Curious to know how America’s farms fill the jobs that are essential for our food supply? In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we dive into the H-2A program, a vital but often misunderstood part of our agricultural workforce, with Western Growers Senior Vice President and Legal Counsel, Jason Resnick. Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to better understand the legal and operational ins and outs of the H-2A program, this conversation breaks it all down. Tune in to get some insight on how the program really works, what growers need to know and why it’s more important than ever.
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26:28
The Canyon House - A Sanctuary for Draft Horses
In this Voices of the Valley episode, Sarah Rodriguez of Legacy Cooling shares the story of The Canyon House, a sanctuary where draft horses, once used for intense farm labor and carriage rides and now cast aside and destined for tragedy—can spend their days in peace. "Every horse that comes here is going to die at some point," Sarah said. "But here, they get to live their last years with dignity."
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24:32
Agritourism: From Goat Yoga to Pumpkin Patches
In this episode we’re joined by Bailey Myers, the Director of Marketing at Owyhee Produce in Parma, Idaho, to talk about the extensive agritourism offerings she’s set up at her farm. She’s hopeful that her agritourism events - including on-farm AirBnB stays, tours, commodity festivals and farm-to-fork dinners - can help build consumer confidence in how food gets to their table. Much of the American population is now four or five generations removed from the farm, she says, and it’s imperative for growers to educate people in order to bridge that knowledge gap. "People trust farmers, but they don’t trust farming,” Bailey says, as she talks about her goal of giving people a “lightbulb moment” when they visit Owyhee.
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29:14
Connecting Community to Farms and Fields
In this episode, we talk to Students for Eco-Education and
Agriculture (SEEAG) and explore how the organization inspires a deeper connection to the agricultural industry by promoting a greater understanding of how food gets from farm to table.
SEEAG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the
gap between farmers and the community by educating students and the public about the origins of their food. Through interactive programs, farm tours and hands-on activities, SEEAG connects participants with local agriculture, fostering an appreciation for the farmers who grow and harvest the fresh produce that nourishes us.
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24:00
The Connection Between Farming, Food and Wellness
In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between the food we eat, provided by the farmers who grow our food, and our overall health and wellness.
From fueling our bodies and preventing disease to supporting a balanced lifestyle, we discuss how nutrient-rich crops play a crucial role in our well-being with insights from our health and wellness expert, Beth Sims.
Do you want to go behind the scenes and learn about how the food gets on your table? Hear about the complex world of agricultural policy, food safety, crop protection, disease control and more from the most influential people working in farming. Be sure to tune in each week as we delve deeper into the inner workings of our food system.
New Zealand