In this episode, hosts Matt and Tara sit down with Katie Bevilacqua of Golden Ridge Groves, an innovative agrotourism farm market located in Bartow, Fl. Golden Ridge Groves is home to a first-of-its-kind CUPS (Citrus Under Protective Screen) system, offering a truly unique U-Pick grapefruit experience—alongside U-Pick sunflowers, strawberries, and more seasonal Florida-grown favorites. Katie breaks down how CUPS technology works and why it matters, especially in the fight against HLB (citrus greening). This episode highlights how innovation, education, and resilience are shaping the future of Florida citrus and specialty crops. A major theme of the conversation is Golden Ridge Groves’ mission: connecting the public to where their food comes from and showcasing the diversity of what’s grown right here in Florida—proving that agriculture continues to adapt, innovate, and thrive. In this episode, you’ll learn: What makes the CUPS citrus system a game-changer for Florida growers How protected citrus production helps combat HLB / citrus greening Why agrotourism plays a key role in agricultural education How Golden Ridge Groves is inviting the public back onto the farm Plan Your Visit Golden Ridge Groves is open Tuesday–Saturday and welcomes the public to experience Florida agriculture firsthand. Learn more: https://goldenridgegroves.com/ Resilient. Innovative. Florida-grown. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of agriculture.

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Mike McCracken—farmer, educator, and former Florida FFA State Officer—to explore how agriculture education is evolving alongside a rapidly changing industry. With roots in both production agriculture and the classroom, Mike brings a unique perspective on what it takes to prepare students for modern agricultural careers.

Mike shares how technology has transformed agriculture, from diversified farm operations to innovative growing systems. As the owner and operator of McCracken Farms, he has worked across citrus, blueberries, hydroponic U-pick towers, exotic birds, and more—demonstrating how adaptability and innovation are essential for long-term success in farming.

A central focus of the conversation is the growing disconnect between students and where their food comes from. Mike discusses the shift from rural to urban living and how fewer families have direct ties to farms, making school-based agriculture programs more critical than ever. He explains the importance of elective agriculture courses in both middle and high school and how early exposure helps students discover interests, develop skills, and explore career pathways.

Drawing on his experience as an agriculture teacher in Polk and Highlands Counties—and as someone who helped establish a new FFA chapter in Polk County—Mike highlights how FFA drives student buy-in through hands-on learning, leadership development, and real-world applications. The episode also tackles the trade school versus college conversation, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all path to success in agriculture.

Listeners will also hear Mike’s thoughts on innovative growing practices, including backyard gardens and nontraditional farming systems, and how these approaches can change the “farming mindset” for today’s FFA students. He underscores the value of industry certifications in middle school, experiential learning, and getting students’ hands dirty—teaching problem-solving, focus, stress management, and resilience along the way.

Throughout the episode, Mike reminds us that small opportunities can have life-changing impacts. Whether it’s introducing a new growing method, offering a certification, or simply giving students the chance to try something new, those moments build knowledge, confidence, and open doors for the future.

In this inspiring episode, Kris and Tara sit down with Perry Rollins, director of Swan Lake Camp in Melrose, Florida, to explore how outdoor education, agriculture, and service come together to transform lives.

Perry shares the rich history of Swan Lake Camp and its mission to get every child outdoors—embracing their motto: “No Child Left Inside.” From hands-on environmental learning to outdoor skills and farm-based education, the camp creates powerful opportunities for students to reconnect with nature and understand the world around them.

The conversation also highlights the camp’s deeply impactful programs serving foster care children and veterans, offering safe spaces for healing, confidence-building, and community.

Throughout the episode, Perry emphasizes why agricultural education matters for everyone—because, as he says, “we all need to eat.” By helping young people and adults connect with where their food comes from, Swan Lake Camp uses agriculture as a vehicle for understanding stewardship, sustainability, and God’s purpose for our lives.

In This Episode:

--The origins and legacy of Swan Lake Camp

--How outdoor education builds resilience, confidence, and curiosity

--Programs that serve foster care youth and support veterans

--Why agricultural literacy is essential for every community

--The spiritual connection between food, creation, and purpose

--How Swan Lake Camp partners with families, schools, and organizations to impact lives

Tune in for an uplifting conversation about the power of the outdoors, the importance of understanding our food systems, and the role agriculture plays in shaping disciplined, purpose-driven youth.

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we sit down with Evan Ratzlaff, founder of Swamp Dog Sauce, a hot-sauce company with a mission far bigger than heat. Evan and his team are redefining what sustainability looks like in the food world by doing something no one else is doing: combining compost collection with hot-sauce production to build healthier soils and stronger communities.

Evan shares how Swamp Dog Sauce goes beyond recycled packaging to tackle the root of agricultural and environmental challenges—food waste. By diverting scraps from landfills and transforming them into high-quality compost, Swamp Dog directly supports the soil health of local growers. The result? A vertically integrated model where better soil leads to better ingredients, and better ingredients lead to—yes—seriously bangin’ sauce.

We explore the company’s hands-on partnerships with farmers, the science behind composting, and how everyday consumers can join the movement to reduce waste and rebuild soil ecosystems. Evan also offers an honest look at the challenges of running a mission-driven business, why regenerative practices matter now more than ever, and how small, community-focused actions can drive big environmental change.

If you’ve ever wondered how hot sauce, compost, and sustainable agriculture fit together—you’re about to find out.

In this episode, we dig deep—literally—into the world of earthworms and soil regeneration with Rodney Eaton of Eaton Worms, a Florida company specializing in high-quality earthworms and organic soil-boosting products. From living soil and worm castings to compost and castings extract, Eaton Worms uses sustainable, nature-driven systems to improve soil structure, plant health, and even water clarity in ponds and aquariums.

Episode Highlights

How Eaton Worms Got Started

We open with the origin story: the inspiration behind launching a worm-based agricultural business in Florida, early challenges, and the unexpected demand that helped the company grow into a trusted provider of regenerative soil products.

Why CHITINASE Matters — Nature’s Pest Defense

We discuss chitinase, an enzyme naturally produced in worm systems that breaks down chitin—the main component of insect exoskeletons. Listeners learn how incorporating worm castings into soil helps promote natural pest resistance, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Exopolysaccharides: Soil’s Secret Superpower

Rodney explains how exopolysaccharides (EPS) created in worm composting act as:

--hosts for beneficial bacteria and fungi,

--moisture-retaining compounds, and

--powerful agents for breaking down synthetic residues—improving soil structure, nutrient cycling, and plant resilience.

The Benefits of Worm Tea (Castings Extract)

We explore how worm tea differs from compost tea, how it’s brewed, and the roles it plays in:

--boosting microbial activity,

--improving root health,

--delivering instant nutrient availability, and

--helping plants handle heat, drought, and stress.

The Realities of Raising Worms

Rodney shares behind-the-scenes insights into worm husbandry, including:

--temperature and moisture challenges in Florida’s climate,

--predator and pest issues,

--the importance of feedstock quality, and

--scaling up production while maintaining microbial diversity.

Fun Facts About Earthworms

We close with surprising worm trivia—how fast they reproduce, how much soil they can process, why they’re essential for aeration, and what makes them “ecosystem engineers.”

About Eaton Worms

Eaton Worms provides earthworms, worm castings, compost, living soil, and worm castings extract to gardeners, farmers, homeowners, and commercial clients across Florida. Their products enhance soil health, boost plant growth, promote natural pest control, and support sustainable agriculture.

They also offer direct application services for both residential and commercial properties.

Learn more or contact the team at: eatonworms.com

Follow Eaton Worms: facebook.com/eaton.worms

This week, Kris and Tara sit down with Joanna Oswalt—a seventh-generation Floridian, agricultural consultant, and President of the Sumter County Farm Bureau. With deep family roots in Florida agriculture, Joanna brings a unique and passionate perspective on the past, present, and future of farming in the Sunshine State.

As both an advocate and educator, Joanna works to strengthen Florida’s agricultural community by expanding agritourism, supporting producers, and helping connect the public to where their food truly comes from. Through her consulting work and leadership roles—including with the Florida Agritourism Association—she helps farms create sustainable, educational, and profitable visitor experiences backed by the Florida Farm Bill.

🌱 In this episode, we explore:

• A legacy of Florida agriculture: Joanna’s seventh-generation family history and how it influenced her commitment to the industry.
• Connecting people to agriculture: Why she believes education—not confrontation—is the key to helping people understand food systems and farming traditions.
• What agritourism really is: How farms can generate secondary income by welcoming the public, and the wide range of agritourism opportunities available under the Florida Farm Bill.
• Success stories: Real-world examples of thriving agritourism ventures and what makes them work.
• The realities of farming: Why farming is a passion-driven career, the emotional toll of weather and external forces, and the importance of mental health support—including how the Florida Farm Bureau champions farmers through initiatives like 988.
• Looking ahead: Joanna’s excitement for future projects, including AgVentures, Taste of Sumter County, birthday box programs, and continued advocacy for rural communities and the next Farm Bill.

Joanna’s insight, energy, and deep love for Florida agriculture make this a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Tune in for an inspiring look at how agritourism, education, and community support are shaping the future of farming in Florida.

In this episode, we talk with Kevin O’Gorman, a hands-on science educator whose love for agriculture and the natural world began on his family’s retired apple orchard in upstate New York. With a degree in Animal Science (Fisheries, Aquaculture & Wildlife Management) and more than a decade in the classroom, Kevin has built a unique “hands-in-the-dirt” teaching style that brings science to life for K–5 students.

Kevin shares how UF/IFAS Extension programs and mentor teachers inspired him to integrate horticulture, gardening, and environmental studies into daily lessons. From his popular “Bug of the Week” feature—teaching pest ID, beneficial insects, and ecosystem diversity—to designing a classroom culture where every student (and even their families) has a role in the garden, Kevin emphasizes learning with purpose.

Listeners will hear why he believes:

--Tactile, outdoor learning helps students thrive

--Purpose-driven lessons create better engagement

--Failure is an essential part of discovery

--Understanding the “why” behind science empowers young learners

--Gardens build community and connect students to the environment

Kevin’s passion for experiential science, sustainability, and student curiosity shines through as he shares how garden-based learning can grow stronger thinkers, problem-solvers, and future environmental stewards.

Former host and longtime soil health advocate Brad Turner returns to The Modern Farming Podcast to dig deep into cover cropping. In this episode, Brad explores what happens when we push the land too hard and how a shift toward diversity and persistence can bring balance back to the soil.

Key Topics Covered:

Why diversity matters: Nature doesn’t grow monocultures — and neither should we. Brad explains how plant diversity supports healthier soils, improves biological activity, and reduces dependence on inputs.

The carbon cycle in the soil: A dive into how carbon, organic matter, and food sources interact underground — and how that invisible exchange fuels above-ground productivity.

Cover crops and climate: How cover cropping helps regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and create a more resilient ecosystem, even in extreme weather.

Persistence pays off: Building healthy soil is not a one-season project. Brad emphasizes the importance of consistency, patience, and long-term commitment to regenerative practices.

Takeaway Message:

Healthy soil isn’t built overnight — it’s cultivated through diverse systems, organic matter, and persistence. Monocropping may offer short-term yields, but true sustainability comes from farming in step with nature’s cycles.