On today’s episode, our guest is the agroecologist, systems thinker, educator, and author Nicole Masters. Originally from New Zealand, Nicole is one of the most well-respected voices on soil health and ecologically responsible grazing practices. She is also the author of the excellent book For the Love of Soil: Strategies to Regenerate Our Food Production Systems.
In this conversation, Nicole discusses her life-long connection to nature and the land, her early career that included growing avocados and being a worm farmer, her move from New Zealand to the American West, her process for writing, some common misconceptions about the idea of food scarcity, and much more.
--
Topics Covered:
1:25: Nicole’s upbringing
3:10 Traveling, education, and overseas experiences
4:40 When agriculture became a part of Nicole’s life
8:10 Nicole’s first jobs
9:30 Buying a farm and having a child
13:20 Jumping into agriculture head first, Nicole’s gratitude to her father
14:55 What brought Nicole to the United States
19:00 Being an outsider in the American West
22:00 How Nicole defines her work
25:00 Why don’t all ranches use regenerative methods?
30:00 Can ecological responsible practices feed the world?
33:50 Resources for people interested in regenerative soil science
35:00 Nicole’s book “For the Love of Soil”
37:00 Why did she write a book?
40:00 Finding the purpose of one's life
42:20 Advice for young people
45:50 How can people contribute to responsible agriculture
47:00 Where does Nicole see her career in 15 years
51:00 Why should a lifelong city dweller care about the land?
52:00 Common misconceptions about agriculture
53:00 Books Nicole recommends
54:15 What music Nicole has been listening to
54:50: What gives Nicole hope for the future
