Episode Details

In this Podcast Extra, John Kempf speaks with Dr. Michael McNeill at the Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference in December 2025. During their conversation, they field questions from the audience and dive deep into the intersection of macroeconomics, history, and the future of farming.

Topics discussed include:

• The historical context of the 1962 "Adaptive Program for Agriculture" and its intentional design to reduce the American farm population.

• Personal reflections on the 1980s farm crisis and the role of high-interest rates in driving farm bankruptcies and consolidation.

• Strategies for developing resilient farming systems that can withstand economic shifts, political changes, and climate volatility.

• A vision for a "major reset" in American agriculture within the next five years, shifting toward either massive consolidation or smaller food-as-medicine operations.

• The critical role of collaboration and mentorship between older and younger generations to facilitate land transition and knowledge sharing

Additional Resources To learn more about Acres U.S.A, please visit:

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