Weathering Policy and Pressure on the Farm with Ashley Randle

Recording date: March 3, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twelve features Ashley Randle, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources as we discuss: Actions farmers can take to influence policy…without becoming professional advocates The value of peer support for farmers Taking care of yourself while you take care of your farm friends The affect of changing weather on farmers and their farm operations And much, much more… You will love this engaged and engaging farmer! #IYWF2026 About Ashley: Ashley was born and raised on her family’s fifth-generation dairy farm in South Deerfield, MA.  She graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics & Management and Animal Science and received her Juris Doctorate from Western New England University School of Law. Prior to serving as the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Ashley was the Member Services Director for Northeast Dairy Producers Association, Inc. and the Marketing Specialist/Special Projects at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.       Connect with Ashley at:  Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-agricultural-resources MassGrown Wellness: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massgrown-wellness  Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-e-randle-21b31785/ Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x