As African Swine Fever (ASF) threatens the global pork supply, producers and animal health experts around the world are scrambling to contain the threat. In this "breaking news" episode, field editor Lorne McClinton speaks with Dr. Jaspinder Komal, Chief Veterinary Officer for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, about this potentially devastating swine disease and how producers and consumers can help prevent its spread. 

For more information, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency web site at inspection.gc.ca, or in the U.S., the National Pork Producers Council at nppc.org.

It’s a dream so many of us have had...living on an island, isolated from the aggravations of city life in our own little slice of Heaven. But how does the dream match up to the reality of living according to a ferry schedule, and having to plan every trip to the grocery store or doctor’s office? Find out first-hand as our Canadian field editor Lorne McClinton interviews residents of the Discovery Islands, a small chain off the coast of British Columbia. And make sure to check out our video series, “Rhythm of the Ferries,” available at JohnDeereFurrow.com and JohnDeereHomestead.com.

A group of farmers in California is working to pull excess carbon out of the atmosphere and put it where it can do some good...into their soil. Learn more about the Marin County Carbon Project...and hear their success story...in this week's episode. 

In this episode, we chronicle the growth and success of The Local Pig, a butcher shop and restaurant, and their relationship with Campo Lindo Farms, a poultry operation that sells direct to local restaurants and grocers. With appearances on Food Network and a contract with Whole Foods, this chef/farmer pair illustrates how they’ve connected farmers with eaters, and why it’s not so outrageous to think that first-time farmers can accomplish the same. Read more at TheLocalPig.com and CampoLindoFarms.com.

How do we decide what technology to adopt? Is it pure dollars and sense? How do we decide what technology to trust...and what to trust it with? Join us for a deeper dive into the psychology of tech with our four guests: former U.S. Navy pilot Dr. Missy Cummings, now of Duke University; Dr. Julian Sanchez of John Deere; and farmers Larry Reichenberger and Dean Houghton. 

Ten years ago, Jason and Colleen Gerke left corporate jobs to pursue their dreams of wine-making. Today, Jowler Creek Winery is one of western Missouri's premier wine destinations, with weekend events, music, and of course, plenty of wines for tasting and pairing. Along with way, the Gerkes' focus on sustainable production methods earned them multiple awards, including Platte County Farm Family of the Year and the Missouri Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. Learn more about how they did it in this episode of "On Life and Land."

As one of the nation’s most beloved brands, Deere & Company has an extensive collection of historical documents, equipment, literature, and memorabilia. Join us for an interview with Deere & Company archivist Neil Dahlstrom as we talk about the history of the company and of The Furrow magazine, how he decides what to keep and what to throw away, and some of the more notable items currently stored in the collection.  

In the second part of our series “Out of the Darkness,” field editor Steve Werblow speaks with musician and mental-health advocate Jason DeShaw about the stigma of mental illness, the right things to do and say to a friend or loved one who is suffering, the unique challenges farmers and rural residents face when seeking treatment, and about Jason’s own struggles with depression.

In the first of our two-part series "Out of the Darkness," field editor Steve Werblow speaks with Dr. Robert Fetsch, Colorado State University Extension, on the specific dangers rural residents face when addressing mental health evaluation and treatment, and on the signs to watch for in friends and loved ones who may be suffering from behavioral health issues. 

We see and hear the question all the time: “I want to be a farmer, but I have no money, no acreage, no tractor, and no experience. How do I start?” Very few other industries are as attractive to newcomers, and as difficult to break into, as production agriculture. And even though the number of farms is decreasing, we still need young people to be interested in coming into...or back to...the farm life. Join Larry Reichenberger and Dean Houghton, field editors for John Deere's The Furrow and Homestead magazines, for a discussion on what it takes to be a farmer.