This week on The Farm Report, Nick Fantasma of Paradise Locker Meats joins Erin Fairbanks to break down the world of animal slaughter and processing. Tune in to get an exclusive behind the scenes look at the life of a butcher as Nick explains the differences between commercial and small scale processing and how a humane operation works. This episode was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.

This week on The Farm Report, Erin is joined by Michelle Bulich of Bulich Mushroom Company. Michelle explains what it takes to cultivate delicious fungi and how different species require different techniques. Find out how weather plays such an important role and why the farmers market customers become like family. This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market - like no other market.

This week on The Farm Report, Erin sits down with Tim Patterson, the Director of Advancement at Sterling College in Vermont. The Topic? Goats, and more specifically the plight of the male goat in the small-farm context. Learn about Tim and Sterlings goat and sustainable farming projects and the goat roadtrip to NYC. Later learn about the differences between meat and dairy goats and Erins own involvement with the No Goat Left Behind project. This episode is sponsored by Fairway Market.

This week on The Farm Report, Erin talks policy with Carmine Rivetti of United Way of NYC and Carlos Rodriguez of Food Bank For NYC. Tune in to learn more about the constant steps being taken to feed New Yorkers in need and help families through these challenging economic times. Learn more about how programs like food stamps and WIC play into the equation and whats in store for the future of food security in our city. This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

This week Erin talks to Jessica Ziehm about the New York dairy industry and how dairy farmers are surviving in todays struggling economy. Being the daughter and wife of dairy farmers, Jessica tells us the ins and outs of the milk production process, from the land where the cows are fed to the finished product we see on the shelves. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

Urban farming pioneer John Ameroso joins Erin Fairbanks on an urban-agriculture themed episode of The Farm Report. John was the County Extension Agent at Cornell Universitys Cooperative Extension and has had his hand in many agricultural projects across the world. Tune in to learn more about the past, present and future of urban farming and community gardens as John shares his personal story of helping bring good food to those who dont have access to it. This episode was sponsored by The Barterhouse.

This week on Farm Report, Erin talks to Fred Magdoff about food security and sovereignty on both the local and international markets. With 1 in 8 families currently food insecure, how will the growing population be affected by the increase in ethanol and biodiesel fuel that is taking away from our food supply? How are government agencies dealing with this issue and planning for the future? This episode was sponsored by Hearst Ranch - the nations largest single-source supplier of grassfed and grass-finished beef.

Ever wonder what happened to the FreshKills landfill on Staten Island? The once largest landfill in the country is undergoing a drastic makeover into a public park that will be 2.5 the size of Central Park! Tune in to learn more about this fascinating project on the Farm Report with Erin Fairbanks. Erin is joined by Freshkills Park Land Use and Outreach Manager Carrie Grassi. This episode was sponsored by The Barterhouse

This week on The Farm Report, Erin is joined by David Campbell of Mapleland Farms to talk maple syrup. Find out more about tapping, bottling and all things related to the delicious sugary syrup we all love. Learn why New York state is underutilized as a maple syrup producing region and how regulations and licensing limit the products true potential. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards and Sons. For more information visit www.SurryFarms.com.