The Legacy of the Soil | Guest Roger McKinley (McKinley Family Farms & Educational Center)
In this episode of Play Hard & Love Big Radio, Nick Clark sits down with Roger McKinley, Director of McKinley Family Farms and Educational Center. Roger shares his journey from working with educational toy companies and running a ranch supply business to his current mission: pioneering regenerative agriculture in the Treasure Valley. The conversation dives deep into Roger’s vision for a "living farm" in Idaho—a project designed to reconnect the community with sustainable food systems and provide hands-on education for the next generation. Roger discusses the "triangle" of modern agriculture and explains why he believes shifting the focus back to soil health is essential for our collective well-being. Key highlights from the episode include: The Evolution: How Roger’s background in education and supply industries led him to advocate for soil health and plant physiology. The Project: Details on Phase 1 of McKinley Family Farms, including a learning center, greenhouses, and a "working operational farm" designed for students and families. The Legacy: Why Roger is focusing on a nonprofit model to give back to the community and honor his family's agricultural roots. Health and Nutrition: A look at the correlation between soil quality and human health, and why Roger believes "you are what you eat." Community Connection: The importance of getting "grounded" in the dirt and building a space where neighbors can volunteer and grow together. Host: Nick Clark Guest: Roger McKinley (Director of McKinley Family Farms and Educational Center) Location: Recorded on-site at Anderson Reserve in Sweet, Idaho.

