Season 2, Episode 9: Covid-19 and Soil Health with Gary McDonald

Into the Weeds

Gary McDonald has been consulting with transitioning and certified organic farmers for over 30 years, and farming himself for many of those. His home range is south central IL, but I’ve seen Gary present and inspire across the Midwest. He’s a row crop cultivation guru, a tireless organic advocate and educator, and a consistent champion for productive, biologically active organic farms. I always appreciate, and am sometimes challenged, by Gary’s thoughts and perspectives. Today we talk about what some are calling the ‘war’ with Covid19, when to work your fields, the connections between soil health and human health, foundational soil health principles, and much more. We’re here, in central Illinois, as Gary gets ready for a great season. Pull up a chair and let’s listen in. This episode is one of seven in which we take a digital road trip, checking in via phone with growers from Missouri on up to Canada about how they and the communities they live in are reacting to Covid-19. So hop in, buckle up, and hit the virtual road with us for this special spring 2020 series of Into the Weeds podcasts: Road trip edition. Show notes - Video series with Gary McDonald talking row crop cultivation: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr2Fb2Gh3HiEMqJRcvoQyNv2G7jDcoaHy - Consulting contact info – 217-341-5073: