FARM Champion

 Value-added agriculture isn't just about creating a new product, it's about creating new possibilities. In this episode, Dr. Courtney Long shares how stronger markets, strategic partnerships, and resilient food systems can create opportunities for producers and communities alike.  Listeners will also discover the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC), a national hub for market...

In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Grant Gardner, Agricultural Economist and Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, to simplify the world of commodity markets and commodity marketing. Grant explains why commodity prices change, how factors like weather, transportation, global trade, and market expectations influence the prices producers receive, and shares practical...

In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley talks with Kevin Klair, Extension Economist and Director of the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota, about the importance of business planning for agricultural success.  Kevin explains what a business plan is, why it serves as more than just a document for lenders, and how it can help producers make informed decisions, manage r...

In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with veteran appraiser Thaddaus Dawson to discuss property valuation, appraisal accuracy, and the Reconsideration of Value (ROV) process. Listeners will learn practical steps for reviewing appraisal reports, identifying potential inaccuracies, and advocating for fair valuation of agricultural assets. Additional resources are available at AgFTAP.org...

In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with agricultural marketing expert Darlene “Dar” Knipe to discuss what market access really means for farmers and ranchers. Dar shares common barriers producers face, the importance of using reliable market information to guide business decisions, and how the MarketMaker platform helps connect producers with buyers, cons...

In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Kara Woods of the National Agricultural Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University to discuss heirs property and why it matters for farm families and rural communities. They discuss how heirs property develops, the challenges it can create for landowners, and how research, education, and practical resources c...

In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley talks with Kiley Fleming, Executive Director of the Iowa Mediation Service and Chair of the Coalition of Agricultural Mediation Programs (CAMP), about the role of agricultural mediation in helping producers navigate conflict, communication challenges, and difficult decisions. Kiley explains how mediation works, discusses common agricultural disputes, and shar...

Estate and transition planning can be one of the hardest conversations farm families face, but it is also one of the most important. In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Paul Goeringer, Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Legal Specialist at the University of Maryland, to discuss how producers can begin planning for the future of their operations. Paul breaks down key estat...

In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley speaks with Jonathan Shepherd, Agricultural Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, about farm tax planning and recordkeeping as critical risk management tools. Jonathan reframes Schedule F as a year-round practice and addresses common challenges like system overwhelm. He also shares a producer success story showing ho...

When financial pressures mount, the right support can help farmers find a path forward. In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Alicia Netterville to explore how the AgFTAP Cooperators Project is helping producers navigate real challenges like rising costs, credit issues, and access to capital. Through one-on-one support across 18 states, cooperators are helping farmers restructure d...

In this episode of the FARM Champion podcast, Ahlishia Shipley talks with Erica Barnes Fields about farm financial stress and its impact on producer well-being. They discuss common warning signs, why producers face unique pressures, and how the FARM Champion network and other resources can help connect farmers with support. 

Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Ryan Loy, Extension economist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, to talk through the financial realities facing farmers today.  Ryan shares practical financial strategies producers can use to stay resilient, including the importance of accurate budgeting, disciplined spending, and proactive marketing. The conversation also highlights the value...

In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with AgFTAP project director Allison Vetter to learn about AgFTAP, a national program designed to support producers with resources in agricultural finance, tax planning, recordkeeping, and asset protection. They discuss the challenges facing today’s producers, the importance of accessible technical assistance, and provide an overview of how AgFTAP c...

Farmers and ranchers are facing tight margins, rising costs, and increasingly complex business decisions. In this first episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Ron Rainey to introduce the FARM Champion Network, a nationwide effort connecting producers with trusted experts in finance, risk management, and business planning. They discuss today’s economic pressures, why access to reliable guida...