Why the West's Irrigated Farms Are Critical to America's Food Security

Large Animal Vet Life, Dairy Regulations & Consumer Myths: Inside Look with Dr. Kandice Runyon

Discover the real story behind dairy cow care with Dr. Kandice Runyon, DVM, Director of Animal Wellbeing at United Dairymen of Arizona (UDA). In this insightful episode of Fill Your Plate Now, the Ontario Veterinary College graduate and experienced dairy production medicine specialist shares her journey from growing up around Canadian family farms to international training in New Zealand, New Mexico, Israel, and Wisconsin. Dr. Runyon discusses the rewards and challenges of life as a large-animal veterinarian, a typical day on the job, and an unexpected moment while checking a cow's health. She addresses common misconceptions about dairy farming and farm animal welfare, explains key regulations and programs that ensure high standards of care, and details how dairies train workers to properly care for their animals. Learn fascinating facts about dairy cows: their unique biology, what they eat, how they convert feed into milk, and how their nutritional needs change throughout life. Dr. Runyon also highlights the three most important things every consumer should know about modern dairies and dairy cows. Whether you're a consumer, farmer, or simply curious about where your milk comes from, this episode provides transparent, expert-backed insights into bovine health, sustainable dairy practices, and animal wellbeing in today's dairy industry. Resources for Dr. Kandice Runyon, DVM | Director of Animal Wellbeing United Dairymen of Arizona Website [https://www.uda.coop/] | UDA Leadership Web Page [https://www.uda.coop/who-we-are/leadership] Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-baker-39618b2b/] | Julie Murphree LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-murphree-2b4280/] | AZ Milk Producers Website [https://arizonamilk.org/] | Arizona Farm Bureau [https://www.azfb.org/Arizona-Farm-Bureau-The-Voice-of-Arizona-Agriculture]

Arizona's 360 Days of Sunshine: How the Desert Became America's Winter Salad Bowl

Discover how Arizona's incredible climate powers our state's agriculture. With over 300 days of blazing sunshine, mild desert winters, and diverse microclimates, the Grand Canyon State grows fresh vegetables when the rest of the country is frozen. From Yuma — the Winter Lettuce Capital of the World — supplying 90-100% of U.S. leafy greens in peak winter months, to robust harvests of dates, pecans, melons, and cotton, Arizona farmers turn sunshine and smart irrigation into a $31 billion economic powerhouse. In this episode of Fill Your Plate Now, we explore the "golden gift" of Arizona's solar abundance, record-breaking truckloads of fresh produce feeding the nation, and the innovation making desert farming a model for climate-resilient food production. Tune in to see how Arizona fills America's plates — every single day of the year. Resources for Julie Mirphree, Strategic Communications Director at the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation https://jackienewgent.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fillyourplateJulie Murphree LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-murphree-2b4280/] | [https://jackienewgent.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fillyourplate]Arizona Farm Bureau [https://www.azfb.org/Arizona-Farm-Bureau-The-Voice-of-Arizona-Agriculture] Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-baker-39618b2b/] | AZ Milk Producers Website [https://arizonamilk.org/] |

Life & Legacy on Desperado Dairy

Join us on a captivating journey into the heart of agriculture and dairy farming at Desperado Dairy. In this podcast, we sit down with Casey and Andrea Dugan, proud owners and a 4th-generation dairy family, as they share the triumphs and tribulations of operating Desperado Dairy. Discover the intricate and rewarding life on the farm, where caring for their beloved cows, dedicated workers, and passionate community is at the forefront of everything they do. From the daily challenges of dairy farming to their innovative practices that ensure safe, nutritious, and affordable products for consumers, this podcast reveals the dedication and evolution of a modern-day dairy operation. Tune in for a blend of heartfelt stories, industry insights, and a celebration of sustainability in agriculture. Whether you're an aspiring farmer or just curious about where your milk comes from, this podcast is your ticket to understanding the legacy and love behind the life of Desperado Dairy. Resources for Casey and Andrea Dugan | Desperado Dairy United Dairymen of Arizona Website [https://www.uda.coop/who-we-are/our-family-farms] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/desperadodairy/] Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-baker-39618b2b/] | Julie Murphree LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-murphree-2b4280/] | AZ Milk Producers Website [https://arizonamilk.org/] | Arizona Farm Bureau [https://www.azfb.org/Arizona-Farm-Bureau-The-Voice-of-Arizona-Agriculture]

Award-Winning Chef + Dietitian Jackie Newgent on Making Healthy Food Irresistible

Join us on "Fill Your Plate Now" for an inspiring conversation with Jackie Newgent, RDN — a classically trained chef and registered dietitian who beautifully unites professional cooking with cutting-edge nutritional science. As the author of multiple award-winning cookbooks, a contributor to Health.com, and former chef instructor at New York City's Institute of Culinary Education, Jackie brings unmatched expertise to the table. Now based in Los Angeles, she teaches at The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica, serves as a nutrition coach for My Peak Challenge, develops recipes for major food brands, and advises organizations including Forbes Health and The Non-UPF Program. A former national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Jackie is a trusted voice on how to make plant-forward eating both delicious and sustainable. In this episode, Jackie shares practical strategies for bridging flavor and nutrition, her insights on real-world healthy cooking, and how we can rethink food, health, and sustainability — all while keeping meals exciting and satisfying. Whether you're a home cook, health enthusiast, or simply want to eat better without sacrificing taste, this conversation will leave your plate (and your mind) fuller than ever. Tune in and fill your plate now! Resources for Jackie Newgent, Award-Winning Chef & Registered Dietitian | Author Jackie Newgent's Website [https://jackienewgent.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fillyourplate] | The Gourmandise School Site [https://thegourmandiseschool.com/who-we-are/instructors/chef-jackie-newgent/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fillyourplate] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jackienewgent/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackienewgent/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JackieNewgentRD/] Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-baker-39618b2b/] | Julie Murphree LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-murphree-2b4280/] | AZ Milk Producers Website [https://arizonamilk.org/] | Arizona Farm Bureau [https://www.azfb.org/Arizona-Farm-Bureau-The-Voice-of-Arizona-Agriculture]

Ranch Chores, 4-H Courage & Steak Dreams: A Fun Chat with 9-Year-Old Carey Dobson & Mom Alex

Join us for a delightful and inspiring episode of Fill Your Plate Now with 9-year-old Carey Dobson and his mom, Alex, a Northern Arizona ranching family with deep roots in Arizona agriculture. In this entertaining interview, young 4-H member Carey shares his favorite (and least favorite!) ranch chores, a hilarious calf escape story, and how he bravely wrote and delivered his own speech to win the Treasurer position in just his second 4-H meeting. Mom Alex opens up about how they approach chores and character-building with their young children, while Carey talks about his trip to the American Farm Bureau National Convention, his love for steak, what bravery means to him, and whether he dreams of continuing the ranching tradition. This episode is full of laughs, heartfelt moments, and real-life lessons on courage, responsibility, and growing up on a ranch. Whether you're a farm family, 4-H supporter, or just love hearing from the next generation of agriculturalists, Carey's energy and wisdom will fill your plate and warm your heart! This episode is perfect for families, educators, and anyone who believes in raising kids with grit and joy. Resources for Alex Dobson & Son, Carey | Arizona Farm Bureau's Young Farmer & Rancher Family Dobson Family Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/alexandria.alder/] | Dobson 1886 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dobson.1886/] Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-baker-39618b2b/] | Julie Murphree LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-murphree-2b4280/] | AZ Milk Producers Website [https://arizonamilk.org/] | Arizona Farm Bureau [https://www.azfb.org/Arizona-Farm-Bureau-The-Voice-of-Arizona-Agriculture]