Cultivating A Healthier World

We were excited to be featured in an article in The Nutshell following a recent talk at The Joint NNGA/CGA Conference held in Columbia, Missouri, on July 23-26, 2024.

Here's an excerpt from the article, or check out the full story using the link at the bottom of this article.

In the evolving landscape of agriculture, where the health of our planet and the quality of our food are increasingly vital concerns, individuals like Jeff Polfer are leading the way with innovative solutions. Jeff is the creator of EarthBrew®, a line of biostimulant products designed to transform agriculture by focusing on natural, regenerative processes. He is not only a citizen scientist but also a farmer, testing and applying his products on his own farm in Postville, Iowa, alongside his wife Karla, as well as many of his clients in the northeast region of Iowa.

While Jeff’s degrees in conservation management and biology guide his work in this space, his hands-on observations and attentive trial and error over several decades have led him to discover and understand the intricate relationships among microbes and plants. This understanding translates into the development of his EarthBrew® products that are increasingly drawing attention from farmers and nut growers, for both their natural ingredients and positive impact on soil, plants, and trees.

Polfer's dedication stems from a profound understanding of humanity's impact on the natural world, a realization that began in his youth and was reinforced by witnessing the detrimental effects of agricultural chemicals on wildlife and water supplies. He observed birds being "engulfed by agricultural chemicals" and believes these practices are killing insects, polluting water, making livestock sick, and causing preventable diseases. This conviction fuels the company’s mission, "Growing Back Our World".

Jeff’s journey in working with soil health dates back to 2010 when his curiosity became more intentional and he began many years of trial and error, learning what inhabits the soil and watching how various microbes impact its health.

By 2019, Jeff’s consistent exploration led to the creation of two formal products, Liquid Extract and BioChar. Jeff is also highly involved in working with chestnut growers throughout the upper-Midwest, potting and selling upwards of 2,000 seedlings each year out of his Certified State of Iowa Woodland Harvest, Tree Seedling, and Nursery. Nearly one-quarter of Polfer’s time and product are now involved with grove planting and tree health.

TRANSFORMING SOIL AND HOW WE GROW

Through Jeff’s company (earthbrewforlife.com) and products, his work provides numerous benefits for crop growers and the wider ecosystem, addressing critical issues such as the dwindling bee population, dying birds, polluted water supplies, and the need for higher-quality food, competitive yields, and healthier livestock. When it comes to nut trees, all this translates into healthier groves and stronger yields.

Jeff’s goals through his work are to foster:

• Serve all aspects of plant production: Agricultural, greens, lawns, trees, and flowers.

• Improved Crop Health and Quality: Healthy plants flourish, smell better, taste better, and naturally deter pests. It also helps plants grow better and become more nutrient-dense.

• Increased Yields and Economic Efficiency: Increased yields and a more economical approach than conventional methods, saving farmers money on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides.

• Soil Regeneration: Soil regenerates itself, improving the health of soil, bringing depleted land "back to life" by making the soil black and alive. Regeneration allows the soil to do the work, reducing the need for external inputs.

• Environmental Safety: By reducing the need for chemical sprays and inorganic fertilizers or pesticides, growers can create a safer environment for pets, livestock, and humans.

Jeff’s EarthBrew® approach is the result of extensive research and collaboration with naturalists and farmers, and work is ongoing to provide accredited research with universities and private enterprise.

Click here to read case studies,pages 28-30, with specialty crops and nut trees in the full article.