Farmer Friday: Recent Episodes
Elizabeth Lynch
Farmer Friday | This interview series amplifies the voices of our farmers, agriculturists, ag organizations, and ag businesses in the Appalachian region. It gives YOU, as the consumer, the resources needed to understand what is going on in our agricultural industry and what you can do to help. Let's bridge the gap between producers and consumers!
For the last time as Miss West Virginia, happy Farmer Friday!
I am so honored to have the President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, Zippy Duvall, share his story.
Zippy is a proud advocate for agriculture. He is a major proponent of the Farm Bureau and believes everyone can benefit from being a member. The Farm Bureau can provide so much more than agricultural policy. It provides leadership and public speaking opportunities, community, resources, and a way to get your voice heard. Thank you President Duvall for being a strong voice in the agriculture industry in America!
Check out the AFBF website for more information! https://www.fb.org/
Be sure to follow my page to find out when more episodes are released in the future! (@ealynch1336) Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer! #misswestvirginia #GrowingUpGrowingAg #thankafarmer #afbf #farmerfriday #farmbureau
It's Farmer Friday!
I am so excited to have Heather Ransom on today's episode! Heather is the marketing director and storyteller for Solar Holler.
"Solar Holler is bringing the next generation of energy production to our ancient mountains". This company puts an emphasis on the revitalization of Appalachian economies and communities
.With the love of the Mountain State in mind, they have partnered with Libera, Inc to provide items in the Lila Bear Explor(her) Club box! But here is where YOU come in! From May 1st-10th, when you schedule a FREE virtual home visit, Solar Holler will donate one Lila Bear Box to a child in West Virginia.
Follow the link to learn more and sign up for a visit! πhttps://www.solarholler.com/.../solar-holler-partners.../
Want to know more about Solar Holler or Libera, Inc.? Follow the links below!
https://www.solarholler.com/
https://www.liberawv.com/
Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!#misswestvirginia #farmerfriday #growingupgrowingag #solarenergy #liberawv #lilabear
Happy Farmer Friday!
I am so excited to have Kelsey Riggi from the Libera Organization to talk about the Lila Bear Explor(her) Club!
"The Lila Bear Explor(her) Club is a social enterprise started by Libera, Inc. Libera, Inc is a nonprofit organization that has been empowering women and youth in West Virginia to find freedom since 2015. When you support the Lila Bear Explor(her) Club, you are helping to educate, employ, and empower at-risk youth in WV β especially youth transitioning out of foster care."
This social enterprise provides educational subscription boxes that encourage youth to enjoy nature and learn more about STEM fields. These boxes are themed around inspirational Appalachian women. I am so thrilled to say that the Miss West Virginia Organization has partnered with Kelsey for their upcoming box (to be released in June). It will be Miss West Virginia 2022 themed, and will be full of agricultural education items and activities. Watch the video for a box reveal!
Here is where YOU come in! We are so excited to partner with Solar Holler. From May 1st-10th, when you schedule a FREE virtual home visit, Solar Holler will donate one Lila Bear Box to a child in West Virginia. Follow the link to learn more and sign up for a visit!
https://www.solarholler.com/2023/04/25/solar-holler-partners-with-libera/
Want to learn more about Lila Bear or Libera? Use the links provided below! https://www.lilabearexplorherclub.com/explorher-club
https://www.liberawv.com/
Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!
farmerfriday #misswestvirginia #libera #wvda #AFBF #solarenergy #solarpower #stem #appalachianwomen #MissAmerica
"If you want something, it's only you that can go get it. You are your own advocate! If you aren't screaming from the mountaintops for what you want and what you deserve, you aren't going to get it and your friend or your coworker won't get it for you." πͺ
Happy #FarmerFriday!π©βπΎπ
I am so excited to share this interview with you. Not only is this my very first in-person recording, but it's also with my best friend!
Angelina Watts works in the cannabis industry. On today's interview, she discusses how this agricultural commodity can benefit ag as a whole, how opening a facility can create jobs for a community, and how she uses her knowledge to advocate for the industry. π±
Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!π€
misswestvirginia #precisionagriculture #growingupgrowingag #futureofag #medicinalherbs
Happy #farmerfriday!π©βπΎπThere is truly nothing better than watching the community come together under a common cause. Community Markets Inc. does just that and more! Not only does this program seek to increase access to healthy food resources for families and communities in need, but they also support West Virginia producers in the process. πIn this interview, Mark Peiffer (Program Manager) describes how CMI is able to provide locally grown produce to families in the Eastern Panhandle and what you can do at home to help. πΎFor more information on Community Markets Inc., check out their website!https://www.communitymarketsinc.org/Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!#misswestvirginia #growingupgrowingag #communitymarkets #CMI #shoplocal #community
It's Farmer Friday!!
Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Melinda McDerment, the president of the West Virginia Gamebreeders Association. Melinda is an advocate for game fowl throughout the state. She does all that she can to preserve the numerous breeds, create educational opportunities, and shed a positive light on game fowl.
The WVGBA also hosts many poultry shows throughout the year! If you are interested in attending a show or learning more, follow their Facebook page!
Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!
misswestvirginia #GrowingUpGrowingAg #farmerfriday #WVGBA #poultry #WVDA
This Farmer Friday interview with Pheobe Taylor, the new agriculture educator and FFA advisor at Sissonville High School, is exactly why I love my job!
Mrs. Taylor represents a new era in the future of agriculture. With a strong background in the industry, she is credited with establishing the first FFA chapter at Sissonville High School. She has plans to expand the program to include an animal handling facility, a greenhouse, and a farm to table program.
I love having the opportunity to meet people who are just as enthusiastic about agricultural advocacy and education as I am. Way to go Mrs. Taylor and the new members of the Sissonville FFA! #FFA #FarmerFriday #MissAmerica #misswestvirginia #GrowingUpGrowingAg #FFAAlumni #thankanagteache
Happy Farmer Friday!
"Even when people are telling you it can't be done because it's never been done before...Well, you don't know if it can be done because it's never been done before! Maybe no one has ever attempted it or maybe they've never attempted it the way you want to do it. Trust in yourself. Trust in the process. And go for it."
Marshall University's Sustainability Department is truly making waves for their students, their community, and the state. Amy Parsons-White, M.S. is the sustainability manager at Marshall and has a beautiful and attainable vision for a greener West Virginia.
Today, Amy discusses the impactful initiatives started by the Sustainability Department, how you can reduce energy and resource consumption at home, and the future of the program!
Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!
misswestvirginia #farmerfriday #missamerica #growingupgrowingag #marshalluniversity #thunderingherd #gogreen #sustainablefuture
Welcome back to Farmer Friday!
I am so excited about today's interview. If you have been following my journey for a while, you might remember my interview with Kacey Gantzer when I was Miss Jefferson County 2022. (https://youtu.be/suVcSVXLRzc) If you are new to my page, Kacey is the Northern Region Planning Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Ag. She is so passionate about what she does that I just had to share her story again!
Kacey wears many hats in her job. As an advocate for our West Virginia Farmer's Markets, her favorite part of the job is starting our producers on the path to success and working with them directly. In this interview, she discusses the WV Grown program, overcoming challenges to selling your own products, and what you can do to support our WV agriculturists.
Want more information? Follow the link below!
https://agriculture.wv.gov/ag-business/contacts/
Remember to like, share, and #thankafarmer !
Want to go back and watch older interviews? Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZXdx7mCrNKaQKcVijpDLohNSOggXMPaj
Follow on Facebook: Miss West Virginia
farmerfriday #WVDA #farmbureau #growingupgrowingag #misswestvirginia #missamerica #farmersmarkets #westvirginia
Welcome back to Farmer Friday!
I have noticed so many new people are following my journey. I wanted to take the time to introduce myself, my social impact initiative, and my Farmer Friday interviews.
If you are interested in becoming a part of my interview series, send a direct message through my social media platforms or shoot an email to elizabethlynchmwv22@gmail.com.
You can watch my previous interviews on:
Instagram- @missamericawv
Facebook- Miss West Virginia
YouTube- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZXdx7mCrNKaQKcVijpDLohNSOggXMPaj
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/0AYv8Ov92AVjBWUKI6ZNHi?si=uOHj993oSRWVwPWcbUcGVw&utm_source=copy-link
It's Farmer Friday!π©βπΎπ
Today's interview is with the Executive Director of Operation Welcome Home (OWH) in West Virginia. Tiffany Summerlin is a United States Marine Corps veteran and was a former dental hygienist before finding her niche at OWH. This organization assists veterans with obtaining fulfilling employment along with providing opportunities to make connections with other programs/individuals to "overcome barriers of employment". OWH also provides a welcoming environment for veterans to come together, "share whatβs on their mind, form bonds, and simply relax with other veterans who understand their trials and triumphs". πΊπΈ In this interview, Tiffany discusses the Veterans Agriculture Training (VAT) program. The VAT gives veterans the chance to gain hands-on experience in the ag field. There are opportunities to work with WVU Extension through workshops held monthly. Veterans have the chance to develop business plans, find points of contact, and receive necessary resources to help them on their agricultural journey. If you are interested in the VAT or OWH, check out their Facebook Page or follow the link below for more information!π https://welcomehomewv.com/ Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer! π #farmerfriday #GrowingUpGrowingAg #misswestvirginia #missamerica #operationwelcomehome #owh #veterans
Happy Farmer Friday!!ππ©βπΎ
Today's interview deals with an amazing program that is built upon a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. The West Virginia Farm to School is a great way for students to gain hands-on experience in agriculture and receive healthier options for breakfast and lunch during school hours. Leslie Boggess explains the ins and outs of the program and how you can get involved as an educator, a parent, or a local producer.π Check out these websites for more information! https://agriculture.wv.gov/divisions/... https://wvde.us/student-support-well-... Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer! π #farmtoschool #westvirginia #GrowingUpGrowingAg #FarmerFriday #WVDE #WVDA #wvfarmtoschool #missamerica
Happy Farmer Friday!π©βπΎπ
Charity Marstiller is an agricultural education teacher at Jefferson High School. She was recently named one of ten finalists for the 2023 West Virginia Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Department of Education and it's so easy to see why! Charity has devoted her life to not only expanding the knowledge of agriculture, but improving the lives of her students for the last 25 years. Check out her interview to find out some of the great things Charity and her students have accomplished.π Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!π #misswestvirginia #farmerfriday #growingupgrowingag #ageducation #WVeducation #WVDE #service #FFA
Happy Farmer Friday!ππ©βπΎ
Welcome to Part two of the Grow Ohio Valley interview with Vincent and Sarah! Today they discuss a start-up project called the "Wheeling Food Hub" which deals with value-added products, the AmeriCorp program, the Urban Farming program, and the innovative ways our farmers are feeding the world.π Check out the Grow Ohio Valley website or the AmeriCorp website for more information. https://www.growov.org/ https://americorps.gov/national-servi... Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!π #misswestvirginia #GrowingUpGrowingAg #FarmerFriday #GrowOV #shoplocal #agriculture
Happy Farmer Friday!π©βπΎπ '
Sarah and Vincent from Grow Ohio Valley have so much great information that I had to turn their interview into a two part series! Part two will be relased next Friday.π Today, you will get to hear all about the history and mission of Grow Ohio Valley. We also get into the Public Market, the FARMacy program, and the educational programs that Grow OV provides to the community! I am so excited for you to hear the wonderful things that they are doing in the agriculture world.ππ₯¬ππ₯¦ https://www.growov.org/ Stay tuned for part two next Friday! Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer! #misswestvirginia #farmerfriday #GrowingUpGrowingAg #GrowOV #shoplocal #publicmarket #FARMacy
Happy Farmer Friday! ππ©βπΎ
Today's interview is one that I have been looking forward to sharing for a while! Megan Parsons is the marketing and communications manager from Buzz Foods and the Appalachian Abattoir. On top of providing a processing facility to the meat producers in West Virginia, they are offering educational resources and training to learn this vital trade! Megan and I also discussed a new program called "Mountain State Ground Beef" which is a great opportunity for beef producers here in the state.π Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!! π Check out these links for more information: https://beef.buzz/https://appalachianabattoir.com/https://www.wvcattlemen.org/mountain-...#farmerfriday#GrowingUpGrowingAg#shoplocal#appalachianabattoir#misswestvirginia#missamerica#service
Happy Farmer Friday!π©βπΎπ
Farmer Friday interviews are a way for me to showcase the agriculturists here in the state of West Virginia. Our agriculturists get a chance to tell their stories and provide a ton of educational and informational resources to you!π My first interview as Miss West Virginia is with Rhonda Jackson from Be Well Better Counseling Services. You might be asking, "How does her job include agriculture???". Well, Rhonda partners with the Horses with Hearts Organization which uses the power of agriculture and horses to change lives! The new program she is involved with utilizes equine-assisted psychotherapy as a form of mental health treatment. We discussed how horses are incorporated into her sessions and the impact it is making in the agriculture and mental health world. π΄ Check out the two links below to find out how to become a part of this program or how to volunteer your time! Be sure to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer! π http://horseswithhearts.com/https://bewellbetter.com/#FarmerFriday#mentalhealthawareness#horseswithhearts#misswestvirginia#missamerica#westvirginiaagriculture
Music
Happy Farmer Friday and Happy Miss West Virginia Competition week!ππ©βπΎ
"Instead of having that strong [female agricultural] influence, I feel like I want to be that influence!"π Today's interview is probably one of my favorites! Kacey Ganzter is the Northern Region Planning Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. She is accomplishing some amazing things for the producers and farmer's markets here in West Virginia. Kacey discusses the ever growing "West Virginia Grown" program and how it can assist producers. Her dedication to agriculture and ag education is inspiring. She is definitely an extremely knowledgeable, female powerhouse in the ag world and, in my opinion, has become that female influence she strives to be!ππ Remember to like, share, comment and thank a farmer!π #WVDA #farmersmarkets #thankafarmer #GrowingUpGrowingAg #misswestvirginia #mwvco22 #womeninag #femaleempowerment
Make no mis-steak, this weeks interview with Jessie Pennell is unique! π₯©
Ms. Pennell is our WV Beef Industry Program Specialist and is responsible for working with the WV Cattlemen's Association, the WV Beef Industry Council, and our WV farmers. She not only talks about an upcoming program for beef producers in the state, but she discusses what it's like to be an agricultural woman in a in a pageant world! π Remember to like, comment, share and #thankafarmer!π #mwvco22 #misswestvirginia #GrowingUpGrowingAg #beefindustrycouncil #wvcattlemensassociation #beefitswhatsfordinner #thankafarmer #farmerfriday #missjeffersoncounty #beef
Happy Farmer Friday!!ππ©βπΎ
From a few chickens to a robust family farm, Pike Mountain Farm has grown into a successful business in the mountains of West Virginia. Tyler Rice shares his story in today's Farmer Friday interview. He discusses everything from the pride he takes in raising his animals sustainably to the lessons he hopes his children learn from being involved in agriculture. This is one interview you don't want to miss!π Be sure to check out his Facebook page or website for more information. https://www.pikemountainfarm.com/ Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer!π #mwvco22 #misswestvirginia #shoplocal #GrowingUpGrowingAg #familyfarm #missjeffersoncounty #sustainableagriculture
Happy Farmer Friday!π©βπΎπ
Today's interview is sweeter than honey! I had the opportunity to speak with Jennifer King, the owner of Eversweet Apiaries. We talked about her dedication to beekeeping education and what we can do at home to support the bee population in our area. I hope you learn as much as I did as you watch her interview!π Check out her website for classes, informational videos, and services provided by Eversweet and don't forget to like, comment, and share!π―π https://www.eversweetapiaries.com/ #mwvco22 #misswestvirginia #thankafarmer #GrowingUpGrowingAg #farmerfriday #agriculture #beekeeping #missamerica
Happy Farmer Friday! πππ©βπΎ
Today's interview will leave your heart feeling full. I had the pleasure of speaking with a gentleman I have looked up to for years. Mr. Mark Hostuttler works for the National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture (NCCCWA) as a biologist. He is affiliated with the Agricultural Research Service as well as the United States Department of Agriculture. We spoke about "being that needle in the haystack" to improve your environment, being proud of your work, and, of course, being proud to be a West Virginian. ππ I hope you take his advice to heart as you listen to this interview! Check out this website to learn more about the mission of the NCCCWA and remember to like, comment, and share!π https://www.ars.usda.gov/.../cool-and... #mwvco22 #misswestvirginia #GrowingUpGrowingAg #thankafarmer #farmerfriday #missamerica
Happy Farmer Friday!π©βπΎππ
Today's interview is super special. I had the opportunity to speak with the Jefferson County Commissioner, Steve Stolipher. We discussed everything from the Farmland Protection Program to the joys of watching new farm life enter the world. Please take a minute to listen to his story! π€π Remember to Like, Comment, and Share!π #thankafarmer #GrowingUpGrowingAg #FarmerFriday #misswestvirginia #mwvc022 #missamerica
Happy Farmer Friday!ππ
Check out my special guest for this weeks interview, Commissioner Kent Leonhardt , the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture! We discussed the substantial amount of work the WV Department of Agriculture is doing to keep our food supply abundant, our water clean, and our forests healthy. He also touched on the fantastic goals he has to improve upon an already thriving agricultural industry here in WV. π Listen to his story and check out https://agriculture.wv.gov/ for more information! Remember to like, comment, and share!π #mwvco22 #misswestvirginia #missamerica #GrowingUpGrowingAg #WVDA #USDA #thankafarmer
It's Farmer Friday!!! ππ½πππ
This week I got the chance to speak with Misty Cook of Spring Valley Farm and Orchard, who recently purchased the Butler's Farm Market property. Mrs. Cook was able to speak about her life as an agriculturist and how her community has truly come together to support their business during the Pandemic. π₯° Be sure to Like, Comment, and Share! Check out their page Spring Valley Farm Market- Romney- 22580 NW Pike Romney WV 26757 to keep up with their amazing journey! #FarmerFriday #GrowingUpGrowingAg #thankafarmer
It's Farmer Friday!!! ππ½πππ
This week I got the chance to speak with Misty Cook of Spring Valley Farm and Orchard, who recently purchased the Butler's Farm Market property. Mrs. Cook was able to speak about her life as an agriculturist and how her community has truly come together to support their business during the Pandemic. π₯° Be sure to Like, Comment, and Share! Check out their page Spring Valley Farm Market- Romney- 22580 NW Pike Romney WV 26757 to keep up with their amazing journey! #FarmerFriday #GrowingUpGrowingAg #thankafarmer
It's Farmer Friday!! ππ½ππ₯π«ππ
I am so excited to share this one with you! This week I had the honor of interviewing the Market Manager of The Charlestown Farmer's Market, Fiona Harrison. She was able to talk about the history of the market and why it's so vital for the farmers in the Eastern Panhandle as well as for community enrichment. Follow the Charles Town Farmers Market, WV for updates on their vendors and events! #FarmerFriday #GrowingUpGrowingAg #misswestvirginia #missamericaorganization
It's Farmer Friday!! πππ½
I had the privilege of interviewing one of the most inspiring and kind people that I know- Kay Barkwill from Horses with Hearts. This organization uses agriculture and horses to change the lives of so many people. If you are looking for something to warm your heart, check out the video! Follow Horses with Hearts to check out their journey!π΄ Miss West Virginia Miss West Virginia Organization Miss America Organization #GrowingUpGrowingAg #FarmerFriday #equineassistedtherapy
This interview is "udderly" phenomenal! π
In part two of Deliteful Dairy's Farmer Friday interview, Katie and Brooks clear up misconceptions about the dairy industry and discuss what our community can do to support dairy farmers. They also reveal what family farming has meant to them and what they hope their children have gained from growing up on a farm. I really hope you guys enjoy listening to this interview as much as I did!π¦π§π₯π§ Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer! ππ©βπΎ #misswestvirginia #farmerfriday #GrowingUpGrowingAg #missamerica #dairyfarmer #dairy #marylandag
This Farmer Friday interview was legen-dairy!π₯π
In part one of this two part interview, Katie and Brooks Long dive into their business Deliteful Dairy. Today we discuss the history of the farm, the p products offered in their shop, and some of the struggles facing the dairy industry in America. This agricultural power couple jumped in feet first to bring Deliteful Dairy to life and ensure consumers receive the best dairy products possible. π¦π§π§π₯ If you are interested in what products are offered or you would like to take a trip to the shop, check out their Facebook/Instagram page or the website below!π https://delitefuldairy.com/ @deliteful_dairy Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer! #delitefuldairy #dairy #dairyfarmer #agriculture #farmerfriday #growingupgrowingag #missamerica #misswestvirginia #mao #marylandag
Happy Farmer Friday!
When I heard Kevin Snyder speak at the Jefferson County Farm Bureau banquet, I knew I had to do an interview with him! Kevin runs Shenstone Farm which produces beef cattle. In this interview, he discusses his operation and his recent experience with placing his farm into the farmland protection program. Although a tedious process, Kevin says that he feels immense relief that his family went forward with the program and now the farm will forever be used for agricultural purposes. Be sure to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer! #GrowingUpGrowingAg #missamerica #misswestvirginia #farmerfriday #wvbeef #farmlandprotection
Say cheese!
Today's Farmer Friday interview is with our very own West Virginia Dairy Princess, Helen McCarty! I was extremely fortunate to watch her get crowned this past August. Helen discusses her duties with this title and how we can support the dairy industry. One piece of advice she gives is to eat more ice cream and that advice is something I can get behind! On top of being a phenomenal advocate and spokeswoman for the West Virginia dairy industry, she is very well educated in her field. In this interview, she goes over the difference between plant-based milk products and dairy products. If you are interested in having Helen speak in your classroom or set up her educational display, contact her on the WV Dairy Princess Program Facebook Page! Remember to like, comment, share and #thankafarmer! #growingupgrowingag #farmerfriday #misswestvirginia #missamerica
Farmer Friday just got spicy!
In this interview, I have Lillian and Dorri from Andor Peppers talking about their West Virginia Grown products. Their pepper gardens lie along the Cheat River and have been a labor of love for years. During the pandemic, they took a family hobby and turned it into a successful business. Now, Andor Peppers has hot sauces, spices, hot honey, and spicy maple syrup for sale all over the state! Today, they discuss how hot sauce is made, why consumers should shop local, and the importance of educating yourself before starting a small business. If you would like to purchase their products or figure out where they will set up shop next, check out their website and Facebook page! https://www.andorpeppers.com/ Remember to like, comment, share, and #thankafarmer! #peppers #growingupgrowingag #farmerfriday #westvirginiagrown #misswestvirginia
For today's Farmer Friday interivew, Dr. Carol Greco gives us a ton of great information about FARMacy WV!
"West Virginia leads the country in chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity." This program provides people with healthier food options, nutrition education, recipes, and cooking classes. In turn, those who participate see an improvement in their HgA1C levels and overall wellness. FARMacy WV truly proves the fact that food is medicine!
In this interview, Dr. Greco shares how you can get a "prescription", the resources you will be provided, and what you can do to help this become a long-term sustainable program!
If you have questions or want to learn more, click the link below. And remember to like, comment, share and #thankafarmer!
https://farmacywv.com/about/