In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Bert Johnson, Applied Engineering and Technology teacher at Melbourne High School in Brevard County, Florida, who is redefining what education can look like. Mr. Johnson brings engineering to life through aquaponics, creating a dynamic learning environment where students are not just memorizing information but actively building, growing, and solving real problems. His classroom blends agriculture, engineering, biology, and sustainability into one hands-on experience that prepares students for far more than a test. Rather than teaching to standardized exams, Mr. Johnson focuses on teaching students how to think, how to troubleshoot, and how to apply what they learn in real-world situations. From designing systems to growing healthy food, his students gain practical skills that will serve them for a lifetime. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Mr. Johnson encourages students to take advantage of the resources around them and to stay curious long after they leave the classroom. His philosophy is simple but powerful: “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” This episode is a thoughtful conversation about the importance of meaningful education, the value of hands-on learning, and how programs like aquaponics can shape confident, capable, and curious young people. Whether you are an educator, parent, student, or simply someone passionate about agriculture and innovation, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

In this episode of The Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Katrin Rudge, Aquascience teacher at Riverview High School, whose program is nothing short of extraordinary.

What started with simple aqua balls has grown into a full-scale, immersive aquascience program that gives students hands-on experience in aquatic ecosystems, marine life, and real-world conservation. At the center of it all is the Aquadome, an outdoor greenhouse that houses a dynamic collection of living systems designed, maintained, and studied by students.

Inside the Aquadome, students work directly with a shark tank featuring multiple species of sharks and tropical fish, a mangrove ecosystem, a coral reef tank, and clownfish breeding systems that support live food production. The program also includes a snook tank, where students raise juvenile snook, tag them, and release them in partnership with MOTE Marine Laboratory, contributing to real conservation efforts happening right here in Florida.

Katrin shares how she built this program from the ground up, the challenges she faced along the way, and the vision that kept it moving forward. Named Sarasota County Teacher of the Year in 2013, she brings a level of passion and purpose that is clearly reflected in her students and the opportunities they are given.

This episode highlights what is possible when education becomes hands-on, meaningful, and rooted in real-world application. Students aren’t just learning about aquatic systems, they are actively managing them, gaining skills in aquatic husbandry, system design, and environmental stewardship.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Katrin Rudge built Riverview High School’s aquascience program from the ground up
• The evolution from basic aqua balls to the fully developed Aquadome greenhouse
• A behind-the-scenes look at the shark tank, mangrove system, coral reef tank, and clownfish breeding program
• The snook tagging and release partnership with MOTE Marine Laboratory
• The importance of teaching aquatic husbandry through hands-on experience
• Real-world skills students gain through managing live aquatic systems
• The impact of strong agricultural and environmental education programs on student success
• Katrin’s journey as Sarasota County Teacher of the Year and what drives her work today

This is the kind of program that sets the standard. If you care about the future of agriculture, aquaculture, and education, this episode will leave you inspired.

In this episode of The Modern Farming Podcast, Kris and Tara sit down with Janyel Taylor, Nursery Operations Manager and Chief Financial Officer at Ralph Taylor’s Nurseries.

Janyel’s journey into agriculture began in high school, where an influential FFA teacher sparked a passion that would shape her future. That early inspiration led her to the University of Florida, and eventually into the classroom, where she spent eight years as an agriculture teacher investing in the next generation.

Today, Janyel plays a key role in her family’s nursery business, combining her background in education with hands on experience in operations and financial leadership. Her story is a powerful example of how strong roots in agricultural education can grow into lifelong impact within the industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The role FFA and ag teachers play in shaping future careers

• Her transition from the classroom to the family nursery business

• What it takes to manage both operations and finances in a growing agricultural operation

• The importance of family legacy in agriculture

• Encouragement for young people considering a path in agriculture

Whether you come from a farming background or are just beginning to explore the industry, Janyel’s story is a reminder that the right mentor and a willingness to step forward can open doors you never expected.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired by a journey rooted in education, leadership, and a deep commitment to agriculture.