In this episode of the Feel Good Life podcast, Jennifer interviews her father Marvin Hare, a seasoned farmer with nearly 60 years of experience. They discuss the challenges faced in the agricultural industry, particularly drawing parallels between the economic climate of the early 80s and the anticipated conditions of 2025. Marvin shares insights on how he adapted his farming practices, including the introduction of the Natto soybean, to stay afloat during tough times. The conversation also highlights the importance of collaboration, technological advancements, and the evolving nature of farming in response to market demands.

This conversation delves into the critical intersection of mental health and farming, highlighting the unique challenges faced by farmers, including financial stress, family dynamics, and the stigma surrounding mental health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of communication within families, the need for resources, and the alarming suicide rates in the agricultural community. Personal stories and insights from Haley Mills provide a deeper understanding of these issues and encourage proactive approaches to mental health support.

In this episode, Jennifer James shares her journey as a farmer and advocate for the rice industry, detailing her experience testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture. She discusses the preparation involved, the emotional weight of her testimony, and the importance of the Farm Bill in supporting farmers. Jennifer emphasizes the need for farmers to share their stories and engage in advocacy to ensure their voices are heard in policy development.

Written testimony on record with the Senate. Link to it here

Links to articles about my testimony here

Video of the questions and answers from Sen Boozman to me and Nathan here and this video of my actual 4 minute testimony here.

In this episode of the Field Good Life podcast, Jennifer James shares her journey as a fourth-generation farmer in Northeast Arkansas. She discusses her unique perspective on agriculture, the importance of sustainability, and the challenges faced by commodity farmers. Jennifer emphasizes the need for advocacy in the farming community and the significance of maintaining family farms for future generations. She also introduces her podcast as a platform to share stories and insights from the agricultural world, particularly from a female perspective.