Dirt Road Discussions

Send us a textSugar is such a critical commodity in this country that major steps are taken to protect its availability. Sugar works with other ingredients to provide taste, texture, and balanced acidity to the food we eat. However, sugar is commonly misunderstood, whether talking about its origin from sugar beet vs sugar cane, GMOs, or federal protections.Samantha Parrott (aka Sugarbeet Queen) loves to tell people the story about this industry. As the Executive Director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association, she takes us into the world of sugar.

Send us a textThe waiting list to buy miniature donkeys grew so fast at Simple Little Farm that Garrett & Ruth Nilsson finally decided to primarily sell to families who could visit their farms and get to know these amazing companion animals. Their story is funny, where a random call to check on getting information on a miniature donkey quickly became a question of whether they would be interested in adopting an entire herd.The Nilssons share a fascinating story of how these popular animals are carefully adopted into new homes and pastures based on who their new friends (donkey or horse) will be or which donkey friend is required to go with them on their journey.

Send us a textTrent Van Leuven thought he might be an ag economist until a chance encounter with an ag educator and a 700-mile drive changed everything. Starting his career during the recession of 2009, Trent has seen the blessings and challenges of being an ag teacher in Mackay, Idaho, a town with under 1,000 residents. He shares how many students thrive when connected to technical skills early in their lives and how schools can change lives by building programs that fit “hands-on” learners.Trent was awarded the 2024 Idaho Teacher of the Year and used that opportunity in the state and in the nation to educate leaders about small-town schools.

Send us a textPaige Nelson didn't have the same class schedule as many of her fellow college journalism students. She came from preg-checking cows in her advanced beef reproduction class and smelled like manure, but she was determined to be an agriculture journalist. In this podcast, Paige tells stories of how her upbringing has led to a life as a mom, rancher, and freelance agriculture writer. She has a message for anyone who says, "I am just a farmer or rancher."

Send us a textBrody Harshbarger agrees that there is a place for apex predators like grizzlies and wolves, but from his experiences working with cattle and with Fish and Game, he shares that there is a growing need for common-sense management.He shares how public perception has often been detoured away from science and actual apex predator recovery numbers, influenced by emotion and marketing that isn't always accurate. The trickle-down effect of some apex predator policies has affected places like his hometown.

Send us a textBryan and Mary Searle were just a young couple when they were invited to their first Farm Bureau meeting. Little did they know that they would stay for over 40 years. In this podcast, Bryan Searle, who has served as president of the Idaho Farm Bureau for the past 10 years, takes us down memory lane by telling us six stories. He talks about the early years of being on the board, technological changes, pivotal decisions, and his feelings for those who changed his life.

Send us a textWe all know someone who says they are technologically challenged, which may be a light-hearted comment until we realize how isolating it can feel in a world that requires skills with a smartphone or computer to pay basic bills, register kids for events, or video chat with family.High-speed or fiber optic internet opportunities can be late or non-existent in our country's rural areas, making it difficult for some who live there. In this podcast, we meet Monica Hampton (U of I Extension Digital Economy Program Coordinator) and Aubree Denker (U of I Extension Digital Navigator )  who are carrying out a game-changing program in Southeast, Idaho. They discuss their work and mission to reach people in rural Idaho to encourage, train, and empower people with technology. Some of their answers may surprise you on how it is going.

Send us a textOne day on a long flight over the Pacific Ocean, a fellow airline pilot asked Captain Bill Gross what he would do when he retired. Without hesitation, Bill answered, “I'm going to be this Good Samaritan that buys a tractor and goes around helping farm families plant their crops when they have a major injury or illness.” That generated some laughter until his coworker realized Bill was serious. For 20 years now, Farm Rescue has organized volunteers and resources to help farmers who have gone through devastating events, including natural disasters, in a nine-state area.Dan Erdmann, Director of Communications at Farm Rescue, tells stories about neighbors helping neighbors. He talks about how Farm Rescue had to remind farmers that the help coming into their fields and pastures was a “hand up” and not a “hand out.”

Send us a textAs a young girl, Kaala Clark was the daughter of a single mom who had acquired 3 acres of farmland in Hawaii. They lived in a camper trailer with no running water and no mirrors. However, when Kaala started finding photos of her mom with celebrities around the world, she began asking questions. Recruited to be a young model, Kaala had to wait until the age of 17 to leave their small patch of land to travel to global modeling cities. What a cultural shock. After her brushes with celebrities and modeling, she felt the call to return home to the land of Hawaii and become a farmer among her people. In this interview, she discusses how the modeling industry helped shape her grit for farming and how this Hawaiian girl is working smarter, not harder.

Send us a textWhen ranching families decided to bring the cowboy experience to tourists in Jackson Hole, it became a dedicated lifetime adventure. It requires a love for people and a love for open Western living. Bar T 5 co-owner Chris Warburton shares how the whole thing started and how, after 2,500 shows, their passion and love of what they do are not slowing down anytime soon.

Send us a textEugene Smith loved working at McDonald's as a young man. Being in the high-paced fray of fast food was thrilling, but what Eugene didn't know was that this passional would reemerge in 2008 when a cow broke his leg, farm prices started to tank, and he had to figure out what was next. Eugene told his adult kids that he was going to move from Wisconsin to Idaho to expand Culver's restaurants and invited any one of them to join him for the adventure. This is their story with a behind-the-scenes look at being a restaurant owner.

Send us a textLive Audience Recording! Nearly 70% of Americans eat beef at least once per week. In this episode, Dr. Phil Bass, Associate Professor of Meat Science at the University of Idaho, talks about how lessons learned as early as 1906 have shaped meat safety measures in the United States. He also shares how the American meat industry should embrace people who know little about meat production and how the sustainability of this staple food depends on the relationship between producers, consumers, and food safety agencies.

Send us a textAs a continuation of his original interview, Rulon talks about life after winning gold, two near-death experiences, advice for young people, and participates in Cam and Ott's speed round.

Send us a textThose who witnessed the 2000 Olympics will remember the David vs Goliath wrestling upset of a Wyoming farm boy, Rulon Gardner, over Russia's historic dominator Aleksandr Karelin. What most people don't know is that Rulon did not grow up as an early wrestling prodigy. There were many times in his life where he faced forks in the road to determine what he might become. In this podcast, Rulon talks about the journey from his childhood farm life to a world stage in Sydney, Australia. It is an amazing story of setbacks, grit, and resolve.

Send us a textToday, people use computers as weapons to target key industries. Some do it for financial gain, while others are connected to international political factions. Regardless of their intention, the agriculture industry has had to take these threats seriously and is working to share information across companies to keep America's food chain protected.Jonathan Braley, Director of Threat Intelligence at Food & Ag-ISAC, gives us an inside look at what ag companies have experienced in the past, what processes are in place now, and what every farm operation should do to protect itself moving forward.

Send us a textWhen Emma from "Ag With Emma" told her dad that she wanted to be on the road with a harvest crew, he did not approve. The interesting part was that her dad himself was once part of these crews that traversed states (sometimes with 50 combines) to help with harvests all over the country. As Emma started this adventure as a young woman in the United States and Australia, she started posting about her experiences, which have gone viral. Although she currently has a large social media following, Emma says she doesn't do it for fame but to share the life of a farmhand and help people see the grunt work that goes into getting the harvest in. She also talks about using her platforms to tackle misinformation about agriculture.

Send us a textJeff Middleton knows that addiction is difficult and addicts are worth saving. As Director, his approach to getting addicts connected with Boise Vertical Farms is helping those in recovery find something to feel good about during their journey. Jeff shares how many addicts in the court system are not hardened criminals but people who are trying to escape paths that they do not want to go down. Getting your hands in the dirt to make things grow and survive is one of Mother Nature's therapies.

Send us a textDr. Scott Leibsle graduated from the University of Wisconsin but now serves as Idaho's State Veterinarian with the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Dr. Leibsle talks about how each state deals with different issues based on their location and the animals raised in those locations. In Idaho, his office is forever on the watch for Brucellosis from neighboring Yellowstone Park. He clarifies how the avian bird flu raised the alarm in 2024 and shares how a shortage of large animal veterinarians is a worry now and for the future.

Send us a textWhat do you get when you mix a buffalo and a cow? It sounds like the beginning of a laffy taffy joke, but for Megan and Trevor Stark, this is their reality. If it sounds hard, it absolutely is! Something of this nature requires a meticulous process to do it right. They talk about how narrow the margin of error is raising these "non-traditional" animals and how it has taken years to find resources to help them raise their herd successfully. As a bonus, they have a suggestion for the best cow dog ever.

Send us a textKennedy Youngren's life has an interesting connection to food. She is a licensed dietitian who is married to a dairy farmer. As a high school athlete looking at college prospects, she had to learn what her eating disorder was doing to her body. In this podcast, she offers important insights on taking care of our bodies, whether we farm all day, play sports, or work behind a desk. She also talks about better sleeping habits and ways to deal with children who are picky eaters.

Send us a textThey say we live in an information era, but you can't wear or eat information. Those who manufacture goods and products are dependent on those who mine and produce the elements that give us those products. Mike Veile,  Site Operational Excellence Lead with Bayer Crop Science, shares how mining in Soda Springs, Idaho, is playing a vital role in producing phosphorus for many common products we use each day. Mike also explains the mine's environmental priorities, commitment to the community, and its role in helping farmers grow food into the future.

Send us a Text Message.When people hear about agriculture in the news headlines, a new trend is to find a podcast to break it down and give new insights and commentary. This is where Discover Ag Podcast hosts Tara Vander Dussen (known as the New Mexico Milk Maid, 5th-generation dairy farmer) and Natalie Kovarik (4th-generation cattle rancher from Nebraska) come into play. They talk about what it is like to be a woman in agriculture today while producing a top-ranked podcast that follows the weekly development of agriculture in the media.

Tater Tots have been a staple around dinner tables, school cafeterias, and restaurants for many decades, but who thought to invent this finger food? It may surprise you how it came to be and what primitive process was used in the beginning to form these tasty snacks. Les Grigg, Co-founder of the F Nephi & Golden Grigg Legacy Foundation, tells us the story of how tater tots came to be, how large the industry is today, and how they are using a tater tot festival to bolster the fight against child abuse (protecting our tots).

In Bob Hoff's family, teenagers didn't just get a driver's license. They also got a pilot's license because they never knew when to run out the back door, jump in a plane, take off from a grass runway and look for a lost cow. As Bob explains, every family has their passion, and for the Hoff family, it is farming and aviation. Bob shares stories from his first barrel roll with his Dad to helping develop a museum in his local community to teach about the beauty and history of soaring the skies.

Jessie Jarvis had a time when she considered pursuing an occupation outside of agriculture. Born and raised as a rancher's daughter in Southern Idaho, she tells how her love for agriculture and desire to raise children in agriculture changed her mind.With the support of her husband Justin, Jessie uses her experience in communications and media to build bridges for the next generation of agriculturists, whether they work in the dirt, with cows, in a lab, or on a computer. She explains how times are changing and that we must work to show the next generation that there is a place for them in agriculture.

Almost half of the land in the western United States is owned by the Federal Government. Compare that to only 4 percent of land east of the Mississippi. Obviously, there is a story to tell on this topic.Dirt Road Discussions visited with an online panel consisting of Amanda Kaster, Director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation; Keith Hamilton, a fourth-generation rancher and farmer from Wyoming; and Ben Menges, a fifth-generation farmer from Arizona. With host Cam Hammond and Ott Clark, the panel takes us through an honest conversation about the pros, cons, victories, frustrations, benefits, and limitations of living near and working on these federal lands. If you don't know what federal lands are, no worries. They will explain that, too.Thank you to multiple western state Farm Bureau Federations who made this possible.

Imagine a succulent plant with sharp spines that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide. When it flowers, it can grow up to 8 feet tall, and its inflorescence can reach 25–30 feet tall. Sharla and Leo Ortega grow agave, a plant used for tequila and many other products. They talk about navigating the challenges of raising this "behemoth" crop.

Those who like to cast bait or a fly in the stream probably like a good salmon or trout filet, but it would never come close to meeting  American's demand for  fish. Welcome to the aquaculture industry. Jacob Bledsoe, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist — Aquaculture Research, shares how fish farms are advancing, consolidating, and competing with imported products to provide fish or grocery stores, restaurants, and pet stores.

Marshal Sewell's thoughts about the farmer's mental health changed with the suicide of his father. In this podcast, Marshal talks about his own quest to prevent further suicides through open dialogue about the pressures of farming and steps that can be taken to identify and help someone going down that path. He shared how he started the Mind Your Melon movement.

This is a must-hear podcast for every family who drives. Roadways and highways in rural areas look safe because they are less crowded, but they account for 75% of fatalities. Factors such as high speeds, distractions, and lack of patience combined with wildlife, agriculture equipment, and a false sense of security create dangerous dynamics. Jessie Barrus, Idaho Transportation Department District Engineer, and Cory Juber, Idaho State Police Trooper from North Central Idaho, share their experiences with rural road issues and give advice for drivers, farmers, and all who share these corridors.

George Rohrbacher found himself in the middle of nowhere, with only the lights from his tractor, pondering how he was going to save his farm. Farm markets in the late 1970s were tanking, and very little rain had fallen on his newly acquired dry farm. And then, out of nowhere, he decides to risk it all on a board game. You will not want to miss this.

Yes, it is absolutely true! Back in 1948, biologists threw beavers out of airplanes over Idaho's rugged backcountry with parachutes to help them rebuild ponds and other water structures. This podcast will have you laughing as Ben Goldfarb, environmental journalist, author, and "Beaver Believer," tells how it all went down. Ben also shares how biologists are seeking healthy strategies for beavers to coexist with their human neighbors.

If you raise animals on the island of Kodiak (Alaska), it comes as no surprise to see a hog, cow, or horse get brought in by plane or ferry. Kelli Foreman, Assistant Executive Director at Kodiak Baptist Mission, took everything she learned from her upbringing in Nebraska to be a goat farmer while raising a family in this unique part of the country. With three boys and a whole slew of farm animals to raise, it's no wonder her days start when the rest of us are still in bed.

Imagine placing a couple feet of water over your cranberry vines, letting Mother Nature freeze the top 14 inches or so, and then draining the water under the ice to give the vines an air pocket to protect them from harsh Wisconsin winters. This is only one crazy step in the world of cranberry production. Amber Bristow, a 5th generation Wisconsin cranberry farmer and social media influencer @CranberryChats shares her story of leaving her job with a minor league baseball team to return home to her family's cranberry farm.

It is undeniable that farming is physically demanding work, and it becomes even more challenging when a disability affects someone working in agriculture. Limitations can occur due to an accident, disease, genetic conditions, etc. Paul Jones,  National AgrAbility Project Manager, shares how the AgrAbility program, which is funded as part of the Farm Bill, finds incredible solutions to help men and women continue their desire to remain working on the farm, even when it seems improbable.

People all over the country follow Andrea Flemming on social media for one main reason - she keeps it real when it comes to farming. If there are days to cry over sick animals, she talks about it. If there is a success, she talks about it. Most importantly, she does not shy away from discussing the importance of mental health in a challenging industry. Known as "ThatFitAgvocate," Andrea, a fifth-generation farmer from Minnesota, shares how her social media posts started as a hobby but have grown to so much more.

Horses are part of our culture in so many ways. They carry riders for leisure, horse shows, rodeos, and much more. Likewise, horses are being used  for therapy with children and adults. When Hurricane Ian raced across Florida, it went past the city of Ocala, which is the horse capital of the world triggering an emergency response to get feed to horses. Louisa Barton, known as the "Brit With The Bit" talks about how she came into the horse world, what it's like living in Ocala, and how it has changed her life as well as so many others.

Local Brewing Distilleries have become popular across the county with the shiny brewing vats and pipes visible to patrons at the bar. To build a brewery is not only a labor of love, but a lot of labor, science, and good business instincts. Owners and brewers Davis and Hailee Gove share how they set up Jim Dandy Brewing in the middle of the country's largest barley and hops agriculture sector. Their background in microbiology, chemistry, and artistry made brewing a perfect fit for this couple.

Is it true that reindeer prefer moss over carrots? Can they see with ultraviolet vision? How far can they swim? Is it legal to drive reindeer through Canada? Why must you make reservations months ahead to be with the reindeer during the Christmas season? This fun, high-energy podcast with Erika Bowie, general manager of Leavenworth Reindeer Farm takes us on a journey of all things reindeer.

Children know them as culinary finger puppets, but olives are a growing industry that may surprise you. Whether it is black, green, extra virgin, or refined, olives and olive oils have an interesting history and process to get them in our food. Ciriaco Chavez, Director of Agriculture & Innovation at Redlands Farm Holding, tells us the ins and outs of this "survival" fruit and what it takes to get dozens of different variations out to consumers.

One time a year, over 40 million turkeys are purchased for Thanksgiving dinner tables. How do turkey farmers plan for this yearly push and make it go off without a hitch? Owner, Ronny Lee and daughter, Charli Decker are turkey farmers in  New Jersey who raise and sell these festive birds directly from their farm. They talk about turkeys, the history of Thanksgiving, and a few common misconceptions

It is impressive how ranchers who graze on public lands provide excellent land management services, while also saving taxpayers money. It is important to acknowledge the invaluable role that ranching plays in public land management and the positive impact it has on conservation and natural resources. Danny Munch, an esteemed economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, sheds light on this matter with his insider's perspective, providing us with a better understanding of the benefits that ranchers bring to the table.

Of all the things we have imported from Europe, the Quagga Mussel is an accidental stowaway that threatens all U.S. waters. They can clog city water-intake structures, agriculture pipes, and create havoc on docks, buoys, boat hulls, and beaches. An estimated $500 million a year is spent managing them in the Great Lakes alone. Bruce Johnson, Lieutenant AIS Field Operations Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, shares in behind-the-scenes work to control these aquatic pests.

Yaks can't wait for the first day of winter! They get giddy as the first snowflakes hit their noses. This is especially true for Kent Sutton's Yak farm in Archer, Idaho. Not meant to be a cow rancher, Kent decided to become a Yak farmer after watching Brad Pitt in "Seven Years in Tibet". After many years and adventures with these charismatic animals, he hasn't regretted his decision. Listen and laugh as he tells his story.

We live in a world of information overload. Unfortunately, not all information is accurate. Farmers now have the added job of addressing misinformation on agriculture practices that fills our social media channels daily. Shay Meyers, CEO of Owyhee Produce and social media influencer, shares his experiences of leveraging social media to counter false narratives and promote his family's operations.

Clams and Oysters aren't your traditional farm operation. Your farm may be under 4 feet of water or 6 inches of water depending on the tide. Kyle Sturgis, Farm Manager with Shore Breeze Farms LLC, teaches us more about this aquatic venture to meet the needs of seafood lovers everywhere.

Why have we been taught to fear bugs in general? Is it a cultural thing, or DNA thing? Introducing Jason Thomas, a University of Idaho Extension entomologist. He loads his vehicle with all kinds of little creatures and takes them to schools with a mission to help people know how to interact with our bug world. He has a message for everyone the next time they pick up a shoe to squash anything that scurries near the house.Link to the Idaho Insect Identification Website: insectid.uidaho.eduFind out more about the Pest Friends Board Game by emailing Jason Thomas as jasont@uidaho.edu

Whether you are spitting out sunflower seeds at a ball game or walking by a 13ft flower, running a sunflower farm has a fascinating story. Bethany Gotts, the owner of Quey's Maze, has a passion for sunflowers and wanted to bring that to the public for a different spin on agritourism. She hosted the first year of the Quey's Maze Sunflower Festival, where people can come to take photos among the flowers and even take some home with them.

Mushrooms are easy to grow, but hard to master. They find their way to your salad and burger, and yet over 50% of specialty mushrooms consumed in the United States are imported. Luc Lalire, CEO,  and Will Beeson, COO, with MycoLogic want to help Americans learn and be able to grow mushrooms locally. From Hollywood myths to unknown facts, you will be amazed at how much you never knew about this fungi.

Crowds have gathered all over the world to watch cranes lift an entire farm unit off of a semi-truck as it is being delivered to a city, resident, or school. Those who thought farming wasn't possible for them can now hook in water and electricity to these freight farms and it's time to grow food! Dave Harris, Head of Plant Sciences, and Brooke Smith Account Executive of Freight Farms tell us how over 600 of these new-age farms have been delivered all over the world.

Sherri Staheli with Staheli Farms never imagined parents would pay her to have their city kids come out and do chores on her farm.  This has led to "Farm Camp" where kids build memories, interact with animals, do chores, and learn to develop a work ethic. (Special rerelease)