Podcasts about specialty crops

2026 is a year with continuing hopes that specialty crops will see some kind of ag labor reforms and be included in future ag assistance programs.

As labor costs continue to rise and farm margins remain under pressure, specialty crop growers are increasingly turning to technology to improve efficiency. One company believes artificial intelligence and farm data can help growers make better decisions every day through a unique audio-based reporting system. Steve Mantle, founder of Innovate Ag, recently discussed the company's Harvest Replay platform during an interview on AgNet News Hour. The technology is designed to help growers better understand labor performance, operational efficiency, and production trends by transforming farm data into easy-to-consume daily audio reports. Mantle launched Innovate Ag seven years ago after leaving the technology sector and recognizing opportunities to bring data-driven decision-making tools to agriculture. The company now works with hundreds of farms across the United States, Latin America, and Europe, with a particular focus on labor-intensive specialty crops. According to Mantle, labor remains the largest expense for many specialty crop operations. Harvest Replay helps growers identify inefficiencies by analyzing payroll, harvest, and operational data to highlight areas where productivity can be improved. The platform generates customized daily podcasts tailored to different levels of a farming operation. Leadership teams receive economic and financial insights, farm managers receive operational recommendations, and crew leaders can access practical field-level information. Reports can also be delivered in Spanish to better serve workforce needs. “Harvest Replay is basically a daily podcast that growers listen to that talks about what happened on the farm yesterday and what's happening the day and week ahead,” Mantle explained. The audio summaries can identify issues such as underperforming blocks, labor deployment inefficiencies, and productivity trends. By reviewing historical and real-time data, growers can make adjustments that may improve profitability and optimize workforce allocation. Mantle said the system requires minimal setup and can integrate with existing payroll and farm management platforms. Once connected, the platform automatically analyzes incoming data and generates daily reports without requiring additional data entry from growers. To encourage adoption, Innovate Ag is offering pilot programs aimed at helping growers evaluate the technology before committing to a broader rollout. The company says participating growers can identify operational “leaky buckets” that may be reducing profitability and labor efficiency. Beyond labor management, Mantle believes artificial intelligence will continue playing a larger role in agriculture as growers face increasing challenges from weather variability, rising input costs, regulatory pressures, and workforce shortages. Technologies that help simplify decision-making could become valuable tools for producers trying to remain competitive. As specialty crop operations continue looking for ways to improve efficiency, platforms like Harvest Replay represent one example of how AI and automation are beginning to reshape day-to-day farm management.

The USDA announced it has finalized the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program that was announced late last year.

Samantha Ayoub, an agricultural economist for the International Fresh Produce Association, says fruit and vegetable producers have a significant need for year-round labor.

The AgNet News Hour continued its coverage of federal agricultural initiatives with conversations featuring USDA Rural Development State Director Bryan Anguiano and former San Diego County Farm Bureau President Dana Groot. The discussions focused on water infrastructure, rural economic development, specialty crop agriculture, and the challenges facing farmers throughout California. Fresh off a visit to California by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA officials emphasized the importance of supporting agriculture and rural communities across the state. Bryan Anguiano, who serves as California State Director for USDA Rural Development, said his agency plays a key role in funding infrastructure projects, economic development, and water systems that support farming communities. “We help provide the resources needed for infrastructure, for job creation, and really for the next generation of rural communities,” Anguiano said. Water remained a central topic throughout the broadcast. Anguiano noted that USDA programs assist municipalities, counties, and water districts with financing projects such as pipelines, water tanks, and system improvements. He stressed that reliable water infrastructure is essential for both agricultural production and rural quality of life. “Water means jobs,” Anguiano explained, noting that rural communities depend on stable water supplies to support both agriculture and economic development. The show also featured an extended conversation with former San Diego County Farm Bureau President Dana Groot, who highlighted the unique agricultural landscape of Southern California. While many consumers associate San Diego County with avocados and citrus, Groot explained that the region is also home to the nation's largest concentration of nursery and floriculture production. “San Diego is the largest county in the country for nursery and floriculture products,” Groot said, noting that greenhouse, ornamental plant, and nursery production accounts for roughly $1 billion of the county's agricultural value. Groot discussed the challenges facing growers in one of California's most expensive regions. Land costs, labor expenses, housing shortages, and increasing regulations continue to place pressure on family farming operations. He noted that many farms in San Diego County average only about 10 acres in size and rely heavily on specialty crops that require significant labor and management. One of the most pressing concerns for growers in the region is water. According to Groot, agricultural water costs in San Diego County are among the highest in the nation, reaching approximately $3,000 per acre-foot in some cases. Much of the region's supply comes from imported sources, making long-term affordability a major concern. The interview also addressed concerns about declining acreage, regulatory burdens, and the future of family farming in California. Groot warned that increasing production costs continue to challenge the next generation of farmers and make succession planning more difficult. “We grow what we call specialty crops,” Groot said. “The specialty crop nature of our production is really considered high-value inventory.” Throughout the discussion, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill emphasized the importance of maintaining California's agricultural production capacity while improving water management and reducing barriers that impact growers. Water infrastructure, labor availability, housing affordability, and regulatory reform were recurring themes throughout the broadcast. The program also highlighted concerns over the future of avocado production in Southern California. Groot noted that some growers are considering shutting off water to large acreage blocks due to rising costs, creating both economic and environmental concerns for the region. The broadcast concluded with optimism that increased attention from federal agricultural officials could help address some of the long-standing challenges facing California agriculture, particularly in rural communities dependent on water infrastructure and specialty crop production.

California's almond industry is looking at new technology to improve crop forecasts before harvest.

California agriculture received significant attention during a recent visit from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who announced nearly $1.7 billion in federal assistance for specialty crop producers while emphasizing the importance of food security, trade opportunities, and long-term support for American farmers. During a stop in California's San Joaquin Valley, Rollins highlighted the state's critical role in feeding both the nation and the world. California produces more agricultural products than any other state, accounting for more than $60 billion in annual farm sales and supplying consumers with everything from almonds and grapes to potatoes, citrus, and vegetables. One of the major announcements from the visit was the launch of the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. The initiative will provide nearly $1.7 billion in support to specialty crop growers facing economic pressures from rising labor costs, input expenses, and international competition. According to Rollins, enrollment began June 1 and will remain open through August 7. “Specialty crop producers across the nation have faced negative margins and growing economic pressure due to rising labor costs, import pressures, and high input prices,” Rollins said. The AgNet News Hour team attended the event and also spoke with USDA California State Executive Director Connie Conway, who emphasized the challenges California farmers face before a crop is even planted. “I think Cal Poly did a study. I think they said it was $1,700 an acre in fees before you even start farming,” Conway said. “That's not a seed. That's not a tree. That's not fertilizer. That's not diesel. That's not water.” Much of the discussion centered on California's regulatory climate, water management policies, and the future of specialty crop production. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill noted ongoing concerns about water allocations, particularly for growers on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley who continue to face restrictions despite recent wet years and strong reservoir levels. California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass also participated in discussions and stressed the importance of maintaining agriculture as a priority for state and federal policymakers. He noted that water availability, labor legislation, international trade, and predator management remain key issues facing farmers heading into the summer growing season. The program also highlighted growing efforts to expand export opportunities for U.S. specialty crops. Rollins pointed to increasing agricultural exports and new trade agreements that could help California growers access additional international markets. Throughout the discussion, a recurring theme emerged: the belief that food production should remain a central focus of public policy. “Food security is national security,” Rollins said during the event. As California growers continue navigating regulatory challenges, labor shortages, rising production costs, and water concerns, industry leaders say support programs and policy reforms will play an important role in maintaining the state's position as one of the world's leading agricultural producers. For specialty crop producers, the newly announced federal assistance program may provide some near-term relief while larger conversations about water, trade, labor, and agricultural competitiveness continue.

UC researchers are exploring whether tea can provide a high-value opportunity for growers adapting to changing agricultural realities.

Some things states and specialty crop stakeholders should know about this year's USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program.

Some things states and specialty crop stakeholders should know about this year's USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program.

What should interested states and parties know about applying for the latest round of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant awards? Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Updated information on two USDA assistance programs. Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation starts first with the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.

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Labor shortages continue to challenge specialty crop growers, raising concerns about production, harvest and rising costs, and a bipartisan group of senators is urging continued support and improvements to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Consumers are eating more peanut butter, which accounts for more than 60% of all peanuts consumed in the U.S., and USDA announced a major increase in funding for specialty crop programs.

Ever-increasing labor costs in California and free trade that led to a surge in cheaper, duty-free asparagus imports from Mexico have pushed the state's asparagus industry to the brink, and USDA announced a major increase in funding for specialty crop programs.

USDA Announces Investments in Specialty Crop Programs

The need for disaster aid in agriculture is not in question this year, but a more efficient and effective system of distribution could be a difference maker for many farmers.

The post came after a long drive home from a production show. Jay Peterson had spent the day talking to people at booths, catching up with friends, listening to the Manitoba and Saskatchewan numbers come out on the radio. And somewhere between Saskatoon and Swift Current, something settled on him. Nobody was really having the conversation. Not out loud. Not honestly. So he made a video. Johnny Cash in the background. A simple question underneath it. Why is nobody talking about the fact that nothing we can grow in 2026 is going to make us money? The comments came in five flavors. Some farmers said they'd never quit, no matter what. Some were close to a breaking point. Some said it was just another cycle. Some thought bigger forces were reshaping the whole industry. And some were just trying to make sense of it. This episode is the conversation that followed. Four farmers. Real numbers. No prescriptions. No easy answers. The question underneath all of it: when the math stops working, what are we actually farming for? Guests Jay Peterson — JSP Farms Chris Allam — Allen Farms Norm Shoemaker — Shoemaker Ag Ventures Partnership Jeff Bennett — Bone Trail Land Company Timestamps 00:00 — Jay's TikTok, the long drive home from the production show, and why the comments hit a nerve. 08:34 — The live poll. How does your farm pencil out for 2026? 26% profitable. 42% break even at best. 16% likely a loss. 09:14 — Jay on what he was actually feeling when he made the post. Inputs still high. Prices not following. The sense that everyone was in the same position but nobody was saying it. 13:48 — Norm on the math. It used to take a metric ton of durum to break even. Now it takes close to two. Costs went one way and didn't come back. 15:22 — Jeff on why he stopped trying to predict what the year would bring. Four tough years before a good one. The numbers change every two months. You still show up. 17:09 — Chris makes the case it's not that dire, at least in Alberta. Average contribution margin, a little bit of profit. But he's clear: this was never a one-year home run industry. 19:18 — Cycles. Nobody agrees on where we are. Norm says we got used to good years and probably over-invested in iron. Jay says he might just be a year-by-year guy. 21:44 — Jay on why he never wanted to be a home run farmer. Singles and doubles. The rare triple. What it felt like to watch the bottom fall out mid-harvest last fall. 28:53 — The second poll. What's putting the most pressure right now? Inputs at 55%. Commodity prices at 42%. Land costs at 36%. Equipment at 27%. 29:45 — Whether cutting production costs to meet the market is actually a strategy. Chris says you produce more, not less. Jeff says fertilizing for disaster is its own kind of disaster. 31:43 — Jay on buying base chemical components instead of prepackaged. Why he grows mustard and not canola. Efficiency over volume when the rain isn't coming. 34:24 — Norm on land values. A million dollars a quarter. A son and a son-in-law coming into the operation. The math on return when you run those numbers. 36:32 — What farmers are actually doing differently this year. Variable rate fertilizing. Weekly peer group meetings. Cost benchmarking. Lean Six Sigma on the farm. 43:18 — Jeff on switching acres to canary seed and specialty canola. Crop rotation as a profit strategy. Finally back to a third, third, third rotation after years of disease pressure. 46:00 — The last question. What are you farming for when the numbers don't work? 47:27 — Chris: the next generation, and watching marginal land get better year after year. 48:16 — Jeff: fourth or fifth generation on this land. Leaving a starting point better than the one he was handed. 49:38 — Norm: the kids, the grandkids, and the table. Number six on the way. Who's at the table is what matters. 50:32 — Jay: he got into it because he loves farming. Loves farming with his dad. Loves doing it as well or better than the generations before him. 52:27 — Why Dan wanted to create a room for this conversation. And why it matters that farmers are willing to say it out loud. Platform partners Bone Trail Originals — www.instagram.com/bonetrailoriginals/  Hammond Realty — hammondrealty.ca  Crop-Aid Nutrition Gripp — gripp.ag Connect with Growing the Future growingthefuture.ca Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.

2026 begins with continuing hopes that specialty crops will see some kind of ag labor reforms and be included in future ag assistance programs.

The USDA has already allocated over $6 billion in payments under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Programs. Payment rates for specialty crops under the program are due in early April. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Innovative crop nutrition strategies are helping farmers improve efficiency and productivity across a wide range of crops. On this episode of the Brownfield Ag News podcast, Brownfield's Carah Hart talks with Markus Braaten, senior technical agronomist at Yara North America, about the latest advancements in nutrient management. Based in Montana, Braaten works closely with growers across the western and Midwestern United States and Canada, supporting fruit and vegetable crops like potato as well as broad-acre row crops. He shares insights on ag innovation, emerging crop nutrition research, and how Yara is helping farmers optimize nutrients to improve crop performance and sustainability in today's evolving agricultural landscape. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

California's agricultural land market is unlike anywhere else in the country, and right now it's navigating two forces at once: collapsing commodity prices for specialty crops like almonds and pistachios, and sweeping groundwater pumping restrictions that are rewriting land values from the ground up. Brian Neufeld, a land agent based in California's Central Valley with licenses across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, breaks down what those forces mean for buyers and sellers heading into 2026. He covers how water supply has become the first question every buyer asks, why some properties have sat unsold while sellers wait for a market that may not return, and where hidden value exists in so-called "white land" areas with restricted water delivery. For investors willing to do the underwriting work, Brian sees opportunity in a market that is painful today but structurally limited in supply long term. Talk to Brian Neufeld https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/brian-neufeld   Visit National Land Realty to see our listings https://www.nationalland.com   

A state panel looks at farm nitrogen use. What employers need to know about the Employee's Right to Know law. Huge fines for non-compliance. Farm Advisors talk about pests that rice farmers need to be on the lookout for in 2026. A key deadline is coming for specialty crop farmers applying for USDA assistance funds. 

Farm groups urge Congress to move quickly on a new Farm Bill, and some U.S. farmers are turning to specialty crops and alternative enterprises as low commodity prices and high input costs squeeze traditional farm profits.

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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the USDA is providing $1 billion in assistance for specialty crops and sugar.

Specialty crop growers are paying close attention as the USDA announced up to $1 billion, and possibly more, in bridge assistance payments available for Specialty Crop growers.

Kam Quarles, CEO at the National Potato Council and Co-Chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, says the Farm, Food, and National Security Act is a great move. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0000019c-8ac4-d192-a9dd-8bc514e90000https://www.wvik.org/podcast/good-morning-from-wvik-news/2026-02-23/1b-usda-promise-for-specialty-crop-producers-on-holdRenata Sago$1B USDA Promise for Specialty Crop Producers on Hold

Up to $1 billion was set aside in December for specialty crop growers to receive financial help through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.

The state Farm Bureau president discusses the state livestock industry's ongoing predator issues with lions and wolves.   Farm Bureau is pressuring Congress to give help to the Specialty Crop producers What the recent Cattle on Feed Report means to future beef supplies And how last fall's rainstorms made for a difficult harvest for rice farmers.

2026 begins with continuing hopes that specialty crops will see some kind of ag labor reforms and be included in future ag assistance programs.

On today's episode, Bruce and Josh talk with Dr. Logan Minter, Associate Professor in the OSU Department of Extension and associated faculty with the Department of Horticultural and Crop Sciences, statewide Field Specialist for Specialty Crops, and the Ohio Integrated Pest Management Program Coordinator. Dr. Minter discusses the opportunities farms may have in diversifying their portfolio with specialty crops and some considerations before implementing specialty crops. He also discusses the new research study publication, ePlus, which can be found here: https://go.osu.edu/eplusreports

The Farm Bridge Assistance Program is to help row crop growers, but U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says farmers like him try to help his colleagues understand that specialty crops are also important.

On Monday, Dec. 8, the Trump Administration announced a new economic aid package for U.S. farmers that provided little meaningful relief for specialty crop growers. In this D.C. update, NPC CEO Kam Quarles joins us to discuss the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance's (SCFBA) reaction to the disappointing news.Quarles explains why the package's primary focus on crop producers impacted by tariffs ignores the full scope of the economic crisis facing growers of potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops. He shares the SCFBA's stance on the package and urges the Administration and Congress to move beyond this limited proposal by taking swift action to advance a much larger, meaningful assistance package for all impacted farmers. 

Our featured interview--an Ag economist details problems plaguing U.S. specialty crop farmers. Plus, California's minimum wage will increase next year. Ranchers who lost livestock by wolf kills can apply for compensation. And the changing taste of Brussels sprouts.  

In this lively and laughter-filled episode, the Hort Culture crew—Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray—dive into the deep connections between horticulture, health, and community. The conversation kicks off with birthday cake energy and quickly blooms into a discussion about how plants and specialty crops shape lives—from personal stories about meeting spouses on farms to the way flowers boost mood and spark connection.The team explores fascinating research on the physical and mental health benefits of plants: from leafy greens supporting brain health to tree canopy reducing heat-related emergencies. They talk CSAs, farm-to-school programs, and how trying new vegetables (and flowers!) can help build lasting habits. Plus, there's a fun round of Kentucky farmers market price trivia—revealing just how much tomatoes and beans have changed over 20 years.

While recent news reports highlight the challenges soybean growers are facing and Congressional aid that's on its way, Kam Quarles, CEO at the National Potato Council, and co-chair on the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, says let's not forget the other struggling crops.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Trey Cutts, Ph.D., vice president of commercial agriculture science at Tidal Grow AgriScience, to discuss how chitosan-based products like Spectra™ support California specialty crop growers by controlling key pests and diseases, enhancing plant health and more.

In this episode of EisnerAmper's Engaging Alternatives Spotlight, Elana Margulies-Snyderman, Director, Publications, speaks with Jack McCarthy, Co-Founder & CEO, Gold Leaf Farming, a specialty crop farmland investment firm that invests in almond and pistachio orchards in the Western U.S. Jack shares his outlook for crop farmland investing including the greatest opportunities, challenges and more.

Florida citrus and specialty crops remain a central focus of growers, industry leaders, and policymakers, with challenges such as citrus greening, hurricanes, labor shortages, and fluctuating markets shaping the future. At the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Specialty Crop Grower editor-in-chief Frank Giles shared his perspective on where the industry stands and why there is cautious optimism moving forward.   Giles noted that citrus greening disease, or HLB, has plagued Florida growers for nearly 20 years, but recent USDA crop estimates show signs of stability. “There's some optimism that we may be turning in the right direction with this disease,” he said, pointing to ongoing research and grower investments through programs like the Citrus Research and Field Trials Program (CRAFT), which has already supported about 20,000 acres of new citrus.   Policy changes are also giving growers breathing room. The lowering of BRIX standards for orange juice has made more fruit eligible for processing, a “big breakthrough” that industry leaders have sought for years. Additionally, block grants for hurricane relief and over $100 million in state funding for citrus research are providing critical support.   Specialty crop growers beyond citrus have faced pressure from low prices and rising input costs, but Florida's crop diversity—from tomatoes and sweet corn to blueberries and watermelons—creates resilience. Giles emphasized that networking and shared innovation at the Expo help farmers across the Southeast and California learn from each other's challenges.   Labor and automation remain front and center in the discussion. Growers are looking to drones, mechanical harvesters, and new precision technologies to offset rising labor costs. “Part of this whole labor discussion is we need to be investing in automation,” Giles said, noting that mechanical blueberry harvesting is gaining traction while strawberries remain more difficult to automate.   The Specialty Crop Grower magazine continues to highlight these developments across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas. According to Giles, its role is not only to share production insights but also to focus more on the business side of specialty crops—a vital area for growers navigating today's volatile markets.   For more coverage from the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo and ongoing industry updates, visit AgNet West and Specialty Crop Grower.

In this reflective episode, Brett and Ray take a deep dive into how Kentucky agriculture—and Extension work—has transformed over the past few decades. Starting with a lighthearted chat about summer, fall cravings, and the buzz (and hype) around AI, the conversation shifts into a second chapter of Ray's career story, following the earlier “Hands in the Dirt, Head in the Clouds” episode.Ray shares first-hand memories from his early days in Extension in the mid-1990s, when answering a client's question meant sifting through filing cabinets, making long phone calls, and sometimes hauling around a Motorola “bag phone.” The discussion traces how technology, from networked computers to AgDiscs and eventually the internet, changed how agents work and how clients access information.A major focus is the seismic impact of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement and the 2004 end of the tobacco quota system—events that reshaped Kentucky farming and spurred a search for alternative crops and markets. Ray and Brett explore both the opportunities and challenges of this transition, from diversification efforts and Kentucky Proud branding to the hard realities of marketing perishable crops.Throughout, they connect past changes to present questions about AI's role in Extension—its potential as a tool, its limits, and the enduring importance of research-based information and human expertise. The episode blends history, personal experience, and forward-looking perspective on how agricultural outreach adapts to waves of technological and economic change.Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.comCheck us out on Instagram!

Today, we're giving the spotlight to Hawaiʻi's lesser-known specialty crops.

Earlier this summer, Congress and USDA delivered desperately needed funding for specialty crop growers, including our potato farmers, through a $2.5 billion injection of federal support through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program and the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Joining us to break down this game-changing news are Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and Co-Chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, and Dean Gibson, NPC's Vice President of Legislative Affairs and an Idaho potato grower. They'll discuss the origins of this investment, the light-speed delivery of payments, and the immediate impact on farms. We'll also explore how these funds, which include investments in agricultural research, foreign market promotion, and pest and disease eradication, are crucial for the sustained competitiveness of the potato industry and reflect the evolving recognition of specialty crops in U.S. agricultural policy. Tune in to understand what this historic funding means for the future of your farm!This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles. 

In this engaging summer episode of Hort Culture, the crew welcomes Trevor Terry, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horticulture Council, for a spirited and insightful conversation that blends passion, policy, and plant nerdiness. After kicking things off with lighthearted chatter about their favorite warm-weather drinks (kombucha and icy watermelon blends included), Trevor dives into his unconventional journey from humanities grad to horticulture leader — including a Derby weekend epiphany and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to help launch Kentucky Fresh Harvest, the state's first high-wire, high-tech tomato facility.Trevor shares his excitement about the growth of protected agriculture in Kentucky — from 1.4 million sq. ft. in 2017 to nearly 14 million sq. ft. today — and what that means for the future of food production in the Commonwealth. The group also unpacks the impact of shifting federal funding, disease challenges like Neopestalotiopsis in strawberries, and the surprising scale and potential of Kentucky's cut flower industry.Whether you're into tomatoes, spreadsheets, or just love a good horticulture underdog story, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a powerful reminder of the resilience and innovation driving Kentucky agriculture forward.Tune in to hear: Trevor's origin story and tomato tech breakthroughs Why controlled environment ag isn't just hype in Kentucky Big data meets backyard gardening The power of unified voices in horticulture advocacy Episode-Related Links: Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC)Learn more about KHC's mission, grower resources, grants, trainings, and member associations. USDA Census of AgricultureData source discussed regarding growth in protected ag and cut flowers. University of Kentucky Horticulture ExtensionTrusted info on fruit, vegetable, and ornamental production in Kentucky. Kentucky Department of AgriculturePrograms and support for growers, including Kentucky Proud. Kentucky Center for Ag & Rural Development (KCARD)Business development assistance for Kentucky farms and agribusinesses.Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.comCheck us out on Instagram!

Hailey Vine from the Montana Department of Agriculture, leads a conversation about growing and marketing specialty crops in the Big Sky — featuring producers Andi Thatcher from Rimrock Flower Farm in Roundup, Jake TeSelle, Crooked Yard Hops, Bozeman, and Katie Madden, […] The post Montana Growing, Marketing Specialty Crops first appeared on Voices of Montana.

As we look ahead to 2025, farm profitability remains top of mind. This episode explores key strategies that producers are using to control costs and increase revenue. We'll discuss how farmers are sourcing chemicals and fertilizers, adjusting seed purchases, making smarter land rental decisions, and fine-tuning equipment investments. We'll also examine alternative income streams like livestock, specialty crops, and direct-to-consumer meat sales. Lastly, we'll touch on grain marketing approaches and how on-farm storage factors into the equation. Join us as we explore what it takes to stay in the black and maximize your farm's potential in the coming year. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitConnect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/

Announcement: We launched yelp for biologicals @ AgList.com! — Tim and Tyler talk to Adam DeGroot about his family's collection of ag and trucking businesses. — This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more HERE. — Links DeGroot Farms - https://degrootfarms.com  DeGroot Logistics - https://degrootlogistics.com  Dock411 - https://dock411.com