Rural Recharge

Florida native Michelle Williamson is a voice, leader and advocate for Florida agriculture. In this episode she shares with us a little bit of her experience and why it is so important to be an involved agriculturalist. Sitting on several state industry boards, she has much experience with grassroots programs and their day to day impact. At the end of this episode, Ms. Williamson shares her famous strawberry shortcake recipe; you don't want to miss it!

Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

May is Mental Health Month and it is just as important for you as it is for your neighbor. Marshal Sewell, a generational Floridian Agriculturalist shares some of his story and insight on mental health on this month's episode. Marshal and his wife, Taylor, have started their own platform to carry on the conversation about mental health in agriculture. You can find Mind Your Melon on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as social media. Links listed below.

Show Resources:

MindYourMelon.org

Spotify - Mind Your Melon

Apple Podcasts - Mind Your Melon

Florida Farm Bureau Mental Health Resources

Farm State of Mind

Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Conservation cowboy Jim Strickland of Blackbeard's Ranch joins us for a conversation about the environmental benefits of ranching and its role in providing for the health and well-being of Florida residents. This episode is an early highlight of Earth Day and our recognition of its importance.

Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation President, Jeb Smith, sits down with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson to discuss key agricultural issues including urbanization, sustainability, education and food security.

Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.

The Cattle Price Discovery, and Transparency Act (CPDTA) remains a pressing issue for America’s cattle ranchers, negatively impacting their livelihoods. Fifth-generation cattle rancher, J Ryals of Desoto County, recently shared with FFBF’s Newsline how this ongoing issue has impacted his family ranching business Pre-and post pandemic. 

Florida Farm Bureau and state Farm Bureaus from across the nation have signed a letter in support of American Farm Bureau’s policy and position on CPDTA.  The letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, and Ranking Member John Boozman urged them to not take further action on this legislation as specific sections pose negative impacts on cattle producers nationwide. 

Property crime is among the many challenges farmers and ranchers must face when producing food and fiber. Sgt. David Estes outlined his perspective on such problems as supervisor of the Agricultural Patrol with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office with G.B. Crawford.

Florida State Forester Jim Karels has overseen wildfire control efforts for many years. He recently discussed the fire threat created by the storm with G.B. Crawford.

Florida Farm Bureau's Women's Leadership Conference themed "A Time to Bloom" is set for March 28-30, in Lake Mary. Danielle Daum, Vice Chair of the Women's Leadership Committee spoke with Farm Bureau about the conference.