Modern Farming Podcast
Join us each week, as we dive into different ways to think about agricultural production.
In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Mike McCracken—farmer, educator, and former Florida FFA State Officer—to explore how agriculture education is evolving alongside a rapidly changing industry. With roots in both production agriculture and the classroom, Mike brings a unique perspective on what it takes to prepare students for modern...
In this inspiring episode, Kris and Tara sit down with Perry Rollins, director of Swan Lake Camp in Melrose, Florida, to explore how outdoor education, agriculture, and service come together to transform lives. Perry shares the rich history of Swan Lake Camp and its mission to get every child outdoors—embracing their motto: “No Child Left...
In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Evan Ratzlaff, founder of Swamp Dog Sauce, a hot-sauce company with a mission far bigger than heat. Evan and his team are redefining what sustainability looks like in the food world by doing something no one else is doing: combining compost collection with...
In this episode, we dig deep—literally—into the world of earthworms and soil regeneration with Rodney Eaton of Eaton Worms, a Florida company specializing in high-quality earthworms and organic soil-boosting products. From living soil and worm castings to compost and castings extract, Eaton Worms uses sustainable, nature-driven systems to improve soil structure, plant health, and even...
This week, Kris and Tara sit down with Joanna Oswalt—a seventh-generation Floridian, agricultural consultant, and President of the Sumter County Farm Bureau. With deep family roots in Florida agriculture, Joanna brings a unique and passionate perspective on the past, present, and future of farming in the Sunshine State. As both an advocate and educator, Joanna...
In this episode, we talk with Kevin O’Gorman, a hands-on science educator whose love for agriculture and the natural world began on his family’s retired apple orchard in upstate New York. With a degree in Animal Science (Fisheries, Aquaculture & Wildlife Management) and more than a decade in the classroom, Kevin has built a unique...
Former host and longtime soil health advocate Brad Turner returns to The Modern Farming Podcast to dig deep into cover cropping. In this episode, Brad explores what happens when we push the land too hard and how a shift toward diversity and persistence can bring balance back to the soil. Key Topics Covered: Why diversity...
In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Rocky Malphurs — a 34-year financial and insurance professional with deep Florida roots and a lifelong commitment to helping farmers, ranchers, and small business owners achieve financial peace of mind. Born in Daytona and now serving Brevard, Volusia, and Seminole Counties, Rocky brings...
In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with master craftsman Red McClain, a lifelong woodworker who turned a high school shop class project into a decades-long passion. From his workshop in Florida, Red creates custom, one-of-a-kind furniture using locally sourced hardwoods—often from downed or naturally felled trees. Red shares how he got his...
In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Steve Johnson — fourth-generation citrus grower, cattle rancher, and Vice President of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation — for a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing Florida agriculture today. Based in Hardee County, Steve operates multiple family businesses including Johnson Harvesting, Treeair Cattle...