497 Ben and Ashley Menges Petrified Wood

Listen as we talk with Ben and Ashley Menges, ranchers from Arizona 

In this episode of the Sharkfarm Podcast, host Rob Sharkey sits down with Amy France, a passionate farmer and the chairman of the National Sorghum Producers. Amy shares her unique journey from a city upbringing in Kansas City to embracing the challenges and rewards of farm life in Scott City, Kansas. Join us as we explore her experiences in adapting to the agricultural world and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. Understanding the Transition: From City to Farm Amy France's story begins in Kansas City, where she grew up in a music-loving family. Her parents were music educators, and she herself plays several instruments, including clarinet and saxophone. However, her life took a turn when she moved to Scott City, Kansas, to join her husband Clint, a third-generation farmer. This transition was not just geographical; it required a complete shift in her understanding of agriculture.  Learning on the Job Amy candidly discusses the challenges she faced in adapting to farm life. "I couldn't even identify the crops in the field," she recalls. Despite her initial unfamiliarity with farming terminology and practices, Amy was determined to learn. She often turned to her father-in-law for guidance, especially when her husband was too busy to answer her questions. Her experience reflects a broader theme of resilience in learning, demonstrating how crucial it is to bridge the gap between farming and non-farming communities. The Importance of Communication Amy recognizes the need for effective communication in her dual role as a farm wife and a community member. She aims to be a translator between the farming world and those outside it, highlighting the unique language that farmers speak. This was particularly important during the hectic harvest season when tensions run high, and clear communication becomes vital for success. Life on the Farm: The Reality Life on the farm is not just about picturesque landscapes and peaceful living; it comes with its own set of challenges. Amy shares her experiences working with livestock in a cow-calf operation. She humorously recalls her early days sorting cattle, noting that it was not the ideal time to ask about farming equipment. The learning curve was steep, but each experience contributed to her growth as a farmer. Conclusion: Embracing the Farming Lifestyle Amy's journey from a city girl to a devoted farmer exemplifies the adaptability and commitment required in agriculture. Her story is a testament to the importance of community, communication, and continuous learning in the farming industry. Key takeaways from Amy's experience include: 1. The importance of asking questions and seeking help from experienced individuals. 2. The need for effective communication between farmers and non-farmers. 3. Embracing the challenges and realities of farm life, including the learning curve associated with it.

In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey speaks with Steve Lucie, a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Basco, Illinois. They discuss the unique challenges of farming in a small town, the importance of local beef sales, and the impact of regulations on the cattle industry. Steve shares his experiences with community advocacy through Awake Illinois, emphasizing parental rights in education and the need for open dialogue on sensitive issues. The conversation also touches on agricultural traditions, the significance of the Second Amendment, and the importance of self-reflection in leadership. takeaways Steve Lucie is a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Basco, Illinois. Basco is a small town with a population of 48, located in Hancock County. Steve raises both crops and cattle, adapting to the local land conditions. He emphasizes the importance of selling beef locally without government oversight. Steve discusses the challenges of regulations in the beef industry. He advocates for mandatory country of origin labeling for beef products. The conversation touches on the need for unity among cattle organizations. Steve is involved with Awake Illinois, focusing on parental rights in education. He shares insights on passing down agricultural traditions to the next generation. Steve highlights the importance of open dialogue in addressing community issues.

In this conversation, John Woodbury discusses his journey of building smokers to accommodate large gatherings. He shares insights on the design and capacity of his smokers, emphasizing the importance of having enough cooking space when feeding many people. The conversation highlights the evolution of his smoking equipment from a single smoker to multiple units capable of handling significant quantities of ribs.

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