Rural Recharge

EP 34: Christy Chiarelli - Developing Florida's Future Leaders

Our guest joining us today is Mrs. Christy Chiarelli, assistant extension scientist in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, and director of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Originally from Laurel, Mississippi, Christy grew up showing market lambs and Brahman cattle for projects in her FFA chapter and 4-H club and was later elected to serve the National FFA Organization as a national FFA officer. Chiarelli obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida, studying agricultural education and communication while focusing on agricultural leadership development. Christy and her husband, Elio, currently reside on a small farm in Alachua with their two children. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/] to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Behind the Voice EP 11: Lance Watson & Tripp Hunter - Directors of Legislative Affairs

Our guests joining us today are Lance Watson, Director of National Legislative Affairs and Tripp Hunter, Director of State Legislative Affairs for Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Our conversation today will detail how Lance, Tripp and the Legislative Affairs team serve our members of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and advance the Voice of Ag. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/] to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

Behind the Voice EP 10: Rachael Smith - Director of Public Relations

Our guest joining us today is Rachael Smith Director of Public Relations for Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Our conversation today will detail how Rachael and the Public Relations team serve our members of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and advance the Voice of Ag. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/] to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

EP 33: Lucy Abell - The Next Generation of Leaders

Our guest joining us today is Ms. Lucy Abell, owner/operator of Abell Livestock Company in DeSoto County. A second-generation cattle rancher, Lucy grew up in Texas before moving to Florida to expand her family's commercial cattle operation which operates in Northeastern New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle, and in South Central Florida. Lucy is one of three Finalists for the Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year Award for 2026 and a recent graduate of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/] to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

EP 32: Matt Pearce - Born with a Sword

Our guest joining us today is Mr. Matt Pearce, Owner of Pearce Cattle Company. Matt is an 8th generation Floridian and cattle rancher with a diverse operation including sod, beef cattle, hunting, and even photography workshops. He is the past president of the Florida Cattleman's Association and serves on the board of Conservation Florida working to preserve working lands and wild habitats across Florida. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/] to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.