Modern Farming

What if the secret to healthier plants, stronger yields, and more resilient growing systems starts with what’s happening beneath the surface? In this next installment of our Soil Health Series, Brad Turner of Sand to Soil Services returns to The Modern Farming Podcast to dig even deeper into the living world beneath our feet. This episode explores the biology that powers thriving growing systems a...

In this week’s episode of The Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Mykaela Billingsworth, a University of Florida student on the path to becoming an agricultural educator. Mykaela shares how her early involvement in FFA programs sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture and inspired her commitment to teaching the next generation. She reflects on her experience raising and showing livestock, a...

In this episode of The Modern Farming Podcast , we sit down with Veronica Grannan, a Kindergarten teacher at Englewood Elementary who is planting seeds that go far beyond the classroom. With deep roots in her school community, Veronica is shaping young minds through hands-on learning, leadership development, and a strong focus on stewardship. As the leader of the Everglades Club, she teaches stude...

From Axolotls to Aquaculture: Building Hands-On Ag Education with Aaron Bokelmann What happens when you take a marine science program and turn it into a full-scale agriculture pathway? Aaron Bokelmann is doing exactly that in Manatee County, and the results are something every ag educator should be paying attention to. In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, Aaron shares how he is transform...

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Bert Johnson, Applied Engineering and Technology teacher at Melbourne High School in Brevard County, Florida, who is redefining what education can look like. Mr. Johnson brings engineering to life through aquaponics, creating a dynamic learning environment where students are not just memorizing information but actively building, growi...

In this episode of The Modern Farming Podcast , we sit down with Katrin Rudge, Aquascience teacher at Riverview High School, whose program is nothing short of extraordinary. What started with simple aqua balls has grown into a full-scale, immersive aquascience program that gives students hands-on experience in aquatic ecosystems, marine life, and real-world conservation. At the center of it all is...

In this episode of The Modern Farming Podcast, Kris and Tara sit down with Janyel Taylor, Nursery Operations Manager and Chief Financial Officer at Ralph Taylor’s Nurseries. Janyel’s journey into agriculture began in high school, where an influential FFA teacher sparked a passion that would shape her future. That early inspiration led her to the University of Florida, and eventually into the class...

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, Kris and Tara sit down with Scott Thompson, co-founder of Tree Defender, a Florida-based company on a mission to help save the citrus industry. As citrus greening continues to challenge growers across the state and beyond, Tree Defender has developed an innovative solution designed to protect young trees and give growers a fighting chance. Scott share...

In this episode of Modern Farming , we sit down with John Hall, founder of Promised Land Family Ministries, to explore how agriculture, education, and faith can come together to create meaningful change. John’s journey began in high school through his involvement in FFA, where he discovered a passion for agriculture that would shape his future. He went on to earn a degree in Agricultural Education...

Modern Farming Podcast – Episode 212 Guest: Nick Ager from Growing Back to Eden Farm – Crystal River, Florida In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, Kris and Tara sit down with Nick Ager, a regenerative no-till farmer based in Crystal River, Florida. Nick shares insights from years of experience managing farms and consulting on agricultural projects across the country, helping growers reth...

In Episode 211 of the Modern Farming Podcast, Kris and Tara sit down with Phil Reasons of Aquasol International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on aquaponics, sustainable farming design, large-scale greenhouse systems, and helping communities around the world develop reliable food systems. Phil shares how Aquasol International is working alongside organizations like the Green Jean Foun...

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Stella Brownlee, soil scientist and founder of RootLogic Ag Consulting. With more than a decade of hands-on research and field experience in soil fertility, plant nutrition, plant physiology, microbiology, and water management, Dr. Brownlee brings both science and strategy to the conversation. This is not theory. This is practical...

🎙️ Episode 209 In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, Kris and Tara sit down with Maralee Thompson, Forever Miss Winter Haven and founder of the community service initiative Grow Together, to talk about how agriculture can be a powerful solution in the fight against food insecurity. Maralee is a Public Relations major at the University of Florida who is using her platform in both pageantry...

Modern Farming Podcast – Episode 208 Raising the Next Generation: Youth Voices from the Florida State Fair In this special episode, we traveled to the Florida State Fair to spotlight the next generation of agricultural leaders. We sat down with dedicated 4H and FFA youth livestock exhibitors who are learning responsibility, leadership, and lifelong skills through hands-on experience in agriculture...

In this episode, Kris and Tara sit down with Reba Mazak, the 2025 Woman of the Year in Agriculture for Florida. Reba’s story is one of deep roots, steadfast commitment, and unwavering dedication to the agricultural community. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said it best: “Reba Y. Mazak embodies the resilience, dedication, and innovation that define Florida agriculture. Her lifel...

Episode 206 Broken But Beautiful: Faith, Farming, and Transformation with Dan & Julie Klob In this episode, Kris and Tara sit down with Dan and Julie Klob, founders of TLC Edible Landscape and Broken But Beautiful Ministries in Pasco County, Florida. What began as a simple dream to serve others has grown into a thriving 5-acre permaculture farm and nonprofit mission focused on restoration, pur...

Modern Farming Podcast – Episode 205 In this episode, Kris and Tara sit down with Tammy Gantt, a true powerhouse in Florida’s equine industry and the Vice President of Membership, Events & Sales for the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association. With more than 30 years of experience in the thoroughbred world, Tammy brings a deep well of knowledge, stories, and passion for one of...

📝 Episode 204 Show Notes In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, Kris and Tara sit down with Brad Turner to share an exciting new partnership between the Green Jean Foundation and Lake Swan Camp—one that’s turning vision into action on a stunning 100-acre property. Together, they explore plans for creating an immersive learning farm where students, families, and community members can exper...

In this episode, hosts Kris and Tara sit down with Katie Bevilacqua of Golden Ridge Groves, an innovative agrotourism farm market located in Bartow, Fl. Golden Ridge Groves is home to a first-of-its-kind CUPS (Citrus Under Protective Screen) system, offering a truly unique U-Pick grapefruit experience—alongside U-Pick sunflowers, strawberries, and more seasonal Florida-grown favorites. Katie break...

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast , we sit down with Mike McCracken—farmer, educator, and former Florida FFA State Officer—to explore how agriculture education is evolving alongside a rapidly changing industry. With roots in both production agriculture and the classroom, Mike brings a unique perspective on what it takes to prepare students for modern agricultural careers. Mike shares h...

In this inspiring episode, Kris and Tara sit down with Perry Rollins, director of Swan Lake Camp in Melrose, Florida, to explore how outdoor education, agriculture, and service come together to transform lives. Perry shares the rich history of Swan Lake Camp and its mission to get every child outdoors—embracing their motto: “No Child Left Inside.” From hands-on environmental learning to outdoor sk...

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Evan Ratzlaff, founder of Swamp Dog Sauce, a hot-sauce company with a mission far bigger than heat. Evan and his team are redefining what sustainability looks like in the food world by doing something no one else is doing: combining compost collection with hot-sauce production to build healthier soils and stronger communities. Evan sh...

In this episode, we dig deep—literally—into the world of earthworms and soil regeneration with Rodney Eaton of Eaton Worms, a Florida company specializing in high-quality earthworms and organic soil-boosting products. From living soil and worm castings to compost and castings extract, Eaton Worms uses sustainable, nature-driven systems to improve soil structure, plant health, and even water clarit...

This week, Kris and Tara sit down with Joanna Oswalt—a seventh-generation Floridian, agricultural consultant, and President of the Sumter County Farm Bureau. With deep family roots in Florida agriculture, Joanna brings a unique and passionate perspective on the past, present, and future of farming in the Sunshine State. As both an advocate and educator, Joanna works to strengthen Florida’s agricul...

In this episode, we talk with Kevin O’Gorman, a hands-on science educator whose love for agriculture and the natural world began on his family’s retired apple orchard in upstate New York. With a degree in Animal Science (Fisheries, Aquaculture & Wildlife Management) and more than a decade in the classroom, Kevin has built a unique “hands-in-the-dirt” teaching style that brings science to life...