Jay Matteson's Rural America: Recent Episodes
Jay M. Matteson
After 20 years of my own award winning radio talk show, I decided to bring my talk show to a podcast. My guests and I talk about agriculture and "rural living" topics in a fun and informal format. It can be quite "moooving" at times. Yes, sometimes we have serious discussions, but many times we laugh as much as we talk! The official drink of our show is a cold glass of whole milk with a spritz of maple syrup!! We like our cheddar so sharp it will curl your toenails!
It's been a very wet growing season in 2024 and who knows when it's going to stop! Cohosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson discuss what the summer growing season has been like and the impacts on local agriculture. Luckily many modern dairy barns have lighting systems that compensate for the lack of sunlight, helping cows stay comfortable. But even with that, milk production is tight and having an impact.
In this episode Dr. David Kohl shocks Jay with his analysis of the United States economy. Kohl discusses an upcoming meeting of China, Russia, Iran and other countries that could change our economic standing in the World.
Listen in as Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins are joined in the studio by Dr. David Kohl, a global agricultural economist who has traveled over 9 million miles speaking to groups and been published in thousands of articles discussing agriculture and our economy.
Dr. Dave Kohl is an academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dr. Kohl has tremendous insight into the agriculture industry through research, and involvement in ag businesses. He has traveled over 10 million miles; conducted more than 7,000 presentations; and published more than 2,500 articles in his career. Dr. Kohl’s wisdom and engagement with all levels of the industry provide a unique perspective into future trends.
Podcast host, Jay Matteson, is joined by Joe Russo, Economic Developer for National Grid, and Seth Browe, Senior Representative for National Grids Energy Efficiency Program to discuss important grants and financial assistance programs for agriculture. There are many important programs offered by National Grid to assist farms and agribusinesses. Seth and Joe explain the programs and the important points of information you should know as you consider applying for these programs. Spending a few minutes listening to this podcast may save you thousands of $$.
Commissioner Richard Ball of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets joins Ron and Jay to discuss growing local food supplies across NYS through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RSFI). RSFI is a new grant program available to farmers and others to provide critical funding to support New York State's food supply chain. Grants will invest in projects to modernize agricultural facilities, improve training and facilitate the purchase of new equipment.
Host Jay Matteson interviews Dawn Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Northern New York about food insecurity in our rural communities and the role United Way plays in assisting people in need. Dawn discusses their food drive coming up on June 5 in Watertown from 8am to 2pm. Jay learns about a great program involving United Way and Jefferson - Lewis BOCES involving the BOCES Hospitality program. Students in the program prepare frozen meals that are given out to to local families in need. Once the family has the meal, they pop it in the microwave and have a healthy, tasy meal to eat!
Dr. Robert Lynch, DVM, the Dairy Herd Health and Management Specialist for PRO_DAIRY Animal Science at Cornell University, joins hosts Ron and Jay for an in depth discussion about Avian Influenza and how it is impacting the Dairy Industry. How signifcantly does it impact dairy cows? Does it pose a threat with our dairy product supply? We get answers to those questions and more, thanks to Dr. Lynch.
Jay interviews cohost, Ron Robbins while he's on the road returning from Florida. The two have a have broad discussion ranging from the results of the presentation by Dr. Dvid Kohl; the upcoming eclipse on April 8; and agricultural impacts of the bridge collapse in the Port of Baltimore. We finish ut the show with a discussion on Avian Flu and the impacts that will have on the dairy industry.
Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech joins Jay and Ron for a great conversation about sports and business. It's amazing when you think about the 4th quarter, last period, last inning of the game and how you try to overcome a deficit to win the game, and how that compares to running your farm or business successfully.
Our conversation unintentionally uses sports to build great insight into managaing your business and farm.
Dr. Kohl is speaking in Jefferson County and nhis alma mater, Jefferson Community College on Thursday March 28 starting at 6pm. It is a free program and you are encouraged to visit www.agricultureevents.com for more info and to register.
This is a special invitation to attend an upcoming seminar on March28, 2024 at Jefferson Community College with Dr. David Kohl.
in this episode, Jay Matteson interviews Linda Garrett, the New York Regional Director of American Farmland Trust. American Farmland Trust (AFT) is doing a lot of work across New York State to help preserve precious farmland. AFT is working with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to provide training to farmers on regenerative agricultural practices and improving soil ecosystems. AFT is also focused on the increasing presence of women in agriculture, helping to bring women with an agricultural focus together across the State.
AFT is also matching those who want to get into farming with available farmland through their Farmland for a New Generation Program. Linda and Jay also discuss AFTs Farm to Institution program and their work bringing local food into school meals for the students.
Solar siting on farmland is a huge issue across NYS and AFT is working hard to help farmers and communities make wise choices. There are many activities undereway by AFT to assist.
This episode is power packed with great information so enjoy and thanks for listening.
Jay interviews Joel Lalone, Director of the Center for Community Studies at Jefferson Community College about the results of the 2023 Survey of the Community on Quality of Life. Joel discusses the work done by the Center, based at Jefferson Community College, to survey the communty in Jefferson, Lewis and St. lawrence Counties on how public opinion has changed on a variety of important community issues. Are things getting better in our rural communities, or worse? Are our communities heading in the right direction?
It's a great conversation with lots of information to share.
Podcast host Jay Matteson is joined by Mike Nuchols, Ag Team leader and Commercial Horticulture Educator of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County to discuss the results of the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture. The census is completed every five years in the United States and takes a snapshot of agriculture that is valuable in understanding what is happening in our food production.
You'll hear Mike and Jay discuss "surprises", good and bad, they found in the data.
Hosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson are finally back on the podcast after both were down with the horrible flu/pneumonia going around. They discuss what's happening to milk prices, the global economy and potentially geopolitical storms that could impact agriculture in 2024.
Hosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson take the listeners on a wild ride from how local crop harvest went to global food politics. How is the weather impacting food production in South Africa and Brazil. Will El Nino produce mega nor'easters this winter?
We also discuss a previous podcast guest, Country Music singer Stephanie Nash, and how Stephanie has been growing as an agricultural advocate since coming on our podcast.
Jay Matteson shares information on what is happening to address the school milk supply problems and what was down locally to help make sure milk was available at our schools.
Cohosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson discuss a variety of topics including concerns about the war between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East and its impact on agriculture in the U.S.
Show host Jay Matteson spends time talking with Carly Basinger and Avery Maclean, The River Farmers, who own two farms in the Thousand Islands region of northern New York State. Carly has a vegetable farm serving "CSAs" Community Supported Agriculture shares for her local community, a farm stand and serves local restaurants. Avery owns a small farm on Grindstone Island located two miles from the U.S. mainland. She supports many families living on the Island with the produce from her farm.
We share their stories and experiences of running a farm on their own, and what it takes to feed others in a seasonal climate.
Hosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson discuss what potentially happens to agriculture and our food supply if the Federal Government shutdowns. They also discuss a fantastic grant program available to increase food production in Jefferson County NY and also talk about safety on the highways during fall harvest time.
Podcast hosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson are joined by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for her second interview on the podcast. But before Ron and Jay get into a great conversation with Claudia, Jay shares breaking news with listeners about Round II of the Jefferson County Food Resiliency Grant Program accepting applications from farms and food businesses. Over $600,000 is available to grow local food supply in Jefferson County!
After the announcement, Jay and Ron talk with Congresswoman Tenney about MANY important ag issues. We especially focus on work happening in Congress about the Farm Bill.
Its a great conversation!
The Team Leader for the Seasonal Hurricane Prediction Center and Director of the Climate Test Bed at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, Matt Rosencrans, joins Jay and Ron for an in depth discussion about what the hot water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico mean for the eastern seaboard of the United States this winter. Will El Nino combine with this hot water streaming north in the Gulf Stream to warm us up in January, or bury us in an avalanche of snow?
This conversation is great for those whose livelihoods are dependent on the weather or those who think learning about science is just really cool!!!
Dr. Scott Steiger, Director of the Lake Effect Storm Prediction and Research Center at SUNY Oswego, joins Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson to share the results of his research project from the winter of '22/'23 on whether Wind Turbines increase the frequency of lightning in Lake Effect Snow Storms. Dr. Steiger joined Ron and Jay for a podcast on Sept 29, 2022 to introduce his research project in NNY. During this episode, he shares the results of the research and they are jolting! Hint- probably not a good idea to stand next to wind towers during Lake Effect snow storms..... just saying....
Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson chew on a lot of topics in this podcast. Ron attended the annual DFA - Syracuse Mets Game. Jay talks about drones harvest apples. Jay and Ron discuss carbon credits and how they work. Then everything circles around to food supply and climate change. It's a busy conversation!
Jay and Ron are joined by Shawn Hackett, President of Hackett Financial Advisors and Author of the Hackett Agriculture Report. The trio discuss what they see as an optimistic outlook in the short term for the U.S. Dairy Industry. They also explore the global food industry and geopolitical events impacting food supply around the World.
Jay and Ron focus on the use of precision agriculture technology and its environmental and economic benefits. Jay references a recent study from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, titled "The Environmental Benefits of Precision Ag Technology" and Ron compares the results of the study to real world results he's experienced using precision ag technologies on his 7,000 acre farm.
Finally, after a couple weeks off, we are back podcasting! Join Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson while they catch up on things in the ag industry.
Can they grow field corn for dairy cows in south central florida? We've followed Ron as he has assisted Florida Dairy farmers with their efforts to grow field corn. In today's episode, Ron shares the results and it is quite interesting.
Yellow skies in NYS are impacting air quality and signal massive wildfires in Canada. Jay and Ron discuss the local impacts felt from the wildfires.
The Red, White and Moo Parade was a huge success. Ron talks about driving an entry from North Harbor dairy and what he saw along the parade route while Jay shares a little bit about his perspective as the parade director.
It's all interesting conversation for this episode so grab a glass of milk and join Ron and jay for a good conversation!
Retired Master Sergeant Curtis Mosely joins Jay Matteson for a conversation about scuba diving in the Thousand Islands region of NYS. First we learn a little about the career of the retired Master Sergeant who came to reluctantly came to northern New York because of being stationed at the U.S. Army base at Fort Drum. Like many soldiers stationed at Ft. Drum, he quickly learned that the base has one of the best communities to retire to once you leave the Army. Curtis has put his military career to work by opening Behring Jiu Jitsu NY Academy and has paid for his certifications in Scuba Diving through his military benefits.
Curtis shares his Thousand Islands Scuba experiences with us during the conversation along with recommendations on how one might learn to dive or who can guide a scuba diving experience here.
Ron and jay sit down with Belleville Henderson High School FFA Chapter President Morgan Hodge, a junior at Belleville Henderson, and share stories about FFA and Morgan's experiences.
Listening to this episode will leave you impressed with what FFA offers every student, not just those from an agricultural background. You'll also be impressed with this young woman and the skill set she is developing pursuing her FFA opportunities. It'll give you hope of a bright future for our Nation!
In this special episode, we get answers as to why the Earth is shaking so much beneath our feet in northern New York State! We don't get Earthquakes, or at least that is what we thought. But in the last two weeks we've had two Earth quakes and nine after shocks, all centered in the Adams Center area of Jefferson County, NY. Is this the War of Worlds coming to life? Are there secret government installations operation deep beneath our agricultural fields? Or is this just normal?
We interview Dr. David Valentino, a professor of geology at the State University of New York at Oswego. Dr. Valentino has spent a tremendous amount of time researching the geology of central and northern New York and he gives us the facts about what is happening beneath our feet.
Ron and Jay sit down with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball and dig deep into important topics like climate change, water quality and environmental stewardship and how agriculture is doing as a steward of the environment. Our discussion hits on the importance of fossil fuels to the food processing industry in NY.
We also harvest information about the NYS budget and how agriculture might benefit when the budget passes. Towards the end of the conversation, we talk with the Commissioner about his marquee' accomplishment, the Taste NY program, celebrating its tenth anniversary.
Jay and Ron sit down with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY24th) with a an extensive chat about agricultural issues. Congresswoman Tenney has been touring her extensive District that has a rich variety of farms and agricultural businesses, meeting with people to learn about what issues and needs exist for food production.
The conversation covers the upcoming work on the Farm Bill, food security, immigration reform, the dairy industry, climate change, agricultural research, USDA meat processing capacity and energy policy . This episode is a little longer than usual but the amount of information we covered is important.
A lot if happening in agriculture this time of year from educational conferences to getting fields ready for planting. Jay and Ron share stories about just a few of the things that happened over the past week and what you might see happening on farm fields near you.
Sutton Rucks, a partner in Milking R Dairy near Okeechobee Florida, joins Ron and jay on this episode of the podcast to talk about dairy farming in a place where most people think about oranges and beaches. Milking R Dairy is certified through the national Dairy FARM program. Milking R Dairy is very active in value added production, including an ice cream store in the middle of the operation!
Sutton is very active on national board and organizations in the dairy industry and he brings this perspective to our interview. The riveting conversation covers a wide range of topics and will capture the attention of farmers and the public at large!
Ron and Jay discuss what happens when property assessments go up and the importance of having an Agricultural Value Assessment in place in NYS if your land qualifies. They also share a conversation about recent anti-agriculture news stories hitting the press.
Ron and Jay digest the sights sounds and tastes of Jay's participation in the 2023 "Policy Execution" Days organized by New York Farm Bureau in Albany NY. New York Farm Bureau, the grassroots voice of farmers across New York State, organizes PX days to bring the agricultural community to meet New York State's elected officials. No protests, no shouting down the hallways. Just great NYS agricultural products and good conversations between farmers and those elected to the NYS Legislature.
Ag Committee Chairman Glenn GT Thompson, Congressman from the 15th Congressional District in Pennsylvania, joined us as a guest on our podcast to talk about the 2023 Farm Bill. During our conversation we started talking about the Congressman's scouting career and how important that was to him. We felt it was very remarkable and with his permission pulled out a clip of our conversation focused on scouting.
Today, on the anniversary of the creation of Boy Scouts of America, Congressman Glenn G.T. Thompson will introduce a resolution onto the House floor, celebrating the birthday of scouting!!!!
Congressman Glenn "G.T." Thompson (Pa.14th), Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, visits with show hosts Jay Matteson, Ron Robbins and Alan Walts to discuss the work that is about to start on the 2023 U.S. Farm Bill. Chairman Thompson talks about the challenges facing agriculture and where the Farm Bill might help specialty crop growers and dairy farmers. The Chairman also talks about the importance of the nutrition side of this legislation. We also discuss meat processing capacity problems and how to address them.
Jay and Ron discuss what preparations dairy farms make for the oncoming frigid weather (-20 degrees) and Jay share information about his travel to the International dairy Foods Association Forum in Orlando Florida and the networking he did while attending. Jay talks about the importance of networking in economic development.
Dairy Farmer, Country Music Singer/Songwriter, and Agricultural Advocate Stephanie Nash joins Jay and Ron to talk about the work she is doing to share agriculture's story. Her message is amplified through her powerful, beautiful voice and her experiences growing up as a dairy farmer. At the end of the podcast, enjoy Stephanie's song - "Raised on".
Don't forget to visit Stephanie on Youtube and all her other social media sites.
An investment firm that works with professional athletes recently purchased a farm in Iowa with plans to buy more. Ron and Jay explore farmland as investments and what that may mean for the future of agriculture in the United States.
How many loads of milk were dumped during the blizzard of '22. Jay, Ron and Al share notes about the impacts of the blizzard of 2022 across NYS and locally. Then they do a wrap up of agriculture in 2022 and a little outlook for 2023. A lot is wrapped into this episode so you might as well grab a cold glass of milk, some beef stick and sit back and relax!
Scott Zehr, a Business Development Manager with Agragrian Solutions, owner of Maplewood Sweets and a participant in the Young Dairy Leaders Institute sits down with Jay for a wide ranging discussion on agriculture, technology and leadership development. In the irst part of the conversation we discuss Scott's work with Agararian Solutions, focusing in on the use of technology in the dairy industry. It is fascinating to learn about how advanced our dairy indsutry is in managing our dairy cows, right down to knowing how many times a cow on your farm has chewed her cud in a day....
Then we shift to some of the ag related businesses Scott and his wife Summer are involved in. They are an agricultural family!
Later we talk about Scott's participation in the Young Dairy Leaders Institute and what Scott is bringing home for the intensive year long program.
The Netherlands Government have a proposal out to reduce their livestock herd by 30% by the year 2030. They are proposing to do this to comply with European Union Environmental standards and reduce nitrous oxide emissions into the atmosphere. Agribusinesses around the globe are protesting this heavy handed approach being implemented by the Dutch government.
Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Director of the CLEAR Center and an air quality specialist at the University of California Davis, an air quality specialist and known as the "Greenhouse Gas Guru" on social media, joins the podcast to discuss the Dutch proposals. We'll hear from Dr. Mitloehner whether this approach is necessary or are their other options that could be implemented to care for the environment. We talk with Dr. Mitloehner about the potential impacts to food supply and economies around the globe from the proposed Dutch actions. Could this ripple through other countries, putting farms out of business?
Former radio personality Alan Walts is back in the studio with Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins for the show today. The trio discuss New York Farm Bureau's 2022 Annual Conference. Jay talks about his question on whether New York State has a plan on how to help our food processing plants in the State comply with the Climate Action Plan requirements of no fossil fuels in the near future. How realistic is that expectation?
Ron, Jay and Al also discuss the challenges of "If you're not at the table. you're on the menu" which Jay says was probably the most important point made during the entire conference.
During this episode we are joined by Les Berghorn, General Manager of Afgritech and a 48 year veteran in agriculture and the animal feed industry. Ron, Jay and Les discuss the potential impact a railroad strike will have on agriculture and the food industry. Its a lot more serious than presents under a Christmas tree.....
Ron and Jay discuss a variety of agricultural issues occurring around the world and back home in NNY.
Dr. Richard Stup, Director of Cornell University's Agricultural Workforce Development Program and Jay Canzonier, Extension Support Specialist, join Jay Matteson to discuss supporting workforce development across New York State's agricultural industry. This in depth discussion explores many of the issues impacting agriculture. This relatively new program is trying to develop ways to help our farms maintain and grow their workforce.
Ron and Jay discuss an upcoming Dairy Feeder School and the importance of dairy feeder staff in the operation of a dairy farm. Afterwards they tackle into Federal Milk Marketing Order Reform, dairy pricing and several other important topics in the world of dairy farming.
Jay and Ron both were on the road recently! Jay talks a little on his visit to Salem Massachusetts. Ron shares what he saw while he was in Florida recently about the impacts from Hurricane Ian on agriculture..
Dave Timerman joins Jay in the studio to talk about the history of turkey farming in Jefferson County. At one time, Jefferson County NY was the largest turkey producing County in NYS. Dave shares his experiences with turkey farming since he and his dad farmed in the early 1950's.
In this episode we interview Jim Handley, Executive Vice President of the Florida Cattlemen's Association and Alex Johns, Executive Director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida about the impacts of Hurricane Ian and the floods that followed. Farmers, their livestock and crops are struggling to recover from the devastation. Cattle are trapped in standing water in remote fields and it is a struggle to get to them, the orange crop lies on the ground, strawberry fields were destroyed. Yet, as Jim and Alex discuss, the intestinal fortitude of the farm community is huge and they are fighting to survive!
Ron and Jay interview Dr. Scott Steiger, Director of the Lake Effect Storm Prediction and Research Center at SUNY Oswego, about a study that just started on the eastern end of Lake Ontario to examine "Thunder - Snow", the occurrence of lightning during Lake Effect Snow Storms. Lightning detection arrays have been placed across the countryside on the eastern end of Lake Ontario to detect and locate lightning strikes that occur during lake effect storms. Within the study, the scientists are asking whether the presence of wind turbines has increased the frequency of lightning strikes? It is a great conversation but we ran a little long on this one so grab a cup of tea and enjoy.
Ron and Jay interview the new Business Development Specialist at Jefferson County Economic Development about her thoughts on a variety of business development topics inlcuding networking, location, and marketing. It is a wide ranging fun and informative conversation for everyone from farmers to shop owners! and yes, we always talk about the weather too.....
What's happening with dairy prices? Jay and Ron discuss dairy prices and what is happening on our dairy farms in terms of reinvestment and expansion. It is nice to hear something positive once in a while!
Jay and Ron dive deep in this episode in their discussion on the Farm Labor Wage Board's recommendation to lower the overtime threshold to 40 hours over the next ten years. Ron expresses a few opinions and Jay shares insights on the expected impacts from this recommendation.
Podcast host Jay Matteson sits down with three members of the secretive "Agrarian Economic Forum", as they jokingly refer to themselves, a 15 member think tank that gathers twice a year to look at national and world food systems. The three share their views on what is happening in the nation and globally that will impact our economies and our food supply. Gary Niemeyer, from Springfield Illinois, has served on many agricultural associations, boards and councils for over 40 years. His common sense approach to growing food has led to tremendous success in his business ventures. Glen Moeller, a self proclaimed farm boy living in Long grove Iowa, has spent decades farming and serving in organizations like the National Corn Growers Association. Glenn and a few other concerned individuals started the "Next Generation Agriculture Advocates" program several years ago with the mission of bringing young aspiring farmers without a farm of their own together with farm owners who want to retire but need someone to take over the farm. And of course we feature jay's co-host, Ron Robbins, a member of the "think tank" who joins Jay in hosting the podcast. Ron and his family own North Harbor Dairy Farm, Old McDonald's Farm, and Robbins Family Grain among other agricultural businesses.
Hmmm, Barbeque Potato Chips and Cottage Cheese?? Sounds good to us! Should Ron and Jay participate in goat yoga? These are the important lead discussions Ron and Jay have, but then it get's better - Ron and Jay discuss a recent visit by three of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's Washington D.C. staff to the NY 21st Congressional District. Emma Johnston, Congresswoman Stefanik's Legislative Assistant who focuses on agriculture; Palmer Brigham, the Director of Communications for the Congresswoman and Stephanie Buesser, a Legislative Assistant, spent the week traveling to each County in the 21st District learning about important agricultural and rural issues.
Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson discuss many different topics including growing concerns about the impact inflation is having and growing lines at food distribution events; the drought in the west and loss of prime farmland! Phew, we covered a lot of ground in 30 minutes....
Listen in as Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins discuss the labor crisis facing agriculture. Of course they offer their insight and strong opinions, like always, about how to solve some of the labor problems facing America's farmers and manufacturers.
Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson interview Marshall Weir, Deputy Director of Jefferson County Economic Development about a grant program the agency has available for small businesses.
Jay and Ron cover a wide range of topics including the impact the weatyher is having on the planting season in NNY and they dive in to cannabis as a crop for farmers.
Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson interview Dr. Larry Jones with Farm Institute, and an expert in how milk pricing works across the United States. We talk with Larry trying to gain a better understanding of how milk pricing back to our farms works. It is crazy! Can you imagine trying to run a business when you don't know what the price of your product will be for at least a month?
Hosts Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins interview Shawn Hackett, President of Hacket Financial Advisers and author of Hacket Agriculture Report. Shawn has spent the last 30 years following market trends and global economies to better advise his agricultural clients on what to expect financially. The conversation with Shawn explores how the markets are currently impacting agriculture and what producers should expect in 2022 - 2024. The conversation is also important to consumers as we hear from Shawn what to expect in 2023 and 2024 in regards to food shortages. Be prepared.
Hosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson discuss the potential for "Bessie" to generate renewable natural gas and whether New York's timeline for eliminating fossil fuels is realistic.
In this podcast I chat with Abbey Jantzi, the Dairy and Livestock Specialist from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, about the many things happening in 4H. We cover a lot of ground ranging from the Jefferson County Dairy Parade to the Jefferson County Fair and beyond! It is fantastic to hear about 4H, a n important youth development program!
Jay, Al and Ron interview Dr. Travis Maddock, owner of Dakota Global Consulting and an expert in the beef and meat processing industries. Dr. Maddock talks about what he's seeing nationaiwde in the beef industry and the impacts of of the pandemic, war in Ukraine, inflation, crazy blizzards, droughts, and weather patterns. So many topics are covered it is hard to keep up! Most important is Al Walts question at the very end as Jay is trying to sign off...lol! Enjoy the show!
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In this episode Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins interview Shauna Arnold, Hospitality and Tourism Coordinator at Jefferson Community College as she announces the college will be starting a collegiate FFA Chapter! This is good news for the Agribusiness Program at the college and will be helpful to the 6 FFA chapters across Jefferson County. Ron and Jay also talk about The Port of Oswego beginning to ship soybeans and corn from central and northern New York to destinations across the World to fill the gaps left from the war in Ukraine.
Lyle Wood, a partner with Wood Farnms, LLC in Cape Vincent NY, and a Board member for Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), joins cohosts Alan Walts, Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson for a conversation about whats happening in the dairy industry. The broad ranging conversation covers supply and demand issues, world hunger, New York City School District School lunch changes, rising input costs and a variety of other topics. All in 32 minutes and 2 seconds.... Listen in to the informative and entertaining conversation!
My cohost Ron Robbins and I first say goodbye to a member of NNY's agricultural family, Gerry Wetterhahn. We then interview Jake Ledoux, a team member of North Harbor Dairy Farms, about obtaining a cdl license for his work on the farm. How did he do it and what were the challenges he ran into.
In this episode Jay Matteson and co-hosts Ron Robbins and Al Walts discuss the NYS Dangerous Dogs law within NYS Agriculture and Markets Law. Do farm animals have rights against cruelty from dogs running loose? What is the dangerous dogs law and what is its impact on a situation that is happening on too many farms in Jefferson County and beyond? Hopefully, this podcast will provide valuable information to all of the farmers who encounter these situations.
Ron Robbins, a dairy farmer and multi-faceted businessman who watches the markets and the weather with an "Eagle Eye" and I discuss what happened to the world markets for food and fuel within the first 48 hours of the beginning of the Russian Invasion into Ukraine. WE'll talk about the impacts of the INvasion, how the markets responded, and what that means to you the consumer. Ron and I will also look at weather trends for North American and what impact that may have on the Spring planting season We tie all of that into how your dinner plate may be impacted. It's a great conversation so sit back and grab a cold glass of milk with a "spritz" of fresh maple syrup and enjoy!
Steve Winkler, owner of Lucki7 Livestock Company in Rodman NY talks with Jay about what's happening across the United States and local with the supply of beef and pork. First we hear from Jay about a grant program available to food producers in Jefferson County NY and Steve will tell us about his home operation and all the great things they are doing there. It's a great discussion from someone who gets his hands dirty everyday farming and marketing his livestock.
How do you create an edible landscape? What is an edible forest? I interview organic farmer and author Dani Baker about her new book, "The Home Scale Forest Garden: How to Plan, Plant and Tend a Resilient Edible Landscape". We have a great discussion about her experiences starting an organic farm on Wellesley Island in northern New York State and her creating an edible landscape with a one acre forest. Dani and I discuss her book which I absolutely love. Hope you enjoy the interview! Dani's farm is Cross Island Farm located on Wellsley Island in beautiful Thousand Islands region on northern New York State. Check out her website www.enchantededibleforest.com
Host Jay Matteson and guest host Alan Walts interview Jefferson County Farm Bureau President and partner at Sheland Dairy Farms LLC, Devon Shelmidine and John Wagner, Director of County Relations for New York Farm Bureau about the proposed changes in the overtime threshold for farmworkers. NYS is considering lower the overtime threshold from 60 hours a week down to 40 hours a week. Our discussion willfocus on what the proposal is, how you can speak out about it and what some of the impacts of this change will be. Will this change impact your dinner plate? Listen to the show and find out!
In this episode I interview Agricultural Trade Expert Tom Sleight and Farmer Ron Robbins about how tensions with Russia and China may impact agricultural trade. Why does Ukraine matter to your dinner plate?
In season 1, episode 1 I share a short story of what Jay Matteson's Rural America is all about. I discuss my 20 years of hosting an agricultural talk show on AM radio stations and my agricultural economic development background. I also give you a brief idea of what to expect in our future shows and who my guest co-hosts are. Make sure you check out future episodes with lots of great interviews!!!