Do you ever wonder about how FISH are farmed? Cast a net on this latest episode with Dr. Nicole Kirchhoff who farms bait like pinfish for the fishing industry, and other baby fish breeds to be fed for markets and restaurants! What are the facts behind sustainability, Lake Okeechobee, discharges and more? How do fish farms help save the planet, improve FL landscapes and economies? Learn the facts from Dr Kirchhoff. She is the founder and CEO of Live Advantage Bait, a marine biologist with 18 years of commercial aquaculture production experience and a doctorate in aquatic animal health, aquaculture, fisheries and conservation. Her website: www.liveadvantagebait.com Adjunct Lecturer National Center for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability, Aquatic Animal Health Group Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Australia Adjunct Lecturer NOVA Southeastern Oceanographic Center Dania Beach, Florida, USA

Michelle has a chat with Dr Charlie Li, professor of Agricultural AI and Automation at the University of Florida and an IFAS AI Administrative Coordinator.  Dr. Li’s long-term research goal is to develop agricultural AI and automation technologies to ensure an efficient and resilient agri-food chain to support the growing world population sustainably. The innovative technologies developed by Li’s group play a critical role in addressing pressing challenges facing modern agriculture such as breeding resilient and climate-smart crops, mitigating labor shortages for harvesting specialty crops and managing weeds, as well as minimizing postharvest food losses.  Here is one video on phenotyping robots which features those talked about in the show (including for blueberries, peanut yield and disease scouting)  ImageMARS_Video Link to Dr. Li’s lab:  https://uflbsail.net/ Here is the link to UF IFAS AI research, which showcases a diverse set of projects carried out by his colleagues:  https://ifas.ufl.edu/artificial-intelligence/

Since the 1930s, the Wedgeworth Family has had multiple generations running their farms! They are no stranger to women-run farms, too. Join Michelle and Keith Wedgeworth as they discuss best management practices and crop rotations within sugarcane and beyond. South Florida boasts some of the globe's foremost regions for sugarcane and sweet corn, supplying fresh produce to much of the East Coast of America throughout the winter months. Explore the Wedgeworth Institute, in collaboration with the University of Florida IFAS, for the forefront of agricultural advocacy and leadership development, cultivating the next generation of leaders. Visit their website: https://wedgworthleadership.com/

Did you know that the University or Florida has thousands of experts at your fingertips? Here in episode 9, Michelle sits down with Jeanna Mastrodicasa- the COO of UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) with their role in Florida’s food systems. Every county has a UF extension program designed to help EVERYONE in our state, from gardeners to homeowners to farmers and everything in between. Listen as Jeanna shares more about these programs, the “Ask IFAS” resources, the impact of UF for the state’s farms, and the rising influence of women in agriculture. Learn more about IFAS: https://ifas.ufl.edu/ Ask IFAS: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

David and Michelle discuss policies currently affecting housing situations for the H2A worker program. As urban sprawl carries on, how can we ensure that farmers get to stay on their farms? What does it mean to “buy local” and why is that important? Hear about David’s impressive family business with farming, packing houses, agritourism and more! As the owner of Southern Hill farm, he can be reached at david@southernhillfarms.com.

Senator Ben Albritton is doing a lot of legislative work on Florida policy, genuinely caring about our state and it’s people. A 4th generation farmer himself, he understands what needs to be done in particular with restoration strategies, water policy, and more. 2024 is about to be a big year - what do all these political terms and action items mean for the future of Florida agriculture? Bio: Ben Albritton is a 4th generation farmer, born and raised in Florida’s Heartland. Brought up by a family of farmers, ranchers, citrus growers and businessmen, Ben has invested his life in the rich agricultural heritage of Central Florida. After graduating from Hardee High School in 1986, Ben earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Citrus/Business in 1990 from Florida Southern College. Ben went on to work for his family’s citrus groves and for over 30 years he has focused on the growth of Florida’s agricultural community. Today, Albritton Companies has expanded to support citrus grove ownership, grove management, payroll management and risk consulting. In 1993, Ben married Missy Schrader of Wauchula and settled down in rural Hardee County to start and raise a family. Together, they have three beautiful children, Rebecca, Joshua and Ryan, and a brand new grandbaby. Ben is a faithful Christian, along with his wife Missy and their family, who invest their daily lives in the Scripture. The Albritton family are lifetime members of First Christian Church of Wauchula, where Ben has served as an Elder since 2003. Ben’s life has been rooted in service to others. It is a daily practice for him, especially within Florida’s agriculture community. After being elected Florida House in 2010, Ben served as Chairman of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, Vice Chairman of the Natural Resources & Public Lands Subcommittee, Agriculture & Property Rights Subcommittee, Appropriations Committee and the Government Accountability Committee. He also chaired the Polk, Hardee and DeSoto County Legislative Delegations. Ben was elected to the Florida Senate in 2018. In 2022, he was appointed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo to serve as Majority Leader. Ben is currently the Senate President-Designate and will step into his new role after this legislative session.

Agriculture has an amazing story to tell when it comes to utilizing best management practices. Soil leveling, data, reduced fertilizer and other inputs, policy, research, regulations and so much more. Years of research and billions of dollars have been invested to protect Florida's land and water, and...it's working. Join Michelle and Ernie to learn more about Florida's water quality and supply in relation to Florida agriculture and its critical role. As well as the commitment of farmers and ranchers to take care of Florida's water resources.   Bio: Ernie Barnett is the Executive Director of The Florida Land Council, which consists of 19 principal members who own more than 3 million acres of land throughout Florida. The Council was formed in 1985 to protecting the asset value of members’ landholdings. The Council proactively engages regulatory and resource management agencies to help formulate public policies that allow its members to continue their stewardship of their lands. Barnett is also the Director of Water and Land Advisors, Inc., an environmental consulting firm specializing in Florida water supply, water quality and environmental issues. Barnett has more than 30 years of water resources management experience and public service, during which he contributed to several landmark environmental laws. He had a lead role in the successful passage by the Florida Legislature of the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act; the Everglades Restoration Investment Act, which has provided more than $1 billion for Everglades restoration; and the Everglades Improvement and Management Act. He also helped secure approval of the Water Resource Development Act of 2000, in which Congress authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. In 2013, he led the South Florida Water Management District as Interim Executive Director. Barnett has a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida and Masters of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management and Planning, both from the University of West Florida.

Did you know that Florida is the winter salad bowl capital of America?  The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, shares his role as the "big cheese" of Florida's agricultural legislature. Florida's ability to keep land in agriculture through conservation and the Florida Rural and Family Lands program is a really big "dill!" Tune in to see how far we have come and where we are continuing to "grow" in our industry.

Pat Durden is the president of Florida Cattlemen’s Association and shares his thoughts on conserving and protecting the FL cattle industry. Florida farmers and ranchers really are the ultimate conservationists and recyclers.  #cowskeepfloridagreen

Timber and forestry management is a big part of Florida’s history and culture. Florida’s award winning prescribed burning programs offer great benefits to agriculture, residents, wildlife, and help bring back endangered species. But how does it work and what’s the regulatory oversight? Products from forestry are a huge part of our everyday lives from toothpaste to toilet paper, cell phone screens, food and more. Jim Karels retired in 2020 as Florida’s State Forester after 35 years with the agency. For more than 12 years, he was responsible for protecting Florida and its residents from the dangers of wildfire and managing forest resources to ensure they are available for future generations. He also served as the President of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and the Chairman of the NASF Wildland Fire Committee.

Windermere and the Orlando area is home to a lot more than just tourism, Disney World and Tiger Wood’s house. As urban sprawl becomes a bigger issue, land values skyrocket, and citrus greening disease continues to fester... what does the future of the Florida orange industry look like? Michelle sits down with one of her favorite Florida citrus growers, Glenn Beck, to find out.

In Farm Babe’s premier PUNcast episode, she chats with the President of the Florida Farm Bureau, Jeb Smith. What are some of the biggest issues affecting Florida Agriculture and what are they doing to help?  www.Floridafarmbureau.org www.floridaagcoalition.com

A sneak peak at what's ahead on HERD It Here...