Episode 11 | Michele Curts | How a Simple Letter Changed My Life and Grounded My Leadership Journey

Supporting Agricultural Freedom and Small Farms - Episode 12 | Like Wildflowers Homestead

Supporting Agricultural Freedom and Small Farms — An Interview with Jayce Vaughn of Like Wildflowers Homestead In this episode, Jayce Vaughn shares her journey from homesteading for family food to running a thriving raw milk and goat dairy operation. We explore the challenges small farmers face with regulation, the power of community and social media, and why defending our food freedoms is critical for the future of agriculture. Key Topics * Jayce's background and how she started her homestead in 2018 * The demand for raw milk and the growth of her herd, including goats and registered cows * The differences between raw milk and store-bought pasteurized milk * Common misconceptions about additives and the pasteurization process * How Jayce’s operation expanded mostly through word of mouth and social media * The importance of not demonizing production farmers; understanding systemic issues * The legal battles facing small farms and the private membership model (PMA) * Overregulation in agriculture and its impact on emerging farmers and food choice freedoms * The significance of grassroots activism, community support, and social media in advocacy * Jayce’s role in fighting legal overreach and her collaboration with constitutional organizations * The emotional and financial toll of legal challenges and the importance of support networks Resources: * Florida Farm List [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Florida-Farm-List-4.13.pdf] * Georgia Grown [https://georgiagrown.com/] * Fresh from Florida [https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/] * Community Cannery Locations [https://www.liveabout.com/community-cannery-locations-1387886] * Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources [https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Young-Farmer-and-Rancher-Resources] * Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers [https://www.fb.org/program/young-farmers-ranchers] Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

Episode 11 | Michele Curts | How a Simple Letter Changed My Life and Grounded My Leadership Journey

From Fields to Leadership: A Journey Through Florida Agriculture Join Michele Curts and Ryan Armstrong as they explore their leadership journeys from Florida's strawberry fields to influential roles in agriculture. Discover the impact of youth programs like YF&R, the power of mentorship, and the lessons learned from navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Highlights: Michele’s path from farm life to leadership in Florida agriculture. The role of FFA and 4-H in developing early leadership skills. Building relationships and resilience through YF&R. Creative solutions during the pandemic, including virtual conferences. The importance of mentorship and gratitude in leadership. Balancing land conservation with development pressures. Celebrate the journey of leadership and growth in Florida agriculture, and learn how youth programs shape future leaders. Resources: * Florida Farm List [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Florida-Farm-List-4.13.pdf] * Georgia Grown [https://georgiagrown.com/] * Fresh from Florida [https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/] * Community Cannery Locations [https://www.liveabout.com/community-cannery-locations-1387886] * Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources [https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Young-Farmer-and-Rancher-Resources] * Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers [https://www.fb.org/program/young-farmers-ranchers] Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

Episode 10 - The Mulberry Tree App - Francine

Most people don't realize how much their food has changed, or how disconnected we've become from our farmers and the land. Francine and Ryan reveal a revolutionary app that restores control to farmers, creates transparency, and reconnects communities through local food systems—an urgent shift needed in America now more than ever.In this eye-opening episode, Francine shares her inspiring journey from facing life-altering health challenges to building The Mulberry Tree app—an innovative platform designed to empower local farmers and rebuild trust in our food supply. You'll discover how her family's resilience, faith, and commitment to integrity have created a movement that counters the corruption and nonsense of big agri-business, fraudulent labeling, and the decline of small farms. We break down: * The hidden truths behind food fraud and supermarket shortcuts that leave most Americans malnourished and unaware * How farmer-to-consumer platforms like Mulberry Tree fight back against the corporate food cartel * The ripple effects from buying local—better health, stronger communities, and a cleaner environment * Strategies to revive small farming amidst a system designed to squeeze out the little guy * The spiritual and cultural significance of farming, faith, and gratitude in today's disconnected world If you're tired of generic grocery store food, confused by confusing labels, or worried about the future of farming in America, this episode is essential. Francine’s raw honesty, family stories, and radical optimism will reignite your belief in real food, real farmers, and the power of grassroots change. Whether you're a farmer, a parent, or a consumer ready to take back control—this episode will inspire you to see the bigger picture and act. Guest Francine is a lifelong farmer turned innovator, dedicated to restoring authenticity and sovereignty in food systems. Her family’s story of overcoming adversity to create a farm, a community, and a movement exemplifies the American spirit of resilience, faith, and ingenuity. Get ready to challenge your assumptions, reconnect with your roots, and support local farms—because the future of America's food depends on us.  This is more than a podcast—it's a call to action Resources: * Florida Farm List [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Florida-Farm-List-4.13.pdf] * Georgia Grown [https://georgiagrown.com/] * Fresh from Florida [https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/] * Community Cannery Locations [https://www.liveabout.com/community-cannery-locations-1387886] * Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources [https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Young-Farmer-and-Rancher-Resources] * Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers [https://www.fb.org/program/young-farmers-ranchers] Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

9 | Kasey Brown: How One Hat and Resilience Can Change Your Life

In this episode, Kasey Brown and Ryan Armstrong share the stories, tough lessons and laughter that come with building lives and careers in agriculture — both on the farm and behind the scenes. From Kasey Brown’s journey from Indiana stock shows to launching Teal Hat Communications, to Ryan Armstrong’s winding road of solitary drives and citrus fields that led him to podcasting, their conversation highlights the power of “figuring it out” and embracing uncertainty as an act of faith. Together, they discuss how intuition, vulnerability and pushing out of comfort zones shape not just the ag industry, but also personal growth and leadership. Along the way, you’ll hear about cattle genetics, choir concerts for President Bush, and how a teal cowboy hat became Kasey Brown’s business signature. This episode pulls back the curtain on why Farmstrong is committed to giving you the real faces and stories behind your food. In this episode: * Kasey shares how a layoff — and her favorite hat — inspired her to build a business from scratch * Ryan talks about finding purpose and energy by asking tough questions and taking career risks * Insights on community, family legacies, and the many “spokes” that keep agriculture rolling * How Kasey's favorite people in the ag industry marry tradition with cutting edge technology * A candid look at why listening to your inner nudges and being honest (even when awkward) matter so much in ag and in life Quotes to remember: “Everything’s figureout-able if you have the resiliency to learn things and be willing to get out of your comfort zone...” — Kasey Brown “Your calling often whispers — it doesn’t scream at you.” — Ryan Armstrong This conversation proves that behind every farm and every podcast episode, it’s people — with grit, heart, and stories worth telling — who make this industry strong. You can find Kasey at tealhatcommunications.com, on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaseylynnbrown/] or on Instagram.  [https://www.instagram.com/tealhatcomms/] Resources: * Florida Farm List [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Florida-Farm-List-4.13.pdf] * Georgia Grown [https://georgiagrown.com/] * Fresh from Florida [https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/] * Community Cannery Locations [https://www.liveabout.com/community-cannery-locations-1387886] * Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources [https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Young-Farmer-and-Rancher-Resources] * Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers [https://www.fb.org/program/young-farmers-ranchers] Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

8 | Kacee Bohle: Why Surface Level Conversations Are Killing Farming Communities

Ryan Armstrong sits down with Kacee Bohle, founder of AgriMinds, to dig into the real, often-hidden stresses facing farmers and ag professionals. Rather than talking markets or machinery, the conversation zeros in on burnout, mental health stigmas, and the need for intentional support within agriculture. Kacee shares her journey from the family farm to creating AgriMinds — a community and coaching program that helps ag professionals build resilience, balance and boundaries. She discusses why meaningful change only happens when we move past buzzwords and into deep, honest conversations. Key highlights include: * How Kacee’s own struggles led her to build a coaching community for personal growth in ag * Why discussing mental health in farming requires the right language — and a willingness to go beyond the surface * The AgriMind Summit: a sponsor-free retreat focused on personal transformation * The surprising discovery that, in group settings, men in ag open up about emotions more readily than women Thought-provoking Quotes: “Are you willing to get in the combine or the tractor with a farmer and let them be in their element and actually hear what they have to say?” — Kacee Bohle “The women are always the ones…shoving their emotions under the rug because they don’t have the time to talk about emotions…Whereas the guys are like, yeah, this is how I’m feeling, and I’m ready to get it out.” — Kacee Bohle “If you don’t know you’re spiraling, you can’t do anything about it. Having a support system you can reach out to — that’s the goal.” — Kacee Bohle This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the people behind our food. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice for tackling stress in rural life, Farmstrong brings real talk, vulnerability, and actionable ideas for a healthier, more connected future. Learn more about AgriMinds at kaceebohle.com and find Kaacee on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaceebohle/) or Instagram (@agcoachkacee). Resources: * Florida Farm List [https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Florida-Farm-List-4.13.pdf] * Georgia Grown [https://georgiagrown.com/] * Fresh from Florida [https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/] * Community Cannery Locations [https://www.liveabout.com/community-cannery-locations-1387886] * Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources [https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Young-Farmer-and-Rancher-Resources] * Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers [https://www.fb.org/program/young-farmers-ranchers] Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.