Podcasts about usda rural development

When we think of politics, I think a lot of us feel intimidated or like there isn't room for us in the process–we're not “political,” or we don't have time, or we're not the right kind of person. Today's guest shows that being an unlikely politician may actually be the best thing, and why we need more real people in politics (yes, that means you!) About Erin: Erin Oban is a lifelong North Dakotan and proud, Class B kid, raised in a farm family in Ray, ND. Her professional career has included experience as a middle school math teacher, in nonprofit management and educational leadership, and in politics and public service. In 2014 and again in 2018, Erin was elected to represent central Bismarck's District 35 in the State Senate. In 2022, she received an appointment from President Biden to serve as North Dakota's state director of USDA Rural Development, a federal agency responsible for making financing and technical assistance accessible to rural and Tribal communities across the country. When not engaging in issues of importance and finding ways to make an impact, big or small, in her community, Erin enjoys a cold beer on the patio with friends, a cup of coffee with a stranger, live music and comedy, traveling, and being comfy at home in Bismarck with her husband, Chad, and their son and favorite human, Evin. In this episode, we cover: How Erin became involved in the legislative world (kind of by accident!) Why voucher schemes and school choice don't help our small towns How every single one of us has something we can offer and something we can do about the things we care about Resources Mentioned: https://www.ndforpublicschools.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ND4PublicSchools Think Again by Adam Grant Small-Town Shout-Out! Wahoo to the unincorporated community of Guelph, ND (just a stone's throw from Oakes) for showing that no town is too small to do big, cool things when people care. Two cool things we're highlighting: Off the "Sheulph" Guelph purchased the old school building, where they host markets throughout the year and rent out the historic wood gym for events, and a young couple transformed the old train depot into a beautiful Airbnb, giving visitors a reason to come and stay. Good job, Guelph!! New Segment Alert! We think some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're introducing two new parts to the show:  “Small town humblebrags”: Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  “Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges”: Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!

04/08/25: Joel Heitkamp is broadcasting from the Capitol to focus on a few bills that aim to put public dollars towards private schools. Erin Oban is a former State Senator from Bismarck and served as the state director of USDA Rural Development. She's now working with North Dakotans for Public Schools, to advocate against Senate Bill 2400 and House Bill 1540 that would use public dollars for private education. Learn more about their organization at ndforpublicschools.com (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.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. Rural Development grants fund broadband expansion in three West Virginia counties…the New River Gorge's Grandview area lives up to its name…and a WVDNR official shares how discarded real Christmas trees are recycled as habitat for fish…on today's daily304. #1 – From METRO NEWS – Residents in three West Virginia counties will soon have access to expanded broadband internet service thanks to a pair of USDA Rural Development grants. The $30 million grant offered through the Rural Development RECONNECT program will expand the service in Nicholas, Hardy, and Hampshire counties, serving more than 7,000 individuals. The Nicholas County project was granted to the Nicholas County Commission and CityNet will serve as the internet service provider. Hardy Telecommunication was the successful applicant and will be the ISP for the Hardy and Hampshire County project. “They know what they're doing and I think they'll be able to expand the access to high speed internet in these communities in a reasonable time frame,” said Ryan Thorn, state director of the U.S.D.A. Rural Development Authority. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2025/01/15/usda-program-allocates-30-million-for-broadband-expansion/   #2 – From WV EXPLORER – Perched more than 1,400 feet above the New River, the panoramic overlooks of the New River Gorge at Grandview offer views of the world-famous gorge at its widest and deepest. The rock outcrops, shaded by rhododendron, highlight why Grandview is one of West Virginia's must-see attractions and a crown-jewel of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The main overlook is wheelchair accessible and several hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the area, offering scenic views. The park includes several playgrounds and picnic areas, and camping is available at Little Beaver State Park, about a 10-minute drive away. Nearby, the 1200-seat Cliffside Amphitheatre hosts the summer outdoor dramas “Hatfields and McCoys” and “Honey in the Rock.”  Check out wvtourism.com to learn more about the area and plan your Almost Heaven getaway. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/01/12/grandview-overlooks-new-river-gorge-widest-deepest/   #3 – From WV PUBLIC – With the holiday season come and gone, thousands of Christmas trees will be mulched or taken to the landfill. A program from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources aims to give our old decorations new life in local lakes and reservoirs.  Dustin Smith, fisheries biologist with the DNR, talks about the program and why old Christmas trees might be the perfect place for anglers to look for their next catch. “It's just an easy opportunity to use something which is going to be thrown away. But we can utilize them in some of our reservoirs, specifically to add woody habitat,” he said. This year the WVDNR operated two Christmas tree dropoff locations -- one in the northern part of the state and one in the southern part -- and Smith says he anticipates that will continue next holiday season. Read more: https://wvpublic.org/christmas-trees-get-second-life-as-fish-habitats/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Director of Build Operations Mac Williams, Executive Director Jason Tickle (and by phone Kerry Crowley with USDA Rural Development) talk about ways affordable housing is happening.  Habitat is building 20 homes this year in Caroline--many of them for Caroline teachers, police officers and firefighters.  Discussion on the work Habitat of Caroline is doing to ensure all their homes have Energy Star certification.  habitatofcaroline.org

Fertilizer is a major input cost for many American farmers and global instability is causing a strain on the available supply. In this episode, the CEO of a cooperative in South Dakota and North Dakota talks about the current situation and the difference a recent USDA Rural Development grant will make for their customers. 

We visit with new National FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider from the Franklin FFA Chapter and a former Illinois FFA President.We meet Malachi Cliff from the Crete-Monee FFA Chapter, which is just in its second year.Pam Monetti provides an update on USDA Rural Development programs.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

The head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development mission area took his first trip to Nebraska this week as Under Secretary. As part of his trip, Doctor Basil Gooden spoke at the Rural Community Assistance Partnership Conference and visited the Greater Omaha Packing Company. The company received a $20 million Meat and Poultry Procession Expansion Program grant from USDA Rural Development in 2022 in order to strengthen food supply chains.

The head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development mission area took his first trip to Nebraska this week as Under Secretary. As part of his trip, Doctor Basil Gooden spoke at the Rural Community Assistance Partnership Conference and visited the Greater Omaha Packing Company. The company received a $20 million Meat and Poultry Procession Expansion Program grant from USDA Rural Development in 2022 in order to strengthen food supply chains.

179 | This week we discover the passion one Super Bowl MVP and Football All-star has for chicken, how a Missouri farmers is suing Tyson for reducing chicken supply and boost prices and major trad wife news regarding Ballerina Farms and social media sensation Nara Smith, NFL star Von Miller cuts ribbon for his new poultry plant Nara Smith and Lucky Blue Bring Their Kids to Hannah Neeleman's Viral Ballerina Farm in Utah: 'The Best Day' Farmers sue Tyson, saying it sacrificed their farms to raise the price of chicken This week we end the episode with an interview with Deputy Secretary Torres Small. Deputy Secretary Torres Small began as Deputy Secretary a little over a year ago and is the first Latina to hold the position. Before that, she served as Under Secretary for USDA Rural Development, where she helped improve access to high-speed broadband, provide affordable housing options, expand meat processing capacity, grow local and regional food systems, and more in rural communities. SHOP Discover Ag MERCH!! We have two collections - our “Core Collection” with our more traditional logos and our “Club Discover Collection” with our more fun - limited time offer - designs. Shop them all here. Welcome to “Discover Ag” where agriculture meets pop culture. Hosted by a western tastemaker & millennial cattle rancher @‌NatalieKovarik and a sought after dairy sustainability speaker & millennial dairy farmer @‌TaraVanderDussen - Discover is your go to podcast for food news. Every Thursday your hosts dish up their entertaining and informative thoughts to keep you in the know & help you “discover” what's new in the world of food. Connect on a more personal level with your hosts by JOINING “CLUB DISCOVER”. Our once weekly newsletter where Natalie & Tara share all their latest discoveries from what they are watching, eating, cooking, reading, buying, listening tom wearing and more. It's the insider scoop on all the things your hosts are LOVING AND DISCOVERING!!!! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!!!! COZY EARTH: Luxury bedding, bath, and apparel. Listeners can get up to 40% off using the code “DISCOVER”. PERFORMANCE BEEF: Cattle management software that's easy to use and allows you to simplify feeding, performance and health data recording. TURTLEBOX: The loudest, most durable outdoor speaker on the market Code “DISCOVER” ARMRA COLOSTRUM: Our favorite supplement Code “DISCOVER” MANUKORA HONEY: Honey with Superpowers Code “DISCOVER” TOUPS & CO: 100% natural tallow based skincare & makeup Code “DISCOVER” WILD WEST KIDZ: Children's book subscription dedicated to western lifestyle children's books. Code “DISCOVER” ENCHANTMENT VINEYARDS Family-owned winery & the only ingredient in their wine is grapes. No additives. Code “DISCOVER20” Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

President Joe Biden's visit to western Wisconsin last week included big news about a major investment in America's rural electric cooperatives. We'll talk to Julie Lassa, state director of USDA Rural Development for Wisconsin about more of the specific benefits coming to our state from the Biden-Harris initiatives for an improved electric grid, broadband, farm efficiency, and job growth. UpNorthNews with Pat Kreitlow airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-8 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! 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 Instagram to keep up with Pat & the show. Guests: Julie Lassa, Salina Heller

Habitat's Jason Tickle and Chip Boyles from the George Washington Regional Commission talk about affordable housing strategies for the region.   Kerry Crowley with USDA Rural Development joins us for a segment to talk about home buying options.   Habitat of Caroline is getting a new name too...(Central Rappahannock River Habitat for Humanity).

Fueling Market Growth: Ethanol Equipment Incentives & Ingenuity - panel and awards Moderator: Ron Lamberty, ACE Paul Dana Award presented to: Jeff Carpenter, USDA Rural Development, HBIIP Manager Grassroots Award winner: Randy Gard, Bosselman Enterprises, COO

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk to the IT Director of Kent County, Delaware about what can be done to help transient populations. We also sit down with a representative from USDA Rural Development about what the organization can do to help rural areas do everything from improve their infrastructure to navigate the federal grant proces.  Related links:USDA Rural DevelopmentKent County, Delaware

Thursday's show features our monthly mental health segment with licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown.We hear from Dave Loos, IL Corn's Director of Biofuels and Research.We talk various USDA Rural Development programs with Acting State Director of USDA Rural Development Molly Hammond.  

06/24/24: Erin Oban is the North Dakota state director for USDA Rural Development, and is a former North Dakota State Senator. She joins Joel to talk about June being  Home Ownership month. She highlights investments and programs the USDA Rural Development makes to support safe, affordable, and accessible housing in rural communities throughout North Dakota. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Sunday, June 9, 2024. Junefest WV returns to Charleston, showcasing the work of talented local artisans…the Rural Partners Network brings positive change to WV communities…and Putnam County's new sports complex is already having an impact on local business…on today's daily304. #1 – From JUNEFEST WV – Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Junefest WV, taking place Saturday, June 15 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Junefest WV takes place every third Saturday in June. The event features local small business artisans showcasing everything from handmade soaps to boutique clothing. Junefest WV is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions and connect with the community. Learn more: https://www.junefest-wv.com/   #2 – From WV EXECUTIVE – Much of West Virginia's charm lies in its rural communities, where thousands of hardworking and dedicated citizens reside. Despite this, many of those areas are struggling with economic hardships and limited access to essential resources. Glenville State University, the West Virginia Community Development Hub and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development have all joined together to support these communities and foster growth through the Rural Partners Network (RPN). The RPN was launched by the USDA in 2022 and consists of two community networks within West Virginia: Southern West Virginia Community Network and the West Virginia Pioneer Community Network. These networks are supported by USDA Rural Development local staff. In its first year in West Virginia, the RPN has made significant strides in creating positive change within rural communities. Initially, its focus was on community engagement over monetary gain; however, the RPN's efforts across the 20 counties have resulted in nearly half of the engagements leading to new connections and partnerships. Read more: https://wvexecutive.com/positive-change-in-the-heart-of-west-virginia/   #3 – From WCHS-TV – The brand new Putnam County Bank Sports Complex held its first tournament a couple of weekends ago, and it's already having an impact on local businesses. Four baseball and softball fields, a playground and a disc golf course make up the newest phase of the Hurricane Bridge Park. Sixty teams played on the fields at the complex and at Valley park, bringing with them a lot of people and money. “People buying fuel from here. People shopping locally here, whether it's on Main Street or in Teays Valley,” Hurricane Mayor Scott Edwards said. “The two or three nights at the hotels. The hotel, motel tax, that's a big impact on Hurricane and it keeps local businesses in business.” Edwards said there are eight more tournaments booked at the complex this year. The fields can also be rented during the week. Read more: https://wchstv.com/news/local/putnam-county-bank-sports-complex-already-bringing-boost-to-local-economy#   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Caroline Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff Black (Western Caroline) and Habitat's Jason Tickle talk about a program offering a way for a teacher or first responder living in Caroline an opportunity to own a home in the county.   Perry Hickman, the Virginia State Director for USDA Rural Development also joins the show for an overview of their programs. habitatofcaroline.org

05/21/24: Erin Oban is the North Dakota State Director for USDA Rural Development, and joins Nick Archuleta on "News and Views." Nick is the President of ND United, and talks with Erin about what USDA Rural Development does and projects around the state that the USDA has been helping on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Kandi Williams of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's Small Farms Program talks with Arkansas farmer Michael Henegan about his farming heritage and some of his methods to reach markets that others don't by wildcrafting local herbs and plants, including mullein and poke salad.  Kandi also works with the Silas H. Hunt Community Development Corporation, which partnered in producing this podcast. This podcast was also produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technologythrough the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperativeagreement with USDA Rural Development. This podcast was also made possible inpart by funding from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, USDANational Institute of Food and Agriculture, through the University of Arkansas. Related ATTRA Resources: ·        Business and Marketing ·        Risk Management Other Resources: ·        Milliesbarn Veggie Farm Contact Justin Duncan at justind@ncat.org. Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast. You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted,practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and otherresources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG. 

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Kandi Williams of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's Small Farms Program talks with Hope, Arkansas, farmer Ernestine Maxfield about ways for limited-resource producers to manage risk in the Ark-La-Tex region. The Ark-La-Tex region is a socio-economic, tri-state region where Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas meet.Kandi also works with the Silas H. Hunt Community Development Corporation, which partnered in producing this podcast.This podcast was also produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. This podcast was also made possible in part by funding from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, through the University of Arkansas.Related ATTRA Resources:·        Risk Management·        Business and Marketing·        Farmer Start-UpOther Resources:·        Silas H. Hunt Community Development Corporation·        University of Arkansas Small Farm Program·        Southern Risk Management Education CenterContact Justin Duncan at justindj@ncat.org.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

Margi Hoffmann is dedicated to helping nonprofits and local communities access public funding. She is leading efforts within the federal government to support community members gaining access to public funding that is often left sitting on the table.Episode Highlights:Strategies to access public funding.Ideas to simplify the application process.Margi Hoffmann Bio:Margaret Hoffmann: state director for USDA Rural Development, serving the State of Oregon.Margaret, or Margi Hoffmann, grew up on a small family farm outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a small community located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Hoffmann left Colorado and moved to Portland, Oregon, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.Hoffmann's professional career began working in natural resources management on federal lands. She has worked on public policy in the realms of public safety, health care, climate change, energy resilience and security, and land use. She has experience working for the public and private sector, as well as in nonprofit management.In 2012 and 2015, Oregon Governor's John Kitzhaber and Kate Brown, respectively, appointed Hoffmann to serve as Energy Policy Advisor. In this position, Hoffmann developed the first-ever 10-Year Energy Action Plan for the State of Oregon and served as the Governor's office liaison to the Oregon Public Utility Commission and Oregon Department of Energy. In addition, she served as liaison to the Pacific Coast Collaborative, a partnership between the States of California, Oregon and Washington, and the Province of British Columbia. In 2022, her work served to assist in the development of a shared Statement of Collaboration to address climate change adaptation and mitigation for the world's fifth-largest economy.After leaving the Governor's office, Hoffmann served as a senior management team member for the Farmers Conservation Alliance, a non-profit focused on modernizing irrigation infrastructure in the Western United States to benefit agricultural security and the environment. During Hoffmann's tenure, the Alliance's irrigation modernization program grew from the pilot stage to implementation across five western states and created a $1B pipeline of shovel ready irrigation modernization projects.In January 2022, Hoffmann received a Presidential appointment to continue public service as a state director for USDA Rural Development, serving the State of Oregon. She currently lives in Bend with the love of her life, Joshua Klaus, and their 4-year-old daughter, Liesl.Links:Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margi-hoffmann-a93b3656 If you are a nonprofit leader and you have a best or worst story with your experience raising money for your organization that you'd like to share, please fill out this form for a chance to be on Sybil's podcast - https://forms.gle/buDnkCPcNUKYWh869 If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:https://www.doyourgood.com/blog/Effective-Funding-Strategies-that-Work-with-Tony-DeFalcohttps://www.doyourgood.com/blog/166-Nonprofit-Challenges-and-Solutionshttps://www.doyourgood.com/blog/164-Advice-from-Nonprofits-for-DonorsCrack the Code: Sybil's Successful Guide to PhilanthropyBecome even better at what you do as Sybil teaches you the strategies and tools you'll need to avoid mistakes and make a career out of philanthropy.Sybil offers resources including free mini-course videos, templates, checklists, and words of advice summarized in easy to review pdfs. Check out Sybil's website with all the latest opportunities to learn from Sybil at https://www.doyourgood.comConnect with Do Your Goodhttps://www.facebook.com/doyourgoodhttps://www.instagram.com/doyourgoodWould you like to talk with Sybil directly?Send in your inquiries through her website https://www.doyourgood.com/ or you can email her directly at sybil@doyourgood.com.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Milton and Diann Woods of Milliesbarn Veggie Farm in Eagle Lake, Texas, talk with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Justin Duncan about how they overcame various risks on their farm by choosing the right crops – both for their environment and in accordance with the needs of their clientele.  This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. This podcast was also made possible in part by funding from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, through the University of Arkansas.  Related ATTRA Resources:·        Crop Resilience Through Diversification and Schedule Modification in Northeast Texas. Part 1 ·        Business and Marketing·        Risk ManagementOther Resources:·        Milliesbarn Veggie Farm Contact Justin Duncan at justind@ncat.org.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Grace Brown, the founder of Uncle Paul's Agritourism & Educational Farm in Tyler, Texas, talks with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Justin Duncan about how she overcame various risks on the farm by choosing the right crops – both for the local environment and in accordance with the needs of their clientele. This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. This podcast was also made possible in part by funding from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, through the University of Arkansas.  Related ATTRA Resources:·        Business and Marketing·        Risk ManagementContact Justin Duncan at justind@ncat.org.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, urban farmer Pasha Angelle of Healing Den Farms in Houston, Texas, discusses how farming realities led her to shift gears and produce microgreens literally in-house rather than crops out in the field in the brutal Texas climate. This risk-management decision has expanded her experience and led her to a new customer base.  This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development.This podcast was also made possible in part by funding from the Southern RiskManagement Education Center, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture,through the University of Arkansas.  Related ATTRA Resources: ·        Urban Agriculture ·        Local Food Systems Other Resources: ·        Healing Den Contact Justin Duncan at justind@ncat.org.  Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content ofthis podcast.  You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.  

12/04/23: Joel Heitkamp is joined in the KGFO studio by Andy Berke. Andy is the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service within USDA Rural Development. He's speaking at the Broadband Association of ND's annual meeting today! Joel and Andy talk about the importance of rural utilities, including broadband, and what the Biden administration has done for North Dakota. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11/13/23: State Representative Josh Boschee is guest hosting for Joel, and is joined by Erin Oban, the North Dakota State Director for USDA Rural Development. She tells us about what the USDA does for North Dakota and various programs citizens can use to get assistance in rural communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, we get to know one of our newest NCAT employees, Tyler Jenkins. Tyler is joining the NCAT team as a Carbon Farm Planner and will be working on our “Building Soil, Building Equity” project, as well as contributing to the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Nina Prater talks with Tyler about his work before coming to NCAT, what he will be focused on as part of the NCAT team, and to how to make the perfect tomato sandwich.Related ATTRA Resources: ·        NCATReceives $30 Million to Expand Climate Beneficial Wool, Cotton Production Other Resources: ·         The Accountant   Contact Tyler Jenkins at tylerj@ncat.org Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast. You can getin touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG. This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. 

This episode of Voices from the Field continues a conversation between NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Linda Poole and Dr. Kathy Soder, who runs 125 Dorset ewes on 96 acres in Pennsylvania with her husband Ken and son Nathan. They cover a variety of issues, including predators, parasites, and profits in the discussion, which is part of ATTRA's ongoing podcast series “She's Raising Sheep.”The link to the first part of the discussion is in the notes to this podcast, so be sure to check it out along with the rest of the “She's Raising Sheep” series.ATTRA Resources:Episode 320. She's Raising Sheep: Dr. Kathy Soder of Pennsylvania, Part 1She's Raising Sheep SeriesSheep and GoatsOther Resources: Dr. Kathy Soder on Raising High Health SheepContact Linda Poole at lindap@ncat.orgPlease complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development 

Sophia Weiss is the owner of Firebird Farms, a working ranch nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains outside of Ashland. But you won’t find any Angus beef cattle roaming and grazing on the rolling hills of her 200-acre property. Instead, you’ll find a herd of about 80 Tibetan yaks which Weiss has carefully bred and built up from a pair she acquired nearly a decade ago off a Craigslist ad.  In October, the USDA Rural Development office awarded Weiss nearly $235,000 to market and develop a range of new products made from her yaks. The federal agency awarded similar grants to 10 other small Oregon farms which it announced last month, in honor of “National Ag Day 2023”. Weiss is now using the grant dollars to work with mills in the Pacific Northwest to process the yak wool she harvests by hand to make into yarn and other textile goods in the coming months. Sophia Weiss joins us to talk about her farm and why she’s bullish about the future of yak ranching in Oregon and the nation. 

On Monday's AOA, we kick off the show with a look at the markets and the on-going volatility with Darin Newsom, Senior Market Analyst at Barchart in Segment One. Then in Segment Two, we saw a lot of heavy rain across parts of the Corn Belt this weekend. John Baranick from DTN joins us with an update on the rain and the weather forecast for the week ahead. In Segment Three, we talk about the overall state of the ag and rural economy with Michael Doherty. He's formerly with USDA Rural Development and Illinois Farm Bureau and he's currently a consultant with Decision Innovations Solutions in Central Illinois. Then in Segment Four, we learn more about the new USDA farm loan application process for farmers who have faced discrimination with Myles Caggins, spokesman for the program from Windsor Group.

 USDA Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Williams joined John & Robin to inform us about the Re Connect Grants & REAP- Rural Energy for America Program  

In this week's North American Ag Spotlight Chrissy Wozniak gets an update from Congressman David Rouzer on the #WOTUS ruling and President Biden's recent veto. Congressman David Rouzer proudly represents North Carolina's 7th Congressional District, stretching from the beautiful coastline of Southeastern North Carolina west to the small-town, agricultural communities around Lumberton and Fayetteville.  Elected to the United States Congress in 2014, David is beginning his 5th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. David serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee where he currently serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.  He has served as a ranking member or chairman of a subcommittee on both since his first day in office, which has enabled him to better address the unique needs of his district and state.  He is a member of a number of caucuses in Congress including as a founding member of the Primary Care Caucus and the Supply Chain Caucus, as well as co-chairing the United Kingdom Caucus.Prior to Congress, David formed his own business doing consulting and sales work, predominately in the agricultural arena.  His public service includes two terms in the North Carolina Senate representing Johnston and Wayne counties (2009-2012) where he was consistently ranked as one of the most effective pro-business legislators.  David also served as assistant to the dean and director of commodity relations for the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at NC State University in between two stints with U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, where he started out as a legislative assistant and later served as senior policy advisor.  He was also senior advisor for U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole.  In 2005, he took a senior level appointment at USDA Rural Development and helped manage a program level budget of more than $1.2 billion and a loan portfolio of more than $5 billion in investments in rural America.  David has garnered a number of awards during his career for his work in each of these capacities as well as a Member of Congress. David, a Southern Baptist, was raised in Durham and spent his summers working on the family farm just outside of Four Oaks, N.C.  The money he earned those summers enabled him to pay his tuition at N.C. State University where he graduated with three degrees in Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural Economics, and Chemistry.  He is also a graduate of The Fund for American Studies.  David resides in Wilmington, N.C. Learn more about the issue at https://rouzer.house.gov#farm #farming #agricultureNorth American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.comWant to hear the stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.comNeed help with your agriculture based company's marketing plan? Visit https://chrissywozniak.comDon't just thank a farmer, pray Why you should not miss FIRA USA 2023!Join the experts during 3 days of autonomous and robotics farming solutions in action!FIRA USA, the traveling AgTech event is back from September 19-21, 2023 at the Salinas Sports Complex, Home of the California Rodeo SalinasRegister at - https://fira-usa.com/ Sponsored by Tractors and Troubadours:Your weekly connection to agriculture industry newsmakers, hot-button industry issues, educational topics, rural lifestyle features and the best in true country music. Brought to you by Rural Strong Media.Listen now at https://ruralstrongmedia.com/tractors-and-troubadours/Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

Congressman Brad Finstad was elected to Congress in a special election on August 9, 2022, and was sworn in three days later with his family by his side as he took the Oath of Office to proudly represent Minnesota's First District. Brad is a fourth-generation farmer and resident of the New Ulm area. He and his wife, Jackie, met on the school bus in second grade and they are now the proud parents of seven children. A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Agriculture Education and an emphasis in Rural Leadership Development, Brad and Jackie now operate an agriculture business in New Ulm while working alongside extended family to run their generational family farm. Brad is proud to have served as State Director for USDA Rural Development in Minnesota where he worked to support infrastructure improvements, business development, homeownership, community services such as schools, public safety, health care, and high-speed internet access in rural areas. He previously served three terms in the Minnesota Legislature. In 2017, he was appointed Minnesota's State Director of USDA Rural Development and held executive positions with the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the Center for Rural Policy and Development. In this episode we discuss the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill, EPA's Waters of the US rule, and the impact that farmers can have on governmental policy. You can learn more about Congressman Finstad at his official website: https://finstad.house.gov/ or on social media including Twitter: @RepFinstad.

Sophia Weiss is the owner of Firebird Farms, a working ranch nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains outside of Ashland. But you won't find any Angus beef cattle roaming and grazing on the rolling hills of her 200-acre property. Instead, you'll find a herd of about 80 Tibetan yaks which Weiss has carefully bred and built up from a pair she acquired nearly a decade ago off a Craigslist ad. In October, the USDA Rural Development office awarded Weiss nearly $235,000 to market and develop a range of new products made from her yaks. The federal agency awarded similar grants to 10 other small Oregon farms which it announced last month, in honor of “National Ag Day 2023”. Weiss is now using the grant dollars to work with mills in the Pacific Northwest to process the yak wool she harvests by hand to make into yarn and other textile goods in the coming months. Sophia Weiss joins us to talk about her farm and why she's bullish about the future of yak ranching in Oregon and the nation.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development provides loans, grants and loan guarantees to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small spent time in South Dakota seeing first hand how some of those funds are being used.

Dave holds a "public hearing" on the campus carry bill. Ryan Thorne with the USDA Rural Development talks about entrepeneurship.

We get an update from NRCS in today's show. We learn about USDA Rural Development funding for Country Classic Cars in Staunton. We also have some best of conversations from 2022--including new National FFA officer Gracie Murphy, Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Evan Hultine, and ISU student Abigail Herbert recruiting future Redbirds during the National FFA Convention.

In this edition of Voices from the Field, Lacy Stephens of the National Farm to School Network talks to Rae Rusnak of L&R Poultry and Produce and Kate Seybold of Minneapolis Public Schools. L&R Poultry and Produce has been consistently selling to MPS for more than eight years. Rae and Kate discuss what has made this partnership successful and beneficial for both of them, and they each share recommendations for building long-term relationships with school buyers. This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.This podcast episode is one of a number of case studies featuring farmers successfully navigating school sales as part of Bringing the Farm to School, a training program developed as a cooperative agreement between NCAT, the National Farm to School Network and the USDA Food and Nutrition Services." 

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Specialist Kei Matsunami talks with Chris Gaskell of Grasmick Produce of Twin Falls and Boise, Idaho, about the company's farm to school sales and DoD Fresh contract with the Montana Office of Public Instruction. This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.This podcast episode is one of a number of case studies featuring farmers successfully navigating school sales as part of Bringing the Farm to School, a training program developed as a cooperative agreement between NCAT, the National Farm to School Network and the USDA Food and Nutrition Services.

10/27/22: Erin Oban is the ND State Director for USDA Rural Development. She joins Joel in the KFGO studio to talk about rural development and the work that USDA has been doing in North Dakota the past year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we speak with Kyle Wilkens, executive director of the USDA-Rural Development Missouri office, and Mayor Lisa Green of Hayti, MO. They each share how rural communities can receive help with a variety of projects using funds from USDA-Rural Development, and Mayor Green shares success stories and how they were able to receive assistance for a much-needed new city hall building.USDA-RD Missouri: https://www.rd.usda.gov/moUSDA Resource Guide:https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/508F_RD_EDA_JointPlanningResourceGuide.pdfReConnect infoLearn more online at www.usda.gov/reconnectOr contact Chris Collins with USDA @ 573-445-0765To locate your nearest office rural development office, please refer to the map of USDA Rural Development Missouri offices.  This map includes contact information for staff in local offices.For general inquiries, please email RDMissouri@usda.gov or call (573) 872-0976. City of Hayti Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cityofhayti/Be sure to subscribe to Missouri City View and leave us a review in your favorite podcast app! Learn more at www.mocities.com.

Kansas is known for sunflowers, bison, farms and rural communities. But as our country and state grow ever more closely connected and urbanized, what does that mean for small towns and communities across the Sunflower State? Christy Davis, the Kansas director for USDA Rural Development, helps us answer that question.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, North Carolina State University researcher Dr. Andrew Smolski and NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Justin Duncan look at farmer well-being through the lens of a Southern SARE funded project.  The project, “Navigating Financial and Mental Health Crises,” is aimed at understanding how farmers are accessing resources that address farm finances, stress management, and farming practices, as well as how they have navigated through financial crises. It also shares the wisdom farmers say they have gained through the challenges they faced.  This podcast was produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG. It also is funded by a grant from Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. Project 2019-38640-29878  Related ATTRA Resources: ·         Farmer Well-Being ·         Helping Farmers in Financial Crisis   Other Resources ·         Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network ·         AgrAbility  Contact Justine Duncan at justind@ncat.org Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.  You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.  Learn about NCAT's other innovative sustainable agriculture programs.  

USDA, Rural Development State Director Kathleen Williams connected with John Hendricks and Robin Mitchell during the KGEZ Good Morning Show Glacier Bank Community Conversation on Friday, September 30th, 2022 to remark on National Cooperatives Month.  

Rusty Halvorson has a recap of this past week's farm and ranch news headlines, including new USDA Rural Development funding for the state of North Dakota, and the upcoming sugarbeet harvest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06/28/22: Xochil Torres Small is the Undersecretary of USDA Rural Development. She joins Joel while he's broadcasting live from the Midwest Ag Summit to talk about rural development and how farmers can get aid from the USDA. Call the USDA Rural Development office at 701-530-2037. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA, Rural Development State Director Kathleen Williams joined the KGEZ Good Morning Show with John Hendricks and Robin Mitchell on Wednesday June 1, 2022 to talk about National Homeownership Month.

In this video, David Corwin Deputy Director of lender and partner activities with the USDA Rural Development single family guaranteed program shares the ins and outs of USDA loans. He's going to tell us all about USDA loans and how they can benefit home buyers across the country.  If you're looking to build your business with more listings, don't miss this video! Looking for some help? Jen is seeking individuals who would like to be featured as a panelist on the show for her Mortgage Lending Mastery Mastermind Series. Email admin@jenduplessis.com to get scheduled! https://www.rd.usda.gov/ https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/usda-linc-training-resource-library Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USDA, Rural Development State Director Kathleen Williams joined the KGEZ Good Morning Show with John Hendricks on Thursday April 21, 2022 to talk about the Rural Energy for America Program and ReConnect Program.

Montana has received billions of federal dollars in recent years. The question now is how exactly it’s being spent? The USDA Rural Development program in Montana is taking major steps in updating communities’ broadband, mental health and meat packing development […]