Plants Dig Soil™

#RealisticRegenAg | Climate Smart Agriculture for Farmers & Agribusiness. Regular episodes are published once or twice a month from March to October.

531 Transformational Agronomy

#RealisticRegenAg | Is the slow grind of progress better than the grand schemes we see postulated now? A new article says yes. They advocate for starting at the end goal and working towards what is needed most. I’ll be covering this and seven other articles that I came across this month in this episode. Stay tuned. Welcome to Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I offer. News article links: https://csanr.wsu.edu/agronomic-engineering-and-incremental-transformation/ https://www.producer.com/news/farmers-call-fuzzy-sustainability-definition-a-barrier-to-emissions-progress/ https://spudsmart.com/keeping-spuds-healthy-with-a-wide-rotation/ https://www.producer.com/news/grasslands-seen-as-answer/ https://www.ruralrootscanada.com/good-habitat/ https://www.topcropmanager.com/with-a-little-help-from-our-friends/ https://decode6.org/articles/can-remote-sensors-measure-soil-carbon/ https://organicalberta.org/article/law-to-boost-soil-health-back-on-eu-agenda/ Transcript is available: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/transformational-agronomy My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies: https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

09-01
07:40

615 Plant genetics drive microbial diversity & abundance

#RealisticRegenAg | As the season winds down here in southern Alberta, I’ve been busy teaching both diploma and degree students at Lethbridge Polytechnic (formerly Lethbridge College). As is my annual tradition, I’ll be slowing down my newsletter and podcast production during the fall and taking an extended break over the holiday season. You can expect one final newsletter in early December, with the next edition coming your way in February. Transcript (with links to articles): https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/cover-crop-emission-surprise Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

10-21
07:22

614 Cover Crop Emission Surprise

#RealisticRegenAg | Cover crops might be giving off more greenhouse gases than bare ground. It's a surprise, for sure. It all comes down to how long they sit in cool and wet conditions. They pull up and hold onto more nitrogen than bare ground, however when they die they can give off much greater nitrous oxide emissions compared to a bare field. So check out the articles below and read any of the most interesting articles that you see. In case you’re new here, let me introduce myself. I’m an author and independent agronomist from the Western Canadian Prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I focus on scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, to learn about my book “Practical Regeneration” and for services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Transcript: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/cover-crop-emission-surprise Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

09-09
10:47

613 Tight Soils – Sodacity, Salinity, and Alkali Explained

#RealisticRegenAg | White patches in a field are often referred to as alkali patches. The underlying problem may be high pH – alkalinity – but the salt in and of itself is not at a high pH and therefore is not alkaline. When you see salt on the surface it is more properly called salinity. The reason for this is that alkalinity may or may not be there. If present it may be near the surface or it may be deeper down. Compounding on this, alkalinity may not be present. Excess sodium cations – not excess sodium salts – could be the cause. Finally, just because you don’t see salt on the surface doesn’t mean salinity is not the problem. Regular soil testing helps to see these problems developing before they visibly manifest themselves. Huge amounts of money are spent trying to fix these patches with products or practices that either don’t work or make it worse. Even if someone is not trying to fix it, they may be putting down fertilizer and seed every year with the hope of getting something, only to be disappointed at harvest time. Digging deeper – literally – and doing the proper tests will help you diagnose and decide. In this episode I’ll give an overview of how I approach this and why it is critical you get solid advice from a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or Professional Agrologist (P.Ag) that truly understands this issue. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie. I’m an author and independent agronomist from the Western Canadian Prairies specializing in Climate-Smart Agriculture. I focus on scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, to learn about my book “Practical Regeneration” and for services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Resources mentioned: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/5333889 https://openpress.usask.ca/soilscience/chapter/soil-chemistry/ https://www.topcropmanager.com/solonetzic-soils-more-compact-more-complex-21506/ https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/Base-Saturation-Cation-Exchange-Capacity.html Transcript is available: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/tight-soils Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

08-27
12:54

612 The Circular Carbon Economy

#RealisticRegenAg | I’ve been thinking more and more about the circular economy recently. Truly regenerative agriculture will return the nutrients back to the land. It may not be possible to bring it back to the exact piece of land, but starting to get more of these nutrients back to any piece of land is the starting of getting to the goal of regenerative. Most of the articles this month fit into this idea, though mostly with carbon, since that is the hot topic these days. In case you’re new here, let me introduce myself. I’m an author and independent agronomist from the Western Canadian Prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I focus on scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, to learn about my book “Practical Regeneration” and for services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Transcript: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/circular-carbon-economy Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

08-12
09:31

611 Making a Weed into a Crop

#RealisticRegenAg | Have you ever thought that a weed could become a crop? They seem to grow no matter what you do, so why not find a use for it? The plants we use today for crops have been around for centuries and even for millennia. I heard about a new crop being developed from weed and it got me thinking: How do you go about this? This episode is mostly a thought experiment, but it’s a great way to stretch our thinking on what is a crop, what is a weed, and how weeds could be used as, or mimicked, in cover crops. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an author and independent agronomist from the Western Canadian Prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I focus on scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, to learn about my book “Practical Regeneration” and for services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Articles mentioned: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juergeneckhardt/2024/04/22/biofuels-will-be-a-key-part-of-the-net-zero-solution/?sh=727765985de9 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13593-019-0592-0 Transcript is available: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/weed-into-crop Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

07-29
07:04

610 Adapt. Then Mitigate.

#RealisticRegenAg | The heat has come to southern Alberta! After never making it above 30C we are now in week well over 30C. This is going to be tough on nearly every crop as it’s right at flowering time or early seed fill. In the case of potatoes, the first set has been made and they are deciding how much to keep of their second set. Hopefully they keep them and get bulking! How is it in your area? Reply back to this email if you like. It only comes to me. Below is a small highlight of my business and then some articles that I’ve come across over the past month. In case you’re new here, let me introduce myself. I’m an author and independent agronomist from the Western Canadian Prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I focus on scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, to learn about my book “Practical Regeneration” and for services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Transcript: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/adapt-then-mitigate Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

07-15
07:18

609 The Fit for Cover Crops

#RealisticRegenAg | Cover crops aren’t required in every situation. This is a key theme throughout my book “Practical Regeneration”. In this episode I’m going to talk about the development of no-till and how it might give us some clues on how to think through where cover crops work best. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an author and independent agronomist from the Western Canadian Prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, to learn about my book, Practical Regeneration, and for the services that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Articles mentioned: https://www.covercropstrategies.com/articles/3025-podcast-can-we-count-the-nitrogen-credits-of-cover-crops-for-the-following-cash-crop https://fieldcropnews.com/2023/06/when-do-cover-crops-with-and-without-manure-applied-release-nitrogen-that-can-be-used-for-my-corn-crop/ https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/crso.20334 https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/the-27-inch-precipitation-threshold Transcript is available: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/the-fit-for-cover-crops Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

07-04
08:47

608 Natural Areas Benefit Agriculture

Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the Western Canadian Prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. I’ve been watching Mrs. Davis at the recommendation of a new friend*. It’s set in an alternative 2023 where an algorithm rules the world. People do tasks for her to earn wings. For people that want the glory without the work, they pay to level up, but their fate is in the hands of Mrs. Davis. What about those that choose not to participate? They can make that choice, but Mrs. Davis uses her followers to cut off opportunities, sabotage their efforts, or pressure them to do things for her or face loss of points towards wings. I’ve been pulling back from social media for a long time. I deleted Facebook 5 years ago. The more I posted the more it wanted. I’m still going to be on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn, but much less so. I’ll focus on the newsletter and an in depth agronomy podcast episode once a month. And I think that will be it. I haven’t quite decided if I want to stop posting to my WhatsApp channel on a regular basis or pair it down to just when I publish my newsletter and agronomy episode. With all that being said: Thank-you for allowing me to send this to your inbox once a month. If you’re a podcast subscriber you’ll hear from me twice a month. Thanks. Below is a small highlight of my business and then some articles that I’ve come across over the past month. Scott.* Nicole & I talked books on the GardenFork podcast. Check it out here. Transcript: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/natural-areas-benefit-agriculture Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

06-24
12:47

607 Oh Phosphorus, Where Art Though?

#RealisticRegenAg | Following up on the episode earlier this season borrowing a movie title (Dude, Where’s my nitrogen?), I’m going to focus on the elusive nutrient, phosphorus. This is an offshoot of a talk I gave this winter on using cover crops for break years between forages. It was delivered in person and to participants online. It was recorded so I’ll put a link to the talk in the description. The high-level summary – you need to replace what you export. No biostimulant or cover crop is going to make new phosphorus for you. Stay tuned as I dive into this topic. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture for farmers and agribusiness. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for information about my consulting services and my book “Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture”. Resources mentioned:Cover Crops for Break Years – my talk at the Alberta Forage Industry Network AGMhttps://youtu.be/_3pHwncZI74?si=HI1Y80KIR62koFtK Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/o-phosphorus-where-art-though Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp):https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies:https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespieX (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

05-22
09:32

606 Putting the News back in Newsletter

#RealisticRegenAg | I love reading and staying up to date with agriculture news. I use Feedly, an RSS feed reader, that keeps track of news stories from over 75 agriculture news sites. I also employ an AI bot to help me find relevant information in climate and regenerative news from other sources that I might have missed. With that being said, I’ve been thinking about how to refresh my newsletter. I’ve been sending it out for over five years now. It has changed over the years but lately it has primarily focused on my content and my business. However, I've decided to shift the focus more towards the regenerative agriculture news space, while reducing the emphasis on my business. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. I’ve updated my website to more clearly list everything on the home page. In each monthly email I’ll highlight just one aspect of my business at the top, with the rest dedicated to sharing interesting content I come across. If you'd like near-daily updates on what I'm seeing, you can check out my WhatsApp channel. Almost everything I share there will also be included in this newsletter, although I aim to keep the email length manageable. Transcript: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/putting-the-news-back-in-newsletter Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books My consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies: https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

05-01
08:39

605 Water Efficient Plants

#RealisticRegenAg | Surviving another drought means making our plants the most water efficient we can. While some of the things can be done immediately, most of the things require a long-term plan. I’ve heard it said the best time to plan for a drought is when the last one breaks. We might be on the cusp of this one breaking with the recent snowfalls, but it’s too early to tell. In this episode I’ll go over all the ideas I have to make our plants more water efficient in hopes you can apply some of the easy practices now and start planning for the future this season. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/water-efficient-plants Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp):https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies:https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespieX (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

03-25
10:34

604 My book is out!

#RealisticRegenAg | My book is published! This has been a year long process of editing, book design, proofreading, and finally getting it set for distribution. I used a hybrid model of self publishing with the support of a team at FriesenPress. They are Canadian publishers and have all the distribution channels in place to get it availablen anywhere in the world. The title is Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture. Here’s the elevator pitch: Farmers are feeling the pressure to implement climate smart strategies from outside forces. Governments are making international commitments and agribusinesses are responding to consumer demands and shareholder resolutions. The hype of regenerative agriculture keeps growing. But what actually works? I have spent two decades working with farmers on the Western Canadian Prairies. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I’ve spent the time critically reviewing the science behind the claims. Whether you are a farmer, an agronomist, or anyone that touches agriculture, this book will help you find the practices that help the planet and, just as importantly, farmers’ economic sustainability. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/practical-regeneration Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp):https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculturehttps://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies:https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespieX (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

03-11
11:08

603 Reminder: Where to find me

#RealisticRegenAg | February will be busy out meeting people and learning new things. Hey, what else is there to do in this climate? In this episode I’ll go over the places I’ll be in the upcoming month plus a new speaking engagement that has been added for March. And the book is on track to be ready for sale in March. More details in the March newsletter. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/meet-me-winter-2024-reminder Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp):https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies: https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespieX (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

02-12
08:54

602 Dude, Where’s my Nitrogen?

#RealisticRegenAg | Nitrogen is a challenging nutrient to rely on. In wet climates, it can easily leach deep into the soil. If tile drains are present, it can even run off into ditches and water bodies. In dry climates, nitrogen usually cannot be lost to depth, but it can become tied up in residue and may not be released until well after the crop needs it. For this month's regenerative agriculture news, I have selected articles that specifically address finding and retaining nitrogen in place. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Articles mentioned:https://www.covercropstrategies.com/articles/3025-podcast-can-we-count-the-nitrogen-credits-of-cover-crops-for-the-following-cash-crop https://fieldcropnews.com/2023/06/when-do-cover-crops-with-and-without-manure-applied-release-nitrogen-that-can-be-used-for-my-corn-crop/ https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/crso.20334 Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/dude-wheres-my-nitrogen Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp):https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies: https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/694402954469780275 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespieX (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

02-05
08:32

601 Meet me this winter

#RealisticRegenAg | It’s conference season so I’m hoping to meet a bunch of you at in person and online events this winter. I’ll be listing off all the places I’ll be later on in the episode. I’ll also be talking about the new WhatsApp channel that I have created, a new Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design service plus, for those that go to the site posting or watch the video, you’ll see a sneak peak of my new book cover: Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture. I’ll have all of this plus content summaries and information about the services that I offer in this audio, and video, newsletter update. If you want to get this to your email or on LinkedIn, check out the links in the description as well. Welcome to the sixth season of Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I that I offer for farmers and agribusiness. Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/meet-me-winter-2024 Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp):https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies: https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespieX (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

01-17
12:40

543 Precision Agronomy: Lessons from a semester of teaching

#RealisticRegenAg | In several episodes of this podcast, I've shared my experiences teaching Precision Agriculture to diploma and degree students at Lethbridge College. Teaching is a reciprocal process, and through it, I've gained valuable insights into the future of agriculture and the evolving landscape of agronomy in the upcoming years and decades. Join me in this final episode of the season as we delve into the key takeaways from the past semester. Welcome to Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I offer. Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/precision-agronomy Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp):https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies: https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/694402954469780275 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

12-26
07:01

542 Seager Wheeler

#RealisticRegenAg | A chance discovery in a used bookstore in Winnipeg introduced me to Seager Wheeler. He shared similarities with many settlers who arrived in the Canadian Prairies during the late 19th century, but he stood out above others as Western Canada’s Wheat King, gaining international recognition. What set him apart even more was the fact that he documented his experiences in a book. I stumbled upon a copy of "Profitable Grain Growing," dating back to the first printing in 1919. Join me in this episode as I delve into his life, his methods, and how you can access the entire book online if you're interested. Welcome to Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I offer. Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/seager-wheeler Free copy of the book:https://archive.org/details/cu31924003320680/page/n7/mode/2up Also search “Seager Wheeler Profitable Grain Growing” on your favourite book app or bookstore. It’s been reprinted by many publishers of late. Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp):https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies:https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespieX (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

12-21
06:39

541 From EEFs to Organic Challenges: This Month in Regenerative Ag

#RealisticRegenAg | You've heard me mention that enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, yet they seldom boost yields. But what if we adjusted their usage rates? This approach might make them more economically viable for farmers and more beneficial for the planet. In other news, I'll explore how long-term crop rotations benefit cash crops, the cost-benefit analysis of cover crop rotations, and a contentious issue in organic farming: Should organic growers facing unsolvable problems be permitted to temporarily revert to conventional methods to resolve these issues, and subsequently regain their organic certification? I'll delve into these stories, along with a few brief updates, in this month's roundup of regenerative agriculture news. Welcome to Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I offer. Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/from-EEFs-to-organic-challenges Articles mentioned in the podcast:https://www.producer.com/news/research-makes-case-for-superu/ https://www.realagriculture.com/2023/11/corn-school-how-rotation-impacts-yield-and-crop-resilience/ https://www.topcropmanager.com/flax-underperforms-on-canola-stubbl/ https://www.topcropmanager.com/cover-crops-a-powerhouse-tool-for-building-carbon/ https://www.futureecologies.net/listen/fe-4-8-ground-truthing https://www.futureecologies.net/listen/fe-5-6-making-a-living https://soilhealthinstitute.org/news-events/soil-health-institute-launches-slakes-a-free-smartphone-app-to-measure-soil-aggregate-stability/ https://www.agcanada.com/2023/12/are-buffer-strips-right-for-your-farm https://mailchi.mp/organicfederation/alternating-between-organic-and-conventional?e=6cca96f713 Realistic Regen Ag Channel (WhatsApp):https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBofw37NoZxtgHSRl3S My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies:https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespieX (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

12-12
08:56

540 End of Season Wrap

#RealisticRegenAg | You may have wondered where I got to? Or perhaps you didn’t notice I missed the November email. I was just getting ready to work on the email when I got sick. It seems to be a cold going around the area. It set me back for a few weeks which also set my teaching and client work back. I decided rather than rush a newsletter out I’d just skip November and go with December. Welcome to Plants Dig Soil, a podcast about #RealisticRegenAg. I’m your host, Scott Gillespie, and I’m an agronomist from the western Canadian prairies specializing in climate-smart agriculture. I discuss scientifically proven practices that benefit the planet and, just as importantly, farmers' economic sustainability. Be sure to visit my website, www.plantsdigsoil.com, for resources and information about the services I offer. Transcript is available:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/end-of-season-wrap Articles mentioned in the podcast:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/n20-cover-crops-manure-tillage https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/plants-dont-read-our-manuals https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/buffalo-bird-woman-book My consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting My funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork SCAP overview: https://youtu.be/0icitHJR2lk SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx My course: Profitable From the Start: Cover Crops for the Prairies:https://plantsdigsoil.thinkific.com/courses/cover-crops-prairies Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com  X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespieX (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie

12-04
10:33

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