Keeping Ag Real

Can hunters and ranchers find a mutual respect for one another? Katie Reinert discusses this plus the threat of wolves on her livestock, baiting bear, wildfires and haying 9000 acres. No typo.  Join us as Katie also talks about her side hustle as a leather maker. Check out her Instagram account for some extraordinary artwork with practical purpose.     

It's no secret that the general public live and breathe by misinformation regarding agriculture. Reaching the general public takes a village. Listen to American Agri Women's Past President, Doris Mold, as she discusses the efforts the American Agri Women have utilized and the evolution of their programs. Doris also shares how navigating Washington, D.C. becomes teamwork for the different generations of women in agriculture.  Special thanks to Bayer and the American Agri Women     

Researching farming for nearly 50 years is one perspective when discussing innovations in agriculture. Actually living it and sharing detail by detail, is a completely different animal. Meet Karolyn Zurn from Minnesota, American Agri Women's 1st Vice President.  She shares her farming experience beginning with dairy, to sugar beets and corn. Listen to how GMO technology has not only improved their farm but also continues to better the environment. While working off the farm, Karolyn had the opportunity to work in food sales. She shares this and how she fills her life today.  Please visit today's sponsors:                  

Since its inception the Farmers Business Network has been a contentious topic among American farmers. Growing from a hundred members to over 8,000 in a few short years has leverage the company to better assist farmers. One of the ways they can help is by pooling members together to offer FBN Health. Listen to Lucas Strom, Vice President of Business Development for FBN and farmer turned podcaster, Jerod McDaniel discuss this new product.  More information on FBN Health visit www.FBNHealth.com News coverage:  FBN Unveils New Healthcare Option for Its Members  New Healthcare Option Tailored for Farmers  

Today’s episode is the first of its kind as we will be featuring two guests.  The first is Jackie Applegate, Head of Global Vegetable Seeds and Environmental Science for the Crop Science Division at Bayer. The second guest is Jeanette Lombardo, American Agri-Women’s current President. Even though this episode is intended to inspire women in agriculture, men, you need to listen as well… these ladies bring advice to the table which applies to everyone, no matter your packaging! As you will hear Jackie say in the episode, “So, it's not us versus them. It's how we together can make a difference.” These ladies bring advice to the table which applies to everyone, no matter your packaging. Thank you to the support of Bayer Crop Science and American Agri-Women for sponsoring today's episode.

If this podcast doesn't excite you about rural America, I'm not sure what will. Please meet Danna Larson, rural America's biggest advocate and change maker. She is head brainchild of the Rural Revival which is changing the face of small towns across the country. Danna is full of a fire filled with passion and has generously shared her experience on issues facing struggling towns. She has teamed up with Brooke Clay of Rural Gone Urban to bring The Ruralist. Listen to Danna provide a 411 on this incredible new project.  Important links you need to visit: www.ruralrevival.co  www.ruralist.co  www.ruralist.co/nominate www.ruralrevival.co/farmdinner www.instagram.com/ruralrevivalco www.facebook.com/ruralrevivalco www.ruralgoneurban.com

Kristin Reese, aka Local Farm Mom, has been my companion on a couple of recent adventures. In this episode, we share our experience exploring Europe's food and agriculture, while also attending Bayer's Future of Farming event - the first event since the acquisition of Monsanto.  Our journey through Switzerland taught us the importance of slowing down in life. In Germany we learn there are no speed limits & the Netherlands provided a one-of-a-kind event involving Dutch Cooking. Take a listen to learn more.  Special thanks to Bayer for inviting Kristin and I to the Future of Farming event. 

Unity is strength - It is time for agriculture to collaborate

This episode with Lauren Arbogast was one of luck. We happened to both be attending She Knows Media's BlogHer Creatives Summit, allow us the opportunity to record an episode.   We talk about how commodity groups, organizations and companies could be pooling their resources and dollars to make a bigger impact with non-farm/ranch folks.  She also emphasizes the importance of communities...and, stepping out of your comfort zone to new communities.  Thank you for listening!

Its hard to believe that Keeping Ag Real has hit its 50th episode. Thank you to all of our loyal listeners and guests! You make this show what it is today.  In celebration of the 50th episode, I interview my husband. We discuss the upcoming Keeping Ag Real Road Trip, hoggin' for catfish and what it was like to stop dairying. We really keep it real with lots of laughing, a little spat and reminisce on the good 'ol days.  Thank you to our sponsors Farm Journal Media | Drover's, Farm Journal & AgDay!  Follow us on our roadtrip beginning July 21st!

Anytime someone is making an effort to connect the general public with farmers, ranchers, processors and growers, it’s important to me that we lift them up and highlight them on Keeping Ag Real. The foundation from where the show “Chasing Down Madison Brown,” began is one based on years of traveling and seeing the pockets of the U.S. Today’s guest is the one and only Madison Brown. If you are in agriculture, she will inspire you to tell your story. Anyone with a curiosity about their food will be motivated to learn more. I’m excited to get the word out about the show.

This week's episode is covering milk. Dr. Chris Cifelli joins us to bring the science behind milk and the new A2 milk. We discuss whether the science is there to support the claims of being nutritionally superior.  I then move into sharing my opinion on the labeling of milk alternatives and what I have found in my research pertaining to the FDA not enforcing the law signed by President Trump. 

This episode is packed full. Jacquelyne Leffler is one of the most determined, focused and faithful people I've met. She shares her journey of being a champion Jr. Olympic athlete, competing without an ACL in her knee, meeting Pat Roberts, Kansas Farm Bureau, witnessing President Trump sign the rural broadband bill, tracking down where that money is being spent and details of the devastating drought.

Today's episode is brought to you by Alltech. I had the honor of interviewing Bill Northey, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm & Foreign Agricultural Services, during Alltech's #ONE18 event. We dig deep into the Ag Census process, discuss the Under Secretary and Secretary Perdue's expectations under the Trump administration and discuss the US's trade woes.

Have you ever met one of those people who makes your mind explode? Enter one of the hottest names in the food and agriculture world, Brooke Clay. Fluent in pop culture, Brooke shares about her role as producer of Chasing Down Madison Brown. In this episode, she schools me on the phrase Pork Chops & Applesauce, something which I've always believed to be a Schweigertism. We get serious about savin' booties and the lack of agriculture education involved in becoming an doctor. The show is wrapped up with excellent life advice that is so Brooke Clay. Important links Pork chops & applesauce Chasing Down Madison Brown Growing lipstick with Jay Hill interview Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe using your favorite app such as Podbean, Podkicker or iTunes. Let me know your thoughts on today's show by finding me on Twitter (@keepingagreal or @jenschweigert), search Facebook or shoot me at email at jenny at keepingagreal.com.  

Join me while I chat with Chief Innovation Officer of Alltech, Inc., Aiden Connelly. We touch on numerous topics. 

He's faced near complete paralysis, having his legs amputated and being in a coma, twice. Despite these challenges, Brian Randolph is one of the most positive people I know. Unfortunately, his battles aren't over and he needs your help. Brian is waiting for a kidney transplant and liver tissue donation. Take a listen to his incredible story, then return here to complete Mayo Clinic's Living transplantation questionnaire to see if you might be a match. Watch Brian take a few more steps at PT!

Meet Trey Hill of Harborview Farms

Are today's "food police" shaping food policy? If so, who is the driving force behind these celebrity appointed experts? Join Jayson Lusk, author of "The Food Police," as he shares his observations and studies.

We are celebrating with a guest host on this week's episode of Keeping Ag Real. The mission: Provide the listeners with a better look at my personality by inviting a guest host to interview me, myself and I.  The result: She or he makes me laugh until my stomach hurts. And, has a heck of a time telling us all that Keeping Ag Real is part of the Farm & Rural Ag Network. Thank you to everyone's support this last year! I can't wait to see what is in store for year two.  Take a listen!

Kyle Tom is the 8th generation of Tom Farms located in Indiana. They are growers of corn and beans, and working to improve precision agriculture technologies. Kyle joins me in Anaheim, California during Bayer CropScience's AgVocacy Issues Forum, ahead of the 2018 Commodity Classic. 1:37 - Eight generations 2:55 - Should we talk more about fuel, fiber and everyday items? 3:30 - Kyle's Chicago Study 6:00 - Precise inputs 7:55 - Detecting hot spots 10:00 - Training is essential 12:24 - Farm Bill 13:15 - Kyle and Twitter Thank you for joining another episode of Keeping Ag Real, part of the Farm Rural Ag Network. Visit www.KeepingAgReal.com for past episodes and additional content. As always, your support is greatly appreciated! ~ Jenny  

"We need to feed 9 billion people by 2050." "America's obesity crisis appears more unstoppable than ever." In the fall of 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report indicating almost 40 percent of American adults and nearly 20 percent of adolescents are obese — these are the highest rates ever recorded for the U.S. At the same time, the agriculture community pushes the message that we will need to feed nine-billion people by 2050. While the rhetoric makes sense for farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals, the average person isn't receptive.  I visited with Connie Diekman, Director of University Nutrition for Washington University in St. Louis and past president of the American Dietetic Association. We discuss differences in today's collegiate demographic and those in older generations. This leads to multiple nutrition programs which are currently being implemented at Washington University.  Time stamps:

Have you heard of FastCasual.com? Its a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the multi-faceted restaurant and food sectors. The selection of topics which are covered by Fast Casual was too extensive so we asked Twitter, what they'd like to learn more about.  Food Truck Nation was an easy winner, winner, chicken dinner. Jenny had the opportunity to meet with Cherryh Cansler, Managing Editor of FastCasual.com. They talk about the ever growing food truck movement and how it could revolutionize Jenny's smalltown baseball concession stand. Cherryh shares new technologies on the food scene (ie., Fresh Fruit/Veggie Smoothies) and the controversy behind kiosk ordering - think ATM machine meets McDonalds. Time stamps: 1:00 - What does Fast Casual mean? 2:10 - How have food trucks changed the food scene? Even                Arby's has a food truck! 3:03 - Making seafood sexy 5:30 - Food trucks and baseball. The perfect match? 6:40 - There are only so many hot dogs you can eat during a baseball season. Are you with me? 7:30 - Food trucks are the new thing for wedding receptions!? 7:51 - Jeremy Wolf 9:04 - The Rock Stars of Social Media 9:40 - New technologies for Fresh Fruit Smoothies 10:55 - Great news! Food ordering kiosks are not putting people out of work 12:08 - How has technology impacted mom and pop businesses? 13:17 - Let's talk about food waste - with smoothie and salad machines increase food waster?    Find additional information about today's guest, CherryH Cansler, visit FoodTruckOperator.com FastCasual.com @CherryhFastCas on Twitter

In the agriculture community, we often hear that someone needs to be teaching children about agriculture. In this segment around community gardens and urban farms, we discover that someone is educating children about agriculture. Listen to find out more. Time stamps: 1:50-Investing in urban communities & background on Natasha Nicholes' community garden 2:33-Her husband says hits the brakes...a little.  3:00-The cost of soil testing in Chicago limits  3:50-Harry Connick Jr. raises the bed bar 5:10-Kids motivating parents through urban farming 6:10-Storytime 6:45-Natasha's seven year old begins a kid edible garden program at the famous Morton Arboretum  8:20-Morton Arboretum features childrens' garden 9:15-We Sow We Grow Facebook group 10:45-Correlation between urban agriculture farms and the education children are receiving 15:18-Who are the people behind urban farms? 15:45-The missed opportunity www.KeepingAgReal.com

This week's episode of Keeping Ag Real, steps off a new segment called "Grocery Store Gurus." Gracie Weinzierl returns as a co-host to chat about destination grocery shopping, misleading local food labeling and funny stuff at farmers' markets.  

They always say, it takes a village and that village just expanded. There is a new player in the agriculture advocacy world. Today's guest is Nate Birt from Farm Journal's Trust In Food initiative. This new effort kicks-off with the Trust In Food Symposium, Jan. 23-24, in Chicago.  Nate shares about the goals of Trust In Food, how they feel this effort is different than any other and the intense collaboration. The initiative brings together farmers, ranchers, growers, agribusinesses, food companies, food marketing folks, conservation and more. 

Thanks again for listening to Keeping Ag Real! Your loyalty and continued support is greatly appreciated! This week I interviewed my non-agriculture, city dwelling sister - for good reason. Her career path is in the area of Operational Excellence Coaching. What does that mean? Take a listen. We play a word association game, I explain what GMO means and we toss a little shade at each other. Most importantly she offers perspectives we may not normally hear.

This is part 2 of a great conversation with lifestyle blogger, Natasha Nicholes. We dive in talking about how she has grown an old, dirty lot on the south side of Chicago into a beautiful learning tool. She discusses Harry Connick Jr.'s involvement and her goals for the future. We take a shot at explaining Klout Scores and finish up with her interview with Kelly Clarkson, just another mom with four kids.  Believe it or not, there is still more from our interview! We'll be talking about an upcoming event Natasha's daughter will be spearheading. Watch for its release before the end of January.  As always, thanks for joining Keeping Ag Real! Natasha on Harry Connick Jr. House of Nicholes website Natasha on Twitter House of Nicholes on Facebook  

Soundbite Preview of Part 2 with Natasha Nicholes

This episode welcomes Natasha Nicholes, a wife, mom, blogger, speaker and advocate for truth behind food - I forgot to mention her bubbly personality and contagious laugh. Natasha sits down with hostess, Jenny Schweigert to discuss her connections to agriculture and being at the top of THE 500 Top AgVocates in 2017 list. We wrap up this first part of a three series pods by revealing her thoughts about the ag community.    

A teaser for the next #KeepingAgReal episode - watch for its release tomorrow. I welcome guest @NatashaNicholes -we talk abt THE list, the buzz she is creating in south Chicago with urban farming & her impression of the ag community.

In this episode of Keeping Ag Real, Jenny Schweigert connects with Tracy Zeorian, a custom wheat harvester and founder of HarvestHer. The show tackles USDA data, gluten-free diets and navigating through family dynamics in a 40 ft living space. When times get tough, the tough get going. Times are tough, especially for farmers and custom harvesters. To ease the stress, Tracy is growing the HarvestHer movement by adding a wellness event for HarvestHer, April 13-15, 2018. Stay tuned for additional information at HarvestHer.com, Facebook.com/HarvestHer and Twitter @HarvestHer. Timestamps: 3:27 - Flashback to the 80's for Custom Harvesting 6:40 - Stranded by drought and hail 8:18 - Finding a silver lining 10:10 - Family dynamics in a 40ft living space 12:10 - Dive back into one of Jenny's favorite topics...Data and the USDA 13:50 - Gluten-free 14:23 - History is made as Tracy becomes the first woman President of the U.S. Custom Harvesters Association 15:00 - Women will be women 16:50 - The "Tell Your Story" rant 19:10 - Attitude ain't bad 22:10 - Bringing back the old fashioned Quilting Bee, without the quilt 24:25 - Tracy doesn't believe in the word impossible Please be sure to follow Keeping Ag Real on Twitter-@KeepingAgReal, Facebook and the website KeepingAgReal. Note: KAR is now a blog and podcast. Thank you for your continued support!  

This interview is an incredible opportunity to see the world through the eyes of General Mills. Today's guest is Catherine Gunsbury, Director of Transparency & Sustainability for General Mills. This episode was recorded during a conference and unfortunately, the quality is not my finest. My hope is that the work cleaning up the audio allows for listeners to learn and enjoy.

Special thanks to DTN The Progressive Farmer for sponsoring this episode of Keeping Ag Real. For additional information on how your company or organization can benefit from Keeping Ag Real, click here.  Editor-in-chief of DTN, Greg Horstmeier joins Keeping Ag Real to discuss their Ag Summit keynote Andy Papathanassiou's revolutionary approach which changed NASCAR. Pit crews operate in one of the most dynamic and demanding teamwork environments imaginable. In racing, like in business and in life, there are no guarantees. Make one mistake that's too big or at an inopportune time and your day at the race is over - you go home while the race continues on without you. The same can be true for agriculture. Greg shares how Andy's passion for over the wall thinking will inspire farmers to overcome obstacles and makes things happen.  The discussion continues to include DTN/TPF's decision to provide a women's only grain marketing session during their DTN University. After gathering additional details, Jenny offers her support for shifting towards the gutsy move.  

Building on an existing foundation The Country Christmas Connection (#TCCC) is back. The effort was started in 2013 by Jamie Rhoades and Laurie Link. In 2016, when Darleen Sichley and Jenny Schweigert learned the exchange may stop, they couldn't let it happen. Their friendship was built from the connection Jamie and Laurie made just for them. The torch was passed and Christmas in the Country became The Country Christmas Connection, out of respect for Jamie and Laurie. They have had big boots to fill and its been a continuous learning experience, yet Darleen and Jenny are ready to begin their second year of leading this effort.  Above all, this is a project to form relationships with like-minded individuals while highlighting the respective geographical areas. Darleen and Jenny are working in baby steps to eventually use this project to connect rural and urban individuals.  In 2017, participants can be from the agriculture community or rural areas. We are also considering International additions.  Take a listen to this quick mini-pod. for additional details and be stalking us on Nov. 13th when registration forms become available on www.GuernseyMama.com, www.TheMagicFarmHouse.com and www.KeepingAgReal.com.

This week's episode is a quick listen, yet covers a tremendous amount of ground (pun intended). Jay Hill of New Mexico grows a large suite of crops from pumpkins, chili peppers, sudan grass and everything in between.  As Jay shares the destination of each crop, Jenny is tasked with learning more about cotton and lipstick production. We cover his incredible story of beginning his farming career with 10 acres at the age of 16 and convincing his father to farm once again. Today, the Hills farm 17,000 with their family and 65 teammates (employees).  Time stamps: 1:33 - Managing 40,000 Snapchat followers 3:21 - Jay the 12 crops they are growing on their farm 5:00 - Where does it all go? Midwest, Mexico, Japan, Kentucky, New York? 7:12 - Jay schools Jenny on pecans 8:40 - Growing cosmetics 10:52 - Tracking down labels on cosmetics 11:45 - High cotton 12:25 - Illinois farmers just sit at home during the winter 13:27 - Going from 10 acres to 17,000 acres 15:45 - Even Pro-Golfers are interested in farming 16:30 - Poultry to Hydroponics  18:22 - Working with family sometimes can be the hardest thing anyone has ever done, but at the same time its also the most rewarding. 19:30 - The secret to Jay's photography 21:02 - Jay reveals a jaw dropping secret Twitter: @hilljay45 | Instagram: @hilljay45 | hillfarmsnewmexico.com        

Indiana farmer, Joe Mills is a think-outside-the-field kinda guy who has been doing cool things well before they were ever cool.  As the 25th episode of Keeping Ag Real, Joe discusses their transition to organic crops and his motto on farming different.  "We only have one lifetime to farm. I'm not going to spend it doing what everyone else does. I hope all the neighbors think I'm crazy." More information can be found on their website www.millslivestockllc.com, on Twitter by following @TheHippieFarmer.

The interview began as a harmless interaction, before Jenny realized it, Gracie had taken over and began asking the questions. The pair talk about the agency life, rural poverty and the new AgBlogClub.

Its no secret that the general public has become disconnected from their food, fuel & fiber sources. As a whole, agriculture continues to be stumped on the solution. Today's guest, Mary Shelman, is the former director of the Harvard Agribusiness School.  She shares background on Harvard's program including the father of the word agribusiness. As we learn about her background, we move on to discuss a recent tweet describing agriculture as the last frontier for technology. With the advancements in GPS, drones, genetic modification, growth chambers, and RNAi, it becomes a challenge to agree with this statement. Shelman provides her point-of-view, observations and points to sustainability and agriculture's footprint as a heavy concern. The discussion covers data or, lack thereof, as a culprit to today's real food trend and disconnect. Our conversation digs deep into ownership of data, the collection and how the data should be used and by whom. What other questions should I have covered in the discussion?  

This week's guest, Hannah Neuenschwander, walks us through her move from Texas to the Midwest, to work for a company called Monsanto. She shares adventures in corn inbreeding, her point-of-view of genetically modified seed and the story of how a tornado seeded her in an incredible community. Find Hannah at www.TexanMeetsMidwest.com, Twitter: @hannahaggie2014 | IG: Hannahjane2014

Today's guest brews her coffee as Jenny is working on making supper. What began as acquaintances on Twitter has grown to a friendship like no other connected by Skype.  Meg Kummerow shares her expertise in AgTech, as we discuss her background growing up with cattle. While explaining the cattle ranch, Meg has to give Jenny a lesson on the word mustard.  The discussion travels through a recent tweet derived from Food Tank's latest event. Initiated by a speaker, the tweet states technology in food and agriculture is the last frontier. Listen in to catch their opinions on the tweet as well as setting goals for 2018. Time stamps: 1:50 - Australian Summer Grains Conference vs. US's Commodity Classic 3:10 - Last measurable rain was March of 2017 5:00 - Meg teaches Jenny a new word 6:50 - Making the difficult decision to sell the farm 8:40 - Chad Colby introduces Meg to drones 10:00 - Meg and Jenny give their opinions on out-of-touch food 'experts'  16:37 - Dominos Drone Delivery coming to a farm near you...we hope. 17:30 - Rural communications and mental health in Australia and the U.S. At the end of this show, you'll learn about up and coming changes to Keeping Ag Real.  Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to listen and subscribe!    

[audio src="http://traffic.libsyn.com/jennyschweigert/339487752-user-660972501-finger-limes-brain-eating-bugs-golf-carts-at-fps17.mp3"] California's Citrus Under Attack  

This week's episode is centered around STEM education, beginning with Bayer's Making Science Make Sense program. Listen closely as I make a mild mistake of giving my 8 year old the microphone. He helps explains MSMS as it happened at his school. Next, I catch up with Casey Allen from Bayer's Corporate Communications team as we chat during the Farm Progress Show. Casey discusses Bayer's collaboration with the National 4H Council in an effort to enhance STEM education. He provides great overview of how the new program, Science Matters, will benefit youth in rural and urban areas.  

Jen and Jenny take on California! @Plowwife is back and chatting about our trip to a citrus ranch, processing plant and the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Lots of timestamps so you don't miss a word!!! 2:10 - Little green balls 3:50 - Gless Citrus Ranch 4:39 - Finger Limes, Citrus Caviar, Tequila shooters 6:27 - Farming on public land 8:00 - Citrus processing facility 9:05 - Organic mangoes 11:25 - Jen’s distraction takes over for samples 12:37 - Cattle eat grapefruit? 15:40 - Citrus’ reputation for food safety 16:45 - Jen begins to lose her mind 17:30 - Measuring sweetness of grapefruit 18:10 - The darn samples again 20:15 - Jen checks out due to Modge Podge 21:35 - The meat of the citrus industry 22:05 - ACP’s are bad guys & Citrus greening 24:00 - Brain eating wasps in Jen’s nose 25:30 - Jen flashes back to 1984 27:05 - Genetic modification isn’t an option 28:10 - Sniffing, inserting larvae, painting the the ACP 29:15 - Jen gets bleeped...twice 30:40 - Backyard Citrus Trees 31:45 - Can oranges become extinct? 33:00 - The challenge of solving backyard citrus 33:45 - Jenny saves the world by releasing wasps 35:15 - The girls talk their big takeaways 37:15 - Jen finally becomes completely paranoid about having a bug up her nose 37:50 - Girls Talk Ag 38:45 - Farm Progress Show & beware of the FRAN golf cart 41:05 - People will be running, screaming and following the FRAN golf cart at FPS

The first Keeping Ag Real podcast recorded from my truck - because it's all about Keeping It Real. Excuse any sound distortions. They pulled up in Wilson, the '66 Ford Mustang and dove right into the Tazewell County 4H & Jr. Fair festivities. Wendell Schumm of the #OntarioAgCast and daughter Jullia took on a 3500 mile road trip to visit U.S. friends, connected by #AgTwitter (agriculture folks on Twitter). During their visit they met our Jersey dairy heifers, sheep and the rooster, Mr. Fred. Mr. Fred was due to be auctioned the next day. In Wendell and Jullia's road trip podcast, they ask about the fate of said rooster. Join my son and I as we answer their question plus waiting for a driver's permit, hunting in Kentucky and the Illinois State Fair.

Have you watched the Food Evolution Movie yet? Tune in to learn why you need to put it in your future, my thoughts and a lesson science can learn from agriculture.

The mental well being of farmers and ranchers is toyed with due to uncertainties like weather and market prices. Suicide rates among U.S. farmers are double that of Veterans. Four of my favorite Canadian women have dug their heels into the issue. Kim Keller hit the stir button on Twitter resulting in numerous people sharing their stories. Lesley Kelly and her husband Matt bravely put themselves on out there to share their story on Periscope. Sandi Brock and Amy Matthison brought attention to the subject with a funny yet genuine YouTube episode. These ladies have brought attention to the issue which has hit agribusiness and mainstream media in Canada. So, why aren't we seeing the same results in the U.S.? Join Dan Neenan, a colleague and director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety. The discussion is dedicated to piecing together the puzzle and initiating major involvement from organizations in the U.S. Thanks for listening!

Time stamps: Part I: Mental Health Confession 3:26: Getting help for my mental well-being after being refused treatment 4:50: Three Takeaways from my experience - reach to the community for help, stop the stigma, reach out, check on each other and show someone you care Part II: Introducing Kristjan Hebert 8:58: Who is Kristjan Hebert?  10:52: Being the dreamer arm of farming versus the operator 14:43: Utilizing social media to build the farm brand 16:02: Introducing WorkHorseHub.com - matchmaking for agriculture careers 21:47: We need to change mindset over any other risk in agriculture 23:00: The 5% Rule        

In this three part series, Brian Hogue, CEO of Arable Media shares the impact of international travel to Guatemala and Liberia. The conversation discusses the utilization of using virtual reality to bring realities of hunger to schools. Additionally, how VR holds potential for connecting the rural and urban divide. Timestamps: 2:00 - Helping build a medical clinic in Guatemala, Brian's initial eye opening experience 3:00 - Experiencing international poverty 4:15 - Liberia kids playing with a plastic water bottle, happiness comparison to Disneyland. 4:30 - Ah, ha moment of context - when we don't know, what we don't know it can bring us down. No doubt the loss and hunger which exists in 3rd world countries is minimize to the U.S. general public due to lack of understanding and experience. 6:45 - How do we bring exposure to the hunger and circumstances in places like Liberia? 7:20 - Using Virtual Reality to bring stories like Brian's to the U.S.  8:20 - Thinking intentionally about trips to places like Liberia - are you doing it to help or to fill your own heart 9:15 - Using VR in schools as a tool to teach children about hunger, in a financially, feasible way.  10:35 - Brian is bullish on the status of the world; even when we have questionable leaders 11:10 - Feed themselves, create markets that are viable and sustainable 11:54 - Opening the eyes of a 14 year old of what the world looks like 12:35 - Consumer understanding the experiences that occur in urban areas & bridge gap by bringing urban situational awareness to those in rural life 13:50 - Is Ag advocacy reaching the right audiences?  14:25 - We are late to the game (decades) to provide understanding of agriculture - ag advocacy comes in many forms and isn't one size fits all 15:30 - Come to terms that consumers do not need us. Despite messaging and communication/PR plans from the majority of commodity groups, the general public does not need us 16:36 - We have to be careful so we don't push the consumer further and further away from us. 17:30 - Anyone who feels entitled to someone else's value, are the ones who are quickly replaced. 17:45 - Meat is being created in a lab 18:50 - All to often our industry forgets that the general public is our customer 23:00 - Family crisis, saving the family farm, family dynamics, community and friends   26:00 - Experiences are not divided between ag and non-ag 27:43 - Opening eyes and hearts Connect with Brian: ArableMedia.com | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

This episode's guest is originally from the great state of Iowa. For 12 months, you could say Natalina Sents a wanderer of sorts, traveling all 50 of the United States, with a simple mission to honor the American Farmer. Natalina shares her point of view on a one-size-fits-all career path, her parent's fears of her traveling the world and the diversity in agriculture she encountered. She shares what inspired her to pack her bags and set forth on a tour of American agriculture, including the viewing of The Henningsen's Why I Farm video. What's next for Natalina? You'll have to listen to find out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEb7nJ9DqqA