FARM Champion

In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley talks with Dr. Tim Woods, Agricultural Economics Professor and State Extension Specialist for Agribusiness Marketing at the University of Kentucky, about preparing farm businesses for larger market opportunities. Dr. Woods discusses when producers should consider expanding beyond direct-to-consumer sales, what wholesale buyers expect, and the communication strategies needed for long-term success. He also shares how the MarketReady program helps producers confidently prepare to sell to restaurants, grocery stores, schools, distributors, and other wholesale markets. Whether you're considering your next marketing opportunity or looking to strengthen your farm business, this episode offers practical insights to help you grow strategically.

Check out the MarketReady Producer Training Program for more tips and resources. 

Choosing where to sell your products is one of the most important business decisions a producer can make. In this episode, host Dr. Ahlishia Shipley talks with Dr. Becca Jablonski, faculty member at Cornell University and agricultural and food systems economist, about the many market opportunities available to producers. Together, they explore direct-to-consumer marketing, intermediate markets, and the realities producers should consider when selecting a marketing pathway. Drawing from her research, Dr. Jablonski shares practical insights to help producers make informed decisions about where to take their products to market, while highlighting how investments in local and regional food systems can create new opportunities for agricultural businesses.

 Value-added agriculture isn't just about creating a new product, it's about creating new possibilities. In this episode, Dr. Courtney Long shares how stronger markets, strategic partnerships, and resilient food systems can create opportunities for producers and communities alike. 

Listeners will also discover the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC), a national hub for market information, business planning resources, and research that supports informed decision-making across the agricultural sector.

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 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 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 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 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, 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.

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