Barnyard Language

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University In this conversation, Katie Olthoff shares her experiences as a turkey farmer and the operations of her farm in Iowa. She discusses the logistics of raising turkeys, the importance of biosecurity, and the impact of avian influenza on the industry. Katie also introduces her business, Chop Local, which con...

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University In this conversation, Karen Versloot shares her journey as a dairy farmer in New Brunswick, discussing the unique challenges and experiences she has faced, including a devastating barn fire and the loss of her husband. She emphasizes the importance of community support, planning for the future, and integ...

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University Shannon Torgerson and Kayla Sarvis, also known as the O Sheep Shit ladies, discuss their experiences as sheep farmers and the challenges they face. They talk about the different breeds of sheep, their farming backgrounds, and the inspiration behind starting their sheep farming business. They also discuss...

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University Sean Short, the owner of Blooming Health Farms, shares his experience running an aquaponic chicken farm and utilizing hydroponics. He discusses the scale and physical space required for his operation, as well as the measures taken to protect his chickens from predators. Sean also shares his background in...

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University In this conversation, Adrienne Helder shares her journey as a dairy farmer in New Brunswick, discussing her experiences with crop scouting, the complexities of the dairy quota system, and the challenges of transitioning from Ontario to New Brunswick. She emphasizes the importance of family support in far...

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University In this conversation, Stephanie Kloostra shares her journey into homesteading and farming, discussing the diverse livestock she raises, the challenges of meat production, and her experiences with gardening and food preservation. The discussion also touches on the cultural aspects of gun ownership in rura...

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University In this engaging conversation, Christina Struckmeyer shares her journey of transitioning from city life to farming in Northern California. She discusses the challenges and joys of managing a family farm, the dynamics of rural community life, and the importance of maintaining one's identity amidst the clo...

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University In this engaging conversation, Lizzie Thompson shares her experiences as a sheep farmer in Scotland, discussing her unique approach to lambing, the challenges of managing a large flock, and the competitive world of sheep shearing. She also reflects on the importance of networking in agriculture, balancin...

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University In this conversation, Julia Wells shares her journey as a farmer and entrepreneur, discussing her new organic feed business, diverse animal husbandry practices, and the transition from veganism to meat production. She reflects on the challenges of rural parenting, the importance of community support, and...

This episode is brought to you by Blooming Health Farms Calling all chicken keepers who want to turn their passion into egg profits. Whether you’ve never had chickens or are a pro, we provide the tools, guidance, and support your need to grow. You’ll discover how to save time, reduce costs, and grow your flock into a money-making egg machine. We offer novel hydroponic methods for managing and scal...

This episode is brought to you by Blooming Health Farms Calling all chicken keepers who want to turn their passion into egg profits. Whether you’ve never had chickens or are a pro, we provide the tools, guidance, and support your need to grow. You’ll discover how to save time, reduce costs, and grow your flock into a money-making egg machine. We offer novel hydroponic methods for managing and scal...

This episode is brought to you by Blooming Health Farms Calling all chicken keepers who want to turn their passion into egg profits. Whether you’ve never had chickens or are a pro, we provide the tools, guidance, and support your need to grow. You’ll discover how to save time, reduce costs, and grow your flock into a money-making egg machine. We offer novel hydroponic methods for managing and scal...

In this conversation, Louisa Waite discusses her journey from a farming background to becoming an occupational therapist, focusing on the importance of mental health and anxiety management across different age groups. She emphasizes the need for open communication about emotions, the significance of seeking help, and the unique challenges faced by individuals in the farming community. The discussi...

In this conversation, Maria Gonzalez shares her journey of transitioning from a suburban life in the U.S. to farming in Puerto Rico. She discusses her small farm, the challenges of starting from scratch, her passion for agriculture, and the impact of the pandemic on her life and business. Maria also delves into her background, her love for teaching, and how her experiences shaped her decision to e...

Summary In this conversation, Lisa Foust Prater shares her journey of balancing family life and a career in agriculture journalism. She discusses the transition to an empty nest, the evolution of her family's farming practices, and the importance of storytelling in agriculture. Lisa emphasizes the value of print media in a digital age and her commitment to mentoring younger colleagues in her field...

In this engaging conversation, Nikki Fitzgerald shares her experiences as a farmer in Southeast Texas, discussing her cattle ranching and rice production. She provides insights into the unique challenges of farming in a hurricane-prone area, her agricultural background, and the importance of community support during natural disasters. Nikki's passion for farming and her journey from a non-farming...

In this engaging conversation, Shohni Christensen shares her journey of transitioning from a suburban lifestyle to running a farm in Arizona with her husband and five children. The discussion covers the challenges of raising livestock, the dynamics of parenting, and the integration of homeschooling with farm life. Shawnee emphasizes the importance of community support, learning through experience,...

In this engaging conversation, Jenny Jefferies shares her journey as a farmer and author, discussing her transition to regenerative agriculture, the importance of food provenance, and the connections between farming and fishing. She highlights the challenges faced by producers globally and emphasizes the need for collaboration within local communities. Jenny's cookbooks celebrate the stories of fa...

In this conversation, Katie Hammock shares her experiences as a dairy farmer and an emergency nurse, discussing the dual challenges of managing farm life while ensuring safety in the agricultural environment. She highlights common farm accidents, the importance of having a well-equipped first aid kit, and the need for effective communication about safety practices among family members and farm wor...

In this conversation, Jake Yancey shares insights into his farming practices in Washington State, focusing on conservation grazing and the importance of building relationships with landowners. He discusses the challenges of farming in a region with significant rainfall and the strategies he employs to manage cattle and land sustainably. Jake emphasizes the economic realities of agriculture and the...

In this episode of Barnyard Language, hosts Arlene and Caite discuss their experiences on Black Friday, share updates about their families, and dive into a comprehensive gift guide tailored for farmers and their families. They explore practical, sentimental, and functional gift ideas, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful gifting and the value of experiences over material items. The conversatio...

In this conversation, Michelle Schack, a dairy veterinarian, shares her journey from a non-ag background to becoming a prominent advocate for dairy farming and animal welfare. She discusses the importance of understanding regional farming practices, the challenges of balancing veterinary work with parenting, and the need for respectful communication with consumers about agriculture. Michelle also...

In this episode, we are thrilled to host Sarah Varble, an enthusiastic advocate for sustainable and resilient farming practices, hailing from Mississippi. Sarah shares the vibrant operations of her diversified farm, which not only provides a haven for various livestock but also serves as an educational ground for community engagement through a micro school. Her passion for agriculture and innovati...

A huge thanks to Blooming Health Farms for sponsoring this episode. Make sure to check out their programs for introducing youth to agriculture below. https://www.bloominghealthfarms.com/ https://www.facebook.com/BloomingHealthFarms/ https://www.instagram.com/bloominghealthfarms https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmaoyl_blQY6KhO5eGByCDg In this engaging conversation, Val Lavigne shares her multifacet...

In this engaging conversation, Nate shares his journey from growing up on a family farm in Oklahoma to exploring the barns of Georgia. He discusses the importance of agricultural history, the unique architecture of barns in the South, and how he integrates farming values into his suburban family life. The conversation also touches on the significance of preserving family stories and the challenges...