In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole sits down with Chef Kevin Barko of The Heritage at Old Town in Buckeye. Chef Barko shares his unique journey from growing up in a small town near Detroit, Michigan, being a 4-H member, to becoming a notable chef deeply integrated into the Arizona culinary scene. Chef Barko discusses the parallels between agriculture and the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and the symbiotic relationship between farmers and chefs. He highlights his involvement in charitable initiatives like CCAP (Careers through the Culinary Arts Program) and Meals that Matter, which support high school students and provide meals to the elderly. The conversation also explores the challenges and rewards of sourcing local ingredients, the significance of culinary education, and practical tips for preparing holiday meals. The episode underscores the shared values and potential for collaboration between local farmers and restaurant professionals.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:52 Chef Kevin Barko's Background

05:45 The Connection Between Chefs and Farmers

07:10 Community Involvement and Initiatives

12:48 Challenges in Sourcing Local Ingredients

18:44 Agriculture Education and Chef-Farmer Relationships

23:17 Career Reflections and Advice

33:04 Holiday Cooking Tips and Traditions

39:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole covers all things Maricopa County News plus more, including how the Arizona Farm Bureau's annual meeting has resulted in the approval of a new policy book and the election of new board members, including Maricopa County's Shawn Wood as first vice president. Nationally, President Trump announced a trade deal with China involving US soybean purchases and tariff reductions. Congress extended the Farm Bill by one year, and visa processing has resumed during shutdowns. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is under consideration to reverse the USDA's milk restrictions in schools.

FSA offices have reopened, and the Arizona Department of Agriculture reported cases of vesicular stomatitis virus in Cochise County. Upcoming events include the Arizona Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers annual meeting and the founding of a collegiate chapter at Grand Canyon University.

To learn more, visit https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/.

In this edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole sits down with Paul Brierley, the Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Paul shares his journey, starting from his childhood on a farm in California, studying electrical engineering, and working in the telecommunications research industry before returning to agriculture.

He discusses his various roles, including leading the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture and becoming involved in political advocacy and grassroots efforts. Paul highlights the importance of agricultural education, networking, and involvement in programs like Project Central. He also outlines his responsibilities as the director, including overseeing regulatory and non-regulatory divisions, addressing issues in the agricultural sector, and advocating for agriculture at both the state and federal levels.

The discussion also touches on trade agreements, particularly the USMCA, and the importance of sustaining strong trade relationships with Canada and Mexico. Throughout, Paul emphasizes the diverse career opportunities in agriculture and the significance of showing up and saying 'yes' to opportunities.

The latest edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection highlights several key events and updates in the Arizona agriculture community. It recaps the successful Maricopa County Farm Bureau Ag Social, promotes the upcoming Arizona Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers annual meeting for individuals aged 18 to 35, and provides details on the Arizona Department of Agriculture's new soil health and water efficiency innovation pilot program with a $1.8 million grant opportunity. Additionally, it mentions the reopening of FSA offices during the government shutdown and the upcoming Arizona Farm Bureau annual meeting to solidify policies for the year. The next series will feature an interview with Paul Briley, the director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture, discussing his career journey.

In this rerun episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole interviews Lauren Perez, a talent acquisition specialist at LEP and Associates. Lauren shares her journey from Kansas to Texas and her passion for agriculture, discussing the critical role of talent in the industry. They emphasize the importance of networking, using LinkedIn, and creating a standout resume. Lauren offers advice for those without an agricultural background, highlighting various career opportunities and the significance of being active and involved. Lauren also mentions her resources, including a newsletter and masterclass, to help individuals excel in their agriculture careers.

Learn more and connect with Lauren below!

• https://www.lepandassociates.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-e-perez/

In this edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection, the Arizona Department of Water Resources announces a consideration for the grass plain groundwater basin to become an active management area, with a public meeting scheduled. Upcoming agriculture events include the Maricopa County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee's Ag Social, the Arizona Department of Agriculture's regional stakeholder meetings, the Arizona Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, the Soil to Table Summit, the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group's Ag Executive Forum, and the Arizona Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Annual Meeting. More information and event details are available on the Maricopa County Farm Bureau website and social media channels.

Learn more about these events at MaricopaFB.org.

In this edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection, the expiration of the Farm Bill on October 1st is discussed, highlighting its previous extensions and potential impacts of reverting to older laws. Provisions within the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' provide some relief by extending key programs until 2031. Additionally, the U.S. Trade Representative is seeking public input for the six-year review of the USMCA with Mexico and Canada. Local events include regional stakeholder meetings in various Arizona cities, and the Women's Leadership Committee's annual Ag Social on October 22nd. RSVP links and more event information are available at MaricopCountyFB.org.

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole introduces Rusty VanLeuven, Director of Air Quality at the Arizona Department of Agriculture. They discuss Rusty's background in agricultural economics and his career path as an inspector, leading to his current role. Rusty explains different aspects of air quality management in Arizona, focusing on particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), VOCs, and methane, particularly in relation to agriculture. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies to manage dust, the best management practices (BMPs) implemented by farmers, and the regulatory framework for air quality. They delve into methane emissions from dairies and the potential for using methane digesters. The impact of regional factors, such as the desert environment and topography, on air quality is also discussed. Lastly, they emphasize the importance of soil health and the role of vegetation in carbon sequestration. They conclude by highlighting grant opportunities and emphasizing agriculture's proactive role in managing air quality.

In this edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection, upcoming events include the Department of Agriculture's fall regional stakeholder meetings on October 7th, 23rd, 24th, and 30th, and the Maricopa County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee's Ag Social on October 22nd. Nationally, a New World Screwworm case has been found near the US border in Hidalgo, prompting the continued pause on imports of cattle and horses from Mexico. The USDA projects a sharp rise in net farm income in 2024-2025. The National Grain and Feed Association's new study highlights the significant economic impact of the US grain and feed industry, with Arizona's agriculture contributing nearly $32 billion to the state economy.

All of this and more on this week's Arizona Ag Report!

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole sits down with Ben Menges of Menges Ranch, a fifth-generation rancher in Arizona. Ben shares his background and compares public land ranching in Arizona and New Mexico, highlighting political and operational differences. He discusses the complex relationship with federal agencies like the BLM and US Forest Service, including legal battles and the impact of regulations on daily operations. The conversation also covers protected species like the Mexican gray wolf and their significant financial impact on ranchers. Other topics include carbon sequestration by ranch lands, the nutritional needs of cattle in desert environments, and the importance of public lands for both ranching and recreation. Ben emphasizes the need for public understanding and support for ranching on public lands for the industry's sustainability and conservation of natural resources.