Surviving Hard Times

Today we sit down with Emma Torbert to discuss her distinctive approach to sustainable farming practices. Emma is the Market Garden Manager and Educator for the Student Farm at UC Davis. Started in 2020, the Student Farm is a nine-acre mixed vegetable farm and adjacent hedgerow that familiarizes UC Davis students with agriculture and teaches them how to grow organic crops. With a passion for community-supported agriculture, Emma is a foundational part of the UC Davis community. Using her position in this program, Emma facilitates experiential learning for students across all majors… Join the podcast now to learn more about: Farming is a valuable skill that can be challenging to learn without the proper resources. Fortunately, experts like Emma are passing this knowledge on to people from varying walks of life so that they can participate in this essential part of sustainability! You can find out more about Emma and her work with the Student Farm by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

News of a worsening climate crisis is everywhere. It’s accepted as fact by many, including top scientists and experts. But is there any evidence to suggest that the climate isn’t in the state we believe it is? William Happer shares an eye-opening perspective that’s scientifically backed but nearly unheard of. Tune in to discover: Happer is a Cyrus Fogg Bracket Professor of Physics Emeritus in the Department of Physics at Princeton University. An impressive amount of research in physics eventually led him to climate and environmental research. It didn’t take long for him to realize that there was something unique about these fields: reluctance and defensiveness instead of open-mindedness and authentic scientific inquiry, even by research leaders. Happer offers his opinion of why this is the case and explores the science of energy and climate change from an angle you probably haven’t heard. Press play to hear all the details and learn more about the truth of carbon dioxide at https://co2coalition.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Joining us today is Eddy Badrina, the CEO of Eden Green Technology and co-founder of BuzzShift. With Buzzshift being a digital growth agency and Eden Green Technology being a vertical farming company, Eddy utilizes his knowledge of sales and advertising strategies to innovate every industry he works in. Eden Green Technology is Eddy’s primary business focus – an AgTech solution transforming how we farm our produce and feed our communities. Intending to establish food safety and independence, Eden Green Technology is using sustainable farming methods to equip retailers, researchers, cities, and governments around the world… In this episode, we cover: To find out more about Eddy and his work with Eden Green Technology, visit www.edengreen.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Are you ready to step up your gardening knowledge? In this episode, we chat with soil scientist Ashley Esakin about her informative Youtube channel, Gardening in Canada. Here, Ashley brings science to gardening in a way that is both informative and helpful to those learning how to garden. Ashley has a background in soil science and is currently pursuing a career in agriculture. Gardening and keeping houseplants all her life, Ashley became the “go-to” contact for people seeking information on plant cultivation during the pandemic. Out of this, her Youtube channel was born – providing a gardening resource for people around the world… Press play to explore: You can connect with Ashley’s content for yourself by visiting Gardeningincanada.net! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Today we connect with Todd Riley Callaway to discuss microbiome and dairy science-related issues. Todd is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia, where he unravels “the microbial ecology of the gut in food animals, and how this can affect foodborne pathogenic bacterial populations as well as antimicrobial resistance transfer.” Todd grew up on a small horse, dairy, and beef farm, and pursued a career path as a ruminant microbiologist as an undergraduate at the University of Georgia. Since receiving his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Animal and Dairy Science in 1993 and 1996, Todd has gone on to research topics related to the microbial population of the gastrointestinal tract of animals – seeking to improve animal health, animal welfare, and food safety. Click play to hear Todd discuss: Want to find out more about Todd and his work with animal and dairy science? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

John Sheppard joins this episode to discuss the biological processes attached to beer fermentation. As a Professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at NC State, John teaches in the Bioprocessing Science major with particular interests in upstream processes and validation. Click play and you will discover: Wondering how scientists contribute to the innovation behind beer fermentation? If so, this episode is sure to pique your interest! Click here to learn more about John and his work! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Joining the podcast today is Katie J. Field, Professor of Plant-Soil Processes at The University of Sheffield. With a deep fascination for plant and fungal interactions, Katie spends her time exploring the huge impact this relationship has on the world we live in today. Presently, Katie’s research focuses on plant-fungal symbioses and their applications in sustainable agriculture, and the evolution, diversity, and ecology of plant-fungal symbioses. These investigations have led her to an array of interesting discoveries – all having to do with the innate complexities within our planet’s ecosystem… Tune in now to discover: So much of the plant life that we are familiar with has connections with fungal partners. Wondering how this plays into the overall functionality of our planet’s ecosystem as we know it? Jump into the conversation now to find out! You can learn more about Katie and her research by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

What might the next few months look like in terms of the economy, and how could it impact you personally? What about the next few years? This is just one of many important questions answered by today’s guest, real estate investor, and mentor, John Williams. Before the age of 30, Williams sold $100 million in real estate and has represented many high-profile individuals in the real estate and investment sectors. He also creates educational YouTube videos packed with economic insights to help you anticipate and plan for what's to come. Press play to learn: Tune in and visit https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisisJohnWilliams to stay informed on the latest. Also, check out https://thisisjohnwilliams.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Engaging with sustainable horticulture is both a responsible and practical way to cultivate plants. In today’s day and age, developing skills in gardening is more important than ever – and you’d be shocked by how accessible and interesting this area of expertise really is… In this episode, we sit down with horticulturist Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez. Juan is a Professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia where he does extensive research on vegetable production and physiology. Sustainability is an important facet of Juan’s work, and he is uncovering ways to effectively farm vegetables while also taking into account the welfare of our environment. Join us now as Juan discusses: You can learn more about Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez and his research by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Scott Wilson joins the podcast today to discuss all things gardening-related. Scott is a Master Gardener in the state of Colorado, where he educates people both in person and with his instructional Youtube videos. Since 2004, Scott has been refining his approach to gardening and sharing his knowledge with people near and far. From starting seeds to harvesting crops, Scott is deeply familiar with every step of the gardening process. In this episode, he shares his techniques with us and reveals just what it takes to cultivate a healthy garden. Join the conversation now and you will uncover: Want to hear about helpful tips that will help you with your own gardening endeavors? Tune in now! Visit gardenerscott.com to find out more about Scott’s gardening methods for yourself! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Pecan pie season is just around the corner! Are you ready? In this episode, Lenny Wells, professor of horticulture and extension pecan specialist at the University of Georgia, tells you everything you could know about pecans – where they come from, how they’re grown, and what it takes for them to land on your dessert plate. Press play to explore: Tune in to hear the entire conversation and visit https://pecans.uga.edu/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Joining us today to discuss sustainable agriculture and food systems is Andy Smith. Andy is the Farm Manager at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), where he works in collaboration with the Department of Sustainable Agriculture’s teaching faculty. Andy and his colleagues are putting forth an effort to expand and enhance KPU’s 20-acre urban teaching and research farm – which includes acquiring organic certification for the farm. By allowing students to interact with hands-on agricultural methods, Andy is cultivating the next generation of sustainable farmers… Join the conversation now to learn about: What does it take to grow plants efficiently and sustainably? Andy answers this question and others like it in this informative discussion on agriculture! Want to find out more about Andy and his work with KPU? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Enjoy wine with dinner? Many of us do! But few consider the challenges and delicate process behind producing wine grapes and other fruit crops. Press play to learn from the experts and explore: Jim Kamas is an assistant professor and extension fruit specialist in the AgriLife Extension Viticulture & Fruit Lab at Texas A&M; Jacy Lewis is the program manager at the same lab. Learn more about their work by visiting https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vitwine/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Dr. Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro da Silva joins the podcast today to discuss topics surrounding vegetable crops and organic agricultural systems. Dr. da Silva is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, where he runs an extension program and conducts extensive horticultural research. With an interest in addressing the needs of commercial agriculture in the southeastern U.S., Dr. da Silva “conducts on-farm trials, field days, county meetings, educational videos, web-based resource tools, and publishes extension bulletins” to fulfill his scientific vision. In this episode, we explore: really Dr. da Silva has a clear goal for his extension program: to provide science-based information to members of the vegetable farming industry in order to encourage the sustainable intensification of vegetable production. Want to know how he accomplishes this? Join the conversation now to find out! Click here to learn more about Dr. da Silva and his work, and email him with any questions at adasilva@auburn.edu! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

In this episode, we connect with Kareen Erbe, the Founder of Broken Ground Permaculture. Kareen is a gardening expert that has helped thousands of individuals turn their spaces into delicious and sustainable edible landscapes. As a permaculture educator, homesteader, food farmer, garden designer, and soil-builder, Kareen is committed to helping people cultivate their own food so that they can live sustainable and fulfilling lives… Tune in now uncover: With the uncertainty that the future holds, having the resources you need to keep you and your loved ones safe is crucial – and gardening is a great place to start. Get the lifestyle advice you’ve been looking for by engaging in this educative conversation! To get gardening tips from Kareen for yourself, make sure you visit brokengroundpermaculture.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Most people find growing mushrooms much harder than other food crops, but Jordan Jent discovered that they were one of the only crops he could grow successfully. Starting from scratch, he learned everything he could about the science and techniques of mushroom growing. Through a lot of trial and error, he’s mastered the craft and now produces 700 to 800 pounds weekly, supplying 30+ restaurants. Tune in to explore: Press play and learn more about Jent’s company, Texas Fungus, at https://texasfungus.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Dr. Laura Tiu joins the podcast today to discuss her work as an aquaculture specialist. Dr. Tiu is a Marine Science Extension Agent with the University of Florida Sea Grant where she plays a major role in developing sustainable offshore aquaculture and promoting environmental awareness. Dr. Tiu communicates aquaculture research to the public, and is serving as a Marine Science Extension Agent in the panhandle of Florida. Over the years, she has cultivated expertise in environmental education to make important aquatic information accessible to those who need it… Click play to learn more about: What an extension agent is, and how this role came about.The difference between aquaponics and aquaculture.The downsides of oyster farming in Florida.The importance of monitoring water quality in aquafarming. Aquaculture is a fascinating way to farm – and ensuring that is done in an environmentally responsible way is critical. Wondering what experts like Dr. Tiu are doing to hold these practices accountable and provide essential data? Join us now to find out! You can learn more about Dr. Tiu and her work by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

How are fishes and plants grown together in the same environment? How are plants grown without soil? How can both of these horticultural techniques be optimized and made profitable, even in a challenging environment? For the answers to these questions and more, tune in and explore: As an associate professor and researcher at Auburn University in Alabama, Daniel Wells’ work revolves primarily around controlled environment agriculture like hydroponics (greenhouses) and aquaponics in the Southeastern U.S., where the hot and humid climate poses unique challenges. He discusses the ins and outs of his most recent research projects, leading to a discussion about the factors to control for in hydroponic systems, the biggest challenge in aquaponics, ways to develop sustainable and profitable aquaponics technology, why it’s essential to separate certain species in greenhouse operations (e.g., salmon separate from lettuce), the nutritional quality of local crops, and how to get a backyard aquaponics system up and running. Press play and learn more at https://agriculture.auburn.edu/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

In this episode, we are joined by Desmond Layne, an expert in tree fruit horticulture extension. As the Department Head and Professor at Auburn University Horticulture, Desmond is currently fulfilling an administrative position directing research pertaining to sustainable orchard management practices. Fruit orchards contribute much to our overall food production – but how are farmers ensuring that this can continue to happen? Desmond and his research team play a critical role in uncovering answers to this question and others like it… Tune in now to learn more about: The advancements being made in fruit harvesting techniques.The development of new types of fruit that are resistant to disease.How researchers are preventing fruit from getting sunburns. Join this episode to discover the many components involved in fruit production! To Learn more about Desmond Layne and his work visit agriculture.auburn.edu now. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

In this episode, we connect with Sean M. Smukler, the Principal Investigator of the SAL lab, and Associate Professor and Chair of Agriculture and Environment in Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia. Sean joins the podcast today to educate us on soil health and sustainable agriculture. In an “over farming” age, our soil is being threatened. Sean is committed to ensuring that we are stewards of the natural resources we have access to – so that we can continue to utilize them for generations to come… Tune in now to discover: What “cover crops” are, and how they can benefit soil health.The metrics that are agreed upon when it comes to healthy soil.How the nutrients in soil affect plant health and growth. What will it take to consistently regenerate soil so that agriculture can be done sustainably and efficiently? Join us now to find out! Want to learn more about Sean and his research? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q