Cultivating New Pathways: Dr. Ken Mix on Regenerative Ag Education

Dec 29

Hi, y’all! Johanna here from the TX Soil Sisters.

(The podcast media player is below w/ links to things we talk about. Or listen here.)

**DR. KEN MIX** is the Director of the Small Producers Initiative (SPI) whose mission is to support small producers by providing opportunities and assistance that help build sustainable, thriving businesses while promoting environmental stewardship and long-term resilience. SPI helps program the Southern Family Farmers and Foods Systems Conference and statewide workshops on soil health and regenerative agriculture. Dr. Mix is also Professor of Soil and Crop Science at TXState University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students while actively advancing research and education in sustainable agriculture. And he leads the Soil, Plant, and Animal Health Research Continuum Lab (SPAHRC), housed in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Texas State University.
Connect with Dr. Mix here.

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, recorded on November 24, 2025, you’ll meet Dr. Ken Mix, the Director of the Small Producers Initiative and a professor of Soil and Crop Science at Texas State University. Dr. Mix discusses his experience educating the next generation of farmers and the recent rollout of regenerative agriculture degree pathways at the university level.

We discuss the challenges associated with off-ramping from conventional agriculture. We delve into farmers' mental health and initiatives to create supportive community networks. The conversation also touches on the newly established soil lab at Texas State University, which offers advanced soil testing services to support and enhance regenerative practices.

This episode explores the intersection of education, policy, and on-the-ground agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for collaboration and community to cultivate successful farming pathways that will save family farms and ranches.

Happy farming and healthy living, y’all.

Jo (and Crystal) ❤️

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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE:

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