Modern Farming

Former host and longtime soil health advocate Brad Turner returns to The Modern Farming Podcast to dig deep into cover cropping. In this episode, Brad explores what happens when we push the land too hard and how a shift toward diversity and persistence can bring balance back to the soil. Key Topics Covered: Why diversity matters: Nature doesn’t grow monocultures — and neither should we. Brad expla...

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast , we sit down with Rocky Malphurs — a 34-year financial and insurance professional with deep Florida roots and a lifelong commitment to helping farmers, ranchers, and small business owners achieve financial peace of mind. Born in Daytona and now serving Brevard, Volusia, and Seminole Counties, Rocky brings a wealth of experience — from his early days a...

In this episode of Modern Farming , we sit down with master craftsman Red McClain, a lifelong woodworker who turned a high school shop class project into a decades-long passion. From his workshop in Florida, Red creates custom, one-of-a-kind furniture using locally sourced hardwoods—often from downed or naturally felled trees. Red shares how he got his start in woodworking in the 1970s, why he cho...

In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Steve Johnson — fourth-generation citrus grower, cattle rancher, and Vice President of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation — for a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing Florida agriculture today. Based in Hardee County, Steve operates multiple family businesses including Johnson Harvesting, Treeair Cattle Co., Johnson Groves and F...

Kevin Lussier is a 5th-generation dairy farmer, cheesemaker, and advocate for the next generation of agriculture. Kevin and his wife, Shelby, own Hawthorne Creek Creamery and Lussier Farms LLC in Hawthorne, Florida, where they raise their three boys and produce farm-fresh, small-batch cheeses. A former Chair of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and current Vice Presid...

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Williamson, a remarkable guest whose life and legacy are deeply tied to Florida agriculture. A 6th-generation strawberry grower from Hillsborough County, she has spent her career balancing farm life with leadership in Farm Bureau, agricultural policy, and youth education. From serving on local, state, and national committees to mentoring students in 4-H,...

Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy food, thriving farms, and sustainable communities. In this episode, we sit down with Brad Turner, an expert in soil health, to explore why balance and moderation are key principles in successful farming. Brad shares insights into: --The role of soil biology, chemistry, and structure in supporting healthy crops Why overusing fertilizers, pesticides, or even...

In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Sam Baker, founder of Wriggle Brew, to explore how earthworms and innovation are reshaping the future of agriculture. A seventh-generation Floridian, Sam’s connection to the land began early, fishing alongside his grandfather until soil degradation and runoff transformed their favorite spot into a dead zone. That personal loss fueled his drive to...

In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Phil Blom, CEO of Terra Char, to dive deep into the transformative world of biochar. As a pioneer in expanding our understanding and applications of biochar, Phil shares how this powerful material is reshaping agriculture, sustainability, and climate solutions. We cover: -What biochar is, how it’s made, and what it does -The importance of educati...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Suau, a registered professional engineer with over 40 years of experience in watershed, stormwater, nutrient, and water demand management across southwest Florida. A hydrologist and soil biologist, Steve has dedicated his career to helping communities understand and protect their water resources, working with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, S...

n this engaging episode, we sit down with Barry Tenso, a first-generation commercial beekeeper who turned a backyard hobby into a thriving operation of more than 3,000 colonies. What started in 2015 with just two hives has grown into a full-scale migratory beekeeping business, pollinating crops across the United States and producing honey along the way. Barry takes us behind the scenes of the life...

Meet Jenn Marcoux, a passionate educator who has been inspiring young minds in Brevard Public Schools for over 20 years. Now serving as the STEM Coordinator at Viera Elementary, Jenn brings science to life through hands-on learning experiences that ignite curiosity in her students—and herself. In this episode, Jenn shares how launching her county’s STEM program five years ago transformed her profe...

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Akshara Athelly, a scientist whose roots in agriculture run deep—her passion for farm management was inspired by her father, a farmer and groundwater conservation advocate in their hometown. With an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Sciences, a Master’s in Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture from LSU, and a Ph. D. in Agric...

In this inspiring episode of the Modern Farming Podcast , we sit down with Emily Ralston, a third-year middle school ag teacher and FFA advisor at Lincoln Memorial Middle School in Manatee County, Florida. Emily shares her unique journey into agriculture, from a late start despite her early love for horses to discovering her passion through livestock judging, student mentorship, and experiential l...

In this episode of Modern Farming , we sit down with Dr. Jeff Duguay , a lifelong poultry enthusiast, wildlife biologist, and Director of Game Species Management for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries . With decades of experience in both the scientific and exhibition sides of poultry, Jeff offers a rare and fascinating perspective on the world of chickens—from backyard flocks to sh...

In this episode of The Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Samantha Watson, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County. Samantha shares insights into how agriculture, tourism, and local business are working together to create a vibrant future for the Okeechobee region. We discuss the role of agrotourism in rural economic growth, how the Economic Development Council sup...

📌 Episode Description: In this inspiring episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with three incredible student leaders from Florida’s 4-H program to explore how youth agriculture education is shaping tomorrow’s workforce and cultivating passionate leaders across the state. Whether they’re raising heifers, advocating for ag literacy, or launching urban programs in their schools, these teens are pro...

In this inspiring episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with David Hafner, the Martin County 4-H Agent and head of the Florida 4-H State Ambassador Committee. From growing up on a horse ranch to becoming a champion for youth development and leadership, David shares his unique path through agriculture—one that began as a high school senior in 4-H and eventually led him to a career empowering the n...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Chris DeCubellis, a seasoned farmer, rancher, and Associate State 4-H Program Leader with the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension. Chris brings a lifetime of agricultural experience to the show, balancing a full-time role in youth development with running a diverse family farm in Florida, where he raises livestock, grows vegetables, and maintains frui...

In this inspiring episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Stacy Young, a powerhouse educator and advocate for agricultural literacy and hands-on learning. Stacy is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Branford High School, where her influence stretches far beyond the classroom. As a National FFA Teacher Ambassador and Agriscience Ambassador, she brings national-level insights to a local...

In this episode, we’re joined by Emilyn Sharpless, a dynamic agricultural educator at Bok Academy in Lake Wales, Florida. With 10 years of teaching experience—six of those spent transforming Bok’s ag program—Emilyn shares how she rebuilt the curriculum from the ground up to align with FFA standards and student-driven learning. Her efforts paid off: Bok Academy was recently named one of Florida’s F...

In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Paige Cruse, a proud seventh-generation cattle rancher from South Florida who’s making big waves as a youth ag leader, storyteller, and advocate for American agriculture. As a Florida FFA Star Farmer Finalist, Agricultural Communications SAE Finalist, and Extemporaneous Public Speaking State Champion and National Reserve Champion, Paige shares ho...

In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Holcomb, the dynamic voice behind media and marketing at Independence Classical Academy, a public charter school in Fort Pierce, Florida. With plans to grow from a current K–9 school of 650 students to a full K–12 campus serving over 1,500, Brooke shares how agriculture and outdoor learning are deeply rooted in the school’s classical education model. We exp...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Sarah Jones, founder of Florida Farm School, to explore how one woman’s vision turned a simple piece of land into a transformative learning environment for children. Born from a deep respect for nature and a desire to help kids reconnect with the world around them, Florida Farm School is a place where education, healing, and agriculture meet. 🌿 What You...

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Tiffany Gallegos, a dedicated educator with 21 years in the classroom, who has taken her passion for agriculture and turned it into a hands-on learning journey for her students. What began as a classroom visit from Florida Ag Experience sparked a mission to connect kids with agriculture beyond the textbook. Tiffany shares how she started an ag club as a pass...