EP 15: Deanne Maples & Whitnie Yoder - Beef, Bigger than a Burger
Rural Recharge
We are excited to have another dual-guest episode this month. May is Beef Month and resident Florida Beef expert Deanne Maples joins us as well as the 2023-2024 Florida Cattlemen's Association Sweet heart, Whitnie Yoder. We hope you enjoy this great episode on the importance of beef marketing. Visit to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.
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EP 14: Pat Durden - Cows Keep Florida Green with FCA President
Rural Recharge
This episode's guest stars Pat Durden, Florida Cattlemen's Association President. Durden has worked hard to ensure Floridians are aware of the important role farmers and ranchers play in protecting the land and conserving our state’s natural resources. His slogan during his tenure as the FCA president is “Cows Keep Florida Green”, which emphasizes the vital role cattle play in greenspace. Join us for a great conversation on FCA’s partnership with Conservation Florida, why every Floridian is tied to ag through conservation and how you can get involved. For more information on...
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EP 13: Danny Johns - Deep Roots in Potato Farming
Rural Recharge
Today's episode is a conversation with Danny Johns, owner and manager of Blue Sky Farms, LLC in Hastings, Florida. Mr. Johns is a potato grower and shares with President Smith the family history of his farm, his thoughts on the outlook of Florida agriculture, and innovations that he has incorporated as a potato grower. We're excited to publish this episode of the Rural Recharge for National Ag Day on March 19, you don't want to miss this down to earth conversation! Visit to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.
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EP 12: Dr. Saundra TenBroeck - A Legacy in Agriculture
Rural Recharge
Today's episode is a conversation with Dr. Saundra TenBroeck, the 2023 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. Dr. TenBroeck shares her life story and clearly displays the passion she has for her work. She has a long list of accomplishments and a decided example for the young people following in her footsteps. We look forward to congratulating Dr. TenBroeck at the annual Woman of the Year in Agriculture luncheon taking place during the Florida State Fair. Visit to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.
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EP 11: Jason & Amanda Watts - 2024 Florida Farmer of the Year
Rural Recharge
Today's episode is a conversation with Jason Watts, Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year and his wife Amanda. Their family at Florida Best Farms, Inc. grows blueberries in Polk County, Florida along with muscadine grapes and beef cattle. Mr. Watts gives a complete overview of their family farm along with history, wisdom and a positive outlook for the future of agriculture in Florida. We look forward to seeing the Watts in Tallahassee to advocate for agriculture on Farm Bureau Day, January 16. Visit to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.
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EP 10: Stephen Monroe - Florida's Cracker Cowman
Rural Recharge
In this episode, President Smith sits down with Stephen Monroe for a lighthearted episode focused on Florida's legacy, Cracker Cattle preservation and a little storytelling and cowboy poetry. We hope you enjoy this fun, year-end episode of the Rural Recharge. Visit to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.
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Ep 9: Brad & Sam Phares - Tales from a South Florida Cattleman
Rural Recharge
In this episode, we hear from a couple that does it all, from agriculture, podcasting, to art. 8th generation cowboy, Brad Phares and his wife Sam, share roots that run deep in Florida's agriculture history. Stay tuned for a fun episode and special reading of cowboy poetry written by Brad Phares. Chech out Between The Beaches Podcast, hosted by Brad Phares. Visit to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.
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Ep 8: Lynetta Griner & Eric Handley - Florida Forestry, More Than Growing Wood
Rural Recharge
Join us as we celebrate Florida Forestry Week, October 22-28, in this episode. FFBF President Jeb Smith sat down with Lynetta Griner and Eric Handley of Usher Land and Timber for a conversation about the importance of Florida forestry, conservation practices, and the legacy that Griner and Handley hope to leave behind. Visit to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.
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EP 7: Wade & Karen Purvis - Our Story as Florida Farmer of the Year
Rural Recharge
Real conversations with real farmers. In this episode, meet Wade and Karen Purvis, a vegetable farmer and educator in Immokalee, Fla. They share their family’s passion for farming and how important it is to understand that a strong domestic food supply is a national security issue. They are growing Florida agriculture forward by sustainably growing fresh food for a growing population. Visit to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.
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EP 6: Kelly & Maggie Mosley - Journey to Amazing Grace Family Farms
Rural Recharge
Kelly Mosley and daughter, Maggie, join us to tell their story about Amazing Grace Family Farms. The Crop Maze began through an inspiring session at a Young Farmers and Ranchers conference and grew to statewide prominence. Listen in to learn more about storytelling through agritourism. Show Resources: Visit to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.
info_outlineToday's episode is a conversation with Danny Johns, owner and manager of Blue Sky Farms, LLC in Hastings, Florida. Mr. Johns is a potato grower and shares with President Smith the family history of his farm, his thoughts on the outlook of Florida agriculture, and innovations that he has incorporated as a potato grower. We're excited to publish this episode of the Rural Recharge for National Ag Day on March 19, you don't want to miss this down to earth conversation!
Visit FloridaFarmBureau.org to learn how you can get involved in Florida agriculture.