Around Farm Progress

This week's episode includes an update on what's happening in Washington and what it might mean for farmers. Policy Editor Jacqui Fatka offers insight on a range of topics, even previewing a couple hot topics for the next farm bill.

There's also a discussion of a new national program - U.S. Identity Preserved - designed to add value to commodity crops by better linking consumer, processor and farmer. Eric Wenberg, executive director of the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance shares insight on the new program.

There's a sneak peek at the upcoming New York Farm Show, and the story behind the new Roxor utility vehicle.

We talk with Chris Torres, American Agriculturist, about this big Northeast farm show and what it offers as the doors open in February - yep an early preview. Then we connect with Rich Ansell, vice president, marketing, Roxor, about the return of this heavy-duty vehicle.

We have insight on how turkeys are raised these days, including those organic birds. Then we talk sweetpotatoes - yes it should be one word, and you can learn about that in this podcast episode.

Thanks to Sarah McNaughton, Dakota Farmer, and John Hart, Southeast Farm Press, for joining the podcast this week.

What happens when a farmer produces too much? Michigan sugarbeet growers are finding that out - the hard way. Jennifer Kiel, American Agriculturist, shares what's happening for that issue.

Then she offers a sneak peek at a new editorial series she's starting working with grant recipients of the Farmer Veteran Coalition. Hear what she's learning.

The stories about input supplies keep piling up. What will be available? How will it be priced? And what should you do? In this episode of Around Farm Progress, two editors share what they're learning in the market.

Tom Bechman, Indiana Prairie Farmer, and Jacqeline Holland, Farm Futures, offer in-depth perspective on this very hot topic.

Policy Editor Jacqui Fatka talks with Zach Ducheneaux, administrator of USDA's Farm Service Agency to learn more about the expansion of one program, and work in other areas.

Then Fatka turns to Zochitl Torres Small the recently confirmed undersecretary for rural development to learn more about her priorities leading the agency forward.

Carrie Castille, director, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, shares thoughts and insights on what this division, focused on research, is doing. She shares insights on what guides this conversation and the importance of keeping the farmer in mind for the future.

We tackle farm safety from two angles in this episode. Holly Spangler, Prairie Farmer, offers her perspective on the issue after writing about a farmer whose life ended in a grain bin.

Curt Arens, Nebraska Farmer, discusses a new invention that could keep farmers out of grain bins by doing the hard work of breaking up crusted grain with no operator.

Farm Progress Policy Editor Jacqui Fatka is our guest this week discussing trade and what she's learned from U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai as the Biden Administration moves forward. Trade with China remains an important issue for agriculture and Fatka offers insights on the multi-faceted issue.

Last week we joked about how a podcast can cover diverse topics. Turns out that may be our new normal. This week the podcast hits on two very different subjects – employee retention and peanuts. While not related they do show the diversity of agriculture.

We talk employee recruitment and retention with Ben Potter, Farm Futures. Then there's an interesting look at a big change in one kind of peanut grown in the Southeast. John Hart, Southeast Farm Press, shares that story.