Plowing Forward

Mike and Liz Krug, Fullers Overlook Farm (Waverly, PA) describe how the distribution of food from small farms helps communities. What does animal welfare and organic food mean? The different agricultural buzzwords and how they are practiced. 

Scott Cannon (Plymouth, PA) An anti-fracking advisor for Action Together NEPA discusses: the problems with local-fracking and how it has taken over the Wyoming Valley over the past 10 years; despite the area's still visible pollution from anthracite coal mining that went on for almost 200 years. Also legislative issues regarding natural gas and renewable energy, and how he's looking to change that using his own commercial & corporate video production background. 

Karen Christensen, Senior Director of Animal Welfare at Tyson Foods is well versed with a strong passion for chickens and animal welfare. Holding multiple degrees in animal science, animal welfare, and a PhD in Poultry Physiology is always wanting to learn more to benefit the birds and apply that knowledge to the poultry industry. She explains how the Tyson chicken you buy at the grocery store has gone through great lengths to make sure the chickens are raised sustainably and happy in their environment. Asking the birds what they like in terms of enrichment, lighting, bedding, food, then back that up with science by monitoring their behavior in a variety of ways.  

Ellen Feretti, Northbranch Landtrust (Dallas, PA) Explains what is a land trust? Why they are important for land conservation: animals, fauna, and agricultural soil. How this impacts us and why someone would want to put their property in one. 

Tom Venesky is a nationally-recognized, award winning writer who has for decades covered Pennsylvania's great outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting, and farming. Tom is a beef farmer in Luzerne County, PA and takes pride in involving his children in the incredible life of agriculture. The importance of the Outdoors: how it develops the imagination, growth, and fascination with nature connects people. https://veneskyoutdoors.com

Andy Loughney, Co-owner, Bravo Botanicals talks about crafting organic hemp and CBD oils. Focusing on the cannabis plant using regenerative agriculture with emphasis on soil heath. How healthy robust soil and CBD can create a healthy impact on our bodies.

Bernie McGurl, Executive Director, Lackawanna River Conservation Association talks about the importance of watersheds for our environment. How Pennsylvania was a pioneer of cleaning up waterways; The Clean Streams Act of 1937 was the template that led to the creation of The Clean Water Act of 1972.

Robert Stanley, Financial Consultant, Community Investments Services, Inc. Talks about the different types of sustainable investing. E.S.G. Environmental, Social, Government. How investing in companies can change the way that corporations and manufacturers impact the environment. Also provide key insights on why it is necessary to have "a place at the table" when it comes to the impact big business has on our environment, animal welfare, and human rights. The trick here, is how does one garner a place at the table? Listen in and learn how. 

Donna Kilpatrick, Heifer Ranch talks about the benefits of regenerative farming movement, rotational grazing, and diversity. With these new regenerative techniques, we can jump-start the creation of new topsoil that will be key to ending the climate crisis.

Clancy Cash Harrison, MS, RDN, Founder, The Food Dignity Movement talks about how the Food Dignity Movement is about dignifying and respecting everyone, no matter their situation, and trying to normalize and remove the stigma about asking for help regarding food insecurity. It can happen to anyone, no matter the car you drive, a lot of time it is only a temporary need until they get back on their feet. 

John Levitsky, Watershed Specialist, Luzerne County (PA) Conservation District talks about: Why we should care about protecting local streams and rivers and how it affects us. MS4/Stormwater fees, rain tax, stormwater utility fees, and floodwater issues of Luzerne County.