Small Town, Big Life: Why Rural Living Is Worth It

From the Source: How Ag Media Shapes What You Think You Know

Pull up a chair for a conversation about who's shaping the story of agriculture — and how you can find the truth for yourself. Billie and Heather sit down with Sarah McNaughton-Peterson, senior editor of Dakota Farmer and host of the FP Next Podcast, to dig into ag media: where farmers get their information, why food labels can be misleading, and how social media is changing the way consumers connect with the people growing their food. Whether you're a farmer wondering how to share your story online or a consumer trying to cut through the noise, this episode is your guide to finding trusted sources in agriculture. Dakota Farmer: https://www.farmprogress.com/dakota-farmer [https://www.farmprogress.com/dakota-farmer] FP Next Podcast: https://www.farmprogress.com/program/fp-next [https://www.farmprogress.com/program/fp-next]

Fresh From the Market: Inside North Dakota's Farmer's Markets

Farmer's market season is almost here, and Billie and Heather couldn't be more ready. In this episode, they sit down with Dawn Rognerud, president of the Grand Forks Farmer's Market, to talk about what it takes to run a market, how vendors get started, and why these community gatherings are about so much more than fresh produce. From cottage food laws to the best finds at markets across North Dakota, this one will have you counting down the days until opening day.  Find a market near you and access grower resources at https://www.ndfarmersmarkets.org/ [https://www.ndfarmersmarkets.org/]

Rooted in Family: Growing Flowers on the Family Farm

In this episode, Billie and Heather sit down with Annie Sondrol of Three Sisters Flower Farm to talk dried flowers, family legacy, and building a business on the same land her grandparents farmed.  Follow Annie on Instagram at: @threesistersflowerfarm

Connecting the Community through Local Food with Jenna Neiters

If you've ever wondered how to find local food near you, start a farmers market in your community, or get fresh North Dakota produce into your kids' school lunches, this episode is your roadmap. Heather and Billie sit down with Jenna Neiters, Local Foods Marketing Specialist with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, to explore all the ways local food is bringing communities together across the state. From CSAs and community orchards to farm to school programs and the new Pride of Dakota Fresh brand, Jenna is the connector behind it all. Plus, Heather shares a favorite CSA story involving okra and a very unexpected customer. Follow along at @NDDALocalFoods on Facebook and Instagram, and explore the Local Foods Directory Map, Farm to Market Guide and more at ndda.nd.gov/localfoods [http://ndda.nd.gov/localfoods].

The Science Behind Food Preservation

In this episode, Billie and Heather sit down with Dr. Julie Garden-Robinson, Professor of Food and Nutrition at North Dakota State University and Extension Specialist in food safety, preservation, and nutrition. With a PhD in cereal science and food technology, Julie breaks down the science of why food preservation works, how to do it safely, and what every home cook and farmer should know about keeping food at its best.