy specialist with extensive experience in facilitating the commercialization of biotech innovations.
• Guillaume Tant: A French agronomist dedicated to improving plant nutrition and health, helping farmers achieve sustainability and profitability, and a current Nuffield Scholar. Connect on Twitter

Don't miss this engaging discussion that connects the dots between global trends and local farming strategies.

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

🌾 Stay Connected:
📢 Explore more stories, events, and resources through our Linktree:
👉 linktr.ee/ontariosoilnetwork

Let’s keep growing—together. See you next time!