Samantha Barncastle, Executive Director of the Family Farm Alliance, is an attorney with 17+ years in water law and natural resources, a multigenerational farm kid, and a farmer's wife in New Mexico's Mesilla Valley. In this powerful episode of Fill Your Plate Now, Sam shares her journey from the youngest attorney licensed in New Mexico to leading the fight for Western irrigated agriculture—the region that grows the majority of America's specialty crops, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy. From the history of the Family Farm Alliance (founded nearly 30 years ago by farmers concerned about water and land issues in the west) to today's biggest threats—aging dams and canals, regulatory delays, litigation, and policy hurdles—Sam breaks down why reliable water delivery in the 17 Western states is the hidden backbone of America's food security, rural economies, and national resilience.

What you'll learn:

• Why Western irrigated agriculture is so exceptionally productive
• How water infrastructure directly affects what ends up on your plate
• Current policy and regulatory pressures facing family farmers and ranchers
• Economic headwinds in 2025–2026 and how producers are navigating them
• Bright spots: innovations in precision irrigation, new crop varieties, and public-private partnerships
• A farmer-to-farmer message for the next generation and a simple call to action for consumers everywhere

Whether you're a farmer, rancher, policymaker, or just someone who eats, this conversation shows how keeping Western family farms viable keeps plates full across the entire country. If you care about where your food comes from, rural communities, or water policy that actually works for farmers, hit play, like, comment, and subscribe to Fill Your Plate Now for more conversations that matter.

Resources for Samantha Barncastle | Executive Director of the Family Farm Alliance

The Family Farm Alliance Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

Join us on Fill Your Plate Now for an incredibly fun and informative conversation with Arizona's beloved chef, and cooking instructor Jan D'Atri! In this episode, Jan shares her infectious joy for cooking and dives deep into her most popular class topics with practical, game-changing tips you can use immediately in your kitchen. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home cook, Jan's warm, enthusiastic style and pro-level insights will leave you excited to get back in the kitchen!

Resources for Jan D'Atri

Jan D'Atri's Website | @Jan.Datri on Instagram | Jan's YouTube Page | Sweet Basil's Schedule of Jan's Cooking Classes

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

Join us on Fill Your Plate Now for an incredibly fun and informative conversation with Arizona's beloved chef, and cooking instructor Jan D'Atri! In this episode, Jan shares her infectious joy for cooking and dives deep into her most popular class topics with practical, game-changing tips you can use immediately in your kitchen:

• Why garlic is her ultimate passion — and the one mistake that makes her want to "come to your house and arrest you!" 😂
• The real reason you should take steak out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking, plus which cuts to use for different recipes.
• Simple seasonings that elevate meats, chicken, and fish — along with the perfect cooking temperatures for each.
• Sourdough secrets from her always-sold-out series (this craze isn't going away!).
• Cheese mastery: fresh ricotta, mozzarella, paneer, mascarpone, cheese curds & more — it's all about the milk!
• Smart tomato storing and charring tips.
• Arizona's surprising Italian connection through Yuma and Jan's incredible new way to cook pasta… in milk!
• The incredible umami power of brown butter.
• The mushroom game changer that 99% of people get wrong.
• Sensational salads, Jan brings one of her favorites to share!

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home cook, Jan's warm, enthusiastic style and pro-level insights will leave you excited to get back in the kitchen and "fill your plate now!"

Resources for Jan D'Atri

Jan D'Atri's Website | @Jan.Datri on Instagram | Jan's YouTube Page | Sweet Basil's Schedule of Jan's Cooking Classes

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

Men's Health Nutrition Adviser and high-performance mentor Dezi Abeyta, RDN, joins hosts Julie Murphree and Tammy Baker to talk real talk about food, family, culture, and performance. Dezi shares powerful lessons from his abuela's kitchen, why you have the ability to train like an elite athlete, and practical ways to fuel your body and your life without extreme diets or giving up the foods you love. From sports nutrition and recovery to building sustainable habits for busy parents and high-achievers, this conversation blends science, culture, and everyday wisdom. If you want to eat better, feel better, and perform at a higher level while honoring where your food comes from — this episode is for you. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes celebrating real food, real farmers, and real nutrition!

Resources for Dezi Abeyta, RDN

Dezi's Website | Podcast "Can't Believe I Made It!" | LinkedIn | Instagram | Men's Health

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

In this must-watch episode of Fill Your Plate Now, American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Danny Munch breaks down the brutal reality facing U.S. farmers and ranchers heading into 2026. From the "Tale of Two Farm Economies", splitting winners and losers by region and commodity, to USDA's latest net farm income projections that remain under heavy pressure, Danny delivers the unfiltered economic trends shaping agriculture right now. He dives deep into sky-high input costs, the growing reliance on off-farm income, shrinking dairy herds, milk supply shifts, and whether bringing whole milk back to schools could actually help dairy producers. You'll also hear the latest on trade tensions with China, supply chain disruptions, and how drought and natural disasters continue to hammer farm bottom lines. Plus, Danny shares the ripple effects dairy changes are having on beef and protein markets—and what gives him real optimism for the year ahead, including innovation and potential policy wins. Whether you're a farmer, rancher, agribusiness professional, or just someone who cares about where your food comes from, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you won't hear anywhere else. If you care about the future of American agriculture, hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Fill Your Plate Now for more straight-talk episodes with the experts who matter.

Resources for Danny Munch | American Farm Bureau Federation Economist

The American Farm Bureau Federation Website and Publications | LinkedIn

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

In this landmark episode of Fill Your Plate Now — the first time we've welcomed an Arizona winemaker to the show — we sit down with Emil Molin, founder, owner, and executive winemaker of Cove Mesa Vineyard in Arizona's stunning Verde Valley AVA. Join us as Emil shares his remarkable journey: retiring, diving into viticulture and enology studies, launching an ultra-premium family winery with his wife, Cindy, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and quickly earning awards for their elegant, old-world-style wines that showcase the unique Arizona terroir. From meticulous craftsmanship, discover what makes Cove Mesa a rising star in Arizona wine country. Whether you're a wine lover, aspiring vintner, or just curious about local food and agriculture stories, this conversation is full of passion, perseverance, and plenty of sips of inspiration.

Resources for The Molin Family | Co-Owners of Cove Mesa Vineyard

Cove Mesa Vineyard | Instagram

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

Discover how the Arizona Department of Agriculture safeguards and nourishes Arizona families every day! In this eye-opening episode of Fill Your Plate NOW, hosts Julie Murphree and Tammy Baker sit down with Paul Brierley, Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture, to dive deep into the department's vital work. From statewide nutrition perspectives to protecting our food supply, Paul shares how the AZ Dept of Ag supports programs like farm-to-school initiatives that support bringing fresh, local Arizona produce straight to student plates. Learn about efforts to improve local food access, connect farmers with communities, and promote healthier eating for all Arizonans, whether it's through school meals, farmers markets, or everyday family groceries.

Key highlights:

• The real role of the Arizona Department of Agriculture in family nutrition and food safety and security
• How farm-to-school programs boost local farmers and give kids fresher, healthier meals
• Practical ways Arizona supports local food systems and sustainable agriculture

If you're passionate about where your food comes from, supporting Arizona farmers, eating healthier on a budget, or understanding state-level ag policies, this episode is a must-watch! Hosted by farm girl and Arizona ag advocate Julie Murphree and Nutrition Ninja Tammy Baker. Supported by Arizona Milk Producers and Arizona Farm Bureau.

Subscribe to Fill Your Plate NOW for more on sustainable farming, nutrition hacks, and connecting directly to your food source: #ArizonaAgriculture #FarmToSchool #LocalFoodArizona #ArizonaFamilies #Nutrition #DepartmentOfAgriculture #FillYourPlateNow #SupportLocalFarmers #ArizonaFarms #AZagriculture

Resources for Paul Brierley | Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture

Arizona Department of Agriculture Website | LinkedIn

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

Dr. Christian Poulos, MD, joins Fill Your Plate Now to break down no-nonsense men's health and nutrition: Prioritize protein + veggies to crush fat loss, skyrocket energy, optimize your health, and build lifelong habits—even with a packed schedule. Perfect for busy dads, execs, and high-achievers ready to level up without gimmicks. Watch now for simple, evidence-based strategies that deliver real results! christianpoulos.com

#MensHealth #NutritionTips #FatLoss #FillYourPlateNow #HealthHacks

Resources for Dr. Christian Poulos | Performance Medicine & Human Optimization

Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn | YouTube

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

Dive into the heart of Arizona ag with Shawn Wood, First Vice President of Arizona Farm Bureau, Buckeye farmer, and land broker. She shares personal stories from her multi-generational family farm and actionable insights on safeguarding family farms, and knowing the right time sell.

Resources for Shawn Wood

Shawn Wood's LinkedIn | Arizona Farm Bureau Leaders

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

In this episode of Fill Your Plate NOW, hosts Julie Murphree and Tammy Baker sit down with Micheale Hafez, Vice President of Product Development at Shamrock Foods and Shamrock Farms. Dive into the exciting world of dairy innovation as Micheale shares how her team listens to customers, draws inspiration from trends and feedback, and works tirelessly to develop delicious, high-quality products that land right in Arizona's dairy cases and beyond. From concept to carton, discover the passion behind bringing better, more relevant dairy options to your table!

Resources for Micheale and Shamrock Farms

Micheale Hafez LinkedIn | Shamrock Farms Website

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau