Mike Usry
Founder, Southland Organics · Host, AG & Culture Podcast
Entrepreneur, soil biology nerd and former UGA football letterman helping farmers turn living soil into real-world profit. If it doesn't work in real barns and fields, Mike won't talk about it.
15+ years leading Southland Organics
Hands-on experience with growers across poultry, turf and lawn & garden
MBA, University of South Florida · Lettered at the University of Georgia
Speaker and writer on soil biology and sustainable agriculture
From humate deposits to field results
Mike Usry is an entrepreneur and marketer at heart who built Southland Organics out of a simple conviction: healthy soil should be the starting point for every farm, flock and lawn.
Preparing to become a dad forced him to question what was in his food and in his soil, and that curiosity turned into a full-time pursuit of humate deposits, soil biology and sustainable inputs that actually work in the field.
Today Mike leads the Southland team in developing science-backed, affordable products for farmers and homeowners, while using the AG & Culture Podcast to translate complex soil science into real-world decisions anyone can make.
What Mike brings to the mic
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Decades of selling and testing soil and animal-health solutions with real growers — not just lab data
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A marketer's eye for what actually moves the needle on a farm business
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A conviction that treating the earth 'as God intended' leads to healthier food and stronger rural communities
What keeps me going is watching a grower try something different with their soil and come back a season later saying it actually worked. That’s the whole reason Southland exists.
From Mike's notebook
Brown Spots in your Yard?
Many home owners who have dogs are bothered with the effects of dog urine on their grass. When your dog relieves itself on your grass, you can expect your grass to turn brown or yellow.
April 12, 2013
Jump Start Your Garden
Whether you are a novice (like me), a master gardener, or interested in sustainable or permaculture gardening, April is a great time to jump start your garden. So, dust off that straw hat and get out in the garden.
March 2, 2014
2014 The Year of Family Farming
According to the Days Of The Year website, 2014 is the International **Year of Family Farming**. To highlight the importance family farms play in the world’s food production...
January 31, 2026
Podcast Episodes with Mike
From Backyard to Commercial: Scaling Soil Health
Soil health principles are the same whether you have a backyard or a thousand-acre operation. Mike Usry explains how to scale soil conditioning from small to commercial.
Healthy Soil Starts at Home: Lawn & Garden Soil Conditioning
Your lawn and garden are only as healthy as the soil underneath them. Mike Usry shares practical soil conditioning tips for homeowners and backyard growers.
Carbon: The Most Misunderstood Element in Agriculture
Carbon is the foundation of all life, but it's the most overlooked element in modern agriculture. Mike Usry explains why carbon matters more than any other input.
Why Your Fertilizer Isn't Working (And What to Do Instead)
You're spending money on fertilizer, but your results aren't improving. Mike Usry explains the soil biology reasons your inputs fail and what to fix first.
Humic vs. Fulvic: The Difference That Actually Matters
Everyone talks about humic and fulvic acid, but most people can't explain the difference. Mike Usry breaks down what each one actually does in your soil and why it matters for your results.
The Invisible Economy Under Your Feet
Most farmers manage what they can see—but 90% of plant health happens underground. Mike Usry explains the hidden microbial economy that determines whether your inputs work or waste money.
Meet the Team
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Karin Usry
Co-Founder & Chief of Staff
As co-founder and Chief of Staff, Karin manages operations, human relations, accounts receivable, customer service, and more. She's a jack of all trades keeping Southland Organics running smoothly.
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Allen Reynolds
Vice President & Director of Operations
Allen serves as Vice President and Director of Operations, overseeing poultry development and ensuring our products reach the growers who need them most.
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Joseph Boehm
Co-Host, Ag & Culture Podcast
Joseph co-hosts the Ag & Culture Podcast alongside Mike Usry, bringing curiosity and practical questions to each conversation. His approach helps translate complex soil science and agriculture topics into accessible insights for growers of all levels.
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