SharkFarmer Podcast

In this episode, George McDonald of Katisa Farms shares insights on modern farming practices, crop diversification, relationship building with industry partners, and the importance of community involvement. Discover how innovation, tradition, and relationships drive success in agriculture. key topics Farm diversification and crop management Relationship building with distilleries and retailers Use of technology in farming (GPS, no-till, drying) Community involvement and political engagement in agriculture Family legacy and succession planning in farming 00:00Introduction to George McDonald and Katisa Farms 01:56Why Tennessee is a Growing Farm State 03:46Farm diversification: Crops and markets 08:00Use of technology and equipment in farming 12:04Relationship with Chattanooga Whiskey and Bex Hybrids 15:56Marketing strawberries and watermelons 19:48Farm history and family legacy 24:09Leadership and team at Katisa Farms 28:02Watermelon harvesting and marketing 32:11Engagement with politics and community 36:03Labor and crop management challenges 39:50Quality control and distribution logistics 43:52Farm events and recognition programs 48:12Building relationships with policymakers 52:05Closing thoughts and farm contact information

We are live at Prudue talking with Troy Fiechter of BioTownAg

In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey chats with Holly Payne from Bigelow, Arkansas, who shares her unique journey from theater costume designer to farmer. Holly discusses her background, including her time in Milwaukee and her husband Aaron's biochemistry expertise, which they now apply to their farming venture. The couple started a small farm during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially as a hobby, but it quickly evolved into a full-time business focused on raising Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs and producing high-quality pork products, including sausages. Holly emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming practices and the joy of growing food that tastes like it did in their childhoods. Throughout the conversation, Holly shares insights into the challenges and rewards of farming, including the need for effective marketing and the importance of building relationships with customers. She also highlights the significance of using animal fats in cooking and how they can enhance flavor. The episode wraps up with Holly offering practical cooking tips and encouraging listeners to embrace the joy of cooking with quality ingredients. This engaging discussion showcases the couple's passion for farming and their commitment to providing delicious, sustainably raised food to their community. takeaways "We started looking for a new bit of property." "It's all about food for us." "You have to have a five-year plan." "You need to do the research, you need to do the math." "Cooking shouldn't be intimidating." "You have to be willing to put yourself out there." "Our life is great, but we don't get new cars every year." "It's hard to go wrong with a pork shoulder." "You can make tacos with chorizo easily." "So many farms fold in the first five years."

In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey speaks with Kevin Thompson, the Director of the Middle Tennessee Ag Research and Education Center (M-TREC) at the University of Tennessee. They discuss Kevin's background in agriculture, the impact of black vultures on cattle production, and the importance of diversification in farming. Kevin shares insights on precision livestock technologies, the role of horses in cattle management, and the significance of teaching stockmanship. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocates in agriculture to educate the public and promote sustainable practices. Kevin Thompson is the Director of M-TREC at the University of Tennessee. M-TREC focuses on research and education in agriculture, particularly beef and poultry. Kevin's background includes managing a large family farm and academic achievements in animal science. Black vultures have become predatory, impacting calf survival and producer safety. Research is being conducted to understand and mitigate the impact of black vultures on cattle. Diversification in agriculture can improve economic stability for producers. Precision livestock technologies are being implemented to gather real-time data on cattle. Teaching stockmanship is essential for low-stress cattle handling. Horses are preferred for cattle management due to their low-stress impact on livestock. Aspiring farmers should seek entry-level opportunities and be willing to learn from mistakes.