In this transformative episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon reconnects with Dale Overton, founder of Overton Environmental Enterprises Inc., for a deep dive into the future of soil health, microbial science, and climate-smart agriculture. Broadcasting live from the Heritage headquarters in downtown Phoenix during a sustainability conference, this episode is filled with practical insights and inspiring stories from the front lines of environmental innovation.

Dale shares his journey from quantitative ecology and reclamation projects to becoming a global pioneer in biologically-based farming products. With over a million acres impacted and clients ranging from major food processors to high-profile urban landscapes like Google’s San Jose campus and YouTube headquarters, Overton’s story exemplifies how ecological expertise and entrepreneurial strategy can create massive change.

Listeners will learn how Dale developed Eco Tea®, a suite of biologically engineered soil amendments designed to boost plant resilience, nutrient uptake, and soil microbiology. From liquid seed coatings that replace fungicides to precision in-furrow applications, Dale breaks down how microbes are changing the game in modern agriculture.

Why Listen?
🌱 At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe "We have all taken a bite out of the apple"—we’re all part of the sustainability story. This episode is a masterclass in “closing the gap between information and action”, showing how one man's mission to regenerate soil has become a scalable, international movement that leaves a lasting social footprint.

Key Highlights:

01:00 – Dale’s journey into reclamation and microbial research

03:40 – Composting with J.R. Simplot & food industry waste diversion

07:20 – From worm bins to bioengineered seed coatings

08:43 – Eco Tea®'s expansion into Europe and partnerships with global fertilizer companies

10:00 – Launching Seed Success, a retail-ready microbial coating for home gardeners

13:08 – Real-time data on cold germination and drought resilience

15:57 – Strategic pivot from bulk composting to precision microbial products

17:46 – Ecological dexterity: creating regionally adaptable microbial blends

20:30 – Metagenome profiling and soil benchmarking in long-term trials

23:47 – Business insights: tipping fees, scaling, and product distribution

26:51 – Industrial-scale worm farming and automation for 20 million+ acres

27:53 – Precision application metrics: 10 gallons per acre, or a $10 seed pack per acre

30:54 – Compatibility with regenerative and industrial agriculture alike

Links:
https://overtonenvironmental.ca/
www.harvestingwisdompodcast.com
www.weareufe.org

#EcoTea #SoilHealth #CompostingInnovation #MicrobialFarming #SustainableAgriculture #UrbanFarmingEducation #HarvestingWisdom #ClimateSmartFarming #SeedSuccess #DaleOverton