In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Steve Johnson — fourth-generation citrus grower, cattle rancher, and Vice President of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation — for a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing Florida agriculture today.

Based in Hardee County, Steve operates multiple family businesses including Johnson Harvesting, Treeair Cattle Co., Johnson Groves and Farms, and Sabel Logistics. From managing labor and H-2A programs to navigating the evolving citrus market and labor challenges, Steve shares how his family continues to adapt while preserving their deep agricultural roots.

We also talk about cow/calf operations, the rising costs of production, and how Farm Bureau plays a vital role in supporting Florida’s farmers and ranchers. Off the farm, Steve shares stories about faith, family, and finding balance — often on the water, fishing in his downtime.

Tune in for a grounded, heartfelt conversation about leadership, legacy, and what it takes to keep Florida farming strong for the next generation.

Kevin Lussier is a 5th-generation dairy farmer, cheesemaker, and advocate for the next generation of agriculture. Kevin and his wife, Shelby, own Hawthorne Creek Creamery and Lussier Farms LLC in Hawthorne, Florida, where they raise their three boys and produce farm-fresh, small-batch cheeses. A former Chair of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and current Vice President of Alachua County Farm Bureau, Kevin is passionate about connecting consumers to where their food comes from and empowering young farmers to find their voice in today’s agricultural landscape.

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Lussier to talk about life on a modern dairy farm and the art—and science—of cheesemaking. Kevin shares his journey from growing up on the family farm to returning after college in 2016 and launching his own creamery in 2020. We explore what it takes to balance herd health, crop management, and business ownership while maintaining the highest standards of quality and care for both animals and customers.

Highlights

- Farming Legacy – Kevin’s roots in a multi-generation dairy family and what drew him back to farming after college.

- From Milk to Market – How he and Shelby started Hawthorne Creek Creamery in 2020, transforming their farm’s milk into locally made artisan cheeses.

- A Day on the Farm – Managing forage crops, herd health, and cheesemaking—all while raising a young family and running two businesses.

- Science Meets Skill – Working with a nutritionist to craft the perfect diet for the herd, ensuring milk with the right balance of butterfat and protein for cheese production.

- Cheesemaking 101 – What happens inside the 400-gallon vat, and how careful timing and technique turn milk into something magical.

- Advocacy in Action – Kevin’s leadership with Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, helping young producers navigate challenges, build networks, and strengthen their voice in agricultural policy.

- Connecting Consumers & Producers – Why telling the story of modern farming is key

Kevin brings authenticity, experience, and heart to the conversation—sharing what it takes to run a modern farm, lead with purpose, and advocate for agriculture’s next generation. Whether you’re in the field, the classroom, or the kitchen, this episode will leave you inspired and informed about where your food really comes from.

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Williamson, a remarkable guest whose life and legacy are deeply tied to Florida agriculture. A 6th-generation strawberry grower from Hillsborough County, she has spent her career balancing farm life with leadership in Farm Bureau, agricultural policy, and youth education. From serving on local, state, and national committees to mentoring students in 4-H, her story is one of passion, perseverance, and dedication to advocating for farmers. Join us as she shares insights on strawberry farming, water management, and the vital role of agricultural literacy in shaping the future.

Topics We’ll Cover:

-Life as a 6th-generation strawberry grower in Florida.

-Farm Bureau leadership and advocacy work.

-The importance of water management and conservation.

-Agricultural education through 4-H and community programs.

-The challenges and rewards of farming today.

-What the future of Florida fruit and vegetable growers looks like.

Join us as we celebrate Michelle Williamson’s remarkable journey in agriculture, leadership, and advocacy—a story of roots, resilience, and a passion for educating the next generation about where our food comes from.

Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy food, thriving farms, and sustainable communities. In this episode, we sit down with Brad Turner, an expert in soil health, to explore why balance and moderation are key principles in successful farming.

Brad shares insights into:

--The role of soil biology, chemistry, and structure in supporting healthy crops

Why overusing fertilizers, pesticides, or even water can do more harm than good

--How farmers and gardeners alike can adopt moderation to improve yields without sacrificing long-term soil health

--Practical steps for maintaining nutrient-rich, resilient soils

Whether you’re a grower, gardener, educator, or just curious about where your food comes from, this conversation will deepen your understanding of soil as a living system—and why cultivating balance is the best way forward.

In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Sam Baker, founder of Wriggle Brew, to explore how earthworms and innovation are reshaping the future of agriculture. A seventh-generation Floridian, Sam’s connection to the land began early, fishing alongside his grandfather until soil degradation and runoff transformed their favorite spot into a dead zone. That personal loss fueled his drive to understand where runoff comes from, what’s in conventional fertilizers, and how natural alternatives can heal our ecosystems.

Sam’s journey shows how science and storytelling come together in agriculture. We dig into how earthworm castings, packed with microbiomes, outperform chemical fertilizers but face unique challenges in shelf stability. Wriggle Brew has developed a proprietary process that extends usability from mere hours to 18 months, making worm-based fertilizers viable for both home gardeners and large-scale farms.

We also explore the company’s groundbreaking Polyverm process, which uses worms to break down plastic waste into organic fertilizers—without leaving behind harmful residues or microplastics. Sam’s work is more than just a business; it’s a vision for a more regenerative, resilient food system where soil health drives productivity and environmental stewardship.

Tune in to learn how Wriggle Brew is tackling soil degradation, reducing waste, and giving farmers powerful tools for sustainable growth.

https://www.wrigglebrew.com

https://www.facebook.com/PRAGWriggleBrew/

https://www.instagram.com/wrigglebrew/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-baker-702239155

In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Phil Blom, CEO of Terra Char, to dive deep into the transformative world of biochar. As a pioneer in expanding our understanding and applications of biochar, Phil shares how this powerful material is reshaping agriculture, sustainability, and climate solutions.

We cover:

-What biochar is, how it’s made, and what it does

-The importance of education in growing a newer industry

-How biochar impacts soil biology, supporting microbes and improving soil structure

-Its ability to absorb and release water and nutrients for healthier crops

-Applications from composting, soil improvement, and animal feed to energy solutions and carbon credits

-The future potential of biochar in sustainable packaging, construction, and climate resilience

Phil’s passion for collaboration and innovation highlights how biochar can unlock practical solutions for farmers, ranchers, and industries seeking a more sustainable path forward.

Whether you’re a grower, ag educator, or simply curious about regenerative practices, this conversation offers a practical introduction to one of agriculture’s most promising tools.

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Suau, a registered professional engineer with over 40 years of experience in watershed, stormwater, nutrient, and water demand management across southwest Florida. A hydrologist and soil biologist, Steve has dedicated his career to helping communities understand and protect their water resources, working with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Sarasota Audubon Society, and the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority. He co-authored the Community Playbook for Healthy Waterways and was recently recognized with the 2022 Certificate of Commendation for his decades of water quality solutions in Sarasota.

Steve brings a unique perspective that connects water, soil, and sustainability. Together, we explore:

• Why wastewater management matters and how different types of wastewater impact the environment.
• The shift from chemical management to building soil biology in lawns, green spaces, and agriculture—especially as suburban land use grows beyond farmland.
• A pilot project (running since 2020) that uses reclaimed water for irrigation, and the challenges of balancing surface and groundwater use.
• How organic waste and bacteria can reduce nitrates in water by completing the nitrogen cycle.
• The potential of biochar and compost as soil amendments and wastewater filtration tools.
• How natural biological and chemical treatments—when balanced correctly—can restore ecosystems.
• Regenerative vs. organic farming: why consumer perception is confusing, how certification plays a role, and what these systems mean for food quality, taste, and nutrition.
• The growing recognition that regenerative and organic farming may hold the key to feeding humanity long-term, while conventional ag is focused on short-term yield.
• The documentary Organic Rising and what it reveals about the future of food and farming.
• The deep connection between water and soil—and why what happens underground is just as fascinating as what grows above it.

Steve’s insights challenge traditional approaches and open the door to practical, biology-based solutions for the way we grow food, manage water, and care for our environment. Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, policymaker, or simply curious about how soil and water are linked, this episode will leave you rethinking the future of sustainability.

n this engaging episode, we sit down with Barry Tenso, a first-generation commercial beekeeper who turned a backyard hobby into a thriving operation of more than 3,000 colonies. What started in 2015 with just two hives has grown into a full-scale migratory beekeeping business, pollinating crops across the United States and producing honey along the way.

Barry takes us behind the scenes of the life of a migratory beekeeper, from moving colonies under the cover of night to “chasing springtime” across the country. His bees play a vital role in pollinating almonds in California, citrus and wildflowers in Florida, blueberries in Maine, apples in New York, cranberries in New Jersey, and honey production in Pennsylvania.

We’ll also dive into his work as co-owner of Groundshaker Solutions LLC, an innovative agricultural drone spraying company. Barry explains how drone technology is changing the way farmers manage weeds, fertilize pastures, and protect pollinators by offering safer alternatives to traditional crop spraying.

Topics we cover include:

- Barry’s journey from hobbyist to commercial beekeeper.

- The logistics and challenges of moving thousands of hives across the country.

- How migratory beekeeping supports America’s food supply.

- The role of drones in agriculture and how they help protect bees.

- Splitting hives, catching swarms, and maintaining healthy colonies on the move.

- Why keeping bees means constantly adapting to new crops, climates, and challenges.

If you’ve ever been curious about the hidden world of commercial beekeeping—or how technology is shaping the future of agriculture—this conversation with Barry will give you a fascinating insider’s perspective.

📌 Learn more about Barry’s work:

Church Lane Apiaries: Churchlaneapiaries.com

Groundshaker Solutions: Groundshakersolutions.org