Advertise on podcast: Field Good Life

In this episode of Field Good Life, I sit down with Christie Jordan, CEO of the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, to learn more about how food banks work and the many ways we can help fight hunger in our own communities. I learned that the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas serves 12 counties, works with more than 180 local agencies, and distributed more than 9 million pounds of food last year. We talk about how donated food gets to local pantries, why fresh produce, dairy, rice, and personal care items matter, and how farmers and businesses can play a role. We also discuss the connection between agriculture, food insecurity, and nutrition programs, and why supporting our communities takes all of us working together. Want to help? If you’re in Northeast Arkansas and interested in donating food, exploring a farm or business partnership, or volunteering, call the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas at 870-932-3663 and ask to speak with a staff member about how you can get involved. You can also learn more at FoodBankofNEA.org. I came away from this conversation with a greater appreciation for the work happening behind the scenes and a reminder that even a few pounds of rice or a small donation can make a real difference for a family. See you in the field!

Some of my favorite conversations happen when I get the chance to sit down with someone who sees agriculture from a little different perspective than I do. That was the case with Brad Guse. Brad and I met by chance at an airport, and that quick conversation eventually turned into a friendship and now a conversation on the Field Good Life Podcast. Brad has spent more than 25 years working in agricultural finance, but his connection to agriculture started long before banking. He worked on a dairy farm, fell in love with milking cows, and eventually found his way into dairy nutrition, community banking, and agricultural finance. In this episode, we talk about the importance of relationships in agriculture, understanding the people behind the numbers, the value of peer groups, mentoring, and the many different paths a career in agriculture can take. More than anything, this conversation reminded me that agriculture is about people. The relationships we build, the things we learn from each other, and the different experiences we bring to the table all matter. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Brad Guse on the Field Good Life Podcast.

Weeds are something every farmer has to deal with, but what happens when those weeds stop responding to the herbicides that used to work? In this episode of Field Good Life, I sit down with Dr. Jason Norsworthy, a University of Arkansas weed science professor, to talk about herbicide resistance and one of rice growers’ biggest challenges: barnyard grass. We talk about how resistance develops, why timing and residual herbicides matter, what growers can do when they suspect resistance, and how weed samples can be submitted for testing. Jason also shares some insight into new herbicide technologies and what they could mean for the future of rice production. And one of my favorite parts of our conversation? Jason told me he’s never met a weed he liked. 🌱 It’s a conversation about managing the weeds we have today while protecting the tools we’ll need tomorrow.

In this episode of Field Good Life, I sit down with Carley McLean, Associate Director of Policy and Market Development with Missouri Soybeans, to talk about her journey from rural Missouri to Capitol Hill and eventually back home. We talk about her experience working in Washington, D.C., what she learned about farm policy and advocacy, and why relationships are so important in making sure farmers’ voices are heard. Carley also shares what led her and her family to return to Missouri and why she believes young people should say yes to opportunities, gain experience outside their comfort zone, and bring that knowledge back to their rural communities. It’s a conversation about agriculture, leadership, family, career growth, and finding your own path while staying connected to where you come from.

Rice is powering more than you might think. 🌾 In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Robbins, Executive Director of Arkansas Rice, to talk about the people, programs, and advocacy behind one of Arkansas’s most important industries. We talk about Rice Month, Rice in Schools, scholarship programs, the Rice Reps program, and how Arkansas Rice supports farmers and the industry across the state. Kelly also shares what declining rice acreage means for farmers and why advocacy and support for the rice industry matter now more than ever. If you care about agriculture, rural communities, food security, or the future of Arkansas farming, I think you’ll enjoy this conversation and come away with a better understanding of why rice matters to Arkansas. Listen now on Field Good Life wherever you get your podcasts.

Dr. Steve Linscombe, director of the USA Rice Foundation, shares how the Rice Leadership Development Program has prepared the next generation of leaders for more than 30 years. Learn about the competitive selection process, hands-on experiences across the U.S. and abroad, and the leadership skills that help participants make a lasting impact on the rice industry. Whether you're considering applying or simply interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers valuable insight and inspiration.

What happens when you take your farm's story straight to Washington, D.C.? In this solo episode of Field Good Life, I share my experience meeting with members of Congress, USDA officials, trade representatives, and policymakers alongside six fellow women farmers from across the country. I'll talk about why personal stories can influence agriculture policy, what surprised us during our meetings on Capitol Hill, and why lawmakers need to hear directly from the people who grow America's food. Whether you're a farmer, an advocate for agriculture, or simply curious about how farm policy is shaped in Washington, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at farmer advocacy and the power of showing up. If you've ever wondered whether one farmer can make a difference, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Kenneth Hartman Jr., Chairman of the Board of the National Corn Growers Association, shares insights into the corn industry, its uses beyond feed, the future of ethanol and other innovative uses. Discover how corn supports rural economies, innovative research, and policy efforts to benefit farmers and consumers alike.

In this episode, Leslee Tell shares her journey from a classroom teacher to a farm to school program coordinator with the Department of Agriculture in Arkansas. She discusses the development and impact of the Arkansas Rice in Schools program, highlighting how local agriculture is integrated into education to benefit students, farmers, and communities. Connect with the Arkansas Department of Ag here: https://www.facebook.com/ARDeptAg https://x.com/ARDeptAg https://www.instagram.com/ardeptag/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkansas-department-of-agriculture/

In this episode of Field Good Life, Jennifer has a detailed conversation with Meryl Kennedy Farr, CEO of Kennedy Rice Mill. They discuss leadership in agriculture, the U. S. rice industry challenges and opportunities, operating a family business, and the future of farming. They reflect on the influence of their fathers and the confidence that came from simply being encouraged to work hard and pursue opportunities.

In this episode, Carrie Vollmer Sanders, President of Field to Market, shares insights into the organization's 20-year journey, its role in promoting sustainable agriculture, and how farmers and industry stakeholders collaborate to advance regenerative practices. Tune in with us and listen to how the Fieldprint Platform and Resilient Futures leadership programs are shaping the future of sustainable farming.

In this episode of Field Good Life, I sit down with longtime friend and Arkansas duck hunter Rusty Creasey, a man who didn’t set out to be an influencer, but ended up becoming a voice a whole lot of folks trust. We cover everything from growing up in the outdoors to building a career in duck hunting, and the real work that happens long before a single bird hits the water. Rusty shares what’s changed in the woods over the years, from increased hunting pressure to the evolving relationship between rice farming and waterfowl habitat, and why it’s getting harder to be a duck in Arkansas these days. This conversation isn’t just about hunting. It’s about time. It’s about mentorship. It’s about taking a kid fishing, even if they’re not yours, and understanding that what you pass on matters more than what you post. Connect with Rusty: Website: https://www.rustycreasey.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/rustycreasey/100067004234506/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rustycreasey/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RustyCreasey

In this episode, I sit down with Peter Bachmann, CEO of USA Rice Federation to unpack what’s really driving the global rice market—and why it matters to U.S. farmers. We break down the role of the World Trade Organization, India’s subsidized rice model, and the potential for a U.S. Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices. If you’ve been wondering why rice prices are below the cost of production, this conversation connects the dots—and asks the bigger question: what can we do to protect our industry?

Jennifer sits down with Chairman John Boozman to break down the latest developments in Washington, D.C., and what they mean for farmers today. From the farm bill wins last summer in OBBB to funding, crop insurance, trade policy, and rural development, the high price of inputs, and how we must look to long-term solutions for all ag sectors. This episode covers the key issues shaping the farm economy and the road ahead for American agriculture, including a call to action for farmers to tell their stories in D.C. You can follow his pages here: Twitter @JohnBoozman @SenateAgGOP Instagram @johnboozman @senateaggop Facebook @John Boozman @Senate Ag Committee Republicans

Jennifer James shares her busy schedule as a farmer, speaker, and board member, highlighting recent events, industry insights, and the importance of community and innovation in agriculture.