Regenerative Agriculture Podcast · John Kempf

Episode 165: Epigenetic Seed Adaptation and No-Till Success with Brad McIntyre

September 4, 2025·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

John Kempf kicks off a deep dive into epigenetic seed adaptation with fourth-generation farmer Brad McIntyre.

This episode of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast features host John Kempf in conversation with fourth-generation Idaho farmer Brad McIntyre. They explore the practical application of regenerative principles within the specific context of McIntyre's diverse operation in the Snake River Basin. The discussion centers on adapting farming practices to local environmental pressures and soil variability. McIntyre describes farming on smaller fields with diverse soil types under pressure from urban development. He explains his operation includes seed cleaning, custom farming, and managing a cow-calf herd alongside crop production. A core topic is his multi-year transition to a no-till system, which he adopted to improve soil structure and water infiltration. He details using cover crops like triticale and peas specifically to feed soil biology and cycle nutrients. The conversation delves into the concept of epigenetic adaptation in seeds, where McIntyre observes crops becoming better suited to his local conditions over successive generations. He shares an example of Austrian winter peas developing improved cold tolerance through on-farm seed saving. Kempf and McIntyre discuss the role of soil microbial communities, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, in supporting plant health and nutrient access. They examine how tillage disruption can negatively impact these symbiotic relationships. McIntyre argues that reducing synthetic nitrogen inputs can encourage plants to form stronger associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. He presents his experience of maintaining crop yields while decreasing fertilizer use through enhanced biological activity. A memorable insight is his view of the farm as an integrated organism where livestock, crops, and soil life are interconnected components. He suggests that many conventional agronomic problems, like compaction, are symptoms of disrupted soil biology rather than purely physical issues. The episode highlights the potential for cost reduction by substituting biological processes for purchased inputs. McIntyre describes observing tangible improvements in soil aggregation and water movement as his system matures. The tone is conversational and experience-based, focusing on practical farm management lessons learned through observation. The style is educational, blending farmer anecdotes with ecological principles. Listeners interested in no-till transitions, cover crop strategies, or on-farm seed selection will find concrete examples here. Those seeking a highly technical, data-driven scientific debate might find the episode less aligned with their preferences.

As heard by us

Seed adaptation can move faster than expected when local conditions shape the choices.

Brad McIntyre and John Kempf zero in on the part of regenerative agriculture that resists neat rules: seed adaptation, no-till management, and the way local conditions shape what a farm can actually do.

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Why you'd press play

If you want seed saving that can pay back surprisingly fast, listen here.

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