![](https://i0.wp.com/quiviracoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/QC-Podcast-Banner.jpg?resize=1080%2C136&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/quiviracoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Mike-Callicrate-300x202.jpg?resize=300%2C202&ssl=1)
The deck is stacked against family farmers. Here’s one rancher’s powerful response.
Mike Callicrate is a rancher who started out in industrial feedlot cattle production, but converted to principles of animal husbandry and regenerative agriculture when he saw how exploitive a system he was working in — exploitive of the the land, the animals, and the farmers themselves. Even the meat itself wasn’t very good.
Because of Callicrate’s unusual combination of business sense, political smarts, raw intelligence, and caring for the animals and the larger community, he has been able to make a business work that is based on regenerative principles. But, as he explains, it would take a major shift in agriculture policy to fix our system so that we have healthy and sustainable food, land, and communities.
More Episodes
Episode 171 – Empowering Women in Agriculture
Empowering Women in Agriculture Women have been invisible in agriculture for too long: not counted in the census, not taken seriously for their work and management achievements, excluded from access to capital and credit––and even farm equipment is not made for their...
Episode 170 – The Wild Adventures of a New Mexico Hemp Farmer
The Wild Adventures of a New Mexico Hemp Farmer Doug Fine was an international journalist before he moved to New Mexico to start a polyculture farm and embrace a rural way of life. He’s the author of six books, including four on hemp and cannabis, and his film...
Episode 169 – Sarah Wentzel-Fisher on Working Lands, Community, Science, and more
Sarah Wentzel-Fisher on working lands, community, science, and more Sarah Wentzel-Fisher is executive director of Quivira Coalition. A native of South Dakota, she came to her work in agriculture and leadership via a circuitous path that included the creative arts,...
Episode 168 – Pueblo Values + Engineering Expertise = Resilient Landscapes
Pueblo Values + Engineering Expertise = Resilient Landscapes Phoebe Suina grew up on Cochiti and San Felipe Pueblos in New Mexico, where she learned about land, water, cultural values and practices from her extended family and community. With advanced degrees in...
Episode 167 – Documentary Digs Deep into Grazing Science — and Society
Documentary digs deep into grazing science — and society A decade ago, documentary filmmaker and musician Peter Byck brought together a diverse group of scientists who were studying agriculture from a whole-system perspective — something that was, and still is,...
Episode 166 – Saving Seeds, Saving Ecosystems
Saving Seeds, Saving Ecosystems Seed Savers Exchange is a small non-profit that's making a big difference. For a half century, they've been saving seeds, getting them out into gardens, telling their stories — and cultivating biodiversity that has been diminished with...
Episode 165 – Investing in Regenerative Ag
Investing in Regenerative Ag Dirt Capital Partners takes a "slow money" perspective on investing, helping farmers get land access and regenerate not only the soil but also their communities. Amanda Zakharov is director of investments and Martín Lemos is director of...
Episode 164 – From Suburban Chicago to Rural Montana: the Journey of a Bison Rancher
From Suburban Chicago to Rural Montana: the Journey of a Bison Rancher Matt Skoglund was an attorney with a conservation non-profit, but over time was drawn to work on the land. With no prior agrarian experience he started a successful bison ranch using regenerative...
Episode 163 – A Matter of Conscience: Will Harris on Regenerating an Industrial Ranch
A Matter of Conscience: Will Harris on Regenerating an Industrial Ranch In his new book, Will Harris describes the moment when he saw that his industrial ranch was cruel to animals and bad for the land. Before he'd ever heard the phrase "regenerative grazing" he...
Episode 162 – The Robber Barons of Today’s Food Industries
The Robber Barons of Today's Food Industries Iowan Austin Frerick saw his home state transform from a world of farms to one of toxic factory food and hollowed out rural communities. Yet he offers optimism and real solutions. Austin Frerick grew up in Iowa, which in...