On Life and Land

As African Swine Fever (ASF) threatens the global pork supply, producers and animal health experts around the world are scrambling to contain the threat. In this "breaking news" episode, field editor Lorne McClinton speaks with Dr. Jaspinder Komal, Chief Veterinary Officer for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, about this potentially devastating swine disease and how producers and consumers can...

It's a dream so many of us have had...living on an island, isolated from the aggravations of city life in our own little slice of Heaven. But how does the dream match up to the reality of living according to a ferry schedule, and having to plan every trip to the grocery store or doctor's office? Find out first-hand as our Canadian field editor Lorne McClinton interviews residents of the Discovery...

A group of farmers in California is working to pull excess carbon out of the atmosphere and put it where it can do some good...into their soil. Learn more about the Marin County Carbon Project...and hear their success story...in this week's episode. 

In this episode, we chronicle the growth and success of The Local Pig, a butcher shop and restaurant, and their relationship with Campo Lindo Farms, a poultry operation that sells direct to local restaurants and grocers. With appearances on Food Network and a contract with Whole Foods, this chef/farmer pair illustrates how they've connected farmers with eaters, and why it's not so outrageous to th...

How do we decide what technology to adopt? Is it pure dollars and sense? How do we decide what technology to trust...and what to trust it with? Join us for a deeper dive into the psychology of tech with our four guests: former U.S. Navy pilot Dr. Missy Cummings, now of Duke University; Dr. Julian Sanchez of John Deere; and farmers Larry Reichenberger and Dean Houghton. 

Ten years ago, Jason and Colleen Gerke left corporate jobs to pursue their dreams of wine-making. Today, Jowler Creek Winery is one of western Missouri's premier wine destinations, with weekend events, music, and of course, plenty of wines for tasting and pairing. Along with way, the Gerkes' focus on sustainable production methods earned them multiple awards, including Platte County Farm Family of...

As one of the nation's most beloved brands, Deere & Company has an extensive collection of historical documents, equipment, literature, and memorabilia. Join us for an interview with Deere & Company archivist Neil Dahlstrom as we talk about the history of the company and of The Furrow magazine, how he decides what to keep and what to throw away, and some of the more notable items currently stored...

In the second part of our series "Out of the Darkness," field editor Steve Werblow speaks with musician and mental-health advocate Jason DeShaw about the stigma of mental illness, the right things to do and say to a friend or loved one who is suffering, the unique challenges farmers and rural residents face when seeking treatment, and about Jason's own struggles with depression.

In the first of our two-part series "Out of the Darkness," field editor Steve Werblow speaks with Dr. Robert Fetsch, Colorado State University Extension, on the specific dangers rural residents face when addressing mental health evaluation and treatment, and on the signs to watch for in friends and loved ones who may be suffering from behavioral health issues. 

We see and hear the question all the time: "I want to be a farmer, but I have no money, no acreage, no tractor, and no experience. How do I start?" Very few other industries are as attractive to newcomers, and as difficult to break into, as production agriculture. And even though the number of farms is decreasing, we still need young people to be interested in coming into...or back to...the farm l...

Got a lawyer? Need a lawyer? Either way you'll want to hear this episode of "On Life and Land," in which we speak with Prof. Susan Schneider, head of the agricultural law program at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, about hunting leases, undivided interests, choosing an attorney, and more.

Take a walk on the wide side with Bob Recker of Cedar Valley Innovation. A John Deere retiree who just couldn't leave the industry, Bob spends his time now working with cooperating farmers to run test plots and research. One of his areas of focus recently has been on the potential benefits of planting corn on 60-inch rows...benefits which could include improved soil health and reduced fertilizer d...

We were driving along Hwy 33 in Osborn, Missouri when it came into view. A tower standing a 100-ft or so tall, it's bright white paint a stark contrast against the baby blue sky. In bold, black letters down the side of the tower we could make out the letters "M I L K." It's here that we talked with Matt Shatto about his family's journey of building their small dairy farm, Shatto Milk Company, into...

It's hard not to be struck by the poppies. Standing inside the World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, we're looking down on a display floor made up of thousands of red silk poppies. Our tour guide tells the story of how the poppy became a symbol of the human cost of the War.  When they're planted, poppy seeds need to be placed fairly shallow, to get the most possible light; without strong...

It's hard not to be struck by the poppies. Standing inside the World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, we're looking down on a display floor made up of thousands of red silk poppies. Our tour guide tells the story of how the poppy became a symbol of the human cost of the War.  When they're planted, poppy seeds need to be placed fairly shallow, to get the most possible light; without strong...

On Life and Land Preview. Overview of our upcoming Podcast series.