What if the future of agriculture starts in a virtual classroom?

On this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we welcome Dr. Kim Abel, Head of School at Optima Academy Online, the nation's first K–12 spatial computing charter school. Dr. Abel shares how immersive technology is transforming education and preparing students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and STEM skills needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow—including those facing agriculture.

From virtual field experiences to innovative ways of engaging students, this conversation explores how technology is expanding access to education and inspiring the next generation of leaders, innovators, and agricultural professionals.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how spatial computing is helping shape the future of learning—and why that matters for the future of farming.

What inspires the next generation of agricultural leaders? 🌱

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we're joined by Kiki Hubbard, Regional Director of Recruitment for the Kansas State University College of Agriculture and a proud member of Hubbard Cattle Company. Raised on her family's cattle operation, Kiki shares how her passion for agriculture and people shaped her journey from student to recruiter.

We talk about the experiences that prepared her for a career in agriculture, the opportunities available through K-State's College of Agriculture, and why investing in young people is one of the most important ways to strengthen the future of our industry.

Whether you're a student exploring a future in agriculture or someone who is passionate about growing the next generation of leaders, this conversation is full of encouragement, insight, and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in now and join us as we discuss leadership, education, and the future of agriculture.

This week, we're bringing you a special episode from the Florida FFA State Convention! Guest host Maralee Thompson, Miss University of Florida, sat down with FFA members from across the state to hear firsthand about their leadership journeys, memorable FFA experiences, and the impact the organization has had on their lives.From developing confidence and communication skills to building lifelong friendships and discovering career opportunities in agriculture, these students share what makes FFA so much more than an organization—it's a community that prepares the next generation of agricultural leaders.Tune in for an inspiring conversation celebrating the passion, purpose, and future of agriculture through the voices of Florida FFA members. 🌾🎙️💙

How does agriculture stay connected in a fast-changing world? It starts with the people dedicated to telling its story.

In this episode, we sit down with Frank Giles, Editor-in-Chief at AgNet Media, to discuss his career in agricultural communications and the vital role trusted media plays in informing producers and connecting consumers to the industry. From row crops like cotton to specialty crops and citrus, Frank shares his perspective on the evolving landscape of agriculture and why effective communication has never been more important.

Whether you're passionate about farming, agricultural education, or the future of our food system, this conversation offers valuable insight into the voices helping shape the industry every day.

What if the future of education looks more like game night?

In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Joshua, a lifelong board game enthusiast whose passion for play led him to help transform the way students learn. From collecting hundreds of board games and coaching chess to helping build innovative educational platforms, Joshua has seen firsthand how gamification can spark curiosity, increase engagement, and make learning memorable.

Joshua shares his journey with Historical Conquest, Xogos Gaming, and My Learning Source, discussing how games are being used to teach history, science, math, personal finance, and more while creating meaningful opportunities for students and families.

Tune in to learn how one simple idea is changing education: when learning is fun, students don't just participate, they thrive.

This week, we sit down with Francie Black, a technology entrepreneur, educator, and innovator with more than 20 years of experience spanning product training, project management, software development, and business development.From leading internet development initiatives for a Fortune 500 company to consulting for major corporations and emerging startups, Francie has spent her career helping organizations navigate an ever-changing technological landscape. She also brought technology education to audiences nationwide as the host of ABC WLOS's weekly "Tech Time" segment, with her features syndicated to more than 100 television stations across the country.Today, Francie is the founder of Home Hacker Camp, where she inspires the next generation through robotics, programming, and STEM education.Join us as we discuss the future of technology, the importance of hands-on learning, and how empowering young people with technical skills can help prepare them for tomorrow's opportunities.

This week, we sat down with Joanna Joseph of EVO Academy to discuss an exciting partnership with the Green Jean Foundation that is bringing agricultural education into the classroom.

Joanna shares how EVO Academy is teaching students about the importance of agriculture, nutrition, and healthy living while helping young athletes understand the connection between what they eat and how they perform.

We also had the opportunity to hear directly from some of EVO's students about their training, goals, and what they're learning through this unique educational experience.

Join us as we explore how agriculture can be integrated into all aspects of education and why teaching the next generation about food, nutrition, and where their food comes from matters.

This week on Modern Farming, we sit down with Zack Farr, Founder and CEO of Biotech Applied Research (BAR), to discuss how innovation is transforming agricultural and environmental challenges into opportunities.

As a third-generation citrus grower, Zack witnessed firsthand the struggles facing Florida agriculture and set out to create practical solutions. Through BAR, he is pioneering the use of biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from wood waste, to improve soil health, enhance water quality, sequester carbon, and support sustainable farming practices.

In this episode, Zack shares how one of the nation's first mobile biochar operations is bringing cutting-edge technology directly to farms and job sites, turning agricultural waste into valuable resources. He also discusses the importance of circular nutrient management, rural economic development, and creating "green collar" jobs that strengthen both local communities and the environment.

Join us for a conversation about the future of agriculture, the power of innovation, and how farmers can play a leading role in environmental stewardship.