“Her presentation empowers agriculture to tell its story with credibility, respect, and impact. Michele helped me navigate tough conversations with compassion for the urbanites who have little connection to where their food comes from.”
- Jeannette Andrashewski, Canadian Canola Farmer
What drives Michele to write? ▶ Bridging the gap from farm to food with story and science.
"You are a gift to agriculture – you do an amazing job connecting non-ag folks to agriculture in a relatable and logical way that's welcoming and opens the door to a deeper understanding.”
- Lana Frantzen, PhD, RDN, DairyMAX
Utah cattle producer Brady Blackett explains artificial insemination in cattle, why grass-fed beef isn’t nutritionally superior, how AI improves animal welfare and feed efficiency, and the surprising connection between cattle reproductive science and human fertility medicine.
Is grass-fed beef really better for human health and the environment? “Many times this is promoted by those who are far removed from agriculture. Or they base it on one nutrient such as short chain omega-3 fatty acids. My scientific take: there are system trade-offs, no system absolutes.”
Everything we eat has a direct impact on the environment. Debbie Lyons-Blythe is a cattle rancher from Kansas and the misinformation about methane, hormones, antibiotics and more is disheartening to her. Listen in to learn how she grows beef.
Farm owners and workers are more likely to die by suicide than any other occupation. Veterinarians are 2.7x as likely to attempt suicide than the general population. Startling statistics, but a very real look at the stress levels impacting all of us in agriculture. These numbers call for compassion for the people raising our food.
Jason Meadows is a pharmacist and rancher in rural Missouri who started a mental health podcast after a burning baler and a long drive home from Dallas changed his perspective. He explains why rural pharmacists may be the most underutilized mental health resource in agriculture – and what it costs farmers to never ask for help.
The COVID-19 pandemic calls for agriculture to offer our neighbors reassurance about the stability of their food supply. Show compassion in the face of fear. Demonstrate resiliency by talking about coping with the very real struggles agriculture faces. Connect on a human level. Help build confidence in the food system. Isn’t now the time to offer hope and be a bright spot for someone else?
“Kids are dirty and if you’re worried about what you’re feeding them, you’re a good a mom.” says this millennial mom who prioritizes low-cost food at the grocery store. Brandi Buzzard Frobose is a rancher and environmentalist who offers insight on how the science of producing food is remarkable, along with the care that farmers and ranchers provide for the planet. She’s not a fan of the mud while she’s ranching in Kansas, but loves to go roping at the rodeo as a cowgirl.
When I was a teenager, I drew comic cows. These...
Did you know that beef cattle have been bred to...
Big picture before self, the long view, execution, humilty, guts enough to accept change and ears. Michele asks if agriculture has true thought leadership and offers a few suggestions for farmers, ranchers and agricultural advocates to lead the conversation rather than react to it.
Remember the first time you heard a...
Ninety-two percent of Americans consider it...
In a society where we embrace rodents as cartoon...
Just as “This Is Us” has created hysteria around slow cookers, “documentaries” have created hysteria around meat and milk. Are we really so unaware the difference between fiction and good television that we can’t recognize reality?
Humor evokes emotion. Emotion results in human connection. Connection piques curiosity. We don’t have to explain the complex business of farming in one line; we simply have to create a human connection.
As the saying goes “If you are more fortunate than others, build a longer table, not higher fences.” If you are fortunate enough to be in agriculture, it’s time we figure out how to build a bigger table and include those without farm and ranch roots.
What does a site filled with wedding dresses, recipes and shoes have to do with farmers? Pinterest is ripe with opportunity for agriculture to go beyond choir & connect on a human level.
My visit to South Africa is a memory I’ll carry...
A highly sarcastic look at 15 reasons why farmers and ranchers should not tell their story. Why start the year on a resolution when you can kick it off with satire? Great quotes from ag people added to Michele’s sarcasm. Post your reason – let’s get all the excuses out of the way so we can laugh a little – and then have a productive year as agvocates!
As Michele reflects on becoming a mom, she questions the lessons we’re teaching the next generation in agriculture. Is it possible we try to fix things that aren’t broken? Are we a little too hung up on bringing recognition to farmers and ranchers? Do we care enough to speak out proactively? Does our stubborness get in the way of the big picture? Thought-provoking post for everyone on a farm, ranch or agribusiness.
You’d think a mom of triplets (with 5 teenagers total) would have better things to worry about than blogging about her ranch. But Debbie Lyons-Blythe does just that – and is asking everyone on a farm or ranch or in agriculture for 10 minutes of their time. Read this guest post from a great agvocate who’s a finalist for the AgConnect Advocate award.
Three generations working side-by-side to bring...
Agricultural speaker Michele Payn talks about how farmers and ranchers inspire her to continue helping agriculture champion its’ cause!