On Life and Land

The High Plains Aquifer plays a critical role in supporting U.S. agriculture—but how is it changing over time? In this episode, we speak with Dr. James Butler, senior hydrologist at the University of Kansas, to examine current trends in aquifer levels, the factors influencing water use, and what the data tells us about long-term sustainability. 💧 In this episode, we explore: Key drivers behind High Plains Aquifer depletion The relationship between irrigation practices and groundwater levels Regional differences in water availability across the Midwest Ongoing research and strategies to improve water efficiency What sustainable water management could look like moving forward This episode offers a data-driven look at groundwater management, agricultural sustainability, and resource planning—valuable for producers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of food systems.

Can a small rural town reinvent itself—and actually thrive? Ottumwa, Iowa proves the answer is yes. 🌱 In this episode, we sit down with Kris Patrick, Director of Main Street Ottumwa, to unpack how a decade-long revitalization effort transformed a struggling downtown into a vibrant hub for businesses, residents, and community life. You'll discover: 🏛️ How historic preservation fuels economic growth 🏘️ The role of housing development in rural revitalization 🌳 Why investing in public spaces drives long-term success 📈 A proven Main Street model other rural communities can replicate Whether you're a city planner, economic developer, or community leader, this episode offers actionable insights into rural development strategy, downtown revitalization, and small-town growth. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

What if an entire ancient civilization was hiding in plain sight—until 2002? Range Creek is one of North America's best-preserved archaeological discoveries… and most people have never heard of it. In this episode, we uncover the astonishing story behind Range Creek, Utah—a remote canyon that protected a vast Fremont Native American site for centuries. From intricate rock art to intact granaries filled with ancient grain, this discovery reshaped what we know about early civilizations in the American West. You'll hear directly from Dr. Shannon Boomgarden, field station director, and Corinne Springer, field station manager, as they reveal: 🏺 Who the Fremont people were and how they lived 🧭 Why Range Creek remained untouched for so long 🔍 What archaeologists are still discovering today 🌄 How the site is being preserved for future generations Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, Native American history, or hidden discoveries, this episode offers a rare look into a truly untouched past. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

Can you start farming without land or a family farm? Yes—and greenhouses might be the key. In this episode, we explore greenhouse and nursery production as one of the more accessible entry points into agriculture. For aspiring farmers who didn't grow up on a farm and don't have inherited land, controlled-environment agriculture can offer a lower-cost, scalable way to get started. 🌱 What you'll learn in this episode: • Why greenhouse and nursery production can be a practical starting point for new farmers • The economics of small-scale greenhouse operations  • How beginners can enter the ornamental, and nursery plant markets • The skills, infrastructure, and mindset required to succeed in controlled-environment agriculture • Lessons from an industry insider working with national turf and ornamental producers Our guest is Broch Martindale, nursery producer and national strategic accounts manager for Corteva Agriscience, who brings us firsthand insight into nursery and greenhouse production, plant markets, and the opportunities available to beginning farmers. Whether you're dreaming about farming, exploring urban agriculture, or looking for low-capital agriculture business ideas, this conversation offers a realistic look at how new growers can find their way into the industry. 🌿 Topics include: greenhouse farming, nursery production, controlled-environment agriculture, beginning farmer strategies, and ornamental plant markets.

The Gathering of the Green is one of the premier events for vintage John Deere collectors, restoration enthusiasts, and agricultural history fans — and this year's theme, "An American Original," celebrates the legacy of one of farming's most iconic brands. Host David Jones sits down with Ken Reese, one of the founders of the Gathering of the Green, to explore how the event began, why it continues to grow, and what makes it a must-attend experience for collectors and rural history lovers alike. 🌾 In this episode, you'll hear about: • The origins and mission of The Gathering of the Green • What makes John Deere restoration culture so enduring • Behind-the-scenes stories from the event's founders • Highlights including rare parts vendors, restoration workshops, farm and factory tours, and memorabilia sessions • Why this biennial gathering feels like a reunion for the agricultural community Whether you're restoring a tractor, fascinated by rural heritage, or simply love stories of American innovation, this episode offers insight, nostalgia, and inspiration from the heart of farm country. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

How did a thriving farming valley lose its water — and what does it still mean for California agriculture today? In this episode, we explore the history, conflict, and lasting impact of the California Water Wars. The story of Owens Valley and the city of Los Angeles is one of the most controversial chapters in American water history — a clash between urban growth, rural livelihoods, and the struggle over one of the West's most precious resources. Host David Jones speaks with Dan Keppen, counselor to the Family Farm Alliance and a longtime expert on California water policy, to unpack how the California Water Wars began, why they still matter, and what they reveal about water rights, agriculture, and government power today. 🌾 In this episode, you'll learn: • The history behind the Owens Valley water diversion • How Los Angeles reshaped California's water landscape • Why water rights remain central to California agriculture • The lasting political, legal, and cultural consequences of the conflict • How past decisions still influence modern debates over farming and water policy This episode offers historical perspective and thoughtful context on an issue that continues to shape the future of the American West. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

Some machines do a job. Others change a generation. The John Deere 4020 didn't just work the land — it became part of farm families, memories, and livelihoods. Decades after production ended, these tractors are still starting at dawn and heading back to the field. So what made the 4020 different? We sit down with Chris Boyens from John Deere Heritage Marketing to trace the story behind the iron — the engineering breakthroughs, the farmer loyalty, and the quiet reliability that turned a tractor into an icon. In this episode, you'll hear: 🌾 How the 4020 changed everything for row-crop farmers 🔧 Which features made it feel years ahead of its time ❤️ Why owners refuse to sell them, and why collectors love them If you've ever smelled diesel at sunrise or watched the dust roll behind a field cultivator, this one's going to feel like home. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

In this season-closing episode, award-winning ag journalist and photographer Katie Knapp shares the behind-the-scenes world of Christmas tree farming featured in her latest story for The Furrow magazine, "The Boughs That Bind." Katie—fresh off travels with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists—breaks down the realities most of us never see: 15-year planning horizons, shifting consumer trends, labor challenges, shearing by hand, and the families preserving farmland in rapidly developing regions. She also reflects on her path as both Writer of the Year and Photographer of the Year for the Ag Communicators Network, and what fuels her passion for human-centered ag storytelling. If you love stories from rural America, specialty crops, or the people who keep agriculture moving, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the trees that make the holidays bright. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

What happens after service ends? In this inspiring conversation, John Deere Global Executive Recruiter and Governance Lead Dave Underwood, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, shares how Deere is opening doors for veterans through its dedicated military hiring programs. Dave also talks about building a strong veterans' support network in and around the Quad Cities Area, and offers practical advice for veterans navigating the transition to civilian careers. Whether you're a veteran, employer, or ally, you'll learn how purpose-driven hiring and community connection can make a lasting impact. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

Over the course of nearly 100 years, Future Farmers of America has given millions of members the tools they've used to build careers in agriculture and agribusiness, education, research, even sports and entertainment. In this episode of John Deere's On Life and Land podcast, FFA alum and Territory Manager Abrah Wright talks about her journey from FFA blue to John Deere green. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

High yields, low prices, shifting demand – it's been a strange and unsettling few years for U.S. corn growers. In this episode of John Deere's On Life and Land, we speak with Neil Caskey, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association, on a wide range of rapid-fire topics, including the record-setting 2025 crop, new export markets, and the future of nationwide, year-round E15. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

Steve Werblow, field editor for John Deere's The Furrow magazine and president of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, has seen agriculture on six continents. In this episode, we chat with Steve about telling ag's story on a global scale, about foreign perceptions of U.S. agriculture, and about some of his favorite moments during his international travels.   On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

From Missouri to Tennessee to North Carolina to Iowa, John Deere plans to invest nearly $20 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next ten years. In this episode, we chat with Jon Chase, Vice President, Turf & Utility Business Unit, to learn more about the investment and expansion plans, and about the impacts on local communities.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

What have we learned about soil health in the last 10 years? And wow do we even define soil health? Is it simply organic matter content? And what can farmers start doing right now to help boost the health of their own soils? Join us as we talk with Bill Spiegel, farmer and field editor for The Furrow, about everything happening in the ground underfoot.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

During a 2017 live-stream from their own kitchen table, Canadian farmers Lesley and Matt Kelly admitted they had both recently suffered mental health crises...Lesley from post-partum depression, Matt in the form of panic attacks. Today, they prioritize mental health on their own farm, with daily check-ins and discussions. Lesley even helped establish Do More Agriculture, a foundation devoted to advancing the state of mental health care in rural areas. In this episode, host David Jones is joined by Lorne McClinton, field editor for The Furrow, for a frank discussion with Lesley about her and Matt's experiences.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

If there were to be a Mount Rushmore of ag journalism, the face of Jim Patrico would occupy a position of honor. Jim spent a decades-long career telling ag's story, most notably for The Progressive Farmer magazine. Now he's a written a book, Dispatches from Farm Country, that more closely resembles an anthropological or sociological study of rural America than a collection of random rural reminiscings. In this episode, we talk with Jim about his book, his career, and his next project.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

Jim Whitaker and his family are model stewards, and operate by the belief that "What's good for the land is good for the farmer." Their approach to stewardship has paid off in reduced water, fertilizer, and chemical use, increased productivity from their ground and their equipment, and improved wildife habitat. Join us as we chat with Jim about the his stewardship efforts, and learn more about what it takes to produce one of the world's most prolific crops.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

The decision of whether or not to stay on the family farm after graduation is a personal one, and can be difficult for those who have never known a life off the farm. But Travis, Trent, and Tyler Smeltzly of Port Byron, Illinois, are perfect examples of how well it can work when the 'farm children' are encouraged to seek their own paths, whether or not they lead back to the family operation. Today, Travis works the farm with his father and other family members, while Trent and Tyler both work for John Deere. Hear how they each came to their decisions - with bonus commentary from Grandma Darlene Smeltzly - in this episode. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

The story of the John Deere Classic isn't one of one-percent players. It's a story of local enthusiasm, and of giving back. Join us as we speak with Mara Downing, Vice President, Global Brand Management and Corporate Communications, Deere & Company, about this unique tournament and its impact on the Quad Cities and the golf community.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

California's Sonoma County prides itself on being a center of excellence for sustainable grape production; ninety-nine percent of of Sonoma County's vineyard acreage is third-party certified sustainable. In addition, Sonoma County has established itself as a proving ground for advanced equipment technologies and cultural practices, many of which promise to reduce inputs, reduce labor requirements, improve soil quality and, ultimately, boost production.  In this episode, we speak with four experts in the field of wine grape production: Karissa Kruse, president and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers; her husband, Steve Dutton, co-owner of Dutton Ranch and co-founder of Dutton-Goldfield winery; Tyler Klick, co-owner of Redwood Empire Vineyard Management; and Bret Munselle, a fifth-generation Sonoma County grape grower.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

You probably know Rob Wolfe as co-host of the popular series American Pickers, but he's much more than a TV personality. Rob has spent a lifetime finding and collecting antique cars and motorcycles, along with other bits of Americana; Rob is also deeply familiar with the history of Davenport, Iowa, and the larger Quad Cities Area. In this episode, Rob talks to us about his love of antiques, and about one of the stranger events in Davenport history.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

From the production of complete goods like the M2 Tractor to the machining of submarine components to the actions of the John Deere Battallion, the war-time story of Deere & Company and its employees is one of service, innovation, and adaptation. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, On Life & Land speaks with Chris Boyens to learn more about the role Deere & Company and its employees played in securing victory for the U.S. and Allied Forces.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

It would be hard to overstate the impact that the opening of the Erie Canal had on American life and American agriculture. The canal was the first link between New York Harbor and the Great Lakes, and between overseas markets and the growing population in the Midwest. This year, as the Erie Canal celebrates its 200th birthday, we join Steve Werblow, field editor for The Furrow magazine, and Amy Machamer, a seventh-generation farmer whose land borders the canal, for a look at one of the greatest technological achievements of its day. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

Rose Tryon is the current president of American Agri-Women, an advocacy group devoted to amplifying the voices and the efforts of the many women involved in agribusiness. She and her husband also survived the 2018 fire that destroyed much of Paradise, CA, including their own home. But instead of simply rebuilding and moving on, Rose channeled her experience in advocacy into action. She told us her story at the 2025 World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

As vice-president of innovation for Western Growers Association, Walt Duflock sees many of the concepts and prototypes that promise to relieve some of agriculture's biggest pain points, including labor availability, water optimization, regulatory compliance, and consumer demands for more sustainable production. We grabbed a few minutes with Walt at the recent World Ag Expo in Tulare, California.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.   

Join On Life & Land as we speak with Matt Perrier, general manager of Dalebanks Angus and host of the podcast "Practically Ranching." In this episode, Matt talks about the ranching culture of the Flint Hills, about his motivation for starting a podcast, and about the power of place.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

In this episode of On Life & Land, we speak with Bill Spiegel, field editor for John Deere's The Furrow magazine, about one of the most important — yet under-discussed — aspects of farming: succession planning. Along the way, Bill introduces us to two couples, Mark and Brenna Wulfkuhle and Bryan and Diane Fishburn, who have taken an unusual approach to planning for the future. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

Join us for our first episode of the new season as we bring back one of our favorite guests, Neil Dahlstrom, Deere & Company Branded Properties and Heritage Manager. Neil tells us a bit about his current projects, and in honor of John Deere's birthday, lets us in on some of the lesser-known facts about the history of the company and of the man himself.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May. 

On Life & Land is back for another season! Join host David Jones and guests as On Life & Land tracks down stories from the backroads and the turnrows. Our new season begins February 4, but you can get a quick preview now!

Happy holidays from On Life & Land! Join us for a quick look back at some of our favorite stories from Season One. 

When the monks of St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts decided they needed a new revenue stream, they turned to one of the oldest agricultural products known to man. "It has moments of really intense physical activity," says Father Isaac of St. Joseph's of the production process, "but it's an almost silent environment. It really fits in with our contemplative life."  

Organic. Natural. Certified. GMO-free. What do they mean, and what should you choose? In this episode, we moderate a 'food fight' between co-host Chrissy Taylor and our friend Jen Anderson as they discuss how they (and we) make the choices we do at the store or restaurant, which labels make them put an item back on the shelf or into the cart, and what ag is doing right...or could be doing better...when it comes to promoting the health and safety of our food supply. We're talking labeling, food-shaming, fear-based marketing, and more. 

Lucky Linda Cheddar. Little Lucy Brie. Tipsy Tilsiter. These are just a few of the "ridiculously good" cheeses on offer from Brooten, Minnesota's Redhead Creamery. In this episode of "On Life & Land," Alise Sjostrom (President, CEO, and resident redhead) and her mom, Linda Jennissen, talk about how the creamery came to be, the challenges facing kids who want to return to the farm...and about their love of all things cheese-related! 

Tucked away along the northern edge of Iowa is the town of Mason City...agricultural hub and home to the Historic Park Inn Hotel, the only remaining hotel designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Like so many buildings of its era, the Hotel fell into a state of disrepair before a massive renovation effort began in 2009; the Hotel reopened to the public in 2011. In this episode, we speak with designer Scott Borcherding, current president of Wright on the Park, Inc., partner at Bergland + Cram Architects, and member of the Historic Park Inn Hotel restoration team.

In our latest episode, we chat with Ben Harshyne, agent and land specialist with Whitetail Properties. Ben makes his living helping recreational and agricultural clients find the right piece of ground to fit their needs, whether it's deer hunting or crop production. In this episode, Ben talks about land use, creating wildlife habitat, his love of maps, and his time with the National Counter-Terrorism Center.

Join us for our conversation with Patrick Montgomery, former U.S. Army Ranger and founder of KC Cattle Company in Weston, Missouri. KCCC is one of Missouri's largest producers of Wagyu and Wagyu-cross beef, and was recently honored by Food & Wine magazine for...wait for it...Best Hot Dog! In this episode, Patrick speaks openly about the challenges of running a start-up, niche-market business, and of transitioning to civilian life after serving in combat. 

In central Illinois, you'll find corn, soybeans...and bison, if you're anywhere near Grand Detour and the Nachusa Grasslands Preserve. Established in 1986, Nachusa began as an effort to preserve remnant tracts of native prairie. In 2014, Nachusa released their first bison onto the preserve. Today, Nachusa is home to over 100 bison and is a model of cooperation between agriculture and conservation. In this episode, we speak with Nachusa's Cody Considine and Dr. Elizabeth Bach about the challenges of establishing and maintaining their bison herd. 

"New Farmers," a recently-released book and photography exhibit from the University of Kansas, "combines stories and photography to illustrate the future of farming with an honest eye and a raw spirit." In this episode, we sit down with Tim Hossler and Paul Stock of KU, along with Phil Holman-Hebert of Sweetlove Farm, to talk about the exhibit, and about the challenges and rewards of becoming a "mid-career" farmer. The book "New Farmers 2014/2018," is available here. The exhibit will be on display at The Commons at the University of Kansas beginning October 3 and continuing throughout November; more information is available here. 

With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill last December, hemp once again became a legal crop for US producers. For the last episode of our "Nashville Road Trip" series, the team from On Life & Land speaks with Brent Cornett of London, Kentucky, about his transition from tobacco production to hemp, and about the challenges potential hemp producers might face. 

Barely 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, you'll find the historic Bells Bend Conservation Corridor, an area whose residents are determined to preserve not only its natural beauty, but also its agricultural heritage. Join the On Life & Land team as we speak with Brenda Butka, one of Bells Bend's long-time residents, and conservationist Sara Trunzo about what makes this area so special. 

In part 2 of our "Nashville Road Trip" series, the team from On Life & Land visits Nashville Craft Distillery to learn how founder Bruce Boeko uses locally sourced grains and specialty ingredients to create spirits like "Crane City Gin" and "Naked Biscuit Sorghum Spirit. 

Join the On Life & Land team as we take a road trip through and around Nashville, Tennessee. For the first of our four Nashville episodes, we sit down with musician Dale Watson for a conversation about music and land, about his adopted second home in Tennessee, and about how a farmer named David Buxkemper became the subject of a song on his latest album, "Call Me Lucky."

What do a craft distiller, a hemp producer, a land conservator, and a honky-tonk musician have in common? They're all guests on upcoming episodes of On Life & Land. Join us for a preview of our Nashville Road Trip series, beginning July 2.

In a little more than a mile of the Columbia-Snake River System, you'll find a wide range of activities, including transportation, recreation, power generation, and agricultural irrigation. Join field editor Steve Werblow for an up-close look at this critical waterway and the people who use it, maintain it, and depend on it. And be sure to check out Steve's story and the accompanying video series at JohnDeereFurrow.com. 

A view from space can tell a farmer a lot about the state of the crop. Join us for our interview with Zara Khan, product marketing manager with Planet, one of the premier providers of satellite imagery for agricultural, industrial, and research applications. 

As one of the first social-media superstars of farming, Dairy Carrie helped show agriculture the power of blogging, of Facebook, and of sharing real stories of farm life. Today, she's still very active on social media. We sat with Carrie to get her thoughts on how well ag is...or is not...communicating its message to the public, and on how she's using the medium these days.

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 help prevent its spread.  For more information, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency web site at inspection.gc.ca, or in the U.S., the National Pork Producers Council at nppc.org.

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 Islands, a small chain off the coast of British Columbia. And make sure to check out our video series, "Rhythm of the Ferries," available at JohnDeereFurrow.com and JohnDeereHomestead.com.

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 think that first-time farmers can accomplish the same. Read more at TheLocalPig.com and CampoLindoFarms.com.