In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey speaks with Steve Lucie, a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Basco, Illinois. They discuss the unique challenges of farming in a small town, the importance of local beef sales, and the impact of regulations on the cattle industry. Steve shares his experiences with community advocacy through Awake Illinois, emphasizing parental rights in education and the need for open dialogue on sensitive issues. The conversation also touches on agricultural traditions, the significance of the Second Amendment, and the importance of self-reflection in leadership.

takeaways

• Steve Lucie is a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Basco, Illinois.
• Basco is a small town with a population of 48, located in Hancock County.
• Steve raises both crops and cattle, adapting to the local land conditions.
• He emphasizes the importance of selling beef locally without government oversight.
• Steve discusses the challenges of regulations in the beef industry.
• He advocates for mandatory country of origin labeling for beef products.
• The conversation touches on the need for unity among cattle organizations.
• Steve is involved with Awake Illinois, focusing on parental rights in education.
• He shares insights on passing down agricultural traditions to the next generation.
• Steve highlights the importance of open dialogue in addressing community issues.

In this conversation, John Woodbury discusses his journey of building smokers to accommodate large gatherings. He shares insights on the design and capacity of his smokers, emphasizing the importance of having enough cooking space when feeding many people. The conversation highlights the evolution of his smoking equipment from a single smoker to multiple units capable of handling significant quantities of ribs.

• Lee Lancaster grew up in a John Deere dealership and developed a passion for agriculture early on.
• The Vidalia onion is unique to Georgia and is known for its sweetness due to specific soil conditions.
• Counterfeit Vidalia onions have been an issue, leading to protective laws to maintain the integrity of the brand.
• The farmer's strike in the late 1970s was a significant event in agricultural history, highlighting the struggles of farmers during that time.
• Traditions in agriculture are important, and Lee emphasizes the need to pass down knowledge and practices.
• Public education initiatives like the Baby Barn aim to connect urban populations with agricultural processes.
• Lee's book on the farmer's strike was inspired by personal stories and historical events shared by farmers.
• The restoration of antique cotton gins is a way to preserve agricultural history and educate the public.
• Lee believes that many people today are disconnected from agriculture and lack basic knowledge about farming.
• The importance of supporting local farms and understanding where food comes from is a recurring theme in the conversation.

What does agriculture need when it comes to helping our farmers/ranchers mental health?

Are the days of small town pancake breakfasts (and other traditional events) coming to an end?

Listen as I talk with Nels Leo from Iowa

Will Americans still want real farm raised Chrismas trees in ten years?

Ashley Ahl of Northern Family Farms is counting on it.

Have you ever gone through any type of agricultural leadership training?

Was it worth it?

Listen as I talk with Katie Staton

Is this worse thn the 80's in agriculture?

I'm talking with the always amazing Karen Braun @kannbwx

Have you served on a Board of Directors for an agriculture group?

Why or why not?

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Do you ever eat mushrooms (or anything) that you find in the woods?

Listen as I talk with Cate Meede