Modern Farming

📝 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...

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...