The Last Harvest

In this episode, we delve into the plight of Pennsylvania's beekeeping families, whose multi-generational apiaries are facing a silent crisis. We explore the intricate world of honey production, the vital role of bees in our ecosystem, and the devastating impacts of Colony Collapse Disorder. Join us as we uncover the complex forces threatening these buzzing dynasties and what it means for the futu...

In this episode, we journey to the heart of Texas, where once-blooming lavender fields are now facing a grim future. We delve into the unique challenges these farms are grappling with, from climate change to market pressures, and discuss the implications of their potential loss on the local economy, culture, and landscape. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Noti...

In this episode, we delve into the plight of Florida's citrus groves, once a vibrant symbol of the Sunshine State, now under siege from disease, climate change, and economic pressures. We'll explore the history of these multi-generational citrus farms, the challenges they face, and the impact of their potential loss on the state's identity and economy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva...

In this episode, we dive into the Chesapeake Bay to explore the dwindling oyster fisheries of Maryland. We'll discuss the economic, environmental, and social factors contributing to their decline, and the impact on the local communities that have relied on this industry for generations. Join us as we navigate the troubled waters of Maryland's oyster fisheries and explore potential solutions to thi...

In this episode, we delve into the heart of Minnesota's turkey farming industry, once a thriving sector now facing an uncertain future. We explore the unique challenges that have led to the decline of these multi-generational turkey farms, from market fluctuations and corporate competition to disease outbreaks and climate change. Join us as we document the final seasons of these historic farms and...

In this episode, we journey to the cheese capital of America, Wisconsin, to delve into the struggles of the state's once-thriving dairy farms. We'll explore the economic, environmental, and societal pressures that have led to the decline of these family-owned operations, and discuss the implications for the local communities and the nation's dairy supply. Join us as we shed light on the silent bar...

In this episode, we delve into the heartland of America, Nebraska's Corn Belt, where family farms have been a cornerstone of the state's identity for generations. We explore the economic, environmental, and societal forces that are driving these farms towards foreclosure, and discuss the implications for the rural communities that rely on them. Join us as we document the last harvest of these hist...

Join us as we delve into the heart of Maine's potato country, exploring the struggles of multi-generational family farms facing the harsh realities of a changing agricultural landscape. We'll discuss the economic and environmental factors contributing to their decline, and the impact on rural communities that have depended on this once-thriving industry for centuries. See Privacy Policy at https:/...

In this episode, we journey to the rolling hills of Kentucky, where generations-old sheep farms are facing an uncertain future. We delve into the challenges these farmers are grappling with, from market pressures to changing consumer preferences, and explore the implications for the rural communities that have been built around this once-thriving industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p...

This episode takes a deep dive into the plight of Washington's historic apple orchards, once the pride of the Pacific Northwest. We explore the economic, environmental, and social factors contributing to their decline, and discuss the implications for the future of apple farming and rural communities in the region. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht...

In this episode, we delve into the heart of California's Napa Valley, where multi-generational vineyards are grappling with the harsh realities of climate change, economic pressures, and evolving consumer tastes. We explore the rich history of these family-owned vineyards, the challenges they face, and the uncertain future of this iconic wine region. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...

In this episode, we delve into the heart of Louisiana's sugarcane industry, exploring the struggles of multi-generational family farms as they grapple with the dual threats of climate change and coastal erosion. Join us as we document the last harvests of these historic sugarcane plantations, and discuss the wider implications of their potential loss on the rural economy and culture of Louisiana....

In our final episode, we explore how the acquisition of foreclosed family peach orchards by corporate agricultural firms has transformed both farming practices and community dynamics in central Georgia. Through parallel stories of the historic Williams family orchard's foreclosure and its subsequent corporate operation, we examine the shift in labor practices, community relationships, and agricult...

Focusing on the wheat farming community of Hartley, Kansas, our hosts examine how the closure of multiple family farms has triggered a cascade of economic collapse. Through interviews with former farm owners, local business leaders, and town officials, we document how the loss of six major family farming operations led to the closure of the local grain elevator, equipment dealership, and eventuall...

Our hosts investigate the Martinez family's three-generation dairy operation in California's Central Valley, where rising water costs and stringent environmental regulations have pushed them to the brink. The episode details their struggle with $5 million in modernization costs required by new state emissions standards, while competing with large-scale industrial dairies. Through their story, we e...

Host A and B visit the Anderson family farm in Iowa, established in 1882, now facing foreclosure after 141 years of continuous operation. Through intimate conversations with three generations of Andersons, we explore how their 800-acre corn operation evolved from horse-drawn plows to GPS-guided machinery, while examining the $2.3 million debt that accumulated during the 2010s commodity price crash...