Modern Farming

🌱 What happens when agriculture, technology, and education come together?

This week on the Modern Farming Podcast, we're joined by Moruf Popoola, an agricultural educator at Simmons Career Center in Hillsborough County, Florida!

With a background spanning agribusiness, technology, and education, Moruf brings a unique perspective to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders. 🚜📚

From raised-bed gardening and aquaponics to water conservation and hands-on learning in the school land lab, Moruf is helping students explore the many opportunities available in modern agriculture.

Tune in as we discuss his career journey, the importance of agricultural education, and how innovative classroom experiences are connecting students to the future of farming!

🎧 Listen to this week's episode of the Modern Farming Podcast to discover how education and innovation are cultivating the next generation of agricultural professionals! 🌾

This week on Modern Farming, we’re joined by Gretchen Hoke, seventh-generation Floridian, lifelong equestrian, and Executive Director of Rain Frog Ranch! 🌿🐎Gretchen shares her family’s journey from protecting their own agricultural property to advocating for Florida’s wildlife corridors and the future of our state’s working lands. We discuss the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the importance of private landowners in conservation, and how agriculture and wildlife can coexist to preserve Florida’s natural heritage.Tune in to hear how partnerships between landowners, agricultural communities, conservation organizations, and policymakers are helping shape the future of conservation in Florida!🎧 Listen to this week’s episode of Modern Farming to hear Gretchen’s story and learn more about keeping Florida’s working lands working.

What if building healthier ecosystems starts with understanding the human nervous system? 🌱

On this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Astrid, founder of Eden Center for Resurrection in Palatka, Florida, to explore the connection between agriculture, human well-being, and the environments we create.

From nervous-system science and sensory exploration to regenerative cycles and hands-on learning, Astrid shares how intentional spaces can support connection, curiosity, and growth. Through her work, she challenges us to think beyond controlling our environments and consider how humans and ecosystems can thrive together.

🎧 Tune in to discover what happens when science, nature, movement, and a little shenanigans come together!

#ModernFarming #GreenJeanFoundation #Agriculture #Ecosystems #AgriculturalEducation

From the Farm to Ag Sales w/ Repp Braun

What does it look like to build a career rooted in agriculture? 🌾

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Repp Braun, Tampa Territory Sales Manager for Purple Wave Auction, to hear how his life in agriculture shaped the path he is on today.

Born and raised on a farm and ranch in western Kansas, Repp grew up surrounded by agriculture. After his family moved to the Kansas City area, he continued spending his summers back in western Kansas with his grandparents, who farmed until retiring in 2020.

Repp joined Purple Wave in 2023, building on a lifelong connection to the company and agriculture. After traveling across the country photographing and documenting equipment, he transitioned into his current role serving growers and agricultural communities across Central Florida.

From his roots on a Kansas farm to his career in agricultural equipment and sales, Repp shares how farming has influenced his life, career, and perspective on the future of agriculture.

🎧 Tune in to hear Repp’s story and learn more about the people and experiences that shape the agricultural industry.

#ModernFarming #GreenJeanFoundation #Agriculture #AgIndustry #Farming #AgriculturalLeadership #AgSales #FarmLife #FutureOfAgriculture

What happens when cutting-edge university research meets the real-world needs of farmers? 🌱🤖In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Matt Donovan, CEO and co-founder of Agriculture Intelligence (AgIntel), to explore how artificial intelligence is helping growers better understand their crops, one tree at a time.Founded alongside Dr. Yiannis Ampatzidis at the University of Florida, AgIntel transforms aircraft, drone, and satellite imagery into per-tree insights, including tree counts, canopy health, and nutrient status. Matt shares how a technology born in a UF research lab makes its way into the hands of growers and how AI is changing decision-making across citrus, almonds, apples, and other high-value crops.We also talk about the future of agriculture and why technology is creating new opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders. 🌾🎧 Tune in to hear Matt’s perspective on turning research into real-world agricultural solutions and why the future of farming is more tech-driven than ever.#ModernFarming #GreenJeanFoundation #AgTech #Agriculture #ArtificialIntelligence #PrecisionAgriculture #UniversityOfFlorida #AIinAgriculture #Citrus #FutureOfFarming

Healthy crops start from the ground up. 🌱🌎 This week on the Modern Farming Podcast, we’re joined by Curt, Agronomy Solutions Lead at Tidal Grow AgriScience, to talk about one of the most important foundations of agriculture: soil health. With 10 years of hands-on agronomy experience in crop nutrition, crop protection, and soil health, Curt brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to solving complex agronomic challenges. Curt is also passionate about education and sharing what he has learned with others, making soil health and soil biology easier to understand and apply in the field. 🌱🧑‍🌾 Tune in to learn more about what’s happening beneath our feet and why healthy soil is so important for healthy plants, productive farms, and the future of agriculture. 🎧 Listen to this week’s episode of the Modern Farming Podcast!

What happens when students get the chance to step outside the classroom and get their hands in the dirt? 🌱📚

This week on the Modern Farming Podcast, we’re joined by Cindy Morelli of Elfers Christian School to talk about her journey in education, her experience at ECS, and the school’s commitment to preparing students for the future.

Cindy shares how Elfers Christian School has grown over the years, the dedicated teachers and outstanding students who have made an impact, and why hands-on learning is such an important part of education.

Through the school’s partnership with the Green Jean Foundation, students are learning how to plant, cultivate, and grow their own flowers and vegetables. 🌻🍅 From planting their first seeds to enjoying the tomatoes they grew, students are experiencing firsthand where their food comes from and what it takes to grow it.

🎧 Tune in to hear Cindy’s story and learn how Elfers Christian School is helping students grow both inside and outside the classroom! 🌱

What happens when agriculture, sustainability, and community advocacy come together? 🌱🏙️This week on the Modern Farming Podcast, we’re joined by Lisa Pineda, an agriculture educator with more than 25 years of experience in permaculture, regenerative systems, and sustainable design.As President of the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Coalition, Lisa works to expand access to urban agriculture and promote food sovereignty throughout Tampa Bay. She has also worked with schools, universities, and community organizations to bring sustainable agriculture education to more people.From helping change local ordinances around growing food to her work with UF/IFAS Extension, Lisa has spent her career showing how agriculture can create stronger, more sustainable communities. 🌿🎧 Tune in to hear Lisa’s story and learn more about the growing role of urban agriculture in our communities!

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.🌻📖