Modern Farming

Meet Jenn Marcoux, a passionate educator who has been inspiring young minds in Brevard Public Schools for over 20 years. Now serving as the STEM Coordinator at Viera Elementary, Jenn brings science to life through hands-on learning experiences that ignite curiosity in her students—and herself.

In this episode, Jenn shares how launching her county’s STEM program five years ago transformed her professional journey, and why aquaponics has become a classroom favorite. From students eagerly caring for fish to cultivating herbs in the school garden, Jenn’s approach fosters a two-way love of learning that’s as rewarding for her as it is for her students.

We also explore:

--How aquaponics bridges science, responsibility, and environmental stewardship

--The potential of a school-based herb garden and farmer’s market to teach financial literacy

--Plans for a once-a-month in-school Garden Club to engage even more students in hands-on STEM

--Why STEM education is just as much about wonder and discovery as it is about academics

If you’ve ever wondered how to spark lasting excitement for science—or how plants, fish, and money skills can all fit into one lesson plan—this episode will leave you inspired.

Tune in to hear how one teacher’s creativity and curiosity are growing a community of young scientists, gardeners, and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Akshara Athelly, a scientist whose roots in agriculture run deep—her passion for farm management was inspired by her father, a farmer and groundwater conservation advocate in their hometown. With an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Sciences, a Master’s in Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture from LSU, and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Florida, Dr. Athelly blends academic expertise with a real-world understanding of farming challenges.

We dive into her work on nutrient management, soil composition, and the critical role water plays in maintaining soil health. Dr. Athelly explains how smart soil moisture sensors work, the parameters they measure, and how data from these tools can help farmers make informed irrigation decisions. But as she emphasizes, technology alone isn’t enough—trust, collaboration, and strong relationships between farmers, scientists, and agencies are the foundation for lasting change.

From cost-sharing programs that make precision management tools more accessible, to the future of data-driven agriculture, Dr. Athelly shares why she’s optimistic about where farming is headed. She also offers an inspiring perspective on the role women can play in both science and agriculture, and why building partnerships is just as important as building better tools.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why water management is inseparable from nutrient management.
• How soil composition affects irrigation needs and crop performance.
• What smart sensors can measure and how that data can guide decisions.
• How agencies and cost-sharing programs can help farmers adopt new tools.
• Why trust, collaboration, and human relationships are vital for agricultural progress.
• The importance of representation and opportunities for women in ag and science.

Whether you’re a grower, researcher, or simply curious about how science and agriculture intersect, this conversation is packed with insights into creating a more resilient, water-smart future for farming.

In this inspiring episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Emily Ralston, a third-year middle school ag teacher and FFA advisor at Lincoln Memorial Middle School in Manatee County, Florida. Emily shares her unique journey into agriculture, from a late start despite her early love for horses to discovering her passion through livestock judging, student mentorship, and experiential learning.

We explore:

• How she transitioned into a career in ag education and why it fuels her purpose
• The magic of watching students go from knowing nothing about ag to catching newborn cows, raising livestock, and growing crops
• The importance of hands-on learning and getting students outdoors
• How Emily helped reestablish the Young Farmers and Ranchers group in Manatee County to build community, mentorship, and opportunity
• Why she believes agriculture is "bigger than the individual" and how she inspires the next generation to find their place in it

Whether you’re an ag teacher, a parent, or someone passionate about youth leadership and the future of farming, this episode will leave you energized and hopeful.

In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Dr. Jeff Duguay, a lifelong poultry enthusiast, wildlife biologist, and Director of Game Species Management for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. With decades of experience in both the scientific and exhibition sides of poultry, Jeff offers a rare and fascinating perspective on the world of chickens—from backyard flocks to show arenas.

🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Jeff’s rural Maine upbringing and love for birds led him to a career in wildlife ecology and ornithology
• The fundamentals of selective breeding, and why improving traits is both a science and an art
• Why the incredible diversity of chicken breeds means there’s a bird for everyone—and how to find one that fits your goals
• A deep dive into the world of poultry shows: how judging works, what judges look for, and how breeders prepare their birds
• Why Jeff believes you shouldn’t show birds to win—but to celebrate their beauty and enjoy the experience

Whether you're a 4-H kid with a backyard coop, a seasoned breeder, or just poultry-curious, this episode is packed with wisdom from one of America’s most decorated poultry exhibitors.

🎤 About our guest:

Jeff Duguay holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Management and is a Master Breeder and Grand Master Exhibitor of Birchen Modern Game Bantams. He’s authored nine books, mostly focused on exhibition poultry, and is an influential voice in both the conservation and show poultry communities.

🐔 Want to get started in show poultry or learn more?

This episode is your perfect primer.

🔗 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode of The Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Samantha Watson, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County. Samantha shares insights into how agriculture, tourism, and local business are working together to create a vibrant future for the Okeechobee region.

We discuss the role of agrotourism in rural economic growth, how the Economic Development Council supports youth development and entrepreneurship, and why collaboration between sectors is essential to keeping rural communities thriving. Samantha also highlights the importance of community events in celebrating agricultural heritage and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Topics Covered:

The power of agrotourism to connect people with where their food comes from

Why youth engagement is a priority for the Chamber and EDC

Examples of partnerships between agriculture, tourism, and business in Okeechobee

How local events create pride, education, and economic opportunity

Advice for other rural communities looking to strengthen cross-sector collaboration

This episode offers a closer look at how Okeechobee is growing opportunity from the ground up—through programs led by the Chamber and Economic Development Council, youth-focused initiatives, and innovative agrotourism events that connect the community to its agricultural roots. Whether you’re a farmer, educator, business owner, or simply passionate about rural development, there’s inspiration here for building strong, collaborative communities.

🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and share to help us keep telling stories that grow the future of agriculture—one partnership at a time.

📌 Episode Description:

In this inspiring episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with three incredible student leaders from Florida’s 4-H program to explore how youth agriculture education is shaping tomorrow’s workforce and cultivating passionate leaders across the state. Whether they’re raising heifers, advocating for ag literacy, or launching urban programs in their schools, these teens are proving that 4-H is more than livestock—it’s a launchpad for life.

👩‍🌾 Featured Guests:

• Musiq Williams – Palm Beach County

A 17-year-old senior at Alexander Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Musiq is a Strings major who has dedicated 7 years to 4-H, participating in poultry, leadership, public speaking, and citizenship projects. She’s most proud of her efforts to expand ag and 4-H programming in her urban school setting. Musiq aspires to become an agricultural lawyer, advocating for farmers and ag education.

• Cayce Sullivan – Gilchrist County

A 17-year-old homeschooled senior with a deep passion for animal husbandry and rural life. Over her 11 years in 4-H, Cayce has dedicated herself to raising heifers and participating in livestock programs. Her goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian is fueled by the hands-on experience and leadership opportunities she’s gained through 4-H, which has played a pivotal role in helping her pursue that dream.

• Tommy Hawes – Broward County

A 12-year veteran of 4-H from the Fort Lauderdale area, Tommy has been a vocal advocate for agriculture education and literacy in his community. His experience in public outreach and legislative advocacy has shaped his goal to pursue a career in ag policy and advocacy.

🌾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How 4-H combines traditional agriculture with modern skills like robotics, sewing, photography, economics, and public speaking.

• What leadership looks like in practice—from local mentoring to legislative advocacy.

• The significance of expanding agricultural education in urban schools and nontraditional settings.

• An inside look at the Work Ready Florida program—a grant-funded 4-H virtual club helping teens earn AEST (Agriculture Education Services & Technology) certifications in general and specialized agriculture skills.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Work Ready Florida: https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/youth/4-h-clubs/virtual-clubs/work-ready-florida/

• Explore AEST Certifications: https://aest.ag/

🎧 Tune in to hear:

Authentic stories of hard work, purpose, and the deep impact of youth leadership programs—straight from the next generation of agriculture leaders. Whether you’re an educator, student, or parent, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights into how youth in agriculture are growing more than just crops—they’re growing communities.

In this inspiring episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with David Hafner, the Martin County 4-H Agent and head of the Florida 4-H State Ambassador Committee. From growing up on a horse ranch to becoming a champion for youth development and leadership, David shares his unique path through agriculture—one that began as a high school senior in 4-H and eventually led him to a career empowering the next generation of ag leaders.

David walks us through:

• His journey from ranch life to junior leadership, volunteer service, and ultimately becoming a 4-H agent

• The pivotal moment he lost access to leased land—and how participating in the PAL program helped him discover a deeper calling in ag mentorship

• What a 4-H agent really does, and how the work goes far beyond animals and county fairs

He also gives listeners a look into what 4-H looks like in Martin County today, where students explore everything from STEM and AI to civic leadership and non-traditional ag careers.

One highlight? 4-H Legislature, a program where youth take on the roles of lobbyists, senators, media specialists, and even governors to learn the real-world process of writing, debating, and passing bills into law.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or future 4-H’er, this episode is packed with insight into how 4-H helps students build confidence, career readiness, and the skills to lead in any field—not just farming.

🎙️ Don’t miss David’s story and his passion for planting seeds of leadership through 4-H.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Chris DeCubellis, a seasoned farmer, rancher, and Associate State 4-H Program Leader with the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension. Chris brings a lifetime of agricultural experience to the show, balancing a full-time role in youth development with running a diverse family farm in Florida, where he raises livestock, grows vegetables, and maintains fruit trees.

We dig into the history and future of Extension Services, the power of 4-H project-based learning, and how hands-on work helps young people develop skills in leadership, resilience, and career readiness. From in-person clubs to virtual options, 4-H is breaking barriers with technology, making agricultural education more accessible than ever for youth ages 5 to 28. Chris also shares insight into Work-Ready Florida, a new program designed to guide students into agriculture-related careers.

Throughout the conversation, Chris emphasizes the vital role that land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension play in youth development, public education, and community resilience. Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or ag professional, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the programs shaping tomorrow’s food and farming leaders.

Topics Covered:

• The roots and mission of Cooperative Extension Services

• Why 4-H’s Head, Heart, Hands, and Health model still matters

• How project work builds confidence and capability in youth

• Expanding reach through virtual 4-H clubs and specialized programs

• The role of agriculture in workforce development

• Importance of land-grant universities and fact-checked, peer-reviewed outreach

• Chris’s personal journey as a farmer, educator, and lifelong learner

Resources Mentioned:

• Florida 4-H Work-Ready Program: https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/youth/4-h-clubs/virtual-clubs/work-ready-florida/

• UF/IFAS Extension Services: https://ifas.ufl.edu

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If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who cares about the future of farming and food systems.

In this inspiring episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Stacy Young, a powerhouse educator and advocate for agricultural literacy and hands-on learning. Stacy is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Branford High School, where her influence stretches far beyond the classroom. As a National FFA Teacher Ambassador and Agriscience Ambassador, she brings national-level insights to a local program that’s shaping the future of farming in Suwannee County, Florida.

🌱 In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Stacy’s journey from high school FFA member to becoming Branford’s first female ag teacher, and how her own teacher sparked a lifelong career.

• The dynamic, student-driven programs she leads—including greenhouse and aquaponics systems, a full shop for ag mechanics projects, and job training tied directly to real-world agricultural careers.

• How her students stay busy through summer managing family farms, research projects, and tending to 4.5 acres of maize and peanuts, plus barnyard animals like sheep, pigs, donkeys, and ducks.

• Her use of tools like the AEST Smart Growing System and GPS-integrated planting methods to prepare students for the future of ag technology.

• The remarkable stat that 1 in every 3 students at Branford High School is enrolled in the ag program—and how Stacy has expanded offerings all the way to the middle school level.

Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just passionate about the future of food and farming, Stacy’s story will inspire you to see agriculture as a powerful platform for leadership, innovation, and legacy.

🎧 Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe!

In this episode, we’re joined by Emilyn Sharpless, a dynamic agricultural educator at Bok Academy in Lake Wales, Florida. With 10 years of teaching experience—six of those spent transforming Bok’s ag program—Emilyn shares how she rebuilt the curriculum from the ground up to align with FFA standards and student-driven learning. Her efforts paid off: Bok Academy was recently named one of Florida’s Finest FFA Chapters and is a National Chapter Finalist heading to national competition.

We explore how Emilyn engages her 185+ middle schoolers daily across six packed classes (with a student waitlist!) through a fully student-run program. From managing animals and greenhouse operations to using professional-grade equipment, her students gain hands-on experience and ownership in every aspect of their education.

Emilyn also reflects on her own journey—from FFA student to ag teacher—and what it means to guide the next generation of leaders. We dive into the high demand for ag teachers, the importance of land labs and contests in FFA, and how passion, mentorship, and real-world application are at the heart of her classroom.

If you care about agricultural education, FFA, or inspiring future farmers and leaders, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.