More than ten years ago, Michelle Miller gave up gluten and swore off GMOs after believing the pervasive misinformation often peddled online about modern-day farming. Then, she fell in love with a real-life farmer – and with farming itself. Now, Miller is arming everyday Americans with the real facts about agriculture. It’s all part of her mission as the Farm Babe.

Groundwork

Ep. 23 (Michelle Miller, the Farm Babe)

“I’m very proud of the fact that we’ve sustained a sugar policy that has operated at zero cost to taxpayers,” Jack Roney, the veteran sugar economist, said on a recent episode of Groundwork while reflecting on his storied career at the American Sugar Alliance (ASA). “I’m particularly proud of that because I think our sugar farmers are among some of the best in the world at what they do.” Roney would know. After 25 years of working at ASA, and nearly 50 years total working in agriculture, there might be no one else in America that understands the ins and outs of the sugar industry as well as Roney does. Luckily, Farm Policy Facts had the opportunity to speak with Roney prior to his retirement in August. 

Ep. 22 (Jack Roney, America’s Sweetest Expert Talks Sugar Policy)

For decades, West Texas cotton growers have had a fearless champion on their side: Steve Verett. As the recently retired CEO of Plains Cotton Growers, Verett advocated for both cotton growers and all of agriculture with passion and authenticity.  Verett joined Farm Policy Fact’s Groundwork podcast to reflect on his career and talk about what lies ahead for the next generation of farm leaders.

Ep. 21 (Steve Verett, Champion for Cotton Growers)

A small group of radical environmentalists have declared war on America’s cattle producers and sworn off burgers, all with the dubious claim of fighting climate change. We wanted to dig into the real story behind this beef with beef. So, we called up Dr. Tryon Wickersham, an Associate Professor of Animal Nutrition at Texas A&M University, to give Groundwork listeners the facts about cattle production in America.

Ep. 20 (Dr. Tryon Wickersham, Associate Professor of Animal Nutrition at Texas A&M University)

While it can be easy to get caught up in buzzwords or trending policy ideas when it comes to climate change, America’s farmers and ranchers are already doing the hard work to increase resiliency and efficiency. They’re the original conservationists. Rather than build a policy that works on Capitol Hill but not on the farm, Arkansas rice farmer Mark Isbell instead recommends that we look to rural America to identify existing opportunities to support farmers and ranchers through smart policy.

Ep. 19 (Mark Isbell, A Farmer's Perspective on Climate Change)

Kevin Brinkley, President and CEO of the Plains Cotton Cooperative Association (PCCA), joined Farm Policy Fact’s Groundwork podcast to discuss the importance of infrastructure to efficient global trade. Brinkley also addressed the need for Congress to examine the problems facing agricultural exports at America’s ports.

Ep. 18 (Kevin Brinkley, President and CEO of the Plains Cotton Cooperative Association)

Collin Peterson, former Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, recently retired from Congress after thirty years of service to America’s farmers and ranchers. His retirement was short-lived. Collin Peterson is utilizing his decades of expertise to once again tackle the challenges facing rural America and joined Groundwork to discuss what's on the horizon for farm policy.

Ep. 17 (Collin Peterson, Former Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee)

We must not weaken the farm safety net. That was one of the messages esteemed ag economist Dr. Rob Johansson shared on this month’s episode of Groundwork. Dr. Johansson is the Associate Director of Economics and Policy Analysis at the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), a position he recently assumed after previously serving as Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ep. 16 (Dr. Rob Johansson, Associate Director of Economics and Policy Analysis at the American Sugar Alliance)

“If I had to describe [Secretary Tom Vilsack] in one word: driven.” That’s how Brandon Willis, former Administrator of the Risk Management Agency and a previous Senior Advisor to Secretary Vilsack, described the Secretary of Agriculture nominee to Groundwork listeners on our most recent episode. Willis joined the podcast to share some insights about his time working with Secretary Vilsack, as well as forecast where Secretary Vilsack might lead the agency.

Ep. 15 (Brandon Willis, former RMA Administrator & previous Senior Advisor to Sec. Vilsack)

During this season of gratitude, we are giving thanks to America’s farmers and ranchers. Not only do America’s strong federal farm policies ensure that we all have reliable access to affordable food, they also share our generous bounty with our neighbors. Nicole Berg, a fourth-generation farmer from Washington State and Vice President of the National Association of Wheat Growers, joined Groundwork to talk about how rural America gives back all year round through food aid.

Ep. 14 (Nicole Berg, Wheat Farmer and Vice President of the National Association of Wheat Growers)

An August storm in Iowa flattened millions of acres of corn with more than 100 mile-per-hour winds, wildfires in the West continue to do untold damage to fruit and vegetable crops, and hurricane season in the Atlantic has already generated a historic number of storms. Farmers are sure to face even more challenges as extreme storms and other destructive weather events threaten to upend harvest. Groundwork spoke to crop insurance agents Casey Clipson and Jack Tank about the unique challenges of this year and the indispensable role that crop insurance plays in the farm safety net. 

Ep. 13 (Crop Insurance Agents Casey Clipson and Jack Tank)

During the COVID-19 crisis, it has been more important than ever that we come together to support one another. America’s sugar farmers are doing their part, keeping sugar moving from farm to table while also helping sustain rural communities and support workers during this tough time. On this episode of Groundwork, Farm Policy Facts talked to two guests from the sugar industry about how they’ve adapted their work to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ep. 12 (Denny Hymel, Fast Food Farm & Lisa Borgen, American Crystal Sugar Company)

This episode of Groundwork airs just in time for the 4th of July holiday and features recordings of presidents discussing how American farm policy has kept our nation strong. Jeff Harrison, our farm policy expert this episode, notes that American farm policy traces its roots all the way back to President George Washington and the first Congress.

Ep. 11 (Jeff Harrison, Farm Policy Expert)

America’s farmers and ranchers will likely need more assistance from the federal government to recover from the downturn in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas is the former chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and has been in close contact with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue throughout the government’s response to the pandemic. This episode was recorded earlier this month. For the most up-to-date information from Ranking Member Conaway, please visit republicans-agriculture.house.gov.

Ep. 10 (Rep. Mike Conaway)

With all of the information out there on Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, we called up Dr. Joe Outlaw, a renowned agricultural economist at Texas A&M and Co-Director of Texas A&M’s Agricultural & Food Policy Center, for his take on all things farm policy.

Ep. 09 (Dr. Joe Outlaw, Agricultural Economist & Co-Director of Agricultural & Food Policy Center at Texas A&M)

Groundwork is a must-listen podcast for policymakers, farmers and ranchers, media, and all interested in agricultural policy. Hear straight from the heartland of America – no filler, just the facts.

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Groundwork

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