SharkFarmer Podcast

Summary: In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey interviews Lee Lancaster, a marketing specialist at the Georgia Department of Agriculture and author. They discuss Lee's upbringing in Eastman, Georgia, his education, and his career path, including his work with Vidalia onions, Georgia's state vegetable. Lee shares insights into the history of the Vidalia onion, the importance of protecting its trademark, and the historical context of the farmer's strike in the late 1970s. The conversation also touches on agricultural traditions, public education initiatives like the Baby Barn, and the restoration of antique cotton gins. takeaways Lee Lancaster grew up in a John Deere dealership and developed a passion for agriculture early on. The Vidalia onion is unique to Georgia and is known for its sweetness due to specific soil conditions. Counterfeit Vidalia onions have been an issue, leading to protective laws to maintain the integrity of the brand. The farmer's strike in the late 1970s was a significant event in agricultural history, highlighting the struggles of farmers during that time. Traditions in agriculture are important, and Lee emphasizes the need to pass down knowledge and practices. Public education initiatives like the Baby Barn aim to connect urban populations with agricultural processes. Lee's book on the farmer's strike was inspired by personal stories and historical events shared by farmers. The restoration of antique cotton gins is a way to preserve agricultural history and educate the public. Lee believes that many people today are disconnected from agriculture and lack basic knowledge about farming. The importance of supporting local farms and understanding where food comes from is a recurring theme in the conversation.

What does agriculture need when it comes to helping our farmers/ranchers mental health?

Are the days of small town pancake breakfasts (and other traditional events) coming to an end? Listen as I talk with Nels Leo from Iowa 

Will Americans still want real farm raised Chrismas trees in ten years?   Ashley Ahl of Northern Family Farms is counting on it.

Have you ever gone through any type of agricultural leadership training? Was it worth it? Listen as I talk with Katie Staton

Is this worse thn the 80's in agriculture? I'm talking with the always amazing Karen Braun @kannbwx

Have you served on a Board of Directors for an agriculture group? Why or why not? Listen as I talk with Caleb Ragland 

Do you ever eat mushrooms (or anything) that you find in the woods? Listen as I talk with Cate Meede 

Who has been a great innovator in agriculture?   Listen as I talk with Micheal Horsch

Who is the best story teller you've heard? Listen as I talk with Mike Perry 

How would you live your life if you were told you had 4 months left? Jimmy Terry heard that news... 16 years ago 

Do you belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Would you be upset if they donated produce to a food bank while you pay?  

Will an increase in solar farms lead to more sheep being raised? Listen as I talk with sheep shearer Will Kleinert 

Would you risk your body protecting a rodeo cowboy from a bull? Listen as I talk with Chuck Swisher a professional bullfighter

Will sustainable aviation fuel from low carbon corn be what brings back the corn market? Listen as I talk with Mark Stutsman from Stutsmans

After beating cancer at 17, Jake Long and his wife Brittany, were given a 6% chance to have kids... they now have 2 boys. Listen to the story of these Missouri farmers

What is your opinion on a farm store that is unmanned and uses the honor system for payment? Listen as I talk with Chelsey Leavitt from Utah 

How valuable are opportunities for today's youth to participate in livestock shows? Listen as I talk with Victor Guerra of La Muneca Cattle Company

Do farmers make better inventors? Have you ever invented anything? Listen as I talk with Jeremy Matuszewski of Thunderstruck AG

Do you do any form of agri-tourism? Listen as I talk with Kaylee Heap from Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm