Shark Farmer Podcast/ Agriculture Farm

In this episode of Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey interviews fifth-generation farmer Tristan Schwartz from Gilman, Wisconsin. Tristan shares his unique journey into farming, influenced by his family history and a pivotal friendship with neighbor Tom Victory. He discusses his innovative farming techniques, including the use of traditional equipment and sustainable practices, while emphasizing the importance of community and memories in agriculture. takeaways Tristan Schwartz is a fifth-generation farmer from Wisconsin. He moved to Wisconsin from Missouri to pursue his dream of dairy farming. Tom Victory, his neighbor, played a significant role in his farming journey. Tristan uses traditional farming techniques, including a one-row corn picker. He emphasizes the importance of memories in farming and community. Tristan has a retirement pasture for cows that have served him well. He practices sustainable farming by using compost instead of commercial fertilizers. Tristan believes in mixing old and new fa

Imagine losing your farm... Moving to another state... Moving back years later... Finding out the farm was never foreclosed... Listen as I talk to Jim Sailer

Let me see the coolest thing you have in your shop/mancave  Is it as cool as a custom painted vintage Refrigerator from Cody Wessels?

Listen as we talk with Ben and Ashley Menges, ranchers from Arizona 

In this episode of the Sharkfarm Podcast, host Rob Sharkey sits down with Amy France, a passionate farmer and the chairman of the National Sorghum Producers. Amy shares her unique journey from a city upbringing in Kansas City to embracing the challenges and rewards of farm life in Scott City, Kansas. Join us as we explore her experiences in adapting to the agricultural world and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. Understanding the Transition: From City to Farm Amy France's story begins in Kansas City, where she grew up in a music-loving family. Her parents were music educators, and she herself plays several instruments, including clarinet and saxophone. However, her life took a turn when she moved to Scott City, Kansas, to join her husband Clint, a third-generation farmer. This transition was not just geographical; it required a complete shift in her understanding of agriculture.  Learning on the Job Amy candidly discusses the challenges she faced in adapting to farm life. "I couldn't even id

In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey speaks with Steve Lucie, a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Basco, Illinois. They discuss the unique challenges of farming in a small town, the importance of local beef sales, and the impact of regulations on the cattle industry. Steve shares his experiences with community advocacy through Awake Illinois, emphasizing parental rights in education and the need for open dialogue on sensitive issues. The conversation also touches on agricultural traditions, the significance of the Second Amendment, and the importance of self-reflection in leadership. takeaways Steve Lucie is a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Basco, Illinois. Basco is a small town with a population of 48, located in Hancock County. Steve raises both crops and cattle, adapting to the local land conditions. He emphasizes the importance of selling beef locally without government oversight. Steve discusses the challenges of regulations in the beef industry. He advocates fo

In this conversation, John Woodbury discusses his journey of building smokers to accommodate large gatherings. He shares insights on the design and capacity of his smokers, emphasizing the importance of having enough cooking space when feeding many people. The conversation highlights the evolution of his smoking equipment from a single smoker to multiple units capable of handling significant quantities of ribs.

Summary: In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey interviews Lee Lancaster, a marketing specialist at the Georgia Department of Agriculture and author. They discuss Lee's upbringing in Eastman, Georgia, his education, and his career path, including his work with Vidalia onions, Georgia's state vegetable. Lee shares insights into the history of the Vidalia onion, the importance of protecting its trademark, and the historical context of the farmer's strike in the late 1970s. The conversation also touches on agricultural traditions, public education initiatives like the Baby Barn, and the restoration of antique cotton gins. takeaways Lee Lancaster grew up in a John Deere dealership and developed a passion for agriculture early on. The Vidalia onion is unique to Georgia and is known for its sweetness due to specific soil conditions. Counterfeit Vidalia onions have been an issue, leading to protective laws to maintain the integrity of the brand. The farmer's strike in the late 1970s was a sig

What does agriculture need when it comes to helping our farmers/ranchers mental health?

Are the days of small town pancake breakfasts (and other traditional events) coming to an end? Listen as I talk with Nels Leo from Iowa 

Will Americans still want real farm raised Chrismas trees in ten years?   Ashley Ahl of Northern Family Farms is counting on it.

Have you ever gone through any type of agricultural leadership training? Was it worth it? Listen as I talk with Katie Staton

Is this worse thn the 80's in agriculture? I'm talking with the always amazing Karen Braun @kannbwx

Have you served on a Board of Directors for an agriculture group? Why or why not? Listen as I talk with Caleb Ragland 

Do you ever eat mushrooms (or anything) that you find in the woods? Listen as I talk with Cate Meede 

Who has been a great innovator in agriculture?   Listen as I talk with Micheal Horsch

Who is the best story teller you've heard? Listen as I talk with Mike Perry 

How would you live your life if you were told you had 4 months left? Jimmy Terry heard that news... 16 years ago 

Do you belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Would you be upset if they donated produce to a food bank while you pay?  

Will an increase in solar farms lead to more sheep being raised? Listen as I talk with sheep shearer Will Kleinert