Join hosts Julie Murphree (the farm girl) and Tammy Baker (the Nutrition Ninja) for a down-to-earth chat with Mark Freeman, the Mayor of Mesa, Arizona—and a proud, still-active yeoman farmer with deep roots in the Valley's ag heritage. Mark shares stories from his family farm legacy (dating back to Mesa's founding days!), how he balances running a major city with growing fresh crops, why local agriculture matters for healthy plates and strong communities, and his take on sustainable food systems in one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S.

Whether you're into urban farming, supporting Arizona growers, or just love hearing real talk about where your food really comes from—this episode is packed with heart, hard work, and a few laughs from the field to the podium. Don't miss it—grab your fork and tune in!

#FillYourPlateNow #ArizonaAg #LocalFood #MesaMayor #FarmToTable

Resources Mentioned During the Show

City of Mesa Mark Freeman Bio Page | The Freeman Corn Patch Facebook Page

Additional Resources

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

In this eye-opening episode of Fill Your Plate Now, hosts Tammy Baker and Julie Murphree talk with Jacklyn Reynolds, Sustainability Analyst at United Dairymen of Arizona to discover how Southwest dairy farmers are leading the charge on sustainability. From innovative water reuse and recycling systems that conserve precious resources in arid regions, to cutting-edge methane digesters that capture emissions and turn them into renewable energy, learn the real story behind modern dairy's environmental efforts.

This episode will bust common myths, and help you discover why supporting local dairy means supporting a greener future. Whether you're a farmer, foodie, or eco-conscious consumer, this conversation reveals practical innovations making dairies more sustainable than ever.

#SustainableDairy #ArizonaFarms #WaterRecycling #MethaneDigesters #FillYourPlateNOW #LocalFood #DairySustainability #UnitedDairymen

Resources Mentioned During the Show

Jaclyn Reynolds LinkedIn | United Dairymen of Arizona Website | Dairy Conservation Manager Site

Additional Resources

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

In this lively episode, hosts Julie Murphree and Tammy Baker sit down with Rob Sharkey, the one and only Shark Farmer! As a fifth-generation Illinois grain farmer, podcast host of the wildly popular Shark Farmer Podcast, SiriusXM Rural Radio voice, and ag advocate, Rob brings his signature honest, humorous, and sometimes sarcastic take on modern agriculture.

We dive into the realities of running a family farm today, the power of storytelling to connect consumers with where food comes from, innovative ways farmers are adapting and why supporting local and sustainable practices matter more than ever. If you're passionate about knowing your food's story, loving farm life, or just enjoy straight-talking conversations about farm life and gate-to-plate realities, this one's for you, grab a plate and join us!

Rob Sharkey Resources

SharkFarmer.com Website | Rob Sharkey LinkedIn | X (Twitter) | Instagram | TikTok

Additional Resources

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

From Field to Closet: The Story of 5th Gen Cotton Company is one of resilience and innovation. Join us on Fill Your Plate as we sit down with the passionate fifth-generation cotton farmers behind 5th Gen Cotton Co., a family-powered brand straight out of West Tennessee. These two multi-generational farming families have teamed up to take traceability and sustainability to the next level, growing premium American cotton on their own land, then turning it into high-quality, 100% cotton apparel like ultra-soft T-shirts (with plans for polos, jeans, and more).

Hear how they're closing the loop from soil to stitch, supporting U.S. agriculture, embracing longer-staple varieties for better fabric, and proudly wearing their roots with every garment.

It's a heartfelt conversation about legacy, grit, innovation in farming, and why choosing American-grown cotton matters more than ever. Perfect for anyone who loves farm-to-table... now extended to farm-to-wardrobe! Tune in to discover how 5th Gen Cotton Co. is redefining sustainable style, one fiber at a time.

#FarmToFashion #AmericanCotton #FamilyLegacy #SustainableApparel

5th Gen Cotton Co. Resources

5th Gen Cotton Co. Website | Franklin Carmack LinkedIn | Jeffrey Daniels LinkedIn

Additional Resources

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

The Fill Your Plate NOW podcast, hosted by farm girl and Arizona agriculture advocate Julie Murphree alongside the "Nutrition Ninja" Tammy Baker, dives deep into the world of real food, farming, and smarter nutrition for everyday life. In this episode, the dynamic duo breaks down the groundbreaking 2026 Dietary Guidelines and the dramatically, but science-based inverted Food Pyramid—now prioritizing high-quality proteins like meat, full-fat dairy, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables at the top, while slashing ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and refined grains.

With RFK Jr.'s influence steering the "Make America Healthy Again" shift toward whole, real foods, Julie and Tammy explore what this historic flip means for Arizona farmers, ranchers, and The public from supporting producers of beef, dairy, and fresh produce to practical tips on building balanced, nutrient-dense meals that are healthier, more affordable, and better for you. Tune in for expert insights, farm-to-table wisdom, and why this could be the end of outdated low-fat myths!

Nutrition Guide Resources

RealFood.gov Website | RealFood.gov Nutrition Guide (pdf)

Additional Resources

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

Get ready! The next season of Fill Your Plate NOW is dropping soon, and it's set to transform the way you think about food, farming, and your health forever!

Hosted by farm girl Julie Murphree (Arizona Farm Bureau) and the Nutrition Ninja Tammy Baker (Arizona Milk Producers), this season amps up everything you love: deeper dives into sustainable Arizona farming practices, game-changing home-cooking hacks, the latest food & farm tech innovations, myth-busting nutrition truths, budget-friendly local food strategies, and real ways to eat healthier without breaking the bank. Julie and Tammy discuss what's coming and what to expect.

In this enlightening episode of Fill Your Plate Now, hosts Julie Murphree and Tammy Baker sit down with acclaimed Karman Meyer, RDN, LDN, RYT, author of the bestselling book Eat to Sleep: What to Eat & When to Eat It for a Good Night's Sleep and The Everything DASH Diet Meal Prep Cookbook. Karman, a seasoned nutrition expert with over 15 years in the field, host of the PBS special Eat to Sleep, and passionate advocate for food-first wellness, shares actionable insights on how your daily plate can transform your nightly rest.

Discover the powerful connection between what you eat, when you eat it, and the quality of your sleep. From sleep-promoting foods rich in magnesium and other key nutrients to practical meal timing strategies and simple home-cooking hacks, Karman reveals evidence-based tips to help you wake up refreshed and energized. Whether you're battling occasional insomnia or looking to optimize your overall health through sustainable eating, this conversation bridges farm-fresh ingredients with real-world nutrition for better sleep and vitality.

Resources for the TheFarmBabe.com and Michele Miller

Karman Meyer LinkedIn Page | Karman's Book, The Everything DASH Diet

Additional Resources

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

We are ringing in 2026 by bringing back a listener favorite! Join us as we rediscover how to embrace the Mediterranean Diet in Arizona with authenticity, featuring award-winning dietitian and OliveTomato.com creator, Elena Paravantes, RDN. Her expert insights provide the perfect inspiration to elevate your culinary craftsmanship and bring fresh flavors to your kitchen in 2026.

Enjoy, and here's to a happy and healthy 2026!

Additional Resources

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

In this special encore presentation, we are revisiting a listener favorite to help you celebrate the season with flavor and health. As families gather today, we explore the National Pork Board's "Taste What Pork Can Do" campaign, highlighting pork as a versatile and convenient centerpiece for your holiday table.

We are joined by Kristen Hicks-Roof, Ph.D., RDN—Director of Human Nutrition at the National Pork Board—to discuss sustainable farming, pork's role in a balanced diet, and practical tips for elevating your everyday and holiday meals. Tune in for a dose of nutrition science and bold taste inspiration!

Additional Resources

Kristen Hicks-Roof LinkedIn Page

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

In this eye-opening episode, join renowned agriculture advocate Michelle Miller, better known as The Farm Babe, as she slices through the overwhelming clutter of misinformation surrounding modern food production and farming practices. From her unique journey - from a big-city fashion career on Rodeo Drive to hands-on life on a Florida farm, Michelle shares her passion for bridging the gap between consumers and farmers.

Drawing from years of debunking myths on social media (reaching millions monthly), writing columns, speaking internationally, and hosting her own podcast HERD It Here, she tackles common misconceptions head-on. Michelle empowers listeners to think critically, ask better questions, and make informed choices at the grocery store — all delivered with her blunt but signature humor, honesty, and down-to-earth style. Whether you're a curious consumer, a food enthusiast, or part of the ag community, this conversation will leave you better equipped to navigate the noise and appreciate the innovations feeding our world.

Resources for the TheFarmBabe.com and Michele Miller

TheFarmBabe.com | Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube Channel | LinkedIn

Additional Resources

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