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Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land

Soil Sisters: Rehabilitating Texas Farm and Ranch Land

Written by: Johanna Nuding Crystal Nuding
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The Soil Sisters podcast documents the journey of rehabilitating Texas farm and ranch land using regenerative practices - from land stewardship and intentional farm and ranch planning to growing industrial hemp, ancient grains, and nutrient-dense food for our communities. If you're a newbie to regenerative agriculture or simply curious to grow healthy food for your family, we invite you to dig in with the Soil Sisters.2024 TX Soil Sisters, LLC Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Are AI Data Centers Destroying Rural Texas? Water, Farms & Power with Clayton Tucker

    Are AI Data Centers Destroying Rural Texas? Water, Farms & Power with Clayton Tucker
    May 29 2026
    Former NSF water researcher, Texas Farmers Union secretary, and candidate for Texas Ag Commissioner, Clayton Tucker joins the Soil Sisters to discuss the rapid expansion of AI data centers across Texas—and why many farmers and rural communities are sounding the alarm. Tucker explains how large AI facilities are impacting water supplies, electricity prices, housing costs, health, and agricultural land in towns like Abilene and across rural Texas. The conversation explores concerns around power grid strain, backup generators, noise pollution and heat, effects on livestock, and the lack of transparency surrounding data center resource use. We also talk regenerative ranching, hemp, data center cooling alternatives, soil remediation, food monopolies, PFAS runoff, and Tucker’s campaign ideas for the future of Texas agriculture. Plus: school gardens, local organizing, and why he believes communities need a stronger voice in shaping AI infrastructure development. MEET OUR GUEST: Clayton Tucker is a former water researcher for the National Science Foundation, Secretary of the Texas Farmers Union, a fair trade organizer, and he helps manage his family ranch in Lampasas, TX. Clayton is running to be our next Texas Agriculture Commissioner to make food and farming affordable, protect our water, and put the brakes on AI Data Centers in our communities. Learn More & Get Involved: https://www.claytontuckertx.com/ | Connect Clayton Tucker on Social: @claytontuckertx on X, FB, IG, YT TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Meet Clayton Tucker 02:17 Ranch Roots and Regenerative Shift 06:05 Why Data Centers Alarm Farmers 08:50 Noise and Heat Impacts 15:03 Tech Fixes and Short Lifespans 17:25 Jobs Claims and Local Inflation 21:37 What Counts as AI Data 26:04 Power Grid Strain and Organizing 32:36 Water Risks and Water-Free Cooling 35:47 Hemp Oil and Texas Hemp Future 58:46 Food Policy And Monopolies 01:04:33 School Gardens For Kids 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Building a Farm-to-Consumer Regenerative Grocery Business

    Building a Farm-to-Consumer Regenerative Grocery Business
    May 19 2026

    How do you build a local food system that actually works at scale? Farmhouse Delivery founder Stephanie Scherzer joins the Soil Sisters podcast to discuss regenerative sourcing, seasonal eating, grocery delivery, and supporting more than 250 Texas farmers and food producers. Stephanie shares how her work at The Natural Gardener and Rain Lily Farm led to launching Farmhouse Delivery in 2009, and how the company has reinvested roughly $20 million into local agriculture while making fresh, sustainably raised food more accessible.

    Explore:

    • Regenerative farming and sourcing standards
    • Clean animal feed and no seed oils
    • Reducing food waste through meal kits and scratch cooking
    • Seasonal eating and food freshness
    • Farmer relationships and fair pricing
    • Local grocery logistics and delivery challenges
    • How consumer habits changed after 2020

    Plus: surprising Texas-grown crops, produce storage tips, prepared meals, and a SoilSisters15 discount code for first-time orders.

    Meet Our Guest: Stephanie Scherzer has spent over two decades focused on building and supporting local food systems. She founded Farmhouse Delivery in 2009 to connect consumers with sustainably raised local food while expanding market access for regional producers. Under her leadership, the company has partnered with over 250 Texas farmers and reinvested approximately $20 million into the local food economy.

    Connect and Grow: Visit Farmhouse Delivery at farmhousedelivery.com and follow them on social media @FarmhouseDelivery. To celebrate your initiation into this local food movement, use the code SoilSisters15 for 15% off your first order.

    💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚

    ✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨

    Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.

    ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️

    Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG

    🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.

    ---------------------------------

    Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.

    Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSisters

    Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Family Farming & Ranching in Texas: NRCS Programs, Regenerative Agriculture & Conservation with Kristy Oates

    Family Farming & Ranching in Texas: NRCS Programs, Regenerative Agriculture & Conservation with Kristy Oates
    Apr 28 2026
    Want to strengthen your family farm or ranch in Texas? Learn how NRCS programs, regenerative agriculture practices, and conservation funding can help you improve soil, water, and long-term profitability. In this episode of Soil Sisters, Kristy Oates, USDA NRCS Texas State Conservationist, breaks down the agency's mission, programs, and real-world support for working lands. We dig into EQIP and CSP funding, application timelines, and how payments actually work. Kristy also explains conservation easements, the new Regenerative Pilot Program, and how NRCS is working to simplify systems for producers. Learn how to connect with your local USDA Service Center, why you don't need to apply for funding to receive help, and how NRCS supports both novice and experienced producers. Whether you're new to NRCS or looking to navigate its programs better, this episode is your practical guide to getting started and making conservation work for your operation. MEET OUR GUEST: Kristy Oates is the State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas. Kristy leads a diverse workforce of approximately 600 employees in 228 field offices across Texas to deliver voluntary, private lands conservation assistance throughout the estimated 142 million acres of farms, ranches and family forests. Kristy holds a Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University and is a graduate of the USDA Emerging Leaders Development Program from The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters 00:39 Meet Kristy Oates 02:44 NRCS Origins and Mission 04:41 Technical Assistance Access 09:51 Kristy's Background 14:41 EQIP and CSP Basics 17:21 Funding Timelines and Payments 20:20 Conservation Easements Explained 25:43 Regenerative Pilot Program 30:53 Follow Up and Record Keeping 36:26 Getting Started at USDA Office 42:08 Practice Standards and Feedback 44:59 Local Workgroups and Priorities 46:56 Water Conservation Focus 54:11 More NRCS Programs and Partners 58:35 How NRCS Guides Newcomers 01:00:53 Get Involved in the State Technical Committee Meeting and Closing 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here.Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
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