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Headlines on today's episode include: Assessing the Make America Healthy Again Commission report, Missouri farmer says MAHA report has no reassurance, Clean Fuels letter asks EPA to boost RVO levels, Fertilizer supplies are tight, Metapneumovirus exacts heavy toll on turkey industry, and R-CALF, Farmers Union urge cattle producers to file claims.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Democrats #Farming #Rural #Medicaid #Environment #Economy #RenewableEnergy #WorkingClass #Tariffs #WorkFromHome #Oligarchy #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Musk #Trump #MAGA #LeftOfLansing 00:00-21:28: MAGA Attacks on Rural Michigan/Dems Attack David Hogg Pat Johnston talks about how MAGA Michigan Republicans are passing bills hurting farmers, while also passing bills that have zero benefits to working class. The same goes for the MAGA Republicans in Congress, who are trying to pass $880 billion in Medicaid funding--funding that'll be devasting to rural Michigan residents with hospital closures. And why are Republicans gutting health care for the working class? So, they can pass trillions of $$$ in tax cuts for the elite donor base, like Elon Musk and Betsy DeVos. And Pat's incensed over the DNC's moves to oust party vice-chair David Hogg. 22:29-38:37: Michigan Farmers Union's Bob Thompson Michigan Farmers Union President Bob Thompson joins the show to talk about how Trump & Elon's cuts are adding pain to Michigan farmers, and rural Michigan. Thompson shares his views on topics such as: tariffs, cuts to USAID and USDA, cuts to NOAA and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, and cuts to universities that perform studies designed to help farmers. To learn more, visit the Michigan Farmers Union. 38:38-44:57: Last Call on At-Home Work The "Last Call" is on the MAGA Michigan Republican House majority's demands that state employees come back to Lansing for a five-day work-week. Pat explains why this is beyond idiotic. 44:58-46:40: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "5 Calls" Site where you can call your Congressional Representative and tell them NO to the MAGA Republican Budget. "MDHHS Report: 750K Michiganders on Medicaid stand to lose coverage if federal cuts are finalized." By Steven Bohner of ABC 13 News in Grand Rapids "U.S. House GOP mandates Medicaid work requirements in giant bill slashing spending." By Jennifer Shutt of Michigan Advance "Democrats are deeply pessimistic about the future of their party, an AP-NORC poll finds." By Steve Peoples and Linley Sanders of The AP "Anti-PFAS coalition decries Trump Administration's rollback of drinking water regulations." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Children's health services could see trims even under scaled-back Medicaid cuts." By Shalina Chatlani of Stateline "MSU researchers, administrators cope with estimated $82 million lost in funding cuts." By Hannah Locke of State News "5 Key Facts About Medicaid Work Requirements." By Elizabeth Hinton & Robin Rudowicz of KFF "Trump Is (One) Logical Endpoint of the GOP." By Noah Bertlaski of Everything Is Horrible "DNC panel opens the door to removing David Hogg from his national post." By Andrew Howard of Politico "People who work from home all the time ‘cut emissions by 54%' against those in office." By Patrick Barkham of The Guardian "Off The Record with Tim Skubick--Season 54, Ep: 44" by WKAR
The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,“ discussed recent trade developments, highlighting a significant reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%. The US and China are negotiating a 90-day truce, with potential for a more permanent deal. The phase one trade deal with China, which included billions in agricultural purchases, is being revisited. The US has closed its border to Mexican cattle, bison, and horses due to the New World screw worm, a decision supported by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. The hosts also touched on the US-Ukraine deal and the potential for in-person talks between Zelensky and Putin Mike Strands, Vice President of Advocacy at the National Farmers Union, discussed the Trump administration's new trade deal with the UK, focusing on market access for U.S. beef and ethanol. He highlighted Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins' aggressive travel schedule to promote trade deals with various countries. Strands emphasized the urgency of passing a new Farm Bill due to rising input costs and trade tensions, noting that 100 Farmers Union members lobbied Congress. He also addressed potential USDA budget cuts, which could impact farm safety nets and conservation programs, and the impact of recent employee buyouts on USDA staffing levels. Aaron Kendall, Director of Sporting Advocacy at the National Wildlife Federation, discussed the potential sale of public lands for affordable housing. He highlighted that the Federal Land Policy Management Act allows the sale of up to 2,500 acres of BLM lands, but proposed sales would divert revenue to the treasury rather than improving land management. Kendall argued against the proposal, citing economic and logistical challenges, including infrastructure costs and emergency services. He emphasized the importance of public lands for recreation and local economies, noting that grazing permits on federal lands are significantly cheaper than on state or private lands. Kendall urged listeners to contact their representatives to protect public lands.
This week on AgweekTV, dry conditions around the region are affecting planting for some growers. A major food bank that serves the hungry throughout the region struggles with funding cuts. Changes are coming for North Dakota's largest farm group. And we'll meet the former Organic Valley intern who now leads the country's largest cooperative of organic farmers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Farmers Union Members Launch Week of Action
05/01/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined by the President of North Dakota Farmers Union, Mark Watne, to announce his decision not to run for reelection to a 13th term as president at the organization’s annual meeting in December. They also talk about the future of the Farm Bill. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/03/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined by Jeff Lassle and Doug Sombke to have a conversation about tariffs after President Trump's announcement. Jeff is the President and Chief Executive Officer of NexEra Materials Group, LLC based out of South Dakota. NexEra, the manufacturer of Cem-Rock planned to break ground on two new manufacturing facilities—one in Rapid City, SD, and another in Waycross, GA, but he's changed his mind on it. Doug Sombke is the President of South Dakota Farmers Union. Doug was elected to serve as president of Farmers Union Industries in 2017, an organization that owns several agribusinesses whose profits help fund the operations of five state Farmers Union organizations as well as the National Farmers Union. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Matt Reese catches up with newly-elected Ohio Farmers Union President Bryn Bird. They talk cross-country moves, diverse vegetable production, and family farming. Bird also shares what the union is advocating on behalf of farmers for, including strengthening regional food systems and farms. Featured audio includes: Dale Minyo catches up with the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture Brian Baldridge at the Ohio Beef Expo. Joel Penhorwood meets with the President of the Ohio Auctioneers Association Darby Walton at the Ohio Beef Expo. Dale stops by the Farm Credit Mid-America office in Brown County to talk with Rudi Pitzer Perry during Patronage Week.
National Farmers Union announced its support of the American Beef Labeling Act, which was introduced by Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Cory Booker (D-NJ). The legislation will codify mandatory country-of-origin labeling, or MCOOL, for beef sold in the U.S., distinguishing American-produced products in grocery stores.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this special Gut Health Month episode, we're joined by leading gut health expert Nicole Dynan. Nicole shares her journey as a gut health dietitian and offers practical strategies to help dietitians specialise and stand out in this growing field, along with ways to effectively communicate complex science with clients. In the episode, we discuss: Nicole's career journey as a gut health dietitian Steps to position yourself as a trusted expert in gut health through branding, social media and networking How to communicate complex gut health science in a way clients can easily understand and implement The importance of collaborating with GPs, specialists and other allied health professionals How to stay updated with the latest gut health research Hosted by Brooke Delfino Click here for the shownotes Gut Health Month 2025 is supported by Activia Probiotic Yoghurt, Farmers Union, Life-Space Probiotics, Nerva, The Probiotics Institute, Swisse Nutra+, Coeliac Australia, Crohn's & Colitis Australia and The Gut Foundation The content, products and/or services referred to in this podcast are intended for Health Care Professionals only and are not, and are not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances. The content is for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgement before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. The reference to particular products and/or services in this episode does not constitute any form of endorsement. Please see here for terms and conditions.
The Farmers Union’s “Tri-State Producers Conference” took place in Fargo this past weekend. Rusty Halvorson has details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Farmers Union has always focused on creating a revenue stream for the organization beyond member dues. Bob Bosold talks to Dale Bednarek who runs Farmers Union Industries for 5 Midwest Farmers Unions--Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa and Wisconsin. A snow storm is on the way for Wisconsin. Stu Muck breaks it down.The holidays are a great time to catch up with friends and family, but that's not the case for everyone. Ben Jarboe and Stephanie Hoff talk to Sue Springer, founder of Suicide Prevention of SW Wisconsin. Springer says the holidays can create an elevated sense of loneliness and depression for many people. She explains triggers that you should be aware of, and also shares resources available to try and help. Wisconsin announced its first presumed case of HPAI in a human. A farm worker in Barron county who had worked at a commercial poultry flock that tested positive for HPAI is recovering quickly after detection. Dr. Darlene Konkle, WDATCP State Veterinarian, says they're waiting on further test results. There was also another case of HPAI detected in a Kenosha county. This detection was in a back flock.Katie Burgess from EverAg previews potential milk production figures that will be released by USDA today. She also speaks with Pam Jahnke about cheese movement tapering off as the holidays approach, and what 2025 might look like first quarter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Family farmers and ranchers from across South Dakota will gather in Huron December 11-12 when South Dakota Farmers Union hosts its 109th State Convention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/12/24: Joel Heitkamp is joined in the KFGO studio by the President of North Dakota Farmers Union, Mark Watne. He joins Joel for a conversation on the Farm Bill, and the importance of passing it soon. He urges listeners to contact their legislators, and members of Congress to pass it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jessie Veeder honors John Prine, Mark Watne discusses Farmers Union dining, Kenzie Olson highlights Fargo Youth Impact, and Matt Olien reviews Saturday Night.
Helping the next generation is the focus of the South Dakota Farmers Union's Herd Builder Award. The winners were selected by a panel of judges based on an application. One of those winners is Rylan Faugerhaug of Wessington Springs.
We've heard a lot from Ministers over the past few weeks about their plans and progress in getting to grips with the big issues facing the Isle of Man, so on Perspective this week we invite three private sector leaders to mark government's card. Economist John Webster, Farmers Union official Sarah Comish and Carl Joughin from the licenced victuallers association consider what we've learned from the recent Government Conference and discuss how well supported businesses feel. Will government get a gold star or see me after the lesson.
Farmers Union members from South Dakota took part the National Farmers Union Fly-In activities Sept. 9-11, 2024. Two of those members were Jason and Kaeloni Latham from Harding County.
Farmers Union Members Want More Competition in Agriculture
09/09/24: Joel Heitkamp is joined by the President of ND Farmers Union, Mark Watne, while he's in Washington, D.C. Mark, along with twenty-six North Dakota Farmers Union members are there today, urging members of Congress to pass a new farm bill as part of a three-day National Farmers Union legislative fly-in. The current bill, set to expire on Sept. 30, is an extension of the 2018 farm bill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the second hour of the show, Angela Lang talks to us about her history with the labor movement, specifically with SEIU and how that time with them informed the framework of her own group: Black Leaders Organizing For Communities (BLOC). Then we wrap up the show with Darin Von Ruden, the President of the Farmers Union in Wisconsin. Darin speaks with Jane and Greg about how a farm bill is necessary and this current attitude of kicking the can down the road. As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn't do this without you! Don't forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 10 am - noon across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice, they go a long way! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and YouTube to keep up with Jane and the show! Guests: Angela Lang, Darin Von Ruden
08/30/24: Nick Archuleta serves as the President of ND United, and brings a conversation on the pros and cons of Measure 4 to "News and Views." He's joined on-air by Matt Perdue, the Government Relations Director for North Dakota Farmers Union. Matt works to direct the organization's legislative efforts at the federal level. He leads analysis of proposed legislative actions and determines the potential impact on the organization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness is live from Sunset Lanes in Moorhead and he is joined by Darin Sundstri, Owner/Partner of Sunset Lanes and Jay Fedig, JMAR Entertainment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Food Freedom Radio - AM950 The Progressive Voice of Minnesota
Description: Host Laura Hedlund plays back clips of the 2018 Governor’s forum hosted by the Farmers Union. It features then Congressman Tim Walz, a few months before he was elected Governor. Just before those clips, Laura also speaks with Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union.
Mark Watne serves as President of the North Dakota Farmers Union and discusses the farm bill timeline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Dakota Farmers Union is hosting its annual photo contest, Celebrating Life on the Family Farm & Ranch May 1 – July 31, 2024. The winning photographer receives $250.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 2023 Farm Bill drum has been beating for a while now as the deadline for this legislation has been delayed, and the timeline for when it will pass through Congress is still a question. Mike Stranz joins us. He's the vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union, working on the Hill, but his roots are in northeast Wisconsin where he grew up. He gives us an update on how the Farmers Union is using this extra time to press policymakers on consolidation in agriculture. NFU is focused on ensuring there's competition in agriculture to keep input costs low and keep farms independent. He's optimistic that Congress can get a farm bill done this year, but time will tell. He does anticipate a markup draft of the bill from the House before Memorial Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matt Perdue, from ND Farmers Union, discusses the Evolution Ag Summit on Feb. 20, 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Farm & Rural Lobby Day was a success, according to Wisconsin Farmers Union. Members braved the cold this week to come to the State Capitol and talk to lawmakers about the policy priorities they established during their annual meeting. President Darin Von Ruden, a dairy farmer out of Westby, says he was happy with the turnout and the excitement in the room. He says lawmakers also look forward to meeting with their farmer constituents, but passing legislation won't be easy. He says funding on-farm efforts to combat climate change can be an especially difficult conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wisconsin Farmers Union members will get together in Madison on Wednesday for the Farm and Rural Lobby Day at the State Capitol. Before meeting with their lawmakers, Farmers Union will brief its members on the policy priorities set at the annual meeting in December. The topics range across seven categories ranging from rural economy issues to on-farm environmental work. Michelle Ramirez-White is the policy coordinator for the Wisconsin Farmers Union. She expects about 70 farmers to make the trip. She tells Mid-West Farm Report about the list of bills they'll be talking about next week, and how the grassroots organization fits in to the legislative process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/15/23: Joel Heitkamp is broadcasting live from the NDFU State Convention, and is joined by their President, Mark Watne. They talk about what to expect from the convention, and he shares his thoughts on the Farm Bill, local organizing, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/15/23: Joel is live at the NDFU Convention and is joined by Josh Stutrud and Drew Courtney. They are part of the N.D. Agricultural Mitigation, which is a nonprofit organization comprised of regional agricultural groups, including Farmers Union. Josh is also the president of NDAM and the Secretary of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association. Drew is the Vice President of NDAM and the Secretary/Treasurer of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/15/23: Joel is broadcasting from Bismarck at the North Dakota Farmers Union State Convention, and is joined by Matt Perdue, the NDFU Government Relations Director. NDFU is spearheading a pilot USDA program in North Dakota called the Alliance toAdvance Climate-Smart Agriculture that Matt is overseeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Montana Farmers Union is encouraging local producers to donate meat to food banks this winter.
Some major new research into bird flu was published this week. The headlines are that this year has so far been better than last year, that the virus doesn't spread between poultry farms in the air and that spread from farm to farm has been very rare. We hear from the Animal and Plant Health Agency on the details. Farmers are warning that cuts to the rural affairs budget in Wales are a significant blow, which put environmental targets at risk. The Farmers Union of Wales and NFU Cymru have both criticised the Welsh Government, which in an emergency budget this week announced cuts across departments. A parliamentary committee is looking into land based education, so all week we've been doing the same. We asked the Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Sir Robert Goodwill, why they launched the inquiry now. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.
Farmers are warning that cuts to the rural affairs budget in Wales are a significant blow which puts environmental targets at risk. The Farmers Union of Wales and NFU Cymru have both criticised the Welsh Government, which in an emergency budget announced cuts across departments. About 8% of the rural affairs budget, will go, that is around £37 and a half million. Farmers in Scotland are bracing themselves for more bad weather. The Met office is forecasting 'unprecedented levels of rain'. This follows hard on the heels of heavy rain and flooding in Argyll, Aberdeenshire and Tayside when fields with crops were submerged for days. Drones are already being used for photography and surveying farms, and drones which spray aren't far behind. Harper Adams is the first university to offer a qualification in using drones for agriculture. We meet the people running the course and the people learning how to operate them. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney
Get the latest agriculture news in today's AgNet News Hour, hosted by Danielle Leal. Today's show covers the powdery mildew trials at the Cal Poly Strawberry Center, Farmers Union supporting the the Right to Repair Bill, comments on disaster relief, and leveraging existing areas of funding for SPM roadmap implantation. Tune in to the show for these news stories, interviews, features and more.
9-12-23 AJ DailyTissue Sampling TipsAdapted from releases by Angus Genetics Inc. and Sarah Kocher, Angus Communications Beef Promotion Operating Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2024 Checkoff Plan of Work Adapted from a release by the Beef Checkoff Program Farmers Union Kicks Off 2023 Legislative Fly-In Adapted from a release by Ross Hettervig, National Farmers Union Top 10 Named in Ag Innovation Challenge Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation Compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor, Angus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.
Recorded live from the Senedd (the Welsh Parliament) and sponsored by Mark Drakeford MS in the week that the NHSs of the UK celebrate their 75th anniversary, we partnered with Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre to organise a live event to mark the publication of Dr Nye Davies's new book ‘This is My Truth: Aneurin Bevan in Tribune', which collates the various contributions this totemic figure of Welsh and Labour politics made in Tribune. Our panel includes Nye himself (Davies, that is), Shavanah Taj (General Secretary of the Wales TUC), and Beth Winter (Member of the UK Parliament for Cynon Valley) and we reflect on Bevans writings on diverse subjects such as the relationship between UK Labour and trade unions, the status of Wales and devolution, the ongoing pragmatism debate in Labour Party policy and how Bevan himself would (or wouldn't) fit into Keir Starmer's party in 2023. We hope you enjoy this live event podcast, a video is also available on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/9fsSYnlMwsM We are also hosting two further live events this summer. Firstly at the Farmers Union of Wales stand at the Royal Welsh Show (1100-1200 on 27 July 2023) and 1200-1245 at the Cardiff University stand at the National Eisteddfod (in Welsh only, 11 August). Please join us if you can. Our guests: Dr Nye Davies: https://twitter.com/Nye_Davies Shavanah Taj: https://twitter.com/shavtaj Beth Winter MP: https://twitter.com/BethWinterMP You can buy Nye's book here (please do!): https://www.uwp.co.uk/book/this-is-my-truth/ And our event partners the Wales Governance Centre are here: https://twitter.com/WalesGovernance We can be found @HiraethPod on most social platforms and would love to hear from you, including over Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HiraethPod If you're enjoying the pod, please leave us a rating or review in your podcast app or on YouTube and, if you are able to do so, please consider joining our Patreon from just £3/month: http://www.patreon.com/hiraethpod
On Monday, July 24 South Dakota youth will germinate seeds to learn about the science of seeds and how farmers plant seeds to maximize production in South Dakota. Jr. Farmers Union Camp Monday, July 24 at Camp Byron, Huron, S.D. will give youth a taste of agriculture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wisconsin Farmers Union is in the midst of renovating a historic building in downtown Chippewa Falls. It'll not only be their new headquarters, but a community space. This building project started a year and a half ago when Farmers Union bought the building. Jackie Boos is the WFU facilities director. Once completed, she says it'll have a food hall, meeting spaces and apartments. The project, Market on River, is set to be finished in July of 2024 before Chippewa County's Farm Technology Days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Dakota Farmers Union hosts its annual photo contest, Celebrating Life on the Family Farm & Ranch July 1, 2023 – Oct. 1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Miranda Letherman with the North Dakota Farmers Union talks more about what kids can expect when they sign up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A group of family farmers and ranchers traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with policy makers and USDA officials and advocate for what they need in the upcoming Farm Bill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/22/23: Joel is joined by North Dakota Farmers Union to talk about HB 1371, relating to corporate farming. Joel is joined by Matt Perdue, the Government Relations Director with ND Farmers Union, as well as the President of NDFU, Mark Watne. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/09/23: Ronda Throener joins Joel on "News and Views" to talk about her ranch. She and her husband, Kevin, farm and ranch near Cogswell in Sargent County. They raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and have a cow/calf operation. They also operate a permitted cattle feedlot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/04/23: Joel is joined on "News and Views" by Roger Johnson, former president of the National Farmers Union and former North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, to talk about corporate farming. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Mark Kastel, nationally prominent industry watchdog with OrganicEye, with thoughts on what we can do to protect the organic farming movement. OrganicEye is an organic farming movement located in Lafarge, Washington. OrganicEye started as a values-based industry. It was built on a loving, collaborative relationship between family-scale farmers and shoppers willing to pay for food produced based on superior environmental stewardship, humane animal husbandry, and economic justice for the people who produce our food. OrganicEye's mission is ensuring these values and commitments are not compromised in the modern food system. Mark lives on a 160-acre organically managed farm in the rugged hills of southwestern Wisconsin, near the tiny burg of Rockton, where, as executive director of OrganicEye, he continues to advocate for economic justice for family farmers and to preserve the foundational precepts of organic farming. Tune in to hear all about how Mark and his organic movement make an impact on organic farming today! You'll hear: How Mark got interested in agriculture 1:34 Mark's first introduction to organics 4:18 Why we need a watchdog when working with organics 11:39 Mark's view on the overarching principles of organic 29:25 How we can get people to switch their focus back from healthcare to healthy food 35:52 The challenges and problems with faux milks 51:31 How Mark advises families to differentiate real organic from factory, corporate organic 55:25 What Mark has to say about buying from a grocery store versus a local farmer 59:45 Mark's favorite farming tool 1.07:25 About the Guest: Mark Kastel is Executive Director of OrganicEye, a prominent organic industry watchdog. Making the paradigm shift to organic agriculture after beginning his career with International Harvester, JI Case, and the FMC Corporation, he's been a certified organic farmer, a consultant to farmer co-ops, a lobbyist with the Farmers Union, and, since founding The Cornucopia Institute almost 20 years ago and then OrganicEye in 2019, has been recognized as the country's preeminent corporate and governmental watchdog in organics. After OrganicEye relocated from Washington DC earlier this year, he once again maintains an office on his 160-acre farm near La Farge, Wisconsin. Resources: Website: https://organiceye.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organiceye.org The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! At AgriGro, we know that in today's modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it's sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife. Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro's® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment. Through these environmentally sound technologies, we're adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don't have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.