Surviving Hard Times

Joining us today to discuss dormancy and cold hardiness in plants is Al Pacheco Kovaleski, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since connecting with the UW–Madison faculty in March 2021, Al has enjoyed applying his research in plant cold hardiness to the freezing Wisconsin winters… Al grew up in one of the coldest parts of Brazil, which encouraged his interest in horticulture in cold environments from a young age. Since then, he has focused his research on how plants control their cold hardiness and dormancy during the winter, and how that leads to bud break and flowering in the spring – all from a physiological and molecular level. Join us now to hear Al discuss: 1) What happens to plants during the winter. 2) Why some plants are not able to survive cold environments. 3) How climate change is altering which plants are able to thrive in certain geographical areas. 4) What can lead plants to gain and/or lose cold hardiness. To learn more about Al and his research, click here now! 👇 https://plantresilience.cals.wisc.edu/ Episode also available on Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Elise Pickett joins us in this episode to talk about all things home vegetable gardening. Elise runs The Urban Harvest LLC, which is a platform that she uses to provide education on organic and sustainable gardening techniques.

Aquaponics is a combination of plant and fish production that uses both aquaculture and hydroponic systems. This method of production is highly sustainable – as it uses the fish waste to fertilize the plants in a human-controlled ecosystem.

Today, we sit down with Rob Avis, the Owner, Lead Instructor, and Engineer at Verge Permaculture. Rob is an expert in regenerative business and eco-entrepreneurship, and he is using his skills to lead the next wave of permaculture education – covering everything from building science to agroecology. In this episode, you will uncover: 1) Why the energy return on fossil fuel may be dwindling. 2) The limitations of our world’s current energy sources. 3) Why the nutrient density of our food is steadily declining. What’s the future of energy and food production on our planet? Experts like Rob are determined to find out… Want to find out more about Rob and his work? Click here now 👇 https://vergepermaculture.ca/ Episode also available on Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Wild rice isn’t just uniquely delicious: it’s highly nutritious and takes a lot of careful work to grow. Learn the ins and outs of breeding and cultivating wild rice in Minnesota from Jennifer Kimball,Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota. Tune in to explore: 1) Environmentally responsible practices in wild rice breeding and cultivation 2) The purpose and importance of “seed shattering” 3) How long people have been breeding wild rice compared to other grain crops like wheat and corn 4) Wild rice planting to harvesting - how long does it take? Press play to hear the full conversation and learn more about Kimball’s work at Jennifer A Kimball | Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics (umn.edu). Episode also available on Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

What does it mean to be truly self-sufficient? As technology advances and the world continues to evolve, our society is losing sight of what it takes to be in touch with our planet.

Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Surviving-Hard-Times-104559985649754/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SurvivingHard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivinghardtimespodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/surviving-hard-times/ Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q Human health benefits, soil cleaning, easy growing, and more … professor of plant breeding and genetics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Ismail Dweikat, shares his knowledge on the wonders of the hemp plant, traditional plant breeding, plant genetics, and more. Tune in to learn: 1) The desirable traits of wild hemp that Dweikat focuses on breeding into additional crops 2) A unique characteristic of hemp that allows it to clean contaminated soils 3) Legal THC levels in Nebraska-grown hemp 4) Why people with Celiac disease can safely eat sorghum but not wheat Dweikat also has impressive experience growing and breeding blueberries and the ancient pearl millet and sorghum crops. Press play to hear the entire conversation and learn more about Dweikat’s work at Ismail Dweikat | Department of Agronomy and Horticulture | Nebraska (unl.edu).

If you had the opportunity to innovate your farm, would you take it? The challenges that come with 21st-century agriculture are very unique, and inventive minds like Jonathan Dysinger are committed to innovating this process for both small and large farmers alike… Jonathan is the Owner and CEO of Farmers Friend, a company that develops tools and supplies to make small farms more efficient and profitable. With years of experience in the industry, he is intent on changing the world through regenerative agriculture. How? By equipping, educating, and inspiring fellow growers… Click play now to uncover: The importance of being agriculturally creative. The benefits of working with high tunnel gardening structures. The biggest problems that farmers can face. Tips for getting your own garden going. You can learn more about Jonathan and his work with Farmers Friend by visiting www.farmersfriend.com!

Where you live affects the quality of your food and water. A big reason for this has to do with watershed hydrology – the way water moves across agricultural landscapes. Matthew Helmers’ work revolves around this topic, and he shares his knowledge today. Tune in to explore: What tile drainage is, and how it improves crop health and production Why slowing water movement across the land is critical for crops and can decrease pollution in streams and rivers Drainage water recycling – how it works, where it should be used, and the significant benefits Sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus – why too much in runoff water is a bad thing and how to lower the levels Helmers is the Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Learn more about his work at Iowa Nutrient Research Center (iastate.edu) and visit Iowa Learning Farms for weekly webinars and info by more experts. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Nitrogen fertilizers are widely used in crop production around the world, but how does soil react to this treatment? Expert soil scientist Richard L. Mulvaney joins the podcast today to discuss his research looking into this question, and others like it… As a Professor of Soil Fertility at the University of Illinois, Richard is deeply involved in Illinois’s agricultural field. With three degrees in soil science, he has focused his investigations on the fate and behavior of soil and fertilizer nitrogen – specifically seeking to increase profits while also reducing the negative environmental impacts of excessive nitrogen inputs. In this episode, we explore: What makes nitrogen useful for crop growth and plant nutrition. The most common nitrogen fertilizer, and which crops it benefits most. Why over-fertilization is detrimental to soil health. Where corn crops derive the majority of their nitrogen from. Do the benefits of nitrogen fertilizer outweigh the negative effects on soil health? Join the conversation now to find out! To connect with Richard’s work for yourself, click here now!

Could aquaponics sustainably feed and fund the world? Josh Imhoff, the founder and director of Emerge Aquaponics is on a mission to find out. As someone who grew up traveling around the world, Josh was exposed to the immense “need” that many people have – and he has made it his goal to alleviate this. Determined to help feed and fund people, Josh decided that aquaponics may be the answer that he and many other individuals have been looking for. With this at the forefront of his mind, he started building and designing aquaponics systems 12 years ago with Emerge in order to provide people in need with food and income… Tune in now to discover: How Emerge is developing systems to improve how food is grown. How temperature affects the fish species used in aquaponics. The importance of keeping the correct ratio of plants to fish in the system. How aquaponics can provide income for communities in need. Want to learn more about Josh and his important work with Emerge? Click here now!

Today, we discuss all things sustainable agriculture with Joshua Earl Arnold. Joshua is a Professor of Sustainable Agriculture at Warren Wilson College where he educates his students on subjects such as entomology, agriculture, agroecology, and soil science. As someone that considers himself a “science, practice, and movement” agroecologist, Joshua is here to offer his unique perspective on urban agriculture as a whole. Joshua discovered his fascination with food systems during his undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley – specifically the sociology of how people interact with these systems. This interest ultimately led him to study insects and their role in agricultural ecosystems… In this episode, you will learn about: The challenges that urban farmers face. How the cost of water and insects can interfere with farming practices. How urban farmers can work together to create “an economy of scale”. Why soil-less systems may be a viable solution to urban farming issues. Want to learn more about Joshua and his outlook on sustainable agriculture? Click here now!

In this episode, we sit down with horticulturist Dr. Eric Thomas Stafne to discuss fruit and nut crop production. As an Extension and Research Professor at Mississippi State University and the Coastal Research and Extension Center, Dr. Stafne is both an educator and researcher focused on understanding and optimizing crops such as blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and muscadines. Dr. Stafne’s professional background began in urban forestry, which blossomed into a fascination with horticulture – specifically fruit crops. With over 17 years of experience in this field, his knowledge surrounding fruit and nut crops has led him to some fascinating discoveries… Join the conversation now to hear Dr. Stafne talk about: The fruit crops that he specifically deals with. The easiest fruit crop one can grow, and why. How climate conditions affect fruit and nut growth. You can find out more about Dr. Stafne and his work by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

“All life begins in the soil, and it translates all the way to human life and human health,” said the soil agronomist whose nutrition advice helpedBlaineHitzfield’s mother find life-changing relief from crippling arthritis. Farmers have a significant role to play in the health of society, and as the CEO of distributions at Seven Sons Farms (and one of the seven sons!),Hitzfieldunderstands this well. He’s come to appreciate the value of healthy soil in growing healthy food, which has become his mission. Tune in to explore: What’s produced by and offered at Seven Sons Farms What CAFO is and how it works How rotational and adaptive grazing reflect ecological principles Why feedlot animals have been bred to have small rumen capacity Challenges and lessons learned at Seven Sons Farms over the years Interested in learning more? Press play to hear the entire conversation, and check outPasture-raised Meats & Organic Groceries - Seven Sons Farmsfor more info.

What does it take to successfully manage a large-scale dining operation? Glenn Loughridge joins us today to discuss how he accomplishes just that as Auburn University's Director of Campus Dining and Athletics Concessions. Since 2012, Glenn has been responsible for delivering local, fresh food to the campus community in a creative and collaborative manner. As a graduate of Auburn University himself, Glenn has a long history with creative food management practices. Now, he is on a mission to provide the most sustainable, nutritious, and enjoyable dining experiences possible for the students, faculty, and staff of his beloved alma mater… In this episode, we dive into: How to successfully facilitate a deep sea crabbing operation. Glenn’s work as an advocate between the university and its food service providers. How students’ tastes can evolve as they grow older. The importance of highlighting the nutritional value of sustainably-sourced food. To find out more about Glenn and his work, click here now!

Did you know that North America is a center of plant diversity? Not many people do, but Dario Chavez has traveled all over the U.S. collecting and studying wild plant species, and learning about the relationships that exist between them. His primary focus is on peach research and orchard management, including tree health and longevity, plant breeding and genetics, and more. In this episode you’ll learn: The importance of “chill” in the growth of peach trees and the production of peaches How climate variation can be mitigated to allow for consistent peach production The two main components of peach tree health and production How peach production changes from year to year Chavez is an associate professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia. Press play to hear the ins and outs of his work and the latest research. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

How can massive amounts of water be saved and reused in a sustainable way? That’s the question at the center of Anacleto Rizzo’s work as a hydraulic civil engineer who focuses on the design and research & development of sustainable water projects. Tune in to learn about the details of his work and discover: How green boards can be used for treating and reusing greywater The three pillars of sustainable water management Why toilet water (blackwater) is so much harder to clean than greywater How water treatment devices work The best ways to reuse greywater Learn more by listening to the full conversation and visiting www.iridra.eu/it/.

Dawn Gallop and her husband were homesteading before they even knew “homesteading” was a term – they were just doing what they needed to survive. They’ve managed a 30-acre farm complete with goats, bees, chickens, quail, and more, and recently moved to a new farm. They’re also the creators of a popular YouTube channel called Dawn Gallop of #9 Farms, where they put out a ton of information and resources for anyone looking to build their own homestead. Tune in to explore: The use of pigs, chickens, and goats to clear areas of weeds and till soil How goats express that they’re fertile and ready to mate What to know about raising and keeping chickens The difference between hay and straw – and which one can be toxic Interested in learning more? Check out https://www.youtube.com/@dawngallop/featured.

If you’re a new mother navigating the world of breastfeeding, pumping, or both … Or if you know someone who is, this episode is for you. Unlike most lactation consultants, Allison Tolman is also a breast pump expert who focuses on helping mothers combine these methods for the best outcomes. Press play to learn: Problems that come with having an oversupply of breast milk Why there has been a recent influx of mothers wanting to use breast pumps, and the demand for experts who can guide them through this transition How breast milk production varies throughout the day, and factors that influence it Types and uses of breast pumps Tips for helping stimulate hormones for milk production Tolman is a nurse, lactation consultant, and breast pump expert. She has a successful YouTube channel that provides data on breast pumps and more, as well as a pumping program specifically for working moms. Tune in for the full conversation and visit Tolman’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/newlittlelifebyallison.

How would you handle moving from a city in the Northeast to the country of Texas? In this episode, JD and Matt from The Texas Boys describe how their family did just that 8 years ago, and how it has drastically changed their lives for the better… The Texas Boys are not only a family homesteading in the heart of Texas, but an online presence that offers a variety of goods and educational resources to their audience. In this conversation, they tell us what it took to reach their goals, and how they did it with the help of a supportive local community. Join the discussion now to discover: The goal of The Texas Boy’s farming and online operations. The neurotic tendencies that big cities can impose upon people. Why it is so critical to be integrated with a thriving community. Being self-sufficient means being supportive of your neighbors, and The Texas Boys are perfect examples of how to show support with both a vision and conviction… To learn more about The Texas Boys, visit TheTexasBoys.com now!

Farm From a Box is a sustainable, regenerative, environmentally friendly, and efficient way to build your own personal garden filled with nutrient-dense, culturally affirming foods. Meag Sargent believes everyone deserves this. She’s a horticulturist, farmer, artist, and a member of the sales team at Farm From a Box. She joins the show to share her insights from over a decade of experience growing food. Tune in to learn: The primary components of the all-in-one Farm From a Box What ‘sustainable agriculture’ really means and how it works The most important aspects of regenerative farming and how to get started How Farm From a Box can deploy multiple systems that work together on the same farm, creating large-scale operations Interested in learning more? Press play for the full conversation and check out https://farmfromabox.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Is green energy really the solution, or just a false promise? Press play to explore: Whether electric vehicles are truly a better choice than gas-powered vehicles How cobalt is obtained and what it’s used for A clear way to make dramatic energy improvements now, and why these changes aren’t being implemented The problem of being overly dependent on one energy source What energy policies might look like in the coming years Andrew Morriss is a lawyer and economist who has been teaching for almost three decades. As a professor at Texas A&M University, he analyzes regulatory measures – investigating how they work, why we adopt the ones we do, and how they can be improved. Having heard about “green energy” since high school, and always being told it was the ultimate solution almost within reach, he decided to enter the field and dig into the topic himself. His work is data-driven above all else, which demands the attention of anyone who disagrees with it or follows the pervasive narrative of green energy. Tune in for all the details and find his work at https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/results.cfm. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

News of a worsening climate crisis is everywhere. It’s accepted as fact by many, including top scientists and experts. But is there any evidence to suggest that the climate isn’t in the state we believe it is? William Happer shares an eye-opening perspective that’s scientifically backed but nearly unheard of. Tune in to discover: Why carbon dioxide is not a pollutant but “the gas of life.” Current levels of carbon dioxide are exceptionally low in the context of geographical history — why are we being told otherwise? Why wind and solar energy drive rising costs of electricity and must always be backed up by fossil fuels. The negative environmental impacts of electric vehicles and wind and solar energy. Why banning fossil fuels would have horrendous consequences Happer is a Cyrus Fogg Bracket Professor of Physics Emeritus in the Department of Physics at Princeton University. An impressive amount of research in physics eventually led him to climate and environmental research. It didn’t take long for him to realize that there was something unique about these fields: reluctance and defensiveness instead of open-mindedness and authentic scientific inquiry, even by research leaders. Happer offers his opinion of why this is the case and explores the science of energy and climate change from an angle you probably haven’t heard. Press play to hear all the details and learn more about the truth of carbon dioxide at https://co2coalition.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

If our society took a turn for the worse, would you be prepared? In this episode, we discuss the foundations of self-sufficiency with the Alaska Prepper. Alaska Prepper is a platform that is used to educate the public about what it truly takes to be prepared for anything. From analyzing current events to providing tips on stockpiling food, the Alaska Prepper is a resource used by viewers around the world who are seeking peace of mind. Tune in now to discover: The many ways preparedness can take a significant weight off your shoulders. How easily society could collapse. The importance of having control over the infrastructure that you may otherwise take for granted. The dangers of living in a state of “normalcy bias”. Being prepared not only offers you protection, but also your loved ones. If you’re interested in getting started with your own plan of action, the Alaska Prepper is certainly a great place to start. Join the conversation now to explore his worldview and see how your future aligns with his proactive perspective! You can learn more about the Alaska Prepper by watching his videos here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Today we sit down with Emma Torbert to discuss her distinctive approach to sustainable farming practices. Emma is the Market Garden Manager and Educator for the Student Farm at UC Davis. Started in 2020, the Student Farm is a nine-acre mixed vegetable farm and adjacent hedgerow that familiarizes UC Davis students with agriculture and teaches them how to grow organic crops. With a passion for community-supported agriculture, Emma is a foundational part of the UC Davis community. Using her position in this program, Emma facilitates experiential learning for students across all majors… Join the podcast now to learn more about: What a market garden is. The challenges that can arise in the Student Farm program. How sustainability plays a role in Emma’s work. The importance of providing students with hands-on learning experiences. Farming is a valuable skill that can be challenging to learn without the proper resources. Fortunately, experts like Emma are passing this knowledge on to people from varying walks of life so that they can participate in this essential part of sustainability! You can find out more about Emma and her work with the Student Farm by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q