John Kempf, BASS Hybrids: Corn's Regenerative Future

This podcast extra features a discussion between John Kempf of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) and Ed Baumgartner and Andrew Dixon of BASS Hybrids, focusing on the future of corn production through regenerative practices. The conversation centers on transitioning away from conventional, chemical-intensive farming methods towards biological systems, particularly in corn cultivation.

A key aspect of the discussion revolves around the use of microbial inoculants, such as Biocoat Gold, as a biological seed treatment. The participants highlighted how such treatments can establish a foundation for improved plant health and resilience over the long term. They explored the concept of the "rhizophagy cycle," a process where plants actively recruit and internalize soil microbes to fulfill their nutritional requirements, essentially "consuming" them for sustenance.

The conversation also touched upon observations regarding interseeded companion crops in corn fields. Contrary to the common assumption that these crops would merely compete for resources, the discussion indicated that they have been observed to actually increase corn yields. This suggests a synergistic relationship rather than a competitive one.

Another significant point raised was the potential to delay the "black layer" stage in corn by up to 12 days through optimal biological nutrition. This delay is crucial as it allows for an extended grain filling period, leading to an increase in test weight, which is a key indicator of grain quality and yield.

The effectiveness of biological treatments was also addressed, specifically their utility even when applied to seeds that have already been pre-coated with traditional fungicides. This suggests that biological inoculants can still provide benefits without being negated by conventional chemical treatments.

Furthermore, the discussion explored how a diverse and healthy microbial population in the soil can naturally contribute to lowering excessive levels of sodium and chloride in irrigation systems. This indicates a broader environmental benefit of biological farming beyond just crop health.

Strategies for reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers while maintaining high-yield performance in corn were also a central theme. The participants emphasized that biological approaches offer a pathway to achieve this, promoting both environmental sustainability and economic viability for farmers.

John Kempf, as the founder of AEA, brings extensive expertise in biological and regenerative farming to the discussion. AEA, established in 2006, aims to provide farmers with education, tools, and strategies to foster a global impact on food production. Kempf's approach is rooted in a comprehensive, systems-based understanding of plant nutrition, integrating plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology. AEA supports growers by offering liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants, informed by advanced plant and soil data analysis. Their programs are designed to help farm operations achieve desired crop quality markers, leading to healthier soil, stronger crops, and increased profitability on millions of acres. Beyond direct grower support, AEA is also a significant contributor to regenerative agriculture media and education, producing podcasts, webinars, and other educational content for a global audience of growers.