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S6 E8 - From Traditional Roots to Regenerative Revolution, Larry Lempka
Larry has been on the same farm since 1971 working on the river bottom land south of Berthoud, CO on the Little Thompson River, near the historic Overland Trail.
He has raised commercial produce starting with his first crop of fresh peas in 1974 while still in high school. He has since raised green beans, onions, sweet corn, pickles, sugar beets, brewing barley, wheat, pinto beans and picking and silage corn as well as hay.
He has recently converted to using regenerative farming practices, raising heritage grains including wheat, barley, triticale and buckwheat. Along with a large garden he raises tomatoes, peppers and herbs in a high tunnel.
Livestock has always been a passion and has increased his herd of cattle which were liquidated after the 2013 flood to include grass fed beef with 30 mother cows. In addition he raises pasture raised hogs, and eggs from his chickens, with plans to expand into pasture raised poultry with every enterprise being sold direct to consumer.
He has been on several boards, has worked closely with CSU and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on a water quality study and was involved with the establishment of the Colorado STAR Program (Saving Tomorrows Ag Resources) and is a member of the Colorado CEWL (Coalition to Save Working Soils) along with CHSSP (Citizen Science Soil Health Program).
He attained the American Farmer Degree with the Future Farmers of America, was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity and has a degree from Colorado State University in Ag Business with a minor in Agronomy.
