FARM Champion Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:17:45 -0600 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2606657 en-us © 2026 FARM Champion yes c9e4495e-469b-5928-8847-0c8c4ab87452 eware@uada.edu University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service episodic false This podcast brings you conversations with the professionals behind farmer success stories. Each episode features a FARM Champion — trusted experts who work alongside farmers and ranchers to navigate the business side of agriculture, from financial management and tax planning to long-term sustainability. Tune in for real-world insights, practical guidance, and stories that support stronger, more resilient farm operations. 


This podcast is sponsored by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the Southern Risk Management Education Center. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service eware@uada.edu https://storage.buzzsprout.com/zpfgccfwijisqpe46q6ojlrdka8r?.jpg FARM Champion https://www.buzzsprout.com/2606657 Episode 13 - From Farm Gate to Global Markets: Making Sense of Commodity Marketing Episode 13 - From Farm Gate to Global Markets: Making Sense of Commodity Marketing In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Grant Gardner, Agricultural Economist and Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, to simplify the world of commodity markets and commodity marketing. Grant explains why commodity prices change, how factors like weather, transportation, global trade, and market expectations influence the prices producers receive, and shares practical marketing strategies to help manage risk. He also discusses the importance of developing a marketing plan, identifying trusted sources of market information, and making informed decisions that support long-term farm profitability.

]]> In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Grant Gardner, Agricultural Economist and Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, to simplify the world of commodity markets and commodity marketing. Grant explains why commodity prices change, how factors like weather, transportation, global trade, and market expectations influence the prices producers receive, and shares practical marketing strategies to help manage risk. He also discusses the importance of developing a marketing plan, identifying trusted sources of market information, and making informed decisions that support long-term farm profitability.

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19406750 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1405 1 13 full false Episode 12 - How AgPlan Helps Farmers Build Stronger Agricultural Businesses Episode 12 - How AgPlan Helps Farmers Build Stronger Agricultural Businesses In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley talks with Kevin Klair, Extension Economist and Director of the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota, about the importance of business planning for agricultural success. 

Kevin explains what a business plan is, why it serves as more than just a document for lenders, and how it can help producers make informed decisions, manage risk, and build resilient operations. He also shares the story behind AgPlan, a free online business planning tool designed specifically for agriculture, and offers practical advice for producers ready to take the first step toward developing a plan for their farm or ranch.

]]> In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley talks with Kevin Klair, Extension Economist and Director of the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota, about the importance of business planning for agricultural success. 

Kevin explains what a business plan is, why it serves as more than just a document for lenders, and how it can help producers make informed decisions, manage risk, and build resilient operations. He also shares the story behind AgPlan, a free online business planning tool designed specifically for agriculture, and offers practical advice for producers ready to take the first step toward developing a plan for their farm or ranch.

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19385851 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1404 1 12 full false Episode 11 - Understanding Property Appraisals and the Reconsideration of Value Process  Episode 11 - Understanding Property Appraisals and the Reconsideration of Value Process  In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with veteran appraiser Thaddaus Dawson to discuss property valuation, appraisal accuracy, and the Reconsideration of Value (ROV) process. Listeners will learn practical steps for reviewing appraisal reports, identifying potential inaccuracies, and advocating for fair valuation of agricultural assets. Additional resources are available at AgFTAP.org and 10kaf.org.

]]> In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with veteran appraiser Thaddaus Dawson to discuss property valuation, appraisal accuracy, and the Reconsideration of Value (ROV) process. Listeners will learn practical steps for reviewing appraisal reports, identifying potential inaccuracies, and advocating for fair valuation of agricultural assets. Additional resources are available at AgFTAP.org and 10kaf.org.

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19357018 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1316 1 11 full false Episode 10 - Expanding Market Opportunities with MarketMaker Episode 10 - Expanding Market Opportunities with MarketMaker In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with agricultural marketing expert Darlene “Dar” Knipe to discuss what market access really means for farmers and ranchers. Dar shares common barriers producers face, the importance of using reliable market information to guide business decisions, and how the MarketMaker platform helps connect producers with buyers, consumers, and new opportunities. Listeners will also learn about emerging trends in agricultural marketing and practical steps to strengthen their market position and profitability.

]]> In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with agricultural marketing expert Darlene “Dar” Knipe to discuss what market access really means for farmers and ranchers. Dar shares common barriers producers face, the importance of using reliable market information to guide business decisions, and how the MarketMaker platform helps connect producers with buyers, consumers, and new opportunities. Listeners will also learn about emerging trends in agricultural marketing and practical steps to strengthen their market position and profitability.

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19315252 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1804 1 10 full false Episode 9 - Heirs Property: Protecting Land, Preserving Legacy, and Building Knowledge for Farm Families Episode 9 - Heirs Property: Protecting Land, Preserving Legacy, and Building Knowledge for Farm Families In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Kara Woods of the National Agricultural Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University to discuss heirs property and why it matters for farm families and rural communities. They discuss how heirs property develops, the challenges it can create for landowners, and how research, education, and practical resources can help families better protect their land, preserve generational wealth, and make informed decisions for the future.

]]> In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Kara Woods of the National Agricultural Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University to discuss heirs property and why it matters for farm families and rural communities. They discuss how heirs property develops, the challenges it can create for landowners, and how research, education, and practical resources can help families better protect their land, preserve generational wealth, and make informed decisions for the future.

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19282916 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1760 1 9 full false Episode 8 - Navigating Conflict in Agriculture Through Mediation Episode 8 - Navigating Conflict in Agriculture Through Mediation In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley talks with Kiley Fleming, Executive Director of the Iowa Mediation Service and Chair of the Coalition of Agricultural Mediation Programs (CAMP), about the role of agricultural mediation in helping producers navigate conflict, communication challenges, and difficult decisions. Kiley explains how mediation works, discusses common agricultural disputes, and shares practical strategies for managing tension within farm operations and families. Listeners will also learn how to connect with certified mediation programs and resources through CAMP and AgFTAP.

]]> In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley talks with Kiley Fleming, Executive Director of the Iowa Mediation Service and Chair of the Coalition of Agricultural Mediation Programs (CAMP), about the role of agricultural mediation in helping producers navigate conflict, communication challenges, and difficult decisions. Kiley explains how mediation works, discusses common agricultural disputes, and shares practical strategies for managing tension within farm operations and families. Listeners will also learn how to connect with certified mediation programs and resources through CAMP and AgFTAP.

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19243950 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600 2051 1 8 full false Episode 7 - Protecting the Farm Legacy Through Estate & Transition Planning Episode 7 - Protecting the Farm Legacy Through Estate & Transition Planning Estate and transition planning can be one of the hardest conversations farm families face, but it is also one of the most important. In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Paul Goeringer, Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Legal Specialist at the University of Maryland, to discuss how producers can begin planning for the future of their operations. Paul breaks down key estate planning tools, shares insight into the family dynamics and communication challenges that often arise during succession planning, and offers practical advice for getting started. He also highlights resources and professional networks available to help farm families protect both their operations and their legacy for future generations. To learn more about this work, please visit: Agriculture Law Education Initiative



]]> Estate and transition planning can be one of the hardest conversations farm families face, but it is also one of the most important. In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Paul Goeringer, Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Legal Specialist at the University of Maryland, to discuss how producers can begin planning for the future of their operations. Paul breaks down key estate planning tools, shares insight into the family dynamics and communication challenges that often arise during succession planning, and offers practical advice for getting started. He also highlights resources and professional networks available to help farm families protect both their operations and their legacy for future generations. To learn more about this work, please visit: Agriculture Law Education Initiative



]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19198981 Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1516 full false Episode 6 - Telling Your Farm Story Through Recordkeeping Episode 6 - Telling Your Farm Story Through Recordkeeping In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley speaks with Jonathan Shepherd, Agricultural Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, about farm tax planning and recordkeeping as critical risk management tools. Jonathan reframes Schedule F as a year-round practice and addresses common challenges like system overwhelm. He also shares a producer success story showing how strong records can unlock capital. This conversation highlights how disciplined, consistent recordkeeping strengthens farm business management and long-term resilience.

]]> In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley speaks with Jonathan Shepherd, Agricultural Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, about farm tax planning and recordkeeping as critical risk management tools. Jonathan reframes Schedule F as a year-round practice and addresses common challenges like system overwhelm. He also shares a producer success story showing how strong records can unlock capital. This conversation highlights how disciplined, consistent recordkeeping strengthens farm business management and long-term resilience.

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19160466 Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1140 1 6 full false Episode 5 - Helping Farmers Navigate Financial Pressure with the AgFTAP Cooperators Project Episode 5 - Helping Farmers Navigate Financial Pressure with the AgFTAP Cooperators Project When financial pressures mount, the right support can help farmers find a path forward. In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Alicia Netterville to explore how the AgFTAP Cooperators Project is helping producers navigate real challenges like rising costs, credit issues, and access to capital. Through one-on-one support across 18 states, cooperators are helping farmers restructure debt, secure financing, and strengthen their operations. To learn more or connect with support in your area, call 1-888-200-6013.

]]> When financial pressures mount, the right support can help farmers find a path forward. In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Alicia Netterville to explore how the AgFTAP Cooperators Project is helping producers navigate real challenges like rising costs, credit issues, and access to capital. Through one-on-one support across 18 states, cooperators are helping farmers restructure debt, secure financing, and strengthen their operations. To learn more or connect with support in your area, call 1-888-200-6013.

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19122113 Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1126 1 5 full false Episode 4 - Navigating Farm Financial Stress and Promoting Producer Well-Being Episode 4 - Navigating Farm Financial Stress and Promoting Producer Well-Being In this episode of the FARM Champion podcast, Ahlishia Shipley talks with Erica Barnes Fields about farm financial stress and its impact on producer well-being. They discuss common warning signs, why producers face unique pressures, and how the FARM Champion network and other resources can help connect farmers with support. 

]]> In this episode of the FARM Champion podcast, Ahlishia Shipley talks with Erica Barnes Fields about farm financial stress and its impact on producer well-being. They discuss common warning signs, why producers face unique pressures, and how the FARM Champion network and other resources can help connect farmers with support. 

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-19047956 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600 853 1 4 full false Episode 3 - Know Your Numbers: Financial Strategies for Farm Resilience Episode 3 - Know Your Numbers: Financial Strategies for Farm Resilience Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Ryan Loy, Extension economist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, to talk through the financial realities facing farmers today.  Ryan shares practical financial strategies producers can use to stay resilient, including the importance of accurate budgeting, disciplined spending, and proactive marketing. The conversation also highlights the value of strong relationships with lenders and the role of Extension tools and decision-support resources in helping producers make informed financial decisions. 

]]> Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Ryan Loy, Extension economist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, to talk through the financial realities facing farmers today.  Ryan shares practical financial strategies producers can use to stay resilient, including the importance of accurate budgeting, disciplined spending, and proactive marketing. The conversation also highlights the value of strong relationships with lenders and the role of Extension tools and decision-support resources in helping producers make informed financial decisions. 

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-18979149 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1427 1 3 full false Episode 2 - AgFTAP: Helping Farmers Navigate Finance, Tax, and Business Decisions Episode 2 - AgFTAP: Helping Farmers Navigate Finance, Tax, and Business Decisions In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with AgFTAP project director Allison Vetter to learn about AgFTAP, a national program designed to support producers with resources in agricultural finance, tax planning, recordkeeping, and asset protection. They discuss the challenges facing today’s producers, the importance of accessible technical assistance, and provide an overview of how AgFTAP can connect farmers with practical tools and trusted experts to support stronger farm business decisions. 

]]> In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with AgFTAP project director Allison Vetter to learn about AgFTAP, a national program designed to support producers with resources in agricultural finance, tax planning, recordkeeping, and asset protection. They discuss the challenges facing today’s producers, the importance of accessible technical assistance, and provide an overview of how AgFTAP can connect farmers with practical tools and trusted experts to support stronger farm business decisions. 

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-18945543 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1127 1 2 full false Episode 1 - What Is a FARM Champion? Building a Network for Farm Success Episode 1 - What Is a FARM Champion? Building a Network for Farm Success Farmers and ranchers are facing tight margins, rising costs, and increasingly complex business decisions. In this first episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Ron Rainey to introduce the FARM Champion Network, a nationwide effort connecting producers with trusted experts in finance, risk management, and business planning. They discuss today’s economic pressures, why access to reliable guidance matters, and provide an overview of how the FARM Champion Network is designed to support producers in navigating these challenges. 

]]> Farmers and ranchers are facing tight margins, rising costs, and increasingly complex business decisions. In this first episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Ron Rainey to introduce the FARM Champion Network, a nationwide effort connecting producers with trusted experts in finance, risk management, and business planning. They discuss today’s economic pressures, why access to reliable guidance matters, and provide an overview of how the FARM Champion Network is designed to support producers in navigating these challenges. 

]]> University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Buzzsprout-18933302 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1527 1 1 full false