Rural Recharge

EP 38: Nathan Palardy - A Guide to Conservation Easements

Our guest joining us today is Dr. Nathan Palardy, assistant professor and Extension economist in the Food and Resource Economics Department at the University of Florida. Dr. Palardy specializes in state and local government with an emphasis on policy and community economic development. His research and Extension programs seek to examine factors related to the growth and competitiveness of Florida's food value chains. He has recently put together a comprehensive reference guide to help farmers and ranchers navigate conservation easements and has received the Archer Early Career Seed grant to continue his work. His full guide on conservation easements can be found here https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE1170 [https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE1170] Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/] to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

EP 37: Bob Hochmuth - A Hall of Fame Partnership

Our guest joining us today is Bob Hochmuth, Center Director for the UF/IFAS North Florida Research & Educational Center. A National Association of County Agricultural Agents Hall of Fame member, focusing on commercial vegetable and watermelon crops, Bob has served the northeast extension district of Florida for decades. He was the first Florida Farm Bureau Extension Professional of the Year award recipient in 2017, and he has been a driving force behind the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and UF/IFAS partnership Suwanee CARES event that will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on May 7th, 2026. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/] to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

EP 36: Reba Mazak - 2025 Woman of the Year in Agriculture

Our guest joining us today is Mrs. Reba Mazak, the 2025 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. Reba is a fifth-generation Florida cattle rancher based in Sumter County. She and her late husband, Paul, built Mazak Ranch into a thriving cattle operation with land in Florida and Texas. She has been an active advocate for agriculture serving as the former President for both the Florida CattleWomen and the American National CattleWomen. As well as serving on her county Farm Bureau Board. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/] to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

EP 35: Trevor Williams - The Farm Traveler

Our guest joining us today is Mr. Trevor Williams, also known as the Farm Traveler. Trevor is a podcaster and YouTuber with a love of all things' agriculture. A Florida native, Trevor graduated with a degree in Agricultural Education and Communication with a minor in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida. The goal of the Farm Traveler is to connect consumers with farmers across the world and provide an outlet for famers to share their stories. Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/] to learn how you can get involved in Florida Agriculture.

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.