In this episode of the Real Rural Podcast, host Clare Dunn sits down with Nate Sheets to discuss his journey from building a successful honey empire with Nature Nate's to running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner. Discover how Nate plans to revitalize Texas agriculture, combat food supply issues, address foreign land ownership, and tackle challenges like screwworm outbreaks and data centers impacting rural communities. We dive deep into policies on deregulating farming, reforming the Go Texan program, improving school lunches, and ensuring national food security. Whether you're a farmer, rancher, or concerned about America's food future, this conversation reveals actionable insights on agriculture policy, rural economic development, and protecting Texas legacies.Key topics include Texas Ag Commissioner election, Nate Sheets campaign, honey industry innovation, food safety and testing, agriculture deregulation, foreign ownership of Texas land, screwworm crisis, data centers in Texas, desalination for agriculture, school lunch reform, meat processing monopolies, cotton farming challenges, and veterans programs for farmland.The Texas Tour series of the Real Rural Podcast is sponsored by EA Capital Management, a private credit direct lending firm, focusing on agriculture and rural business sectors, fueling growth, protecting legacies, and creating opportunity. Visit eacapitalmanagement.com to learn more. Follow on social media: Instagram @therealrural Youtube: @TheRealRural Spotify : TheRealRural https://www.claredunn.com/Subscribe to The Real Rural Podcast for more discussions on agriculture, rural business, farming innovations, food security, and policy changes impacting American ranchers and farmers. Hit the notification bell to stay updated.#TexasAgriculture #NateSheets #AgCommissioner #TexasFarming #FoodSecurity #RuralAmerica #HoneyIndustry #AgriculturePolicy #Screwworm #DataCenters #SchoolLunchReform #MeatProcessing #CottonFarming #VeteransInAgriculture #GoTexanTimestamps (Show Notes):00:00 - Introduction to Nate Sheets and his background in cutting horses and NCHA endorsement02:00 - Why Nate is running for Texas Ag Commissioner: From ministry to honey business04:00 - Building Nature Nate's Honey: From hobby to billion-dollar category growth06:00 - Consumer insights on honey, pollen benefits, and FDA overreach on labels08:00 - Transition to politics: Revitalizing agriculture and cleaning up food supply10:00 - Sponsor Message: EA Capital Management11:00 - Revamping the Go Texan program for farmers and ranchers13:00 - Challenges in Texas agriculture: Loss of processing capabilities and optionality for producers15:00 - Vision for bringing back textile mills, gins, and infrastructure17:00 - National security in food supply: Onshoring processing and deregulation19:00 - Addressing foreign ownership of Texas land and Veterans First program21:00 - Campaign platforms: Deregulation, lowering fees, school lunch overhaul23:00 - Data centers in Texas: Water use, energy, and rural impact25:00 - Desalination, produced water, and aquifer recharge for West Texas agriculture27:00 - Imported beef, border policies, and screwworm threats29:00 - Pasture mealybug quarantine and biosecurity failures31:00 - Surprising learnings from the campaign trail and commodity associations33:00 - Health impacts of food: Chronic disease, military eligibility, and better inputs35:00 - Solutions for cotton farmers: Textile mills and vertical integration37:00 - Tackling meat packing monopolies and building regional processing39:00 - HSA programs for healthy food incentives and Medicaid savings41:00 - Early voting info, how to support Nate Sheets campaign, and closing thoughts

Clare sits down with Legacy Texan Rancher, Lica East Pinkston of the East Ranch and King Ranch family legacies to talk the realities of Ranching today in South Texas. The implications of the New World Screw Worm and the possible devastating effect it will have on the American Ranching industry.

The Texas Tour series of the Real Rural Podcast is sponsored by EA Capital Management, a private credit direct lending firm, focusing on agriculture and rural business sectors, fueling growth, protecting legacies, and creating opportunity. Visit ⁠eacapitalmanagement.com⁠ to learn more.Follow us here on Spotify and on social media:

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⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @therealrural

In this episode of The Real Rural, Clare sits down with Susan Story Rubio, a seventh-generation Texan with deep roots in ranching and agriculture. They discuss her family's history in Texas, the challenges and rewards of growing up on a ranch, and the severe impacts of recurring droughts. Susan shares her insights on the screw worm epidemic, shedding light on the ongoing threats it poses to livestock and wildlife, and critiques the government's response to the problem. The conversation dives into the intricacies of running a family ranch, dealing with financial hardships, and the broader political landscape of Texas. Alongside her personal stories, Susan offers a passionate plea for more active political engagement, particularly in rural communities. The episode wraps up with Susan's reflections on her faith, family legacy, and her commitment to public service.The Texas Tour series of the Real Rural Podcast is sponsored by EA Capital Management, a private credit direct lending firm, focusing on agriculture and rural business sectors, fueling growth, protecting legacies, and creating opportunity. Visit ⁠eacapitalmanagement.com⁠ to learn more.Follow the Real Rural on ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for more conversations like this. 00:00 Welcome to the Real Rural in Cotulla, Texas00:19 Meet Susan Story Rubio: A Seventh Generation Texan01:14 Growing Up on a South Texas Ranch01:57 Surviving Tough Times in Agriculture02:10 The Impact of Drought on Ranching05:27 The Screw Worm Epidemic: A Historical Perspective07:31 Modern Challenges with the New World Screw Worm11:28 Efforts to Combat the Screw Worm Threat22:25 Innovative Solutions and Government Involvement26:27 Managing Livestock and Wildlife26:54 Economic Impact of Ranching27:50 Wildlife and Hunting Economy29:53 Challenges in Ranching and Farming35:37 Political Involvement and Redistricting48:07 Faith and Personal Beliefs54:43 Rapid Fire Questions

Clare sits down with Texas cattlemen James Davison to discuss how not only how the cattle industry works, but the Beef industry as well, and the differences between the two.

Thanks for watching the Texas Tour of The Real Rural

Follow us on Instagram as well @therealrural

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:27 James Davison's Background in Ranching

01:29 Transition to Horse Training and Current Ventures

02:09 Consumer Preferences and Market Trends

03:03 Discussion on Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Finished Beef

05:02 Challenges in the Cattle Market

07:01 Price Discovery and Marketing Strategies

09:24 Ranch to Rail Program and Its Impact

13:28 Backgrounding Cattle: Risks and Rewards

21:05 Innovative Approaches in Cattle Management

36:49 Economic Pressures and Industry Consolidation

39:06 Grocery Store Margins and Meat Packers

40:49 The Packers and Stockyards Act

43:02 Market Manipulation and Speculation

46:28 National Security and Land Ownership

48:27 Challenges in the Ranching Industry

55:20 The Story of Play Gun

01:07:02 Rapid Fire Questions

01:07:30 Conclusion and Thanks

In this episode of 'The Real Rural,' Clare Dunn is joined by Ashley Cash, a vocal advocate for educational reform and rural issues. They discuss the significant divide between agriculture and urban areas and the decline in educational standards, particularly in Texas. Ashley highlights the alarming statistics that show Texas ranks 44th in K-12 education despite its robust economy. She advocates for a shift back to skills-based education, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, problem-solving, and financial literacy. They also delve into the challenges faced by small family farms and ranchers, emphasizing the impact of poor educational foundations on understanding and supporting the agricultural sector. Ashley further elaborates on proposed legislative reforms, targeting both the education system and agricultural policies, and stresses the importance of civic engagement and local governance. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire question segment, offering a lighter touch to the serious topics discussed.

 The Texas Tour series of the Real Rural Podcast is sponsored by EA Capital Management, a private credit direct lending firm, focusing on agriculture and rural business sectors, fueling growth, protecting legacies, and creating opportunity. Visit eacapitalmanagement.com to learn more.Follow the Real Rural on ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for more conversations like this.

• 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment
• 00:09 Guest Introduction: Ashley Cash
• 00:35 Challenges in Education: A Deep Dive
• 01:03 The State of K-12 Education in Texas
• 02:22 The Need for Skills-Based Learning
• 10:17 The Importance of Trade and Entrepreneurship
• 22:53 The Role of Agriculture in Education
• 24:26 The Electoral College and Rural Representation
• 28:02 Farm Subsidies vs. Welfare: A Critical Discussion
• 31:22 The Financial Struggles of Farmers and Ranchers
• 32:04 Profit Distribution in the Agriculture Industry
• 34:18 Innovative Strategies for Ranchers
• 36:32 Challenges in the Beef Industry
• 41:57 The Importance of Local and Federal Policies
• 45:48 Personal Journey and Advocacy
• 48:29 The Need for Financial Literacy and Education Reform
• 54:04 Closing Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions
  

This episode of The Real Rural takes listeners to Eastland, Texas, where Clare Dunn discusses pressing issues in American agriculture with Jonathan Haralson, CEO and Founder of Empire Ag. They explore how algorithmic trading and market manipulation impact farmers' livelihoods, the importance of comprehensive agricultural support systems, and the high-stakes financial pressures faced by American farmers and ranchers.

Jonathan shares his vision for supporting American producers, discusses the mental health crisis within the agricultural community, and advocates for systemic changes to ensure sustainable farming and ranching. The conversation touches on the role of government policies, the intricacies of commodity trading, and potential solutions to support the farming industry amid mounting challenges.

Empire Ag brings consulting, financial services, and brand strategy together for producers who want to run a tighter, smarter operation. The company supports everything from field decisions to financial structure to the story a producer shares with the world. Visit ⁠YourAgEmpire.com⁠.

Follow the Real Rural on ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for more conversations like this.

• 00:00 Market Manipulation and Its Impact on Farmers
• 00:56 Introduction to The Real Rule in Eastland, Texas
• 01:14 Empire Ag: Supporting American Producers
• 02:04 Challenges in Agriculture: Mental Health and Financial Struggles
• 03:48 The Hybrid System of Agricultural Commodities
• 07:48 Algorithmic Trading and Market Volatility
• 12:47 The Role of Speculators and Market Manipulation
• 16:15 Personal Experiences with Market Challenges
• 18:48 Unfair Cattle Pricing
• 19:12 The Dispute Over Payment
• 20:45 Industry-Wide Issues
• 21:05 Financial Struggles and Solutions
• 24:41 Debt and Succession Planning
• 31:08 Mental Health in Agriculture
• 33:11 Government Subsidies and Market Manipulation
• 36:05 Rapid Fire Questions
• 36:32 Conclusion and Thanks

In this episode of the Real Rural Texas Tour, sponsored by Empire Ag, Clare Dunn visits with Donnell and Tucker Brown of the RA Brown Ranch.

The Browns discuss the history and operations of their multi-generational ranch in North Central Texas, which includes commercial cow-calf production, beef seed stock production, farming, and equine enterprises. They delve deep into the challenges facing the beef industry, such as the disconnect between urban and rural populations, the importance of maintaining local food production for national security, and the misconceptions around cattle's environmental impact.

The conversation also touches on innovations in agriculture, the importance of blending tradition with technology, and the significance of property rights and rural community sustainability.

The episode highlights the Browns' passionate advocacy for agriculture and their commitment to educating the public about food production.

Empire Ag brings consulting, financial services, and brand strategy together for producers who want to run a tighter, smarter operation. The company supports everything from field decisions to financial structure to the story a producer shares with the world. Visit YourAgEmpire.com.

Follow the Real Rural on ⁠Instagram ⁠and ⁠YouTube⁠ for more conversations like this.

Learn more at ⁠https://www.rabrownranch.com/⁠

• 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment
• 00:22 Meet the RA Brown Ranch
• 04:28 Challenges in Agriculture
• 07:09 National Security and Food Independence
• 12:52 Advocacy and Social Media
• 18:20 Misconceptions About Cattle and the Environment
• 19:01 Debunking Myths About Cattle and Methane
• 19:47 Ranchers Sustainable Angus: A New Venture
• 20:03 Efficiency and Sustainability in Cattle Farming
• 22:33 Blending Tradition with Technology
• 27:36 The Threat of Screw Worms
• 31:31 Challenges and Innovations in Agriculture
• 36:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Clare Dunn welcomes Ty Winter, a fourth-generation rancher and state legislator from Southeast Colorado, to discuss the challenges and legislative battles facing rural America, particularly within the agricultural sector. Ty shares insights into the history and importance of rural communities, highlighting the ongoing struggles against legislation that undermines agriculture, energy production, and rural livelihoods. He emphasizes the need for better representation in the state legislature, the impact of anti-agriculture and energy policies, and the efforts to maintain water rights and property ownership in rural areas. Ty also touches on successful legislative efforts, such as the bill for labeling lab-grown meat. The conversation calls for greater community involvement, media attention, and a coalition-building approach to protect and sustain rural Colorado.

Learn more about Ty's initiatives here: https://www.tyhd47.com/

Learn more about the Boggesvile Home Site here: https://www.bentcountyheritage.org/boggsville/

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:13 Historical Significance of the Location

01:39 Ty's Background and Ranching Life

02:40 Challenges in Agriculture and Legislation

04:06 Rural vs. Urban Divide

08:55 Water Rights and Land Issues

14:07 Lab-Grown Meat Legislation

16:58 Learning and Gratitude

17:28 Carbon Credits and Energy Production

18:17 Nuclear Energy and Economic Benefits

22:07 Challenges in Oil and Gas Industry

25:48 Community Involvement and Political Engagement

26:23 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

EP 001 | In the inaugural episode of The Real Rural, Clare Dunn shares her personal journey of growing up as a 'certified rush baby' while highlighting the enormous influence of Rush Limbaugh. She transitions to discussing the concerning issue of the United States Forest Service attempting to convert half a million acres of Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands into a wilderness preserve, which would severely impact local ranchers and the national beef supply. Dunn details a recent meeting with ranchers and Forest Service officials, revealing alarming responses and shady tactics. She emphasizes the urgency of addressing the issue and urges listeners to stay informed and engaged. Clare also introduces her new organization aimed at supporting agriculture and rural America, and encourages followers to engage with her content on various social media platforms.Make sure to subscribe and follow on your favorite listening platform.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMOBR9b4bhVJ7IMXUKtc3Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-rural/id185493764600:00 Introduction to The Real Rural00:35 What is a Certified Rush Baby?03:06 Launch Delays and Initial Challenges03:54 Mission and Goals of The Real Rural04:00 Call to Action: Follow and Support05:07 Current Issues in Agriculture06:40 The Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Controversy09:59 Timeline of Events and Key Meetings15:47 Forest Service Agency's Draft Assessment20:08 Public Response and Future Plans32:50 Conclusion and Call for Support

EP 002 | In the second episode of The Real Rural, Clare Dunn highlights the story of Doug Harbour, a Vietnam veteran and an inspiring patriot from rural America. The show begins by underscoring the importance of Veterans Day and the significance of rural America to the nation's armed forces. Doug shares his family's deep military history, including his own service in the Vietnam War with the Third Marine Division, detailing his experiences and the challenges he faced, including dealing with Agent Orange. Inspirational stories include reconnecting with the family of a fallen squad leader and Doug's ongoing efforts to honor veterans and first responders through a 9/11 tribute event and a memorial in Lamar, Colorado. Doug also emphasizes the importance of patriotism, setting goals, and remembering the sacrifices of military service members. The episode concludes with a call-to-action for viewers to engage in honoring local heroes.

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