FFB Newsline podcast

Our guest joining us today is Mitzi Lucas, Leadership Programs Coordinator for Florida Farm Bureau. Our conversation today will detail how Mitzi and the Leadership Programs serve our members of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and advance the Voice of Ag.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Vice President of Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Mr. Steve Johnson. Mr. Johnson is a fourth-generation farmer from Wauchula, Florida producing beef cattle, citrus and custom harvesting in Hardee and Manatee Counties under Treeair Cattle Company and Johnson Harvesting, Inc. He has been involved with Florida Farm Bureau Federation dating back to 2002 and has served his county and state Farm Bureau in many roles over the years including 18 years on our State Board of Directors.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Mr. Christopher Horne. Mr. Horne serves as the Senior Director of Business Development for Florida Farm Bureau. Our conversation today will detail how Mr. Horne serves our members of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and advances the Voice of Ag.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Sarah Solano of Cedar Key Aquaculture Farms, located in Levy County. Cedar Key Aquaculture Farms is a family run wholesale operation, where they harvest upwards of 25,000 clams per week. You can find these clams in groceries from Miami all the way to Massachusetts.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Mrs. Jaime Jerrels. Mrs. Jerrels serves as the Senior Director of Policy and Outreach for Florida Farm Bureau. Our conversation today will detail how Mrs. Jerrels serves our members of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and advances the Voice of Ag.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is David O'Farrell of Ocala Stud, located in Marion County. Mr. O'Farrell manages and owns with his family Ocala Stud, where they train and breed world renowned Thoroughbreds. He serves as the Thoroughbred Owners and breeders Association Board of Trustees chair, as a steward at The Jockey Club and is a member of Breeder's Cup Limited. Since 1958 Ocala Stud has bred, raised and sold runners ranked among the best of their divisions in the U.S. and abroad.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.  

Our guest joining us today is Mr. Curt Williams. Mr. Williams serves as the Director of Government and Community Affairs for Florida Farm Bureau. Our conversation today will detail how Mr. Williams serves our members of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and advances the Voice of Ag.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Dr. Michael Dukes, Director of the UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency. Among the many projects and causes that Dr. Dukes is a part of, he specializes on water use efficiency in irrigation systems. Dr. Dukes and his team are saving millions of gallons of water per year through their systems, all backed by research.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Jared Lanier. Mr. Lanier serves as the Director of Field Services for Florida Farm Bureau. Our conversation today will detail how Mr. Lanier and the Field Services staff advance the Voice Of Ag in their roles at Florida Farm Bureau Federation.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Mrs. Victoria Hunter, a generational nursery grower with FernTrust Incorporated and seasoned member of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. Victoria is also the Chair of the Women's Leadership Committee and dedicated to the success of the Voice of Agriculture.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today are Mrs. Staci Sims and Mrs. Liza Bradford. Mrs. Sims serves as the COO of Florida Farm Bureau, and Mrs. Liza Bradford serves as the CFO of Florida Farm Bureau. Our conversation today will detail how they advance the Voice Of Ag in their roles at Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

Our guest today is Mr. Zippy Duvall, a farmer from Georgia, a family man and has served as president of the American Farm Bureau Federation since 2016. He is a third-generation farmer. Prior to being elected AFBF president, he was president of the Georgia Farm Bureau and served on the AFBF board of directors. In 1987, he also served on the AFBF board as Young Farmer Committee chair. He has helped defeat misguided regulations, shepherd new trade agreements, and make certain farmers and ranchers are supported through natural disasters and the ongoing impacts of supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.

Our guest joining us today is Mr. Scott Kirouac, a longtime friend of Florida Farm Bureau and a strong advocate for agriculture. Mr. Kirouac serves on the Highlands County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and received a Distinguished Service Award in 2023. Scott Kirouac successfully founded and runs a non-profit organization called “Ag Angels”.  Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Mr. Jim Alderman, an organic vegetable farmer in South Florida. Mr. Alderman is unique in that most of his farm is certified organic and most of the produce stays local within the state of Florida. Mr. Alderman is a long-time friend of Farm Bureau and our 2025 Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Mr. Ryan Jenkins, a 4th generation row crop farmer from the edge of Florida in Santa Rosa County. If you've run across any of Jenkins' Farm social media you can see how important this industry and way of life is to Mr. Jenkins. In 2020 he won the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Volunteer Communicator Award, and he is still going strong being a Voice of Ag. Ryan, thank you for being with us today.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Our guest joining us today is Ms. Carrie Baker, a Ph. D. Candidate at the University of Florida Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. Ms. Baker is part of a fourth generation farming family, specializing in cattle and row crops. The topic of mental health in the farming community is personal to Carrie and she hopes to see her family and Florida Agriculture thrive for years to come.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Kelly Aue, Suwannee River Partnerships Outreach Coordinator, joins President Jeb Smith on the newest episode of Rural Recharge. The Suwannee River Partnership works to address water quantity and quality issues in the Suwannee and Santa Fe river basin. Kelly's role in accomplishing that goal includes managing funding partners, stakeholder groups, and comunicating through various means to the public about the partnership. Ms. Aue works out of the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Live Oak and is a huge part in planning our annual Suwannee CARES event.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Kevin Lussier, AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Chair, joins President Jeb S. Smith on the newest episode of Rural Recharge. Lussier owns and operates Hawthorne Dairy in Alachua County. In 2021, Lussier and his wife, Shelby, were the Florida Farm Bureau Achievement in Agriculture state winners. In this episode, Lussier shares his journey to becoming a dairy farmer, his involvement with the Florida Farm Bureau YF&R leadership group, his national involvement with American Farm Bureau and current issies he sees young farmers facing.    Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture. 

Our guests for today are a father-son duo, Mr. Woody and Mr. Jacob Larson, are owners of Larson Dairy Inc. in Okeechobee, Florida. The farm has a rich story of sustainability, recently partnering with Brightmark Energy Inc. on a renewable natural gas project. The Larsons' are innovators in the Florida dairy industry, embracing technology and cutting-edge management practices.    Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

We are excited to have another dual-guest episode this month. May is Beef Month and resident Florida Beef expert Deanne Maples joins us as well as the 2023-2024 Florida Cattlemen's Association Sweet heart, Whitnie Yoder. We hope you enjoy this great episode on the importance of beef marketing. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.  

This episode's guest stars Pat Durden, Florida Cattlemen's Association President. Durden has worked hard to ensure Floridians are aware of the important role farmers and ranchers play in protecting the land and conserving our state's natural resources. His slogan during his tenure as the FCA president is “Cows Keep Florida Green”, which emphasizes the vital role cattle play in greenspace.  Join us for a great conversation on FCA's partnership with Conservation Florida, why every Floridian is tied to ag through conservation and how you can get involved. For more information on Florida conservation, visit ConservationFla.org. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Today's episode is a conversation with Danny Johns, owner and manager of Blue Sky Farms, LLC in Hastings, Florida. Mr. Johns is a potato grower and shares with President Smith the family history of his farm, his thoughts on the outlook of Florida agriculture, and innovations that he has incorporated as a potato grower. We're excited to publish this episode of the Rural Recharge for National Ag Day on March 19, you don't want to miss this down to earth conversation!   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Today's episode is a conversation with Dr. Saundra TenBroeck, the 2023 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. Dr. TenBroeck shares her life story and clearly displays the passion she has for her work. She has a long list of accomplishments and a decided example for the young people following in her footsteps. We look forward to congratulating Dr. TenBroeck at the annual Woman of the Year in Agriculture luncheon taking place during the Florida State Fair. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Today's episode is a conversation with Jason Watts, Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year and his wife Amanda. Their family at Florida Best Farms, Inc. grows blueberries in Polk County, Florida along with muscadine grapes and beef cattle. Mr. Watts gives a complete overview of their family farm along with history, wisdom and a positive outlook for the future of agriculture in Florida. We look forward to seeing the Watts in Tallahassee to advocate for agriculture on Farm Bureau Day, January 16.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

In this episode, President Smith sits down with Stephen Monroe for a lighthearted episode focused on Florida's legacy, Cracker Cattle preservation and a little storytelling and cowboy poetry. We hope you enjoy this fun, year-end episode of the Rural Recharge.    Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

In this episode, we hear from a couple that does it all, from agriculture, podcasting, to art. 8th generation cowboy, Brad Phares and his wife Sam, share roots that run deep in Florida's agriculture history. Stay tuned for a fun episode and special reading of cowboy poetry written by Brad Phares.   Chech out Between The Beaches Podcast, hosted by Brad Phares.  Spotify - Between The Beaches Podcast Apple Podcasts - Between The Beaches Podcast Cowhunters Unlimited Website   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Join us as we celebrate Florida Forestry Week, October 22-28, in this episode. FFBF President Jeb Smith sat down with Lynetta Griner and Eric Handley of Usher Land and Timber for a conversation about the importance of Florida forestry, conservation practices, and the legacy that Griner and Handley hope to leave behind. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Real conversations with real farmers. In this episode, meet Wade and Karen Purvis, a vegetable farmer and educator in Immockolee, Fla. They share their family's passion for farming and how important it is to understand that a strong domestic food supply is a national security issue. They are growing Florida agriculture forward by sustainably growing fresh food for a growing population.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Kelly Mosley and daughter, Maggie, join us to tell their story about Amazing Grace Family Farms. The Crop Maze began through an inspiring session at a Young Farmers and Ranchers conference and grew to statewide prominence. Listen in to learn more about storytelling through agritourism.   Show Resources: Agritourism Safety - Integrating Safety into Agritourism (safeagritourism.org) Agritourism : Fresh From Florida (followfreshfromflorida.com)   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Dr. J. Scott Angle discusses an array of topics including AI's role in agriculture, conservation and farming and feeding a global population. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved and support Florida agriculture.

Florida native Michelle Williamson is a voice, leader and advocate for Florida agriculture. In this episode she shares with us a little bit of her experience and why it is so important to be an involved agriculturalist.  Sitting on several state industry boards, she has much experience with grassroots programs and their day to day impact. At the end of this episode, Ms. Williamson shares her famous strawberry shortcake recipe; you don't want to miss it!    Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

May is Mental Health Month and it is just as important for you as it is for your neighbor. Marshal Sewell, a generational Floridian Agriculturalist shares some of his story and insight on mental health on this month's episode. Marshal and his wife, Taylor, have started their own platform to carry on the conversation about mental health in agriculture. You can find Mind Your Melon on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as social media. Links listed below.   Show Resources: MindYourMelon.org Spotify - Mind Your Melon Apple Podcasts - Mind Your Melon Florida Farm Bureau Mental Health Resources Farm State of Mind   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.    

Conservation cowboy Jim Strickland of Blackbeard's Ranch joins us for a conversation about the environmental benefits of ranching and its role in providing for the health and well-being of Florida residents. This episode is an early highlight of Earth Day and our recognition of its importance.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation President, Jeb Smith, sits down with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson to discuss key agricultural issues including urbanization, sustainability, education and food security.   Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

The Cattle Price Discovery, and Transparency Act (CPDTA) remains a pressing issue for America's cattle ranchers, negatively impacting their livelihoods. Fifth-generation cattle rancher, J Ryals of Desoto County, recently shared with FFBF's Newsline how this ongoing issue has impacted his family ranching business Pre-and post pandemic.  Florida Farm Bureau and state Farm Bureaus from across the nation have signed a letter in support of American Farm Bureau's policy and position on CPDTA.  The letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, and Ranking Member John Boozman urged them to not take further action on this legislation as specific sections pose negative impacts on cattle producers nationwide. 

Property crime is among the many challenges farmers and ranchers must face when producing food and fiber. Sgt. David Estes outlined his perspective on such problems as supervisor of the Agricultural Patrol with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office with G.B. Crawford.

Florida State Forester Jim Karels has overseen wildfire control efforts for many years. He recently discussed the fire threat created by the storm with G.B. Crawford.

Florida Farm Bureau's Women's Leadership Conference themed "A Time to Bloom" is set for March 28-30, in Lake Mary. Danielle Daum, Vice Chair of the Women's Leadership Committee spoke with Farm Bureau about the conference. 

Gould and his wife, Carol, care for the land as well as they grow a commodity. Their attention to resource preservation at their Washington County farm has made it a model operation. He recently talked about their work in an interview with G.B. Crawford.

Brian Lapointe, a research professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, has devoted his scientific career to studying water quality issues for more than three decades. Lapointe has presented his findings before the Florida Legislature and numerous local and state executive agencies. He recently talked about his work in an interview with G.B. Crawford.

Sarah Carte, Chair of our State Women’s Leadership Committee shares about Food Check-Out Week and how it's celebrated across the state.

G.B. Crawford: As anyone who lives in Florida knows firsthand, weather conditions have varied from mild to awful during the past year. Long-term climate trends influence local weather in all locations. State Climatologist David Zierden explains what he and his colleagues have determined from their studies of climate data and what they imply for the future. For this winter, Floridians can expect to live under the influence of the El Nino phenomenon, a naturally-occurring event that is linked to warming temperatures in the central and east-central Pacific Ocean near the Equator.  David Zierden: The typical climate pattern associated with El Nino is that Florida and the northern Gulf Coast get much more storminess. And because of the storminess and cloud cover, we generally have cool to moderate temperatures. Basically, we’re looking at increased rainfall, a higher frequency of these winter storms and cooler or more moderate temperatures.  Crawford: In recent years scientists have recorded overall elevated temperatures in Florida. In the northern counties, for example, the average evening temperature in the summer months has ranged two degrees higher than normal. David Zierden says this trend is continuing.   Zierden: If you look at monthly average temperatures in Florida, we’ve gone three-and-a-half years with only two months of below-average temperatures. Every other month has been warmer than normal. And during that same time, we have seen five months of record hot temperatures. We’ve definitely seen a warming trend in the past four years in this state.  Crawford: Zierden and other scientists caution that the steady increase in average temperatures is a likely indication that major hurricanes in the future may be even more destructive than Irma or Michael.  Zierden: It is much more probable that the intensity will increase. We will have stronger storms and the strongest ones will be incrementally stronger. There is a possibility that what we have seen this year is part of that happening.  Crawford: Zierden’s work with farmers for more than 20 years has convinced him that agriculture can thrive in Florida despite hurricanes, drought or any other damaging weather forces.  Zierden: I think our agricultural systems are adaptable. There are new varieties and different commodities that can be grown. There is a lot that can be done to both adapt and mitigate against the worst effects of a changing climate.  This is G.B. Crawford for Florida Farm Bureau’s Newsline.

Alex: Florida Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting is scheduled later this month, Jason Davison Florida Farm Bureau’s Director of Field Services explains the importance of Annual Meeting Jason: The Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting is a time for our members to come together and to chart the future and particularly the next year of our organization and it gives us the roadmap for our staff for the following year. Alex: Davison goes on to explains how the policy process takes place at Annual Meeting Jason: This is a vital point of being a grassroots organization. Our policy is developed at the local level and is presented to be ratified by the delegates of the convention. Alex: Davison stresses the importance of attending the Annual Meeting and its impact on members. Jason:  It is important to attend annual meeting because you want to be a part of the voice of this organization. It also gives and opportunity for you to hear what is going on with agriculture around the state. This is a good time to celebrate our successes and plan for what we can do better in the future. Alex: In addition to policy matters, some other activities are planned for members who attend including educational breakout sessions, a member appreciation event and a motivational keynote speaker. Jason: Our Keynote speaker will be on Thursday and that will be Eric McElvenny who when through a pretty traumatic experience of losing his leg and he will be giving a motivational speech on his story on how he picked up and moved forward. This will be a perfect time to reflect particularly after the hurricanes of hurricane Irma and most recently hurricane Michael. There are difficult times but we will pick up and move forward. Annual Meeting is scheduled for October 24-26 at the Renaissance World Golf Village in St. Augustine. This is Alex Lucas for Florida Farm Bureau Newsline.

G.B. Crawford: The North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, has created serious challenges for Florida vegetable growers. Implemented in 1994, the trade pact was intended to stimulate the flow of goods and services across the borders of the United States, Canada and Mexico. But since its adoption, Florida farmers have lost substantial portions of the U.S. vegetable market. John VanSickle: a food and resource economist at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, said the results have been exemplified by what has happened with tomatoes.  John VanSickle: “You can see it in tomatoes better than in others because it is such an important crop in terms of volume and value in Florida agriculture. Our crop is…less than half the value it was when we go back prior to NAFTA being implemented.”   Crawford: VanSickle explained that a glaring omission in the agreement has cost Florida farmers dearly.  VanSickle: “Labor has become a critical point. It’s the part of the agreement that got left out. As long as Mexico can employ the labor in Mexico for about 10 percent of the value that we have to put into play in the U.S., it’s going to be very difficult for us to compete.”  Crawford: The lack of a reliable, functional guest worker program magnifies the impact of the differential labor cost, Van Sickle said. Unless this issue can be addressed, the trend of market share losses will continue.  VanSickle: “Immigration just adds to the difficulty we’ve got. Because as we close our borders to immigration, it’s also going to increase the cost of our labor that we use in the production system.”  This is G.B. Crawford for Florida Farm Bureau’s Newsline.  

Rachael: For years, the Everglades Agricultural Area has drawn much controversy over the environmental concerns regarding water quality in South Florida. Stuck in the middle of that controversy is agriculture. Florida Farm Bureau’s Gary Ritter shares some of the challenges that farmers and ranchers are facing in the EAA. Gary: “The challenges today’s EAA farmers and ranchers face are linked hand in hand to the storied history of the Everglades, their partnership in Everglades Restoration and population growth.   This all started back in 1994 Florida Passed the Everglades Forever Act mandating EAA farmers meet a 25% reduction in phosphorus through the implementation of on-farm BMPs.  For the past 25 years, EAA farmers have met or exceeded their 25% reduction goal averaging 55% reductions during that time period and this past year a 70% reduction.   Rachael: What are some of the techniques that farmers and ranchers have in place to help in the Everglades Restoration? Gary: Farmers use Best Management Practices in three categories: Water Management, Nutrient Management and Sediment Controls.  Let’s take a look at all three.   Water conservation and management practices are implemented to retain runoff by optimizing on-site storage, based on rainfall levels.    Nutrient management through soil testing includes uniform applications of fertilizer with soil amendments at the plant root zones while maintaining setbacks from waterways.   Sediment controls reduce erosion of canal banks and swales by maintaining vegetative buffers.    In addition crop rotations and rice production has helped improve soil loss in the EAA area.   Rachael: Gary helps dispel some of the myths regarding the phosphorus levels of the Everglades.   Gary: The myths are generally from a misinformed public that believes water from EAA farms is back-pumped into Lake Okeechobee and somehow winds up in the coastal estuaries.   Actually, farmers in the EAA treat water from Lake Okeechobee sending it south into the water conservation areas.    Rachael: How important is it to understand other contributors to the health of the Everglades?   Gary: Farmers have been a partner in the restoration effort for decades.  However, success truly means all of south Florida has to be united and engaged with our farmers…this means citizens and industry along with the state of Florida and the Federal Government.”  

G.B. Crawford: Every five years Congress enacts legislation that sets national agricultural policy. This legislation is known as the Farm Bill. Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick explains why the Farm Bill is an important policy statement. John Hoblick: “The foundation and the basis of the Farm Bill originally was to help give farmers assurance that they indeed would make a profit for their crops and also ensure that this country would have food going forward into the future to sustain this country’s nutritional needs.” Crawford: Hoblick noted that the bill also provides supplemental assistance for families that are food insecure. Hoblick: “For the general public, the Farm Bill has a big impact, too. That’s the nutritional side of this bill that helps actually feed those that are impoverished and cannot afford food.” Crawford: The process of crafting this legislation is always a challenge. But farmers and ranchers hope the Congress can adopt a new bill soon so they can plan their production in the next five years. Hoblick said national lawmakers have a big job facing them. Hoblick: “There are a lot of complicated things that go into a Farm Bill, so it is not just as easy as turning on and off a light switch. However, just two weeks ago we had a Farm Bill hit the Congressional floor. It was quite honestly defeated by not only all of the Democrats voting no, but also the Freedom Caucus of the Republican Party. The primary reason was tied to an immigration arm of that – and a valid point that needs to be addressed. We have until September to try and get a good Farm Bill in place. That means Congress is going to have to scramble in the next few weeks and months to really put this package together.” Crawford: This is G.B. Crawford for Florida Farm Bureau’s Newsline.   For more information on the Farm Bill, click here.