How rotational grazing and regenerative agriculture revived an entire ecosystem in Portugal

What happens when a tobacco empire transforms into a thriving regenerative farm? In this episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, we visit Monte Silveira, a 1,000-hectare farm in central Portugal, where João Valente has revived one of Europe’s oldest agro-silvopastoral systems.

From 0.7% soil organic matter to over 5%, and from monocultures to thriving biodiversity, João shares how nature became his most profitable business partner. You’ll learn how rotational grazing, intercropping, and keyline design are helping regenerate both land and livelihoods in one of Europe’s driest regions.

This conversation is full of timeless lessons for farmers, scientists, and land stewards alike.

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What you’ll learn in this episode:

Montado magic: discover how a 10,000-year-old oak-based system balances trees, animals, and humans

Rotational grazing reimagined: how goats, sheep, pigs, and cows move through the land to regenerate perennial grasslands

No-till + intercropping = soil magic: why millet, sunflower, and legumes are João’s powerhouse combo

Keyline design in action: how 8,000 new cork oaks were planted to harvest water and revive degraded slopes

Regeneration is profitable: from increasing biodiversity to lowering input costs, João proves that better farming = better business

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This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.