Just Say Hay

The Importance & Challenges of Rural Healthcare w/ Leslie Ferrell, FNP

In this powerful episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon sits down with family nurse practitioner Leslie Ferrell to talk about the real challenges facing rural healthcare today — from hospital closures and low Medicaid reimbursements to the nursing shortage and tele-health struggles. Leslie, a long-respected healthcare provider in Southern Illinois, shares her insights from decades on the front lines. Together, they discuss what makes rural healthcare so hard to sustain, how community members can help, and why access to care is becoming a luxury in small towns across America. 🔹 Why are so many rural hospitals shutting down? 🔹 How do insurance reimbursements impact your local clinic? 🔹 What’s the future of telehealth in underserved areas? 🔹 Can we bring back house calls and community-based care? 🔹 Why mental health still carries a stigma in farming communities 👉 Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about the real people keeping rural America healthy — and the uphill battle they face every day. #ruralhealthcare #smallfarms #nursing #ruralamerica #mentalhealth #justsayhay How can we help? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007616/fan_mail/new]

Clarkson’s Farm and the Power of Telling Our Story

This quick Memorial Day episode of Just Say Hay takes a lighthearted but meaningful look at Clarkson’s Farm, the hit Amazon series that unexpectedly became a voice for small farmers. Jon shares why this British show has made a surprising impact on agriculture — raising public awareness, spotlighting red tape, and showing what real farm life looks like. It’s a fun watch with real lessons, especially for those of us working the land. Also, a moment of gratitude for the sacrifices that made our freedom possible. How can we help? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007616/fan_mail/new]

Farming Against the Grain: Caleb Boulds and The 280 Farm

In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, we sit down with market farmer Caleb Boulds of The 280 Farm to talk about the hard-won lessons of building a small farm business from scratch. From eighth-grade pumpkin flops to roadside self-serve veggie stands, Caleb shares his entrepreneurial journey, the struggle for land access, and why community relationships matter more than ever in today’s ag world. If you’ve ever questioned whether small farms can thrive in a big ag system, this one’s for you. How can we help? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007616/fan_mail/new]

Love Farming? Great. Now Start Running It Like a Business

This week on Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon reflects on the best advice he ever received — and how it transformed his farm from a passion project into a thriving business. From equipment upgrades and rebuilding a friend’s old service truck to deep conversations on tariffs, trade, and the future of ag exports, it’s been a busy few weeks. Jon also dives into practical steps small farmers can take to treat their operations like true businesses, including tracking data, improving marketing, and focusing on what you do best. Real talk for real farms — let’s get growing! How can we help? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007616/fan_mail/new]

Farmer vs. China

The global trade war is heating up—and small farms are caught in the crossfire. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how we can brace for the impact. The headlines say “tariffs,” but for small farmers, it feels like a gut punch. In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon shares a brutally honest take on how the U.S.–China trade war is already hitting farms across the country. From intellectual property theft to skyrocketing input costs and shrinking export markets, Jon connects the global dots and brings it all back to the field. Plus, a personal update on farm life, and the kind of resilience only farmers understand. How can we help? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007616/fan_mail/new]