In this episode of Dirt and Bull, Louis De Jaeger brings a global lens to the conversation around agriculture, conservation, and profitability. Hailing from Belgium, Louis challenges the idea that nature and farming must be at odds. Instead, he shares how integrating trees, hedges, and biodiversity into farmland not only protects crops—but can actually boost profits by reducing chemical inputs and improving resilience.

Louis’ philosophy is simple but powerful: why pay for something that nature provides for free? Whether it’s pollination, pest control, or soil health, he urges farmers to rethink the cost of removing trees and applying synthetic inputs when ecosystems offer those services without a bill. It’s a mindset shift—from extractive to regenerative—that could reshape how we view farmland entirely.

The episode dives into the history of agricultural subsidies in Europe and how they often rewarded practices that stripped land of its natural defenses. Louis flips the narrative, emphasizing that “rewilding” the farm isn’t about going backward—it’s about building a future where profits and biodiversity thrive side by side. His energy and perspective are infectious, especially when he jokes, “Even if you hate nature, think about your wallet.”

From storytelling to soil health, this episode challenges assumptions and brings fresh insight to the sustainability conversation. Louis’ work reminds us that the future of farming may not be about choosing between nature and yield—but understanding how they work better together.