Field Good Life

What does the future of rice farming look like? In this episode of Field Good Life, I sit down with Brian Ottis, Director of Marketing and Product Management with RiceTec, Inc, to talk all things hybrid rice, sustainability, and why milling quality matters more than ever. We dig into methane emissions, research-driven innovation, and the balancing act between yield and quality. From installing levee gates as a kid to an influential member of the rice industry today, Brian has great insight into what really goes into growing your favorite grain. If you are curious about all it takes to get your rice to the table this episode is for you!

In this episode, Jennifer chats with Whitney Shannon Haigwood of Delta Farm Press about her non-traditional path into agricultural journalism and the role storytelling plays in bridging the gap between farmers and the public. They explore the economic realities of agriculture, the need for relatable, timely communication, and how digital platforms are reshaping the way farm news is shared. Whitney also shares advice for young women pursuing careers in ag and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the stories she's most excited to tell next.

In this episode, Jennifer James shares her experiences from a busy business trip to Japan in April 2025, focusing on the specialty soybean industry and cultural insights. She discusses the unique aspects of Japanese life, including their food, transportation, and cleanliness practices, while also addressing the challenges faced in agriculture due to weather conditions.

In this episode of Feel Good Life, host Jennifer James engages with Kevin McGilton and Ben Noble from Riceland Foods, discussing the significance of farmer-owned cooperatives in the rice industry. They explore the historical context of Riceland, its role in processing and marketing rice and soybeans, and the importance of government affairs in advocating for agricultural policies. The conversation also addresses the challenges of milling quality, economic assistance for farmers, and the future of the farm bill, emphasizing the need for a robust safety net to support farmers in difficult times.

In this episode of Field Good Life, Jennifer and Allyson Bise discuss the evolving landscape of agricultural risk and credit options available to farmers. They explore Allyson's journey into agriculture, her career experiences, and the importance of financial services like Nutrien Financial. The conversation highlights the impact of rising interest rates on credit utilization, the necessity of communication between growers and lenders, and the challenges farmers face in the current economic climate. They also touch on strategies for managing farm expenses and the significance of maintaining financial privacy.

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.