About this episode
In this Podcast Extra, John Kempf speaks with Dr. Michael McNeill at the Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference in December 2025. During their conversation, they field questions from the audience and dive deep into the intersection of macroeconomics, history, and the future of farming. Topics discussed include: The historical context of the 1962 "Adaptive Program for Agriculture" and its intentional design to reduce the American farm population. Personal reflections on the 1980s farm crisis and the role of high-interest rates in driving farm bankruptcies and consolidation. Strategies for developing resilient farming systems that can withstand economic shifts, political changes, and climate volatility. A vision
