Episode 105: Moving From Organic to Regenerative Management with Steven Cardoza

Steven Cardoza is a second-generation organic raisin grape grower. His 400-acre farm is south of Fresno, California. His father transitioned from conventional to organic growing in 1998 after discovering some of the inputs he was using were making him ill. Steven took over the business in 2017 with a massive jumpstart on the pathway to regenerative agriculture. Since moving from an organic to a regenerative approach, Steven has changed his management methods to enact many exciting results such as increased soil organic matter, increased yields and quality, and the elimination of pesticide use.
In this episode, John and Steve discuss:
Tillage reduction
Spider mite challenges
Nutrition management on organic vs regenerative systems
Cover crop management
Water percolation in sandy soil
AEA products and applications
Additional Resources To hear more about Steven’s regenerative journey, watch this video: • Eliminating Organic Pe... The Regenerative Agriculture Podcast with Greg Pennyroyal: regenerativeagriculturepodcas...
The Regenerative Agriculture Podcast with Mike Omeg: regenerativeagriculturepodcas...
About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.
Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition - a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.
Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.
AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most. AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.
Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.
Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: www.advancingecoag.com
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VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: • How regenerative agric...

[@wilebaldoludwig8953]

Definitely inspiring, his dad's wisdom from experience led him to see the benefits and support the positive change. We wish them the best ! Great interview, thanks !

[@TheFarmacySeedsNetwork]

Thank you for another excellent conversation! As far as a practical walkthrough on cover cropping, I just released a series and it includes information directly from you, John. Cheers!

[@trenomas1]

If you're already reincorporating trimmings in winter, I think that would be a good time to introduce biochar. They could even char the trimmings, soak them in fertilizer, then till the char in.

[@AmarSingh-hn3lj]

Thanks Great post 👍

[@user-qs8rm9wf7h]

I think when you till your increasing surface area in a negative way wich helps dust dry soil out quicker and other problems

[@jontaylor1365]

Another fantastic prove of the power of regenerative practice. However I thought spider mites (like other leaf sucking insects) were attracted to high levels of nitrate rather than ammonium? Or is it simply any form of nitrogen than is not getting converted to amino acids that's the problem? I have started applying more manganese because the sap analysis I've done so far always says it's very low. I had some aphids on overwintering cabbage seedling that disappeared or died overnight after an application of manganese. Sometimes it's hard to understand the connections!

[@abigail01441]

If Mr. Cardoza was speaking in health food store terms about a human, what he is describing would be called a "healing crisis".

[@andrewwoodruff9773]

What an inspirational story by such an open minded and thoughtful person. I hope Mr. Cardoza’s success and willingness to share it with others will have an influence on his neighbors. We need generative farmers that can articulate their experiences and share their paths to a profitable future that is not reliant on so many pesticides. One of the best interviews to date! Thank you!

[@marlan5470]

I'd love to see Mr. Cardoza's thinking "infect" the raisin grape growers of Europe.

[@AlSwearengen4]

It's unfortunate that the term "regenerative" has already been hijacked and used to greenwash all manner of things in the grocery store.