HERD It Here

Ep. 12: Fish farming is not “de-BAIT”able - Dr Nicole Kirchhoff

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 [https://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

Ep. 11 - Old McDonald has a futuristic farm. AI? AI. Oh.

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/

Ep. 10 - Sugarcane farmers are SWEET!

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/ [https://wedgworthleadership.com/]

Ep. 9 - Ready to “Wet your plants!?” Ask IFAS!

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/ [https://ifas.ufl.edu/] Ask IFAS: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ [https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/]

Ep. 8 - Don’t be BLUE! Blueberry grower David Hill talks H2A housing

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 [david@southernhillfarms.com].