Down to Earth
Down to Earth is a podcast about regenerative agriculture. It’s about the place where food production and conservation come together, where the food we eat actually improves the health of land, water, people—and climate.
Above all, it’s a podcast about hope. We focus not on doom but instead on people who are developing practical, innovative solutions. We invite you to meet farmers, ranchers, scientists, land managers, writers, and many others on a mission to create a world in which the food we eat is healthy—for us, for wildlife, for the lives and livelihoods of the producers, and for the planet.
Recent Programs
Animal welfare is good for everyone—including farmers
Adam Mason of the ASPCA makes the argument that healthy farm animals actually help farmers to thrive—and benefit land, air, and water. He talks about how farmers are making the transition away from industrial/conventional.
1000 Farms Initiative: A new paradigm of science in service of farmers
Scientist and farmer Jonathan Lundgren is helping to change the paradigm of agricultural science to one that expands the measures success to include the regeneration of land and health of people.
Virtual fencing—new technology that benefits both ranching and land conservation
The Nature Conservancy partners with ranchers on virtual fencing, a new technology that keeps animals in delimited areas through GPS collars—resulting in labor saving, wildlife conservation, and land health.
Regenerating a desert wetland oasis
On New Mexico’s Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Don Boyd and David & Hui-Chun Johnson are restoring agricultural soils—to grow food for migrating waterfowl.
The awe-inspiring beauty hidden in our food
Artist and science educator Robert Dash creates art from micro- and macroscopic photographs of food crops. His new book explores both the science of our food system and the role of art in finding a more healthy and loving way forward.
Painterland Sisters Yogurt: Regeneration at every step from farmer to consumer
Hayley and Stephanie Painter saved their farm by creating a national yogurt brand—and they’re committed to fostering not only nutrient dense, regenerative food, but also health at every level of the supply chain.
Our Roots
Down to Earth is produced by Mary-Charlotte Domandi, long-time public radio and podcast producer/host, in collaboration with the Quivira Coalition, a non-profit organization that promotes healthy agricultural lands and food systems across the West—and across the world.
We’re dedicated to the idea of the Radical Center, in which people from divergent political, cultural, and professional worlds leave their differences aside and come together to work on the things they believe in—healthy soil, landscapes, and food…clean water and air…wise use of science and technology…and flourishing rural communities.
