Steve Groff, author of 'The Future-Proof Farm,' discussed regenerative farming techniques in a 2020 Earth911 podcast episode. He emphasized cover-cropping to restore soil health amid America's loss of over one-third of its topsoil in the past 150 years. The approach promises better yields and healthier food while transforming farm-to-store processes.
In the podcast 'Sustainability In Your Ear,' hosted by Earth911, Steve Groff, creator of widely used cover-cropping techniques, explored ways to preserve soil health through regenerative farming. Originally aired on November 30, 2020, the episode highlights how modern farming has depleted resources, with America losing more than one-third of its topsoil over the last 150 years. Groff's method mimics nature by planting year-round and minimizing tilling, aiming to restore carbon, living organisms, and nutrients in just 20 to 30 years.
Groff explained the technique's benefits: 'By planting fallow fields to keep the soil alive,' it provides better crop yields for farmers and healthier food for consumers. This regenerative approach not only improves farm sustainability and financial viability but also alters the entire supply chain, from growing and harvesting to transporting produce to store shelves.
The conversation also addressed marketing in sustainable farming. Groff stressed honesty: marketers and farmers must 'keep their word and avoid exaggerating their sustainability claims.' Several companies, including General Mills and Wrangler, have integrated his methods into their supply chains.
Listeners can learn more by visiting stevegroff.com or purchasing 'The Future-Proof Farm' to understand how cover-cropping enhances output and soil vitality. The episode underscores a shifting relationship between farms and grocery stores, driven by regenerative practices.