Surviving Hard Times

If you had the opportunity to innovate your farm, would you take it? The challenges that come with 21st-century agriculture are very unique, and inventive minds like Jonathan Dysinger are committed to innovating this process for both small and large farmers alike… Jonathan is the Owner and CEO of Farmers Friend, a company that develops tools and supplies to make small farms more efficient and profitable. With years of experience in the industry, he is intent on changing the world through regenerative agriculture. How? By equipping, educating, and inspiring fellow growers… Click play now to uncover: The importance of being agriculturally creative. The benefits of working with high tunnel gardening structures. The biggest problems that farmers can face. Tips for getting your own garden going. You can learn more about Jonathan and his work with Farmers Friend by visiting www.farmersfriend.com! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Where you live affects the quality of your food and water. A big reason for this has to do with watershed hydrology – the way water moves across agricultural landscapes. Matthew Helmers’ work revolves around this topic, and he shares his knowledge today. Tune in to explore: What tile drainage is, and how it improves crop health and production Why slowing water movement across the land is critical for crops and can decrease pollution in streams and rivers Drainage water recycling – how it works, where it should be used, and the significant benefits Sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus – why too much in runoff water is a bad thing and how to lower the levels Helmers is the Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Learn more about his work at Iowa Nutrient Research Center (iastate.edu) and visit Iowa Learning Farms for weekly webinars and info by more experts. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Could aquaponics sustainably feed and fund the world? Josh Imhoff, the founder and director of Emerge Aquaponics is on a mission to find out. As someone who grew up traveling around the world, Josh was exposed to the immense “need” that many people have – and he has made it his goal to alleviate this. Determined to help feed and fund people, Josh decided that aquaponics may be the answer that he and many other individuals have been looking for. With this at the forefront of his mind, he started building and designing aquaponics systems 12 years ago with Emerge in order to provide people in need with food and income… Tune in now to discover: How Emerge is developing systems to improve how food is grown. How temperature affects the fish species used in aquaponics. The importance of keeping the correct ratio of plants to fish in the system. How aquaponics can provide income for communities in need. Want to learn more about Josh and his important work with Emerge? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Today, we discuss all things sustainable agriculture with Joshua Earl Arnold. Joshua is a Professor of Sustainable Agriculture at Warren Wilson College where he educates his students on subjects such as entomology, agriculture, agroecology, and soil science. As someone that considers himself a “science, practice, and movement” agroecologist, Joshua is here to offer his unique perspective on urban agriculture as a whole. Joshua discovered his fascination with food systems during his undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley – specifically the sociology of how people interact with these systems. This interest ultimately led him to study insects and their role in agricultural ecosystems… In this episode, you will learn about: The challenges that urban farmers face. How the cost of water and insects can interfere with farming practices. How urban farmers can work together to create “an economy of scale”. Why soil-less systems may be a viable solution to urban farming issues. Want to learn more about Joshua and his outlook on sustainable agriculture? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

In this episode, we sit down with horticulturist Dr. Eric Thomas Stafne to discuss fruit and nut crop production. As an Extension and Research Professor at Mississippi State University and the Coastal Research and Extension Center, Dr. Stafne is both an educator and researcher focused on understanding and optimizing crops such as blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and muscadines. Dr. Stafne’s professional background began in urban forestry, which blossomed into a fascination with horticulture – specifically fruit crops. With over 17 years of experience in this field, his knowledge surrounding fruit and nut crops has led him to some fascinating discoveries… Join the conversation now to hear Dr. Stafne talk about: The fruit crops that he specifically deals with. The easiest fruit crop one can grow, and why. How climate conditions affect fruit and nut growth. You can find out more about Dr. Stafne and his work by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

As fires continue to scorch the Western U.S., it can be hard to imagine a way to tame such extreme events. Wildfires have always been a natural environmental occurrence. Still, scientists are exploring management practices that may be able to mitigate these repercussions – while simultaneously helping the forests tolerate fire in general… Dr. Brandon M. Collins joins the podcast to discuss his work in fire dynamics and forest management. Brandon is an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley and the lead scientist at Berkeley Forests, where he is confronted with the daunting task of reducing increased susceptibility to wildfire and drought. He aims to do all this while also minimizing impacts on other forest ecological components. Join the conversation now to explore: The importance of managing forests so that they can withstand fires. The benefits of fire and to what extent it should be controlled. The importance of connecting analysis to real-life engagement. The two methods to help forests maintain a healthy tree density. You can find out more about Dr. Collins by clicking here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

“All life begins in the soil, and it translates all the way to human life and human health,” said the soil agronomist whose nutrition advice helped Blaine Hitzfield’s mother find life-changing relief from crippling arthritis. Farmers have a significant role to play in the health of society, and as the CEO of distributions at Seven Sons Farms (and one of the seven sons!), Hitzfield understands this well. He’s come to appreciate the value of healthy soil in growing healthy food, which has become his mission. Tune in to explore: What’s produced by and offered at Seven Sons Farms What CAFO is and how it works How rotational and adaptive grazing reflect ecological principles Why feedlot animals have been bred to have small rumen capacity Challenges and lessons learned at Seven Sons Farms over the years Interested in learning more? Press play to hear the entire conversation, and check out Pasture-raised Meats & Organic Groceries - Seven Sons Farms for more info. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

What does it take to successfully manage a large-scale dining operation? Glenn Loughridge joins us today to discuss how he accomplishes just that as Auburn University's Director of Campus Dining and Athletics Concessions. Since 2012, Glenn has been responsible for delivering local, fresh food to the campus community in a creative and collaborative manner. As a graduate of Auburn University himself, Glenn has a long history with creative food management practices. Now, he is on a mission to provide the most sustainable, nutritious, and enjoyable dining experiences possible for the students, faculty, and staff of his beloved alma mater… In this episode, we dive into: How to successfully facilitate a deep sea crabbing operation. Glenn’s work as an advocate between the university and its food service providers. How students’ tastes can evolve as they grow older. The importance of highlighting the nutritional value of sustainably-sourced food. To find out more about Glenn and his work, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Dawn Gallop and her husband were homesteading before they even knew “homesteading” was a term – they were just doing what they needed to survive. They’ve managed a 30-acre farm complete with goats, bees, chickens, quail, and more, and recently moved to a new farm. They’re also the creators of a popular YouTube channel called Dawn Gallop of #9 Farms, where they put out a ton of information and resources for anyone looking to build their own homestead. Tune in to explore: The use of pigs, chickens, and goats to clear areas of weeds and till soil How goats express that they’re fertile and ready to mate What to know about raising and keeping chickens The difference between hay and straw – and which one can be toxic Interested in learning more? Check out https://www.youtube.com/@dawngallop/featured. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

How can massive amounts of water be saved and reused in a sustainable way? That’s the question at the center of Anacleto Rizzo’s work as a hydraulic civil engineer who focuses on the design and research & development of sustainable water projects. Tune in to learn about the details of his work and discover: How green boards can be used for treating and reusing greywater The three pillars of sustainable water management Why toilet water (blackwater) is so much harder to clean than greywater How water treatment devices work The best ways to reuse greywater Learn more by listening to the full conversation and visiting www.iridra.eu/it/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

If you’re a new mother navigating the world of breastfeeding, pumping, or both … Or if you know someone who is, this episode is for you. Unlike most lactation consultants, Allison Tolman is also a breast pump expert who focuses on helping mothers combine these methods for the best outcomes. Press play to learn: Problems that come with having an oversupply of breast milk Why there has been a recent influx of mothers wanting to use breast pumps, and the demand for experts who can guide them through this transition How breast milk production varies throughout the day, and factors that influence it Types and uses of breast pumps Tips for helping stimulate hormones for milk production Tolman is a nurse, lactation consultant, and breast pump expert. She has a successful YouTube channel that provides data on breast pumps and more, as well as a pumping program specifically for working moms. Tune in for the full conversation and visit Tolman’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/newlittlelifebyallison. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

How would How would you handle moving from a city in the Northeast to the country of Texas? In this episode, JD and Matt from The Texas Boys describe how their family did just that 8 years ago, and how it has drastically changed their lives for the better… The Texas Boys are not only a family homesteading in the heart of Texas, but an online presence that offers a variety of goods and educational resources to their audience. In this conversation, they tell us what it took to reach their goals, and how they did it with the help of a supportive local community. Join the discussion now to discover: The goal of The Texas Boy’s farming and online operations. The neurotic tendencies that big cities can impose upon people. Why it is so critical to be integrated with a thriving community. Being self-sufficient means being supportive of your neighbors, and The Texas Boys are perfect examples of how to show support with both a vision and conviction… To learn more about The Texas Boys, visit TheTexasBoys.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q you handle moving from a city in the Northeast to the country of Texas? In this episode, JD and Matt from The Texas Boys describe how their family did just that 8 years ago, and how it has drastically changed their lives for the better… The Texas Boys are not only a family homesteading in the heart of Texas, but an online presence that offers a variety of goods and educational resources to their audience. In this conversation, they tell us what it took to reach their goals, and how they did it with the help of a supportive local community. Join the discussion now to discover: The goal of The Texas Boy’s farming and online operations. The neurotic tendencies that big cities can impose upon people. Why it is so critical to be integrated with a thriving community. Being self-sufficient means being supportive of your neighbors, and The Texas Boys are perfect examples of how to show support with both a vision and conviction… To learn more about The Texas Boys, visit TheTexasBoys.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Farm From a Box is a sustainable, regenerative, environmentally friendly, and efficient way to build your own personal garden filled with nutrient-dense, culturally affirming foods. Meag Sargent believes everyone deserves this. She’s a horticulturist, farmer, artist, and a member of the sales team at Farm From a Box. She joins the show to share her insights from over a decade of experience growing food. Tune in to learn: The primary components of the all-in-one Farm From a Box What ‘sustainable agriculture’ really means and how it works The most important aspects of regenerative farming and how to get started How Farm From a Box can deploy multiple systems that work together on the same farm, creating large-scale operations Interested in learning more? Press play for the full conversation and check out https://farmfromabox.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Is green energy really the solution, or just a false promise? Press play to explore: Whether electric vehicles are truly a better choice than gas-powered vehicles How cobalt is obtained and what it’s used for A clear way to make dramatic energy improvements now, and why these changes aren’t being implemented The problem of being overly dependent on one energy source What energy policies might look like in the coming years Andrew Morriss is a lawyer and economist who has been teaching for almost three decades. As a Professor of, Bush School of Government and Public Service and School of Law at Texas A&M University, he analyzes regulatory measures – investigating how they work, why we adopt the ones we do, and how they can be improved. Having heard about “green energy” since high school, and always being told it was the ultimate solution almost within reach, he decided to enter the field and dig into the topic himself. His work is data-driven above all else, which demands the attention of anyone who disagrees with it or follows the pervasive narrative of green energy. Tune in for all the details and find his work at https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/results.cfm. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Today we sit down with Emma Torbert to discuss her distinctive approach to sustainable farming practices. Emma is the Market Garden Manager and Educator for the Student Farm at UC Davis. Started in 2020, the Student Farm is a nine-acre mixed vegetable farm and adjacent hedgerow that familiarizes UC Davis students with agriculture and teaches them how to grow organic crops. With a passion for community-supported agriculture, Emma is a foundational part of the UC Davis community. Using her position in this program, Emma facilitates experiential learning for students across all majors… Join the podcast now to learn more about: What a market garden is. The challenges that can arise in the Student Farm program. How sustainability plays a role in Emma’s work. The importance of providing students with hands-on learning experiences. Farming is a valuable skill that can be challenging to learn without the proper resources. Fortunately, experts like Emma are passing this knowledge on to people from varying walks of life so that they can participate in this essential part of sustainability! You can find out more about Emma and her work with the Student Farm by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q