From Flocks to Fabric: Tracing the Threads of Wool in America's History

Does it take a disaster for a community to find value in local agriculture and food sovereignty? In this episode, Jade Chihara of Maui discusses ‘the politics of home’ regarding indigenous water rights, post-fire disaster relief, and access to food for all. Show NotesLet's Connect!Instagram

At the tender age of 16, Xinlan Tanner’s journey is one of determination, passion, and a love for her flock of sheep. Xinlan's story begins in Kenai, Alaska. Mentored by her mother in STEM and Abby Ala in farming, she is committed to learning, and growing and has become a local success story. Her efforts caught the attention of local food advocates and her farm work was highlighted in the documentary, Nourishing the Kenai, shining a spotlight on her story of determination and success.Show notes

In this episode, Audra welcomes Judy Sanchez, an experienced communicator with a deep connection to agriculture. Judy shares her childhood experiences on her family farms, highlighting the magical and educational moments spent helping her grandparents. The conversation explores Judy's path to agricultural communications, her endeavors in advocating for farming, and her efforts to connect farmers with the broader public, all underscored by the vital role farmers play in supplying essential resources for the nation.SHOWNOTES

In conversation with Ku'uipo Garrido of Na Mea Kupono Farm and Learning Center on the north shore of O'ahu in Hawai'i. Our discussion centers on the preservation and nurturing of the unique culture, heritage, and legacy of growing Kalo and connecting with the land. Show NotesLet's Connect on Instagram!

From Two Decades in the Military to First-Generation Farming in Rural Utah. Meet Annette Allan of Wild Red Clover Ranch and Fiber Mill, who now raises alpacas, wool sheep, and operates one of the nation's rare fiber mills. Explore the intriguing history of wool in the Americas and the journey of a beginning farmer with us.Show notesLet's Connect on Instagram

Farmer and U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joins us to provide the latest developments on the 2023 Farm Bill and shed light on the USDA Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, a vital initiative aimed at rectifying historical loan discrimination within the agricultural sector. Representative Pingree passionately advocates for gender equality in agriculture, recognizing the pivotal role women play in the field. She shares her personal journey, transitioning from farming to a career in politics, and inspires women to consider running for public office as a means to drive positive change and champion important causes.Show NotesFor USDA Farm Loan Discrimination

Can we balance the books of American Agriculture? Beth Hoffman an agricultural journalist, university professor, and Iowa farmer joins the podcast to discuss her new book, “Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America”. Our wide-ranging conversation centers around dispelling the myths about America’s farms and farmers, and the reality of the punishing economics of modern farming.www.femalefarmerproject.org

First-generation Farmer Lexi shares what her first year of farming looked like and how pumpkins, potatoes and pizza played a big role in her journey.SHOW NOTES:http://www.femalefarmerproject.org/the-podcast/2021/12/15/pumpkins-potatoes-and-pizza-with-lexi-westoverLETS CONNECT:www.twitter.com/femalefarmerswww.instagram.com/rootedinthevalley/www.facebook.com/FemaleFarmerProject/www.femalefarmerproject.org

Why do we love the idea of small family farms? Our guest, Sarah K Mock says it’s because we’ve been told the stories about family farms from an early age through nursery rhymes and picture books. But does that bucolic ideal exist? Sarah provides an agriculture insider’s critique of the romantic agrarian ideal of the small family farm. She lays bare the shortcomings of that narrative — not all is as virtuous as it seems. In this thought-provoking conversation, Mock challenges the many conceptions about farming and farmers and asks the hard questions about the viability of the current systems.SHOW NOTES:www.femalefarmerproject.org/the-podcast/2021/11/2/farm-and-other-f-words-with-sarah-k-mockLETS CONNECT:www.twitter.com/femalefarmerswww.instagram.com/rootedinthevalley/www.facebook.com/FemaleFarmerProject/www.femalefarmerproject.org

Have you ever wondered about how cranberries get harvested for your holiday table? Farmer Amber Bristow shares her journey as a 5th generation cranberry farmer and demystifies the cranberry growing and harvesting process for farmer-owned Ocean Spray. Spoiler - it's so cool!SHOW NOTES:http://www.femalefarmerproject.org/the-podcast/2021/10/13/eat-drink-and-cranberry-a-conversation-with-amber-bristowLETS CONNECT:www.twitter.com/femalefarmerswww.instagram.com/rootedinthevalley/www.facebook.com/FemaleFarmerProject/www.femalefarmerproject.org