Dive into the hidden legacy of Black American farming with author Natalie Baszile as she unpacks the complex relationship between African Americans and the land that has shaped our nation. This eye-opening conversation takes us through her journey creating "Queen Sugar" – the acclaimed novel adapted by Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey – and her anthology "We Are Each Other's Harvest," which brings to life the true stories of Black farmers across American history.

Baszile reveals how her ancestral connections to farming (her great-great-grandfather acquired 600 acres in Alabama after the Civil War) subtly influenced her writing path, creating a personal connection to stories that needed telling. With remarkable insight, she illuminates the systematic discrimination that led to Black farmers losing approximately 90% of their land throughout the 20th century, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience, innovation, and determination that have characterized the Black farming experience.

Basile's nuanced approach to a painful history makes this conversation particularly valuable. Rather than focusing primarily on injustice, she articulates how modern BIPOC farmers are recalibrating relationships with land, transforming narratives from "get away from the land" to understanding land as a valuable community asset. Through the Black Harvest Fund she established, Basile puts action behind her words, supporting organizations doing vital work for BIPOC people in agriculture.

This episode challenges us to broaden our understanding of American agricultural history beyond the stereotypical image of the white male farmer. As Basile powerfully states, "We have to broaden our understanding of who participated in this American experiment." Want to better understand the whole history of American farming and support a more equitable agricultural future? Start by exploring Natalie Basile's powerful books and consider contributing to initiatives that support Black farmers reclaiming their agrarian heritage.

Learn More About Natalie:

https://nataliebaszile.com/

https://nataliebaszile.com/black-harvest-fund

@nataliebaszile Instagram

We Are Each Other's Harvest

Kara's Offerings & Services:

https://www.landfoodlife.com/

https://www.balanceyourgut.com/

Join us for a compelling conversation with Florence Reed, the visionary founder of Sustainable Harvest International, as we tackle the urgent global challenges of deforestation and agricultural sustainability. Discover the transformative power of climate-smart subsistence farming practices in Central America and the significant role tropical forests play in our climate's health. Florence shares heartwarming stories from her work with rural farmers and a glimpse into her documentary "Roots of Renewal," which beautifully captures the magic of turning degraded lands into flourishing agroforestry systems that allow these farmers to thrive.

We'll unpack the short-sighted gains of traditional methods, like slash-and-burn, that lead to devastating land degradation and biodiversity loss, trapping farmers in cycles of poverty. Florence and I discuss how Sustainable Harvest International is breaking this cycle through an innovative multi-year program that empowers farming families with low-cost sustainable practices that promote soil health, improve nutrition, and reduce the dependency on harmful agrochemicals.

Learn how SHI's sustainable farming cohort programs are reshaping gender dynamics and empowering women to take a leading role in agricultural and financial decision-making. We also cover the critical role listeners can play in this impactful mission, ensuring a healthier and more equitable world for future generations.

Resources:

Learn about Kara's Land Food Life Community Cleanse & Reset 28-day program that starts January 2nd, 2025 https://www.landfoodlife.com/cleanse

Visit Sustainable Harvest International's website https://www.sustainableharvest.org/

Watch the Roots of Renewal documentary for free www.rootsofrenewal.info

Learn about Kara Kroeger and her holistic nutrition and agroecology education services https://www.landfoodlife.com/

Did you know birds navigate more habitats than almost any other species and are key indicators of planetary and human health? Join us on the Land Food Life podcast with Michael McGraw, an ecology and wildlife biologist, as he shares his journey from herpetology and ornithology to regenerative agriculture. Michael discusses conducting wildlife surveys and how grazing practices affect bird populations, biodiversity, and the nutrient density of our food.

This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical insights. Michael talks about his passion for birdwatching, which was sparked during Timber Rattlesnake observation in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and the use of tools like the Merlin app for bird identification. He explores bird song identification, its insights into ecosystems, and its therapeutic effects on human well-being.

Michael also discusses the documentary Roots So Deep by Peter Byck, in which he appears, highlighting adaptive multi-paddock grazing and its ecological benefits. We examine how mindful grazing impacts ranchers, soil health, and bird diversity. We conclude with an emphasis on increasing BIPOC agricultural land ownership to create a diverse, just, and equitable food system.

Resources:
https://princetonhydro.com/staff/michael-mcgraw/
https://rootssodeep.org/

Explore the nexus of agriculture and human nutrition as we learn about cutting-edge research focused on understanding how agricultural growing practices and biodiversity shape the nutrient density of the food on our plates and our well-being. In this episode, nutrition researcher Dr. Stefan Van Vliet from Utah State University enlightens us about his collaborations with farmers, ecologists, and agricultural and nutritional scientists to study the critical linkages at this nexus.

Our dialogue traverses the influence of our diets on health metrics, highlighting the stark differences between whole foods and their ultra-processed counterparts. Learn about the transformative power of a diverse array of whole foods as we dissect research findings that reveal rapid health benefits.

Equipped with the insights of my guest, we probe deeper into the complexities of phytonutrients, protein metabolism, and the innovative research connecting what's on our plate to the earth beneath our feet. We unravel the mysteries of metabolomics, a cutting-edge tool that's unlocking the understanding of the nutritional potential of our food, and discuss the concept of 'nutritional dark matter' that may hold the key to further health advancements. Whether you're a seasoned health enthusiast or just starting to question where your meals come from, this episode promises to feed your curiosity and fuel your motivation for creating a healthier tomorrow.

Show Notes:
https://stephanvanvliet.com/
https://caas.usu.edu/directory/vanvliet-stephan
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=L5KcySQAAAAJ&hl=en
Stephan van Vliet (@vanvlietphd) / X

Join me, Kara Kroeger, and one of my favorite chefs and mentors, Jesse Griffiths, as we embark on a fascinating exploration of Central Texas' vibrant wild and domesticated meat scene with a man who knows it like no other. Our rich dialogue interweaves Jesse's commitment to utilizing and supporting his local food system at a level few other chefs achieve, with stories from Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club, to his educational wild game hunting and cooking pursuits at the New School of Traditional Cookery. Jesse's passion shines as we unravel his journey from chef to celebrity huntsman to James Beard award-winning author of The Hog Book.

Our conversation weaves through the cultural and ecological landscapes of ethical hunting and meat consumption, and the art of respecting the entire animal. We delve into stories from Jesse's hunting school, the management of Texas's feral hog populations, and the challenges of integrating truly wild game into restaurant menus.

This episode is a celebration of our many local food sources through the lens of a truly thoughtful chef, from the meticulous joys of preparing small game to the evolving appreciation of grass-fed beef among Texan diners. We also highlight the untapped potential of unique domesticated beef varieties and his commitment to cooking with natural fats and steering clear of seed oils to preserve our health.

The podcast peaks with a discussion of Jesse's upcoming book, called The Turkey Book. Join us for an episode that promises to nourish your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the roots of what you eat.

Show Notes:
https://www.daidue.com
https://www.newschooloftraditionalcookery.com
https://www.thewildbooks.com
https://www.zeroacre.com/

Embark on a journey exploring regenerative farmscapes with myself, Kara Kroger, and the insightful Peter Brezny of Psycho Chicken Eco Farm. Together, we traverse the evolution from conventional to regenerative agriculture, uncovering the power of holistic farming practices. We promise a journey of enlightenment; from the role of energy efficiency and biological fertility to the perils of chemical dependencies, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about the future of farming, food, and our planet.

As we chart the course through our discussions, we honor the legacies of visionaries like Charles Walters of Acres USA and Rachel Carson author of Silent Spring, who've sparked a community eager for change. We examine the pivotal moments and conferences that have stitched together a tapestry of knowledge, encouraging soil-centric farming that mirrors the robustness of nature itself. The heartrending tales of bees decimated by insecticides and aquatic devastation serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions, while the success stories of farmers like Jimmy Emmons in Oklahoma illuminate the path toward a regenerative horizon.

Concluding the episode, we celebrate the microscopic marvels beneath our feet – the soil bacteria. These tiny but mighty organisms are the unsung heroes of plant growth and nutrition, shaping the health of our soil and, ultimately, the food on our plates. The conversation surges with passion, emphasizing the importance of consumer choices and the interconnectedness of our well-being with that of the earth. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and above all, equipped with knowledge that transcends the boundaries of conventional agriculture.

Can you imagine sitting down to chat with a plant, asking it to share its innate wisdom with you, and then taking the nourishing messages of its flavors into your body as food and medicine? Well, guess what, whether you know it or not we all do this to some degree everyday.

Tune in for an enriching conversation with renowned Range Scientist, Dr. Fred Provenza and myself, your Land Food Life Podcast host Kara Kroeger. In this conversation Fred beautifully weaves his journey, from uncovering the remarkable functions of plants as food for livestock to appreciating their profound role in our social constructs, health, and spirituality. Together, we explore the powerful lessons that can be learned by recognizing the threads that weave all beings - humans, plants, insects, animals, land, and water - together and how anchoring ourselves with nature can regenerate our frazzled nervous systems and ecosystems.

Fred also shares about a time period when life pulled the rug out from under his feet, which opened the door to an ineffable feeling of oneness with the universe. Drawing inspiration from Fred and I's personal experiences, we explore the transcendental peace that can emerge from facing life-altering situations, like a health crisis. Through our personal anecdotes, we offer a unique perspective on cultivating an eco-centric vs. an ego-centric lifestyle through tethering ourselves to nature as a means of deepening our relationship with self and all that surrounds us.

Books Referenced:

Nourishment by Fred Provenza
The Art of Sheepherding by Fred Provenza
Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
The Power of Now by Echart Tolle
The Soul of the Indian by Charles Eastman
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell

What if disruption wasn't something to be feared, but rather embraced as a catalyst for growth and change? Join us for an unforgettable conversation with the steadfast Kelsey Scott, a woman who's redefining what disruptions means in her life to evolve as a human being. As a Lakota tribeswoman raised on The DX Ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, Kelsey's unique insights on embracing disturbance, managing pressure, and enhancing resilience are informed by her life experiences on the ranch and her innovative approaches to engagement in Indian Agriculture as the Chief Strategy Officer of the Intertribal Agriculture Council.

In our enlightening conversation with Kelsey, we tap into the wisdom she's garnered from working closely with cattle and horses, and learning the power of pressure and release - not just with these majestic animals, but also in her everyday life. Kelsey shares with us the parallels she's drawn between these techniques and the cycles of the ecosystem. A discussion that begins with managing physical aches and pains expands into a profound exploration of overcoming anxiety and the importance of establishing a homeostasis for overall wellbeing.

As our conversation winds down, Kelsey offers her perspective on the strides she and her father, the USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator, have taken in strategizing new ways to improve the quality of life for BIPOC agricultural leaders and producers. As we explore the power of resilience and community appreciation, we also dive into Kelsey's unique marketing strategies for DX Beef and how they've positively impacted her local community. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, offering a new outlook on embracing disturbance, managing pressure, and enhancing resilience in our lives. Tune in to be inspired and learn something new.

References:

Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman, - Horsemanship

https://thedxranch.com/
https://www.projecth3lp.org/
https://www.indianag.org/