What happens when agriculture becomes an experience? 🌾🌻 This week on the Modern Farming Podcast, we’re joined by Lena Juárez, Executive Director of the Florida Agritourism Association, to talk about the growing world of agritourism across Florida. From helping farmers add value to every acre to advocating for the future of the industry, Lena is working to connect visitors with Florida agriculture while supporting the farmers who make it possible. 🚜🌱 Tune in to learn more about agritourism, the work of FATA, and how agricultural experiences are helping grow Florida’s farms and communities! 🎧

What if learning about insects, plants, and wildlife could feel like an adventure? 🌿📚

Meet Linda Smock, a Master Gardener Volunteer, educator, nature lover, and author who brings science to life through fun, engaging stories rooted in real-world science. A native Floridian and lifelong educator, Linda creates scientifically accurate books that inspire children to ask questions, explore STEM, and care for the world around them. 🌱🔬

Her newest book, Benny Bat: Betsy the Brazilian Bat’s Baby, is celebrating with a baby shower from August 15 through September 15! 🦇💚

Linda’s books go beyond the story, featuring interactive STEM activities that encourage young readers to discover, learn, and appreciate God’s creatures and the important role they play in our world.

We’re so excited to highlight an author who shows that science, storytelling, and a love for nature can grow together.🌻📖

🎙️🌱 This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Jeffrey and Michael Drew, founders of Gemstone Academy!

We’re talking about their journey in education, the importance of hands-on learning, and how creating meaningful opportunities for students can help prepare the next generation to lead, innovate, and make an impact.

Tune in to hear their story, their vision for education, and what they’re building at Gemstone Academy!

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

#GreenJeanFoundation #AgricultureEducation #AgEducation #STEMEducation #Education #FutureLeaders

Where food, STEM, and education meet! 🧁🌱

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Shelley Gupta, founder of BāKIT Box, to talk about how baking can become a hands-on way to explore STEM, culture, and food education.

From her journey in music and business to creating baking kits inspired by flavors and traditions from around the world, Shelley shares how she turned her passion for learning into an experience that brings education into the kitchen.

Because agriculture education isn’t just about what happens on the farm. It’s also about understanding the food we eat, where it comes from, and the science behind it. 🌎🔬

🎧 Tune in this week to hear our conversation with Shelley!

What can farming teach us about education? More than you might think.

On this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Bonnye McCoy, educator, curriculum developer, and co-founder of Get Classically Educated, to explore how the principles of classical education and agriculture share a common foundation: cultivating growth with purpose and patience.

With more than 20 years of teaching experience and a passion for farming, science, and literature, Bonnye discusses the Trivium, why classical education is experiencing a resurgence, and how hands-on learning helps students develop critical thinking skills that last a lifetime. She also shares her family's unique journey traveling the country by RV, visiting working farms, and proving that meaningful education can happen anywhere.

Whether you're an educator, parent, homeschool family, or simply passionate about the future of agriculture and learning, this conversation offers valuable insights into raising curious minds and connecting students to the world around them.

🎙️ Tune in to discover how classical education and agriculture are working together to cultivate the next generation of lifelong learners.

The future of agriculture is bright—and it's being led by passionate young leaders like Lilly Owens-Hines.

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, Lilly shares how her involvement in FFA has shaped her leadership skills, fueled her passion for agriculture, and inspired her commitment to serving her community. As an active livestock exhibitor, chapter officer, and Green Jean Foundation intern, she offers a firsthand look at the experiences preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

From the show ring to leadership opportunities and hands-on industry experience, this conversation highlights the importance of investing in young people who are dedicated to the future of farming.

🎙️ Tune in to hear Lilly's story and discover how FFA and agricultural education are helping cultivate tomorrow's leaders.

What if the future of agriculture starts in a virtual classroom?

On this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we welcome Dr. Kim Abel, Head of School at Optima Academy Online, the nation's first K–12 spatial computing charter school. Dr. Abel shares how immersive technology is transforming education and preparing students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and STEM skills needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow—including those facing agriculture.

From virtual field experiences to innovative ways of engaging students, this conversation explores how technology is expanding access to education and inspiring the next generation of leaders, innovators, and agricultural professionals.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how spatial computing is helping shape the future of learning—and why that matters for the future of farming.

What inspires the next generation of agricultural leaders? 🌱

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we're joined by Kiki Hubbard, Regional Director of Recruitment for the Kansas State University College of Agriculture and a proud member of Hubbard Cattle Company. Raised on her family's cattle operation, Kiki shares how her passion for agriculture and people shaped her journey from student to recruiter.

We talk about the experiences that prepared her for a career in agriculture, the opportunities available through K-State's College of Agriculture, and why investing in young people is one of the most important ways to strengthen the future of our industry.

Whether you're a student exploring a future in agriculture or someone who is passionate about growing the next generation of leaders, this conversation is full of encouragement, insight, and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in now and join us as we discuss leadership, education, and the future of agriculture.

This week, we're bringing you a special episode from the Florida FFA State Convention! Guest host Maralee Thompson, Miss University of Florida, sat down with FFA members from across the state to hear firsthand about their leadership journeys, memorable FFA experiences, and the impact the organization has had on their lives.From developing confidence and communication skills to building lifelong friendships and discovering career opportunities in agriculture, these students share what makes FFA so much more than an organization—it's a community that prepares the next generation of agricultural leaders.Tune in for an inspiring conversation celebrating the passion, purpose, and future of agriculture through the voices of Florida FFA members. 🌾🎙️💙

How does agriculture stay connected in a fast-changing world? It starts with the people dedicated to telling its story.

In this episode, we sit down with Frank Giles, Editor-in-Chief at AgNet Media, to discuss his career in agricultural communications and the vital role trusted media plays in informing producers and connecting consumers to the industry. From row crops like cotton to specialty crops and citrus, Frank shares his perspective on the evolving landscape of agriculture and why effective communication has never been more important.

Whether you're passionate about farming, agricultural education, or the future of our food system, this conversation offers valuable insight into the voices helping shape the industry every day.