Podcast
Regenerative Farming News
Hosted by Heather Heinrichs · ENGLISH
A weekly podcast where we dig into the latest stories, innovations, and voices shaping regenerative agriculture across Western Canada. From soil health and grazing strategies to funding programs and farmer success stories, this channel is your go-to hub for practical insights and inspiring conversations that build resilient farms and thriving communities.
🎙️ New episodes drop weekly — subscribe to stay connected with the regenerative movement!
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 18 - Nov. 23, 2025
Nov 2300:31:05Tap to summarizeHeather recaps highlights from the MFGA regenerative agriculture conference and celebrates The Narwhal’s major article profiling Saskatchewan farmers like Calvin Gavelin, Mark and Laura Hoimer, and Rob Wunder. Their stories show how cover crops, improved grazing, and compost-based fertility are rebuilding Prairie soils and reducing input costs.She then shares important updates: Manitoba’s new Forage Advantage Pilot will reward farmers who seed marginal acres to perennial forage, and PepsiCo plans to expand regenerative acres to over 500,000 across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with farmers able to access up to $5,000 per year through partner programs.The episode closes with Rick Clark’s keynote, where he explains how he farms 5,600 organic no-till acres with zero synthetic inputs, focusing on diversity, living roots, and soil armor. Heather ends by encouraging listeners to support local food, visit farmers markets, and stay tuned for next week’s interview with Tanis Axten.
Transcribe →Episode 17 - Nov. 7, 2025
Nov 1600:37:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I share what I learned from attending a Holistic Management Canada weekend course on Personal Leadership with author and speaker David Irvine. We explore what it means to lead authentically—on the farm, in our families, and in our communities—and how honesty, vulnerability, and connection can make us better farmers and better people.I also dive into the launch of Johnston’s Regenerative, a Prairie ag company bridging conventional and regenerative systems. While I applaud their effort to make the transition easier for farmers, I remind listeners that the real power of regeneration belongs to the land—and to farmers themselves.In my Editorial segment, I compare soil health to a muscle—it weakens when we rely too much on chemicals, but grows stronger when we let biology and diversity do the work. And I share a little story about selling my truck to a couple of regenerative ranchers, which gave me hope that this movement is spreading faster than we realize.This episode is all about encouragement—being real, building trust, and remembering that each of us has the power to make a difference for the land, our communities, and the future of farming.
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Episode 16 - Oct. 19. 2025
Oct 1901:02:02Tap to summarizeSome thoughts on green manure crops and an interview with Bluesette Campbell, president of Holistic Management Canada.
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Episode 15 - Oct. 12, 2025
Oct 1300:56:25Tap to summarizeA little more off the cuff style of episode with an interview with Kevin Elmy about what farmers can do to combat the kochia weeds.
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Episode 14 - Oct. 5, 2025
Oct 600:49:55Tap to summarizeHarvest is wrapping up across the Prairies, and Heather breaks down what it means for farmers — from yield pressures to the shift toward profit-focused, regenerative practices. Then she chats with Keri Sapsford, founder of The Backyard & Compost Corner in Prince Albert, about how composting and community education can spark big change, even in small city spaces.
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Episode 13 - Sept. 28, 2025
Sep 2900:44:59Tap to summarizeThis episode of Regenerative Farming News covers Prairie harvest progress, the decline in food nutrition linked to chemical farming, and an inspiring interview with rancher and Holistic Management educator Kelly Sidoryk on building resilient, profitable farms for the next generation.
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Episode 12 - Sept. 21, 2025
Sep 2200:26:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Regenerative Farming News, Heather shares harvest updates from Alberta and Saskatchewan, explores a holistic approach to soil health with insights from Olds College researcher Semeton Amosu, and highlights funding opportunities for farmers through Ducks Unlimited Canada. The main feature takes listeners to a tour of the Tavanetz Ranch near Biggar, Saskatchewan, where bale grazing and holistic management practices were on full display. Hear from ranchers Rod and Val Petrie, Dean and Rita Tavanetz, and Philip and Lorraine Griebel about rotational grazing, soil fertility, and the promise of tools like GPS e-collars. It’s a practical, inspiring look at how producers across the Prairies are adapting and building resilience from the ground up.
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Episode 11 - Sept 14, 2025
Sep 1400:34:36Tap to summarizeThis week we dig into practical, right-now funding to kickstart regenerative practices on the Prairies—what OFCAF covers through 2028, how reimbursements work (up to 85%, max $75k), and the nuts-and-bolts of cover crops, rotational grazing, and smarter nitrogen use. We also break down why true no-till drills are moisture-saving, soil-building tools, not just seeding equipment. Along the way, you’ll hear farmer stories about lowering stress, improving profitability, and bringing the next generation back to the farm. Plus: conference notes for MFGA’s Regenerative Ag Conference (Nov 12–13, Brandon) and Holistic Management Canada’s 2026 gathering in Taber. P.S. The show is now on YouTube—same Prairie voices and real-world insights, just easier to share. Follow, rate, and pass this episode to a neighbour who’s curious about making climate-smart farming pay.
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Episode 10 - Sept. 7, 2025
Sep 701:03:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Regenerative Farming News, Heather shares inspiring stories from Alberta farmers who say they’ll never go back after experiencing the benefits of cover cropping. From boosting yields in dry years to creating healthier, more resilient soils, these farmers are proving that regenerative practices work on the Canadian prairies. Heather is also joined by Canada’s “cover crop guru,” Kevin Elmy, PAg, a third-generation farmer, who explains how even weeds can reveal what our soils need. Kevin shares powerful insights on shifting from chasing yield to chasing profit per acre—and how biology, not chemicals, should be running the show. Plus, Heather highlights a couple of upcoming regenerative agriculture events you won’t want to miss. It’s a packed episode full of practical wisdom, powerful stories, and encouragement for anyone looking to build healthier soils and stronger farms.
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Episode 9 - Aug 31, 2025
Sep 100:36:22Tap to summarizeCovering news about the recent Open Farm Days in Alberta, field research on chickpea and flax combination crops, and an upcoming regenerative conference in Manitoba. Also we have the second half of the interview with Calvin Gavelin from Gavelin Farms, McCord, SK.
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