LSP's Ear to the Ground features in-the-field interviews with farmers, scientists, activists, and others involved with creating a regenerative, sustainable farm and food system. It is the official podcast of the Land Stewardship Project.
What do you do when your county has the highest cancer rate in the state and the local river experiences a catastrophic fish kill? Denise O’Brien, Larry Harris, and their neighbors responded by asking an important question: “What’s in the water?” (4th in a series on nitrates, farming, and water)
More Information:
• Nishnabotna Water Defenders (https://www.nishnabotnawaterdefenders.org/)
• LSP’s Rethinking Nitrogen Campaign (https://landstewardshipproject.org/healthysoil/nitrogen-reduction/)
• 1st in the “Nitrates, Farming, and Water” LSP podcast series: “Run Silent, Run Deep” (https://landstewardshipproject.org/podcast/ear-to-the-ground-411-run-silent-run-deep/)
• 2nd in the “Nitrates, Farming, and Water” LSP podcast series: “ABG” (https://landstewardshipproject.org/podcast/ear-to-the-ground-412-abg/)
• 3rd in the “Nitrates, Farming, and Water” LSP podcast series: “The View from Downstream” (https://landstewardshipproject.org/podcast/ear-to-the-ground-413-the-view-from-downstream/)
• LSP Blog: Rocket Surgery, Farming & Water (https://landstewardshipproject.org/rocket-surgery-farming-water/)
21 Oct 2026
Ear to the Ground 413: The View from Downstream
Making sure 600,000 people are consistently consuming water that meets health standards for nitrates is Amy Kahler’s job. That’s a big challenge when the land upstream is some of the most productive crop ground in the country. (3rd in a series on nitrates, farming, and water)
More Information:
• 1st in the “Nitrates, Farming, and Water” LSP podcast series: “Run Silent, Run Deep” (https://landstewardshipproject.org/podcast/ear-to-the-ground-411-run-silent-run-deep/)
• 2nd in the “Nitrates, Farming, and Water” LSP podcast series: “ABG” (https://landstewardshipproject.org/podcast/ear-to-the-ground-412-abg/)
• LSP’s Rethinking Nitrogen Campaign (https://landstewardshipproject.org/healthysoil/nitrogen-reduction/)
• LSP Blog: Rocket Surgery, Farming & Water (https://landstewardshipproject.org/rocket-surgery-farming-water/)
• Des Moines Water Works (https://www.dmww.com/)
• Currents of Change: An Analysis of the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers in Central Iowa (https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/media/lixlchbz/ciswra-currents-of-change_final-scientific-assessment-of-source-water-research-report_jun272025.pdf)
20 Oct 2026
Ear to the Ground 412: ABG
Nutrient management expert Matthew Helmers has researched how certain land use practices can have a “disproportionate impact” when it comes to nitrate pollution reduction. He says it all starts with focusing on a simple mantra: “always be growing.” (2nd in a series on nitrates, farming, and water)
More Information:
• 1st in the “Nitrates, Farming, and Water” LSP podcast series: “Run Silent, Run Deep” (https://landstewardshipproject.org/podcast/ear-to-the-ground-411-run-silent-run-deep/)
• LSP’s Rethinking Nitrogen Campaign (https://landstewardshipproject.org/healthysoil/nitrogen-reduction/)
• Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (https://www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu/)
• LSP Blog: Rocket Surgery, Farming & Water (https://landstewardshipproject.org/rocket-surgery-farming-water/)
• Matthew Helmers Contact Information (https://www.engineering.iastate.edu/people/profile/mhelmers/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Contact LSP's Ear to the Ground
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of LSP's Ear to the Ground?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
