Matt Todd, founder and host of The Ranch Podcast, joins us to talk about building a show from scratch in the chaos of 2020 into over 1,000 episodes and 7 million YouTube views. Matt shares his philosophy on authentic, curiosity-driven interviewing and why he refuses to fake interest in a topic. We also get into his upcoming nuclear energy series, some of his most memorable guests, and what he's learned about Idaho after moving from California. 

Maddy Butcher, founder of Buck the Trend, and Anna Lickley of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture join us for an important conversation on mental health and suicide prevention in agriculture. We talk about the unique pressures farmers and ranchers face, how to check in on a struggling neighbor, and what to know about Buck the Trend's upcoming Idaho training, November 13-15. 

Andi Woolf-Weibye, executive director of the Idaho Bean Commission (better known around the office as the Bean Queen), joins us to talk about one of Idaho's most underrated crops. 

We dig into why Idaho leads the nation in bean seed production, how beans quietly boost the state's economy by tens of millions of dollars, and why the humble bean shows up in everything from burritos to gluten-free chocolate cake. Plus: garbanzo beans, coffee beans, and why neither one gets to call itself a real bean. 

Thomas Watson, owner of Spud Daddy and founder of Potato Days, sits down with us to talk all things potato:
- From a crowdfunded card game to his viral baked-potato restaurant
- Why a potato only has a 90-minute window of perfection
- The ice cream potato, butter squishies, and other Spud Daddy quirks
- Potato Days' growth from 500 people to 30,000 — and what's next

Step onto the dirt road and into the vibrant world of high-altitude flower farming with Beth Brinkerhoff, owner of Teton Flower Farm in Victor, Idaho. In this episode of Dirt Road Discussions, she shares her story of what it takes to grow, harvest, and market delicate flowers in one of the state’s most challenging climates. 

Beth and her husband learned how to use geothermal resources to heat and cool crops naturally using underground air tubes. Beth breaks down the reality of her daily routine—from pre-dawn harvests to fulfilling orders for Jackson Hole florists and Whole Foods—and shares her plans to expand into agritourism with "cut-your-own-bouquet" nights.

What does it take to carry a 100-year farming legacy into the future? On this episode of Dirt Road Discussions, hosts Cam Hammond and Ott Clark sit down with Mitchell Searle—a fifth-generation Burley, Idaho producer, father of six, and current Idaho Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Chair. From the financial realities and barriers facing the next generation of ag to balancing big-family chaotic energy with harvest season, Mitchell shares an inside look at what it really means to step up, take risks, and how to navigate working alongside family members without losing your vision

Beyond the daily grind of spuds, beets, and beef, Mitchell dives deep into multi-generational farm management, smart investments, and why common-sense is critical for the future of agriculture. Whether you’re trying to navigate high machinery costs, looking to build stronger relationships with state policymakers, or just wondering how to manage a farm with six kids in tow, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, humor, and values.

Nate and Zoe Pancheri, a father-daughter farming team from Nampa, Idaho, join the podcast to talk about building a sweet corn operation from the ground up. Zoe, a fifth-generation farmer, shares how she now runs the family's packing shed, hiring and training local high schoolers to hand-sort and box every ear that comes through. Nate walks through the custom equipment he's rebuilt from the ground up to harvest corn overnight, cutting out the heat, the labor risks, and the quality issues that come with hand-picking in the dark. 

Together they explain why sweet corn never travels far; from field to store shelf in under 24 hours; and how that speed, paired with cold-harvest timing, is what actually makes it taste sweet. The conversation also digs into the difference between sweet corn and field corn, the economics of a contract-free, handshake-driven crop, and what it means to build a legacy your kids actually want to inherit.

In this episode, we dive into the world of agricultural education alongside Andrea Schumaker, the Assistant Dean for the Agricultural Sciences program at the College of Western Idaho (CWI).  There is a changing landscape in modern agriculture, with community college programs successfully building pipelines to supply the industry with skilled, knowledgeable professionals in precision technology, agribusiness, and hands-on trades.

Andrea shares her inspiring personal journey, from growing up on a small Idaho farm and navigating college as a first-generation student, to serving in the Peace Corps in Jamaica and ultimately helping build CWI's agriculture department from scratch. CWI ,the largest community college in Idaho, supports a diverse, non-traditional student body through affordable education, hands-on community partnerships, and impactful initiatives like a campus garden project designed to combat student food insecurity. A look at how local educational programs are anchoring communities and cultivating the future of the agricultural workforce.

In this episode, we sit down with Avery Claire Wrigglesworth, the daughter and wife who left her career in international finance to return to her childhood farm. 

In 2019, Avery got a call from her father indicating a need to pass the responsibilities of their LaGrange, Georgia farm to the next generation. Avery and husband Marc made a leap of faith. They uprooted their lives and returned to Lily Hill Farm with one determination: save the land from foreclosure. However, they quickly discovered that some markets were built against independent producers—a vulnerability that became obvious when the COVID-19 pandemic affected global meat processing supply chains, leaving producers with historically low payouts while grocery store prices skyrocketed.

Refusing to let the farm fail, Avery & Marc pivoted from a traditional cow-calf operation to a thriving, direct-to-consumer retail model. They share how circumstance required them to blend their  corporate background with a passion for agriculture to revitalize their family legacy.

In this podcast, we sit down for an engaging chat with U.S. Senator Jim Risch. As a rancher himself, Senator Risch shares his life of being a Senator that spends most of his week in Washington D.C., but returns each weekend to Idaho. 

Senator Risch gives his perspective on the resilience that is required to farm these days among tough market hurdles. He also shares his thoughts on America as a whole, tackles the challenges posed by China, and talks about how his personal relationship with the White House administration has positively affected the way he is able to navigate political battles for his home state of Idaho.

Ever wonder what actually happens behind the scenes during a legislative session? In this episode of Dirt Road Discussions, we sit down with Braden Jensen and Dexton Lake, who work for the Governmental Affairs Team for the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. They also like to refer to themselves as legislative advisors.

Braden and Dexton pull back the curtain on the ins and outs of the state legislature, sharing what it really takes to navigate the session. 

They also discuss their vital roles in representing IFBF—a true grassroots organization—and how they champion the voices and interests of Idaho’s farming and ranching families at the capitol. Tune in for an insider’s look at agricultural advocacy in action!

Why does your vote matter on the farm and beyond? On this episode of Dirt Road Discussions, Cam and Ott sit down with Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane. 

With nearly two decades of experience protecting the integrity of our elections, Phil dives into his mission to make government more transparent and efficient. Join us for a timely conversation on the power of the individual vote and what goes on behind the scenes to keep Idaho’s elections secure and accessible. 

Dirt Roads make up 1/3 of all roads in the United States and they require more than a sprinkle of gravel and a steamroller to make them functionable and durable.

Both chemists and engineers use crazy science to make that top layer of dirt more like concrete than the average dirt out in the farm field. 

In this episode, Royal Marty, CEO of Substrata, offers a fascinating, easy-to-understand explanation of what goes into making modern-day dirt roads. He also shares just how important these traffic corridors are for rural America.

BONUS EPISODE: Those who rely on the Port of Lewiston for their livelihoods are trying to understand a 2026 order that came from a federal Oregon judge to increase water over the dams and lower water levels in some areas. 

Scott Corbitt, General Manager of the Port of Lewiston, wants to see both fish and industry succeed on the Lower Columbia River Basin. In this interview, he explains how the judge’s order could affect energy, barging, fish, agriculture, air quality, and farmers' ability to stay in business.

As energy demand surges across Idaho, what does it mean for the farmers and ranchers who depend on affordable, reliable power? We sit down with Eric Olsen, Partner at Echo Hawk & Olsen, to break down the growing strain on the grid, the rise of large energy users, and how it could impact irrigation, input costs, and the future of agriculture. It’s a conversation that connects power lines to pivot lines.

Barley is sometimes known as the underappreciated crop, but to breweries across the nation, barley is essential. Laura Wilder, Executive Director of the Idaho Barley Commission, talks about how Idaho has become the #1 barley-producing state, helping give it the unofficial title as the “Beer State.”

Laura gives us a look at how an ag commodity commission works—covering research, marketing, and coordination, including the vital role of bringing in foreign clients. Finally, she shares how rough the markets are right now and how farmers are going to have to stick together to get through the next few years.

Many people mistakenly think that cryptocurrency is just bitcoin. Actually, there are many different types of cryptocurrency. One recently developed is SPUD, a meme coin built for the agricultural community. SPUD was created by Cody Holm, 5th generation farmer from Southeast Idaho.

Cody knows there are skeptics about crypto. In this episode he takes the opportunity to address misconceptions and shares where he hopes it will go in the future. 

Mary Huff is the Director of Owyhee County Community Planning, as well as a rancher. She has a message for everyone to be involved with their local and state elected officials. From planning and zoning to farmland loss, Mary shares her real-world experiences. 

She reminds us that people living in rural areas have a responsibility to speak up for rural issues. 

Matt Dorsey, the President of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, joins Cam and Ott for this episode of Dirt Road Discussions. They explore Matt's experiences as a farmer, his insights from traveling the state, and the importance of community and mentorship in agriculture. They also dive into the challenges facing farmers today, while emphasizing the resilience and optimism needed to navigate these tough times. Matt shares his vision for the future of agriculture, advocating for a focus on the producer's perspective and the importance of collaboration within the farming community.

Consumers can be overwhelmed as they walk through the aisles of the grocery store. Food has become a battleground where marketing labels and misinformation persuades people around their eating choices. 

Michele Payn brings clarity and common sense to the conversations surrounding food, farming, and science. Whether it’s helping farmers and scientists communicate more effectively, tackling food misinformation, or addressing mental health in agriculture.

Winter months in rural Idaho may lack a Friday night football game, but locals are discovering Skijoring: a sport where competitors ski behind a galloping horse, navigating jumps, grabbing rings, and trying not to break any bones. It has been described as rodeo adrenaline for participants and crowds, only you need a warm coat.

Shailee and Sage Lish got hooked on skijoring from friends in Wyoming and brought it to southeast Idaho. In this interview, they share how a tournament is set up, who participates, why hundreds come out to watch it, how to pick the right horse, and of course stories of epic crashes.

100th Episode! The Dirt Road Discussion crew literally hit the road to travel to Sun Valley for 10-minute interviews with a lineup of ag experts attending the Idaho-Oregon Grain & Oilseed Convention. They each share a personal message on the status and future of farming in the Northwest.

Erin Hansell-Heideman
2026 President, Oregon Wheat Growers League

Kyle Wangemann
Vice President, Idaho Grain Producers Association; Committee Member, National Wheat Growers Association

Cliff Tacke
Commissioner, Idaho Wheat Commission

Josh Jones
Commissioner and Past Chairman, Idaho Barley Commission; Vice President, National Barley Growers Association

Jonathan Rosenau
Chairman, Idaho Oilseed Commission; President, Idaho Grain Producers Association

David Brewer
Director (Oregon), Pacific Northwest Canola Association

In 1980, the eruption of Mount St. Helens left a landscape of devastation. Decades later, that volcanic soil has become the foundation for a farm that produces products that become our holiday boughs, wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces.

In this special holiday episode, we sit down with Troy Turnbull, VP of Northwest Operations at Continental Floral Greens. He takes us behind the scenes of their unique farm and shares how the process works to get everything ready for this festive season.

Leslie Edgar grew up in a large family Kuna, Idaho, where her parents emphasized the importance of hard work and education. Back then, she probably never knew that her life would take her to multiple states only to return as the J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho. What a journey.

In this podcast, Dean Edgar breaks down how a land-grant university works with students, farmers, 4-H, FFA, extension agencies, and a host of other agriculture groups. 

Her message is simple. The University of Idaho has an amazing network of resources and projects to further the future of farming and ranching and they are accessible to a diversity of people that need them.

While most farmers are trying to get their crop out of the ground by October 15th, Geoffrey and Jana Yockey are working to get their garlic seed in the ground before winter hits. The funny part is that they hope its a frigid winter with lots of snow covering their precious crop.

Years ago, the Yockeys returned to Jana’s hometown from Florida to continue her family's five-generation farming heritage. With limited land available from the original homestead, the Yockeys sought a crop that could thrive in their high desert climate and reflect their values. Their answer: garlic. 

Little did they know at that time just how much manual labor (weeding) it would take to make this little farm grow to what it is today. In the podcast, they take you into the world of garlic.

She was a girl who grew up singing at church in her Amish community. He was a boy that grew up in Texas listening to Metallica. A chance encounter at a Nashville event would create the country duo sensation of Lance and Lea.

In this podcast, Lance and Lea talk about what it is like to be on the road, mapping out performance dates across the country, and writing music along the way. They also share what it takes to love the lifestyle of a performer and how the people they have met have changed them for the better.

Should land be used for farming or houses? Maybe the better question is, how do we plan for the future so people can still build neighborhoods and businesses without taking up all the farmland that grows our food?

Keri Smith's thought she wanted to be a graphic designer until she answered a job in the local newspaper looking for an entry-level position taking notes for the land council meeting. This would be life changing as it led to more land-development positions until she found herself as a county commissioner.

In this podcast, she gives a behind-the-scene look at why cities need to care where people develop, how they develop, and why agriculture lands need to be discussed before it is paved over.

Adam Ratliff, known as the Armchair Engineer, knows that when the topic of dams in the Pacific Northwest comes up, people start talking. Whether it is the topic of salmon recovery and breaching or the need for hydroelectric power and agriculture, Adam has studied how both good information and misinformation have spread, making it hard for many to understand.

Adam discusses a host of variables surrounding small private and larger federally run dams, which creates the debate. He also shares how the history of dams and fish in the Pacific Northwest has gotten us to where we are today.

Three years ago, Ashlie Sutton's family was frantically working to get potatoes out of the ground before a potential frost killed the crop. From the spud truck, she started posting on social media about the plight of farmers in her valley. It captured the attention of people all over the country, which led her to launch a personal campaign to thank farmers.

If that wasn't enough, she realized many families, like farmers, didn't have the funds or the time to run into town for a haircut, so she used her background as a cosmetologist to create "The Haircut Box", a company that sends out full haircutting supplies with tutorials.

Today Ashlie has over 100,000 followers on Instagram.

Blake Manley is most invigorated when he helps students realize that there is an entire world of high-paying jobs in the trades, specifically forestry.

As the originator of Manley Jobs, Blake piloted an idea during COVID to produce YouTube videos that shine a light on occupations that are not commonly considered by high schoolers. It turned out to be a huge success, being used in many schools across the country.

In addition, Blake teamed up with school and industry professionals to create an ongoing program in which hundreds of students visit the forest for a first-hand experience to learn about sustainable logging practices

Nancy Riegler loves and lives with camels. She runs the Oasis Camel Dairy Farm in Ramona, California with her husband Gil. Her stories of meeting Gil, discovering camels, learning how to milk camels, and many other antics are told in this interview. 

You won’t want to miss this hilarious episode that had us laughing from start to finish. 

Mike Simpson noticed in the newspaper one day that only one person was running for two seats on the city council, so after talking to his wife, he decided to try politics for the first time. Unfortunately, a few others also noticed, and he had his first race. Turns out, he was elected to the city council by only 8 votes. Who knew that this young man would later become Idaho's Speaker of the House and a future U.S. Congressman for the 2nd District of Idaho?

Mike (as he asked us to call him) shares his story of growing up on a farm, becoming a dentist, and eventually a full-time politician. He also shares his thoughts on current issues such as farm labor, grizzly management, and water storage.

When J.R. Simplot met with Ray Kroc (McDonalds) and sold him on the idea of “consistent” frozen Idaho potatoes, the Simplot company was headed for big things. A second encounter with a guano (bat poop) salesman, led to an experiment that would inspire Simplot to build a large fertilizer business. And finally, Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Flo Jo) would help jump start the J.R. Simplot Games as one of the largest indoor high school track meets in the nation.

These are the stories told by Rick Phillips who personally knew J.R. Simplot and worked as his Manager of Public Affairs for the past 34 years before recently retiring. He gives a fun and insightful look into what built this company and how Mr. Simplot’s personal connection to people was his secret to success.

Garrett Kleiner thinks more people should consider leaving traditional occupations in an office setting for a career in forestry. He loves being in nature and working with individuals to plan forest management. 

What may surprise some is that many forestry jobs are in the private sector. Garrett, a consulting forester with Inland Forest Management, explains how forestry works today and how it has advanced over the decades. He advocates for the next generation to take over, keeping our forests healthy and sustainable.

Raising cattle to produce quality beef is a process that gets better every decade. New research provides valuable knowledge, but the tricky part is getting this new information to our American ranchers, who are some of the busiest workers around.

This is where Meranda Small comes in. As a Livestock Production Extension Educator with the University of Idaho, Meranda is constantly working with ranchers under Idaho's Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program which seeks to improve the competitiveness and profitability of Idaho beef producers and build consumer trust in the industry to expand markets for beef products in the retail and food service industries.

She shares how her own personal ranch lessons, good and bad, have also given her a basis to build a relationship with the cattle industry.

For many years, Idahoans have been working to solve the puzzle of increasing water storage to provide for farms and city municipalities and to recharge the aquifer. The goal is to have more water storage built up to use across Idaho's water corridors.

Idaho's legislators recently passed Senate Joint Memorial 101 (SJM101) that asks federal agencies to study all options to increase long-term water capacity, including a study on the Teton Dam site.

State Senator Kevin Cook, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, takes us into SMJ101 and explains what it means, what it doesn't mean, and how people can be involved in the discussion.

Sugar is such a critical commodity in this country that major steps are taken to protect its availability. Sugar works with other ingredients to provide taste, texture, and balanced acidity to the food we eat. However, sugar is commonly misunderstood, whether talking about its origin from sugar beet vs sugar cane, GMOs, or federal protections.

Samantha Parrott (aka Sugarbeet Queen) loves to tell people the story about this industry. As the Executive Director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association, she takes us into the world of sugar.

The waiting list to buy miniature donkeys grew so fast at Simple Little Farm that Garrett & Ruth Nilsson finally decided to primarily sell to families who could visit their farms and get to know these amazing companion animals. Their story is funny, where a random call to check on getting information on a miniature donkey quickly became a question of whether they would be interested in adopting an entire herd.

The Nilssons share a fascinating story of how these popular animals are carefully adopted into new homes and pastures based on who their new friends (donkey or horse) will be or which donkey friend is required to go with them on their journey.

Trent Van Leuven thought he might be an ag economist until a chance encounter with an ag educator and a 700-mile drive changed everything. Starting his career during the recession of 2009, Trent has seen the blessings and challenges of being an ag teacher in Mackay, Idaho, a town with under 1,000 residents. He shares how many students thrive when connected to technical skills early in their lives and how schools can change lives by building programs that fit “hands-on” learners.

Trent was awarded the 2024 Idaho Teacher of the Year and used that opportunity in the state and in the nation to educate leaders about small-town schools.

Paige Nelson didn't have the same class schedule as many of her fellow college journalism students. She came from preg-checking cows in her advanced beef reproduction class and smelled like manure, but she was determined to be an agriculture journalist. 

In this podcast, Paige tells stories of how her upbringing has led to a life as a mom, rancher, and freelance agriculture writer. She has a message for anyone who says, "I am just a farmer or rancher."

Brody Harshbarger agrees that there is a place for apex predators like grizzlies and wolves, but from his experiences working with cattle and with Fish and Game, he shares that there is a growing need for common-sense management.

He shares how public perception has often been detoured away from science and actual apex predator recovery numbers, influenced by emotion and marketing that isn’t always accurate. The trickle-down effect of some apex predator policies has affected places like his hometown.

Bryan and Mary Searle were just a young couple when they were invited to their first Farm Bureau meeting. Little did they know that they would stay for over 40 years. 

In this podcast, Bryan Searle, who has served as president of the Idaho Farm Bureau for the past 10 years, takes us down memory lane by telling us six stories. He talks about the early years of being on the board, technological changes, pivotal decisions, and his feelings for those who changed his life.

We all know someone who says they are technologically challenged, which may be a light-hearted comment until we realize how isolating it can feel in a world that requires skills with a smartphone or computer to pay basic bills, register kids for events, or video chat with family.

High-speed or fiber optic internet opportunities can be late or non-existent in our country's rural areas, making it difficult for some who live there. 

In this podcast, we meet Monica Hampton (U of I Extension Digital Economy Program Coordinator) and Aubree Denker (U of I Extension Digital Navigator )  who are carrying out a game-changing program in Southeast, Idaho. They discuss their work and mission to reach people in rural Idaho to encourage, train, and empower people with technology. Some of their answers may surprise you on how it is going.

One day on a long flight over the Pacific Ocean, a fellow airline pilot asked Captain Bill Gross what he would do when he retired. Without hesitation, Bill answered, “I’m going to be this Good Samaritan that buys a tractor and goes around helping farm families plant their crops when they have a major injury or illness.” That generated some laughter until his coworker realized Bill was serious. For 20 years now, Farm Rescue has organized volunteers and resources to help farmers who have gone through devastating events, including natural disasters, in a nine-state area.

Dan Erdmann, Director of Communications at Farm Rescue, tells stories about neighbors helping neighbors. He talks about how Farm Rescue had to remind farmers that the help coming into their fields and pastures was a “hand up” and not a “hand out.”

As a young girl, Kaala Clark was the daughter of a single mom who had acquired 3 acres of farmland in Hawaii. They lived in a camper trailer with no running water and no mirrors. However, when Kaala started finding photos of her mom with celebrities around the world, she began asking questions. 

Recruited to be a young model, Kaala had to wait until the age of 17 to leave their small patch of land to travel to global modeling cities. What a cultural shock. After her brushes with celebrities and modeling, she felt the call to return home to the land of Hawaii and become a farmer among her people. In this interview, she discusses how the modeling industry helped shape her grit for farming and how this Hawaiian girl is working smarter, not harder.

When ranching families decided to bring the cowboy experience to tourists in Jackson Hole, it became a dedicated lifetime adventure. It requires a love for people and a love for open Western living. Bar T 5 co-owner Chris Warburton shares how the whole thing started and how, after 2,500 shows, their passion and love of what they do are not slowing down anytime soon.

Eugene Smith loved working at McDonald's as a young man. Being in the high-paced fray of fast food was thrilling, but what Eugene didn't know was that this passional would reemerge in 2008 when a cow broke his leg, farm prices started to tank, and he had to figure out what was next. 

Eugene told his adult kids that he was going to move from Wisconsin to Idaho to expand Culver's restaurants and invited any one of them to join him for the adventure. This is their story with a behind-the-scenes look at being a restaurant owner.

Live Audience Recording! Nearly 70% of Americans eat beef at least once per week. 

In this episode, Dr. Phil Bass, Associate Professor of Meat Science at the University of Idaho, talks about how lessons learned as early as 1906 have shaped meat safety measures in the United States. 

He also shares how the American meat industry should embrace people who know little about meat production and how the sustainability of this staple food depends on the relationship between producers, consumers, and food safety agencies.

As a continuation of his original interview, Rulon talks about life after winning gold, two near-death experiences, advice for young people, and participates in Cam and Ott's speed round.

Those who witnessed the 2000 Olympics will remember the David vs Goliath wrestling upset of a Wyoming farm boy, Rulon Gardner, over Russia's historic dominator Aleksandr Karelin. 

What most people don't know is that Rulon did not grow up as an early wrestling prodigy. There were many times in his life where he faced forks in the road to determine what he might become. In this podcast, Rulon talks about the journey from his childhood farm life to a world stage in Sydney, Australia. It is an amazing story of setbacks, grit, and resolve.

Today, people use computers as weapons to target key industries. Some do it for financial gain, while others are connected to international political factions. Regardless of their intention, the agriculture industry has had to take these threats seriously and is working to share information across companies to keep America's food chain protected.

Jonathan Braley, Director of Threat Intelligence at Food & Ag-ISAC, gives us an inside look at what ag companies have experienced in the past, what processes are in place now, and what every farm operation should do to protect itself moving forward.

When Emma from "Ag With Emma" told her dad that she wanted to be on the road with a harvest crew, he did not approve. The interesting part was that her dad himself was once part of these crews that traversed states (sometimes with 50 combines) to help with harvests all over the country. 

As Emma started this adventure as a young woman in the United States and Australia, she started posting about her experiences, which have gone viral. Although she currently has a large social media following, Emma says she doesn't do it for fame but to share the life of a farmhand and help people see the grunt work that goes into getting the harvest in. She also talks about using her platforms to tackle misinformation about agriculture.

Jeff Middleton knows that addiction is difficult and addicts are worth saving. As Director, his approach to getting addicts connected with Boise Vertical Farms is helping those in recovery find something to feel good about during their journey. Jeff shares how many addicts in the court system are not hardened criminals but people who are trying to escape paths that they do not want to go down. Getting your hands in the dirt to make things grow and survive is one of Mother Nature's therapies.

Dr. Scott Leibsle graduated from the University of Wisconsin but now serves as Idaho’s State Veterinarian with the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Dr. Leibsle talks about how each state deals with different issues based on their location and the animals raised in those locations. In Idaho, his office is forever on the watch for Brucellosis from neighboring Yellowstone Park. He clarifies how the avian bird flu raised the alarm in 2024 and shares how a shortage of large animal veterinarians is a worry now and for the future.

What do you get when you mix a buffalo and a cow? It sounds like the beginning of a laffy taffy joke, but for Megan and Trevor Stark, this is their reality. 

If it sounds hard, it absolutely is! Something of this nature requires a meticulous process to do it right. They talk about how narrow the margin of error is raising these "non-traditional" animals and how it has taken years to find resources to help them raise their herd successfully. 

As a bonus, they have a suggestion for the best cow dog ever.

Kennedy Youngren's life has an interesting connection to food. She is a licensed dietitian who is married to a dairy farmer. As a high school athlete looking at college prospects, she had to learn what her eating disorder was doing to her body. In this podcast, she offers important insights on taking care of our bodies, whether we farm all day, play sports, or work behind a desk. She also talks about better sleeping habits and ways to deal with children who are picky eaters.

They say we live in an information era, but you can't wear or eat information. Those who manufacture goods and products are dependent on those who mine and produce the elements that give us those products. Mike Veile,  Site Operational Excellence Lead with Bayer Crop Science, shares how mining in Soda Springs, Idaho, is playing a vital role in producing phosphorus for many common products we use each day. Mike also explains the mine's environmental priorities, commitment to the community, and its role in helping farmers grow food into the future.

When people hear about agriculture in the news headlines, a new trend is to find a podcast to break it down and give new insights and commentary. This is where Discover Ag Podcast hosts Tara Vander Dussen (known as the New Mexico Milk Maid, 5th-generation dairy farmer) and Natalie Kovarik (4th-generation cattle rancher from Nebraska) come into play. They talk about what it is like to be a woman in agriculture today while producing a top-ranked podcast that follows the weekly development of agriculture in the media.

Tater Tots have been a staple around dinner tables, school cafeterias, and restaurants for many decades, but who thought to invent this finger food? It may surprise you how it came to be and what primitive process was used in the beginning to form these tasty snacks. Les Grigg, Co-founder of the F Nephi & Golden Grigg Legacy Foundation, tells us the story of how tater tots came to be, how large the industry is today, and how they are using a tater tot festival to bolster the fight against child abuse (protecting our tots).

In Bob Hoff's family, teenagers didn't just get a driver's license. They also got a pilot's license because they never knew when to run out the back door, jump in a plane, take off from a grass runway and look for a lost cow. As Bob explains, every family has their passion, and for the Hoff family, it is farming and aviation. 

Bob shares stories from his first barrel roll with his Dad to helping develop a museum in his local community to teach about the beauty and history of soaring the skies.

Jessie Jarvis had a time when she considered pursuing an occupation outside of agriculture. Born and raised as a rancher’s daughter in Southern Idaho, she tells how her love for agriculture and desire to raise children in agriculture changed her mind.

With the support of her husband Justin, Jessie uses her experience in communications and media to build bridges for the next generation of agriculturists, whether they work in the dirt, with cows, in a lab, or on a computer. She explains how times are changing and that we must work to show the next generation that there is a place for them in agriculture.

Almost half of the land in the western United States is owned by the Federal Government. Compare that to only 4 percent of land east of the Mississippi. Obviously, there is a story to tell on this topic.

Dirt Road Discussions visited with an online panel consisting of Amanda Kaster, Director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation; Keith Hamilton, a fourth-generation rancher and farmer from Wyoming; and Ben Menges, a fifth-generation farmer from Arizona. 

With host Cam Hammond and Ott Clark, the panel takes us through an honest conversation about the pros, cons, victories, frustrations, benefits, and limitations of living near and working on these federal lands. If you don’t know what federal lands are, no worries. They will explain that, too.

Thank you to multiple western state Farm Bureau Federations who made this possible.

Imagine a succulent plant with sharp spines that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide. When it flowers, it can grow up to 8 feet tall, and its inflorescence can reach 25–30 feet tall. Sharla and Leo Ortega grow agave, a plant used for tequila and many other products. They talk about navigating the challenges of raising this "behemoth" crop.

Those who like to cast bait or a fly in the stream probably like a good salmon or trout filet, but it would never come close to meeting  American's demand for  fish. Welcome to the aquaculture industry. Jacob Bledsoe, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist — Aquaculture Research, shares how fish farms are advancing, consolidating, and competing with imported products to provide fish or grocery stores, restaurants, and pet stores.

Marshal Sewell's thoughts about the farmer's mental health changed with the suicide of his father. In this podcast, Marshal talks about his own quest to prevent further suicides through open dialogue about the pressures of farming and steps that can be taken to identify and help someone going down that path. He shared how he started the Mind Your Melon movement.

This is a must-hear podcast for every family who drives. Roadways and highways in rural areas look safe because they are less crowded, but they account for 75% of fatalities. Factors such as high speeds, distractions, and lack of patience combined with wildlife, agriculture equipment, and a false sense of security create dangerous dynamics. Jessie Barrus, Idaho Transportation Department District Engineer, and Cory Juber, Idaho State Police Trooper from North Central Idaho, share their experiences with rural road issues and give advice for drivers, farmers, and all who share these corridors.

George Rohrbacher found himself in the middle of nowhere, with only the lights from his tractor, pondering how he was going to save his farm. Farm markets in the late 1970s were tanking, and very little rain had fallen on his newly acquired dry farm. And then, out of nowhere, he decides to risk it all on a board game. You will not want to miss this.

Yes, it is absolutely true! Back in 1948, biologists threw beavers out of airplanes over Idaho's rugged backcountry with parachutes to help them rebuild ponds and other water structures. This podcast will have you laughing as Ben Goldfarb, environmental journalist, author, and "Beaver Believer," tells how it all went down. Ben also shares how biologists are seeking healthy strategies for beavers to coexist with their human neighbors.

If you raise animals on the island of Kodiak (Alaska), it comes as no surprise to see a hog, cow, or horse get brought in by plane or ferry. Kelli Foreman, Assistant Executive Director at Kodiak Baptist Mission, took everything she learned from her upbringing in Nebraska to be a goat farmer while raising a family in this unique part of the country. With three boys and a whole slew of farm animals to raise, it's no wonder her days start when the rest of us are still in bed.

Imagine placing a couple feet of water over your cranberry vines, letting Mother Nature freeze the top 14 inches or so, and then draining the water under the ice to give the vines an air pocket to protect them from harsh Wisconsin winters. This is only one crazy step in the world of cranberry production. Amber Bristow, a 5th generation Wisconsin cranberry farmer and social media influencer @CranberryChats shares her story of leaving her job with a minor league baseball team to return home to her family's cranberry farm.

It is undeniable that farming is physically demanding work, and it becomes even more challenging when a disability affects someone working in agriculture. Limitations can occur due to an accident, disease, genetic conditions, etc. Paul Jones,  National AgrAbility Project Manager, shares how the AgrAbility program, which is funded as part of the Farm Bill, finds incredible solutions to help men and women continue their desire to remain working on the farm, even when it seems improbable.

People all over the country follow Andrea Flemming on social media for one main reason - she keeps it real when it comes to farming. If there are days to cry over sick animals, she talks about it. If there is a success, she talks about it. Most importantly, she does not shy away from discussing the importance of mental health in a challenging industry. Known as "ThatFitAgvocate," Andrea, a fifth-generation farmer from Minnesota, shares how her social media posts started as a hobby but have grown to so much more.

Horses are part of our culture in so many ways. They carry riders for leisure, horse shows, rodeos, and much more. Likewise, horses are being used  for therapy with children and adults. When Hurricane Ian raced across Florida, it went past the city of Ocala, which is the horse capital of the world triggering an emergency response to get feed to horses. Louisa Barton, known as the "Brit With The Bit" talks about how she came into the horse world, what it's like living in Ocala, and how it has changed her life as well as so many others.

Local Brewing Distilleries have become popular across the county with the shiny brewing vats and pipes visible to patrons at the bar. To build a brewery is not only a labor of love, but a lot of labor, science, and good business instincts. Owners and brewers Davis and Hailee Gove share how they set up Jim Dandy Brewing in the middle of the country's largest barley and hops agriculture sector. Their background in microbiology, chemistry, and artistry made brewing a perfect fit for this couple.

Is it true that reindeer prefer moss over carrots? Can they see with ultraviolet vision? How far can they swim? Is it legal to drive reindeer through Canada? Why must you make reservations months ahead to be with the reindeer during the Christmas season? This fun, high-energy podcast with Erika Bowie, general manager of Leavenworth Reindeer Farm takes us on a journey of all things reindeer.

Children know them as culinary finger puppets, but olives are a growing industry that may surprise you. Whether it is black, green, extra virgin, or refined, olives and olive oils have an interesting history and process to get them in our food. Ciriaco Chavez, Director of Agriculture & Innovation at Redlands Farm Holding, tells us the ins and outs of this "survival" fruit and what it takes to get dozens of different variations out to consumers.

One time a year, over 40 million turkeys are purchased for Thanksgiving dinner tables. How do turkey farmers plan for this yearly push and make it go off without a hitch? Owner, Ronny Lee and daughter, Charli Decker are turkey farmers in  New Jersey who raise and sell these festive birds directly from their farm. They talk about turkeys, the history of Thanksgiving, and a few common misconceptions

It is impressive how ranchers who graze on public lands provide excellent land management services, while also saving taxpayers money. It is important to acknowledge the invaluable role that ranching plays in public land management and the positive impact it has on conservation and natural resources. Danny Munch, an esteemed economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, sheds light on this matter with his insider's perspective, providing us with a better understanding of the benefits that ranchers bring to the table.

Of all the things we have imported from Europe, the Quagga Mussel is an accidental stowaway that threatens all U.S. waters. They can clog city water-intake structures, agriculture pipes, and create havoc on docks, buoys, boat hulls, and beaches. An estimated $500 million a year is spent managing them in the Great Lakes alone. Bruce Johnson, Lieutenant AIS Field Operations Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, shares in behind-the-scenes work to control these aquatic pests.

Yaks can't wait for the first day of winter! They get giddy as the first snowflakes hit their noses. This is especially true for Kent Sutton's Yak farm in Archer, Idaho. Not meant to be a cow rancher, Kent decided to become a Yak farmer after watching Brad Pitt in "Seven Years in Tibet". After many years and adventures with these charismatic animals, he hasn't regretted his decision. Listen and laugh as he tells his story.

We live in a world of information overload. Unfortunately, not all information is accurate. Farmers now have the added job of addressing misinformation on agriculture practices that fills our social media channels daily. Shay Meyers, CEO of Owyhee Produce and social media influencer, shares his experiences of leveraging social media to counter false narratives and promote his family's operations.

Clams and Oysters aren't your traditional farm operation. Your farm may be under 4 feet of water or 6 inches of water depending on the tide. Kyle Sturgis, Farm Manager with Shore Breeze Farms LLC, teaches us more about this aquatic venture to meet the needs of seafood lovers everywhere.

Why have we been taught to fear bugs in general? Is it a cultural thing, or DNA thing? Introducing Jason Thomas, a University of Idaho Extension entomologist. He loads his vehicle with all kinds of little creatures and takes them to schools with a mission to help people know how to interact with our bug world. He has a message for everyone the next time they pick up a shoe to squash anything that scurries near the house.

Link to the Idaho Insect Identification Website: insectid.uidaho.edu
Find out more about the Pest Friends Board Game by emailing Jason Thomas as jasont@uidaho.edu

Whether you are spitting out sunflower seeds at a ball game or walking by a 13ft flower, running a sunflower farm has a fascinating story. Bethany Gotts, the owner of Quey's Maze, has a passion for sunflowers and wanted to bring that to the public for a different spin on agritourism. She hosted the first year of the Quey's Maze Sunflower Festival, where people can come to take photos among the flowers and even take some home with them.

Mushrooms are easy to grow, but hard to master. They find their way to your salad and burger, and yet over 50% of specialty mushrooms consumed in the United States are imported. Luc Lalire, CEO,  and Will Beeson, COO, with MycoLogic want to help Americans learn and be able to grow mushrooms locally. From Hollywood myths to unknown facts, you will be amazed at how much you never knew about this fungi.

Crowds have gathered all over the world to watch cranes lift an entire farm unit off of a semi-truck as it is being delivered to a city, resident, or school. Those who thought farming wasn't possible for them can now hook in water and electricity to these freight farms and it's time to grow food! Dave Harris, Head of Plant Sciences, and Brooke Smith Account Executive of Freight Farms tell us how over 600 of these new-age farms have been delivered all over the world.

Sherri Staheli with Staheli Farms never imagined parents would pay her to have their city kids come out and do chores on her farm.  This has led to "Farm Camp" where kids build memories, interact with animals, do chores, and learn to develop a work ethic. (Special re-release) 

Restaurants need food from farmers and farmers need restaurants to sell their food, right? Sounds simple, but it all got a little crazy for everybody when Covid hit in 2020 and supply chains were disrupted. It was realized there was a gap between the farmers and restaurant owners.

From those tough times came a new group called FARE Idaho that is working to bring local farmers and restaurants into one association. Three years later, Katie Baker, Executive Director, shares how far they have come and how they hope to change future connections between these industries

Fields of mint may look a little like hay, and get harvested a little like hay, but when one barrel of mint oil is the final product from four acres of harvest, you quickly realize this is no ordinary crop. From chewing gum to toothpaste, ice cream to candy canes, mint is part of our daily lives. Del Christensen, area manager for Labbeemint, takes us through the process of how mint makes it from the field to our store shelves.

What happens when you ask farmers and ranchers what they want in an ideal dream truck with luxuries such as boot washers, dog boxes, the works? This is where the Diesel Brothers make wishes into realities. They have not only made over 100 customized trucks but find ways to give them away for free.

Hans Peterson, manager of Diesel Brothers, talks about working on John Wayne's truck, flying a Blackhawk helicopter, and most importantly working with partners like Pivot Bio to give away the Ultimate Farm and Ultimate Ranch trucks to a deserving farmer and rancher.

When you haul a 4-ton potato around the United States, people naturally follow you off the highway to get pictures of themselves with this spectacle. Everyone has the same question, "Is it real?" Laura Martin and Sue Kennedy, Tour Directors, take us on a journey of this famous Idaho potato truck from prom parades to barge rides around the Statue of Liberty. Hear how it all got started and what we can expect in the future.

Who would have thought a decade ago that farmers today can place a full 10-gallon tank on the back of a 225 lbs. drone to place applications on select areas of fields with farmers at the control. Taylor Moreland, the founder of Agri Spray Drones, tells the story of how this technology is advancing, how it is meant to work in conjunction with larger ground equipment, and how these new tractors of the sky are currently being accepted by farmers and ranchers. On a personal note, Taylor also shares how his love of mechanics led him to develop an apparatus for his son with spina bifida which is now a non-profit endeavor for others with the same condition.

Traditional farm fields stretch north and south and east and west, but some are looking upward to grow crops. Such is the case with Vertical Harvest Farms located in famous Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Nona Yehia, CEO and co-founder, tells the story of how they worked with city officials to design and grow food in the first vertical (3-story) greenhouse in the Northern Hemisphere. Despite getting down to 40 degrees below zero, this facility grows food 365 days a year with the help of a special workforce focused on individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

A phenomenon spreading across all demographics is video games that allow players to realistically experience farming. One of the most popular games is called Farming Simulator by GIANTS Software. This impact of this game has inspired some players who weren't in agriculture to become real-life farmers. Of course, some with agriculture ties are also getting in on the fun. Kermit Ball, Community Coordinator, takes us behind the scenes of this virtual farming world.

The Heffernan farm family (yes, there really are 5 Marys) dreamed of taking what they learned from the restaurant business and moved it into raising and producing beef among many other ventures.  This is their story of starting over 20 businesses while achieving their goal of raising four daughters with agricultural roots.

Once thought to be a wild horse that was domesticated, the White Horse of Black Daisy Canyon is said to have escaped a hunting camp 25 years ago and has since survived on its own back in the rugged mountains around Mackay, Idaho. Locals and out-of-towners watch every spring for this icon to reappear to add to the White Horse's longevity and legacy. Macky resident and White Horse admirer, Barbara Harp, tells us this amazing story and how they know it is the same horse.

Alex McCoy will be the first to admit that an ostrich farm or ostrich meat is not mainstream today and may conjure up some interesting conversation. People are more familiar with a traditional Fourth of July burger or chicken sandwich. However, after a culinary encounter in South Africa, Alex thought about it through the lens of nutrition. Ostrich meat is a red meat that is virtually fat-free and has more iron and less cholesterol than any other red meat. Along with husbandry manager, Sarabeth Henderson, they talk about what it takes to run an ostrich farm and take proper care of these quirky animals.

"Leaving The Tech Sector For Garlic, Goats, & So Much More"
Real-life sisters Venise Cunningham and Belinda Kelly used to travel a distance to work in the tech sector, but life changed with the purchase of 10 acres of land. The problem: neither of them knew anything about farming, so off to Google and mentors they went to learn how to grow something to sell. Today, they have developed a host of companies. They tell their story of family, covid, learning, and small-business survival.

TikTok: @simplegoodnesssis 

Ask any farm kid from the last 50 years how much they liked rock picking and see their reaction. Most would say it was pretty fun for the first 15 minutes and miserable for the rest. Today, farmers can't afford to have sizeable rocks damage their increasingly expensive farm equipment in the fields. As with all aspects of agriculture, farms are looking to automation. Trevor Thompson, President of TerraClear Technologies, takes us through developing drone technologies that see rocks from the sky and machines that extract them from the ground with minimal disruption to the soil.

Millions of books are sold every year with all kinds of glamorous tips and gimmicks to get people to think the food they eat will give them what they want. Unfortunately, many of these fad diets aren't sustainable. Sheri Glazier is a farmer and nutritionist known as the Dirt Road Dietician. On this podcast, she walks us through how people can live life, not be too extreme, and use basic principles of nourishment to have good health for themselves and their families.

Dirt Road Discussions has shared stories from many people from across the country. In this special holiday episode, we share a touching story of hope and perseverance told by Lynn and Susan Steadman who lost their house in a fire. Their words remind us of what is truly important in life.

Florida has the fun job to grow the majority of strawberries for the United States during the winter season. Whether they are surviving a hurricane, covid, regulation changes, or labor shortages, the strawberry industry is an exciting place to be. Michelle Williamson, Operation Manager of G&F Farms, and Kenneth Parker, Executive Director of Strawberry Growers Association, give us a front-row seat to this billion-dollar "sweet treat".

With a collection of over 100 antique tractors, it is one man's job to revive these historic machines. This behind-the-scenes interview with Rob Bearden, aka Tractor Doctor, takes us through his story and process. These old tractors are a tribute to farmers who took horse teams out of the fields and adopted new technology that changed the future of agriculture.

Whether it is a candy bar wrapper or medical equipment, the world uses millions of plastic products. An exciting emerging technology, using starches from potato waste and other crops, can potentially change the plastic industry and waste management of plastic products. BiologiQ CEO Steven Sherman shows how agriculture waste is being accessed to make a new and strong plastic that is more biodegradable after its use is done.

Phillippe Aumont tells an amazing story of being a first-round draft pitcher in Major League Baseball and then later choosing to trade a mound of dirt for dirt on a family farm. He talks about learning how to become a farmer, the reaction from his teammates, and why he loves the lifestyle that comes with growing healthy food for his community.

Cow herds will always need cowboys, but with developing technology, ranchers can now move invisible fences (and cows) with the push of a button on their phones. CK Wisniewski, ranching success manager with a company called Vence, explains how this technology is being implemented today. Another aspect of this technology is being able to monitor the well-being of cattle while on the range.

The FFA organization is found today in schools all across America. Jim Summers and Vernon Roche probably never knew that when they went to the same high school in the 1960s that both their life journeys would lead to decades of being Ag educators. Now retired, these two sit down to share insights and funny stories into why FFA and good old-fashioned hard work are needed now more than ever to raise the next generation.

Civilization needs rain and snow. Did you know there is a scientific process to help this along? Whether you water your lawn, grow crops, or run a ski resort, we all depend on precipitation for our daily lives.  Shaun Parkinson, Meteorology & Cloud Seeding Leader, and Derek Blestrud, Senior Atmospheric Scientist, from Idaho Power dive into the strategies, successes, and limitations of cloud seeding.

Wildfires in the United States are more than the forest catching fire and agencies working to put them out as fast as possible. Forest and wildfire management comes with a deep history. Wildfire expert and Senior Research Ecologist Paul Hessburg takes us on a fascinating journey on the topic of wildfires.

After each serving overseas deployment, Tom Norris (Afghanistan and Kosovo) and his wife Char’reise (Afghanistan and Iraq) developed a 23-acre farm to help Veterans learn, grow, and heal. This is the story of the Veterans Farming Initiative.

What would the world do without fertilizer? Larry Lankford, Procurement Manager for Valley Agronomics, discusses where people have misunderstood where fertilizer comes from, how it is used today, and how multiple countries impact its availability.

Randy and Karen Reed had an empty greenhouse and decided to fulfill their dream to create a butterfly ecosystem that is now the Butterfly Haven. They discuss the evolution of a caterpillar to a butterfly and how these important pollinators play a role in agriculture.

Grand Teton Distillery has found success using local farm commodities to make award-winning spirits.  This includes a fun collaboration with Hollywood's Channing Tatum for a signature potato vodka. This is their story.

Meet two individuals who are helping plan the future of a century-old product. Wool, unlike polyester and much of the synthetic plastic microfibers produced today, is a desirable, renewable, sustainable biodegradable fiber. 

For centuries, grape vineyards were specifically designed for the average worker's height and arm length.  Viticulturist  Alexander Levin, Ph.D, dives into the world of producing a very delicate product (wine grapes) in modern vineyards with new technology.

What do you do if you put out job listings for thousands of agriculture jobs, and only 18 local residents apply? Joel Anderson, Executive Director of the Snake River Farmers Association gives us the ins and outs of bringing in foreign ag labor to meet this vital need. 

Does Vermont have competition for maple syrup? Trees in the Intermountain West are now being looked at for maple syrup production. Bracken Henderson of the University of Idaho tells us all about it.

It seems there is more demand on farmers to grow the world's food with less water. Clay Carter and Tony Richards tell us how new technologies can help farmers conserve water during times of drought.  

If you see a tractor driving in the field without a farmer inside, don’t be alarmed. It may be driving itself. Ryan Jardon with John Deere tells us all about it.

Learn the truth about honeybees from beekeeper Spencer Drange, and how he chased a bear up a tree when he was just 5 years old.  

Sherri Staheli with Staheli Farms never imagined parents would pay her to have their city kids come out and do chores on her farm.  This has led to "Farm Camp" where kids build memories, interact with animals, do chores, and learn to develop a work ethic.