Episodes
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This podcast episode delves into the evolving landscape of economic development in rural America, highlighting the significant projects and initiatives taking place across the country. Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins discuss the recent Advanced Economic Development Leadership Academy conference Jay attended, where Jay explored how rural communities are attracting investment and fostering growth despite economic challenges. They emphasize the importance of having the necessary infrastructure, such as water, electricity, and internet access, to appeal to businesses looking to relocate. The conversation also touches on the impact of climate change, including unusual weather patterns and tornado activity in typically stable regions. With insights from their experiences and interactions with fellow economic developers, the episode underscores the vital role of community engagement and strategic planning in revitalizing rural economies.
Listeners are treated to a rich conversation between Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins that explores the evolving landscape of rural America. The episode opens with a casual exchange about Robbins' recent travels and the weather's impact on local agriculture. This sets the stage for a discussion on the current harvest season and its implications for farmers in the region. Robbins shares personal insights from Old McDonald's Farm, where they have experienced increased visitor engagement due to favorable weather conditions, illustrating the intersection of agriculture and rural tourism.
The conversation then pivots to a deeper examination of economic development, particularly Robbins' participation in the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Academy. Here, he highlights the importance of collaboration among economic developers and the need for rural communities to adapt to changing economic circumstances. The episode captures key insights from site selectors who are increasingly looking toward rural areas for business opportunities, emphasizing the importance of having the right infrastructure and resources in place to attract new investments.
Throughout the discussion, Madison and Robbins reflect on the resilience of rural communities, sharing success stories of revitalization efforts in places like Hazard, Kentucky. They draw attention to the necessity of strategic planning and community involvement in overcoming economic challenges, providing listeners with a sense of hope and actionable insights for local leaders. The episode concludes with a call to recognize and leverage the unique strengths of rural America, inviting communities to take proactive steps toward sustainable growth.
Takeaways:
Rural economic development is actively progressing with significant projects despite broader economic challenges. Communities need to identify their unique advantages to attract businesses in competitive landscapes. The importance of infrastructure cannot be overstated in attracting economic development to rural areas. Networking with economic developers from various regions can provide valuable insights and strategies. Successful rural economic initiatives often involve collaboration with local schools and community programs. Communities are increasingly recognizing the value of their proximity to major urban centers.
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It's been a very wet growing season in 2024 and who knows when it's going to stop! Cohosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson discuss what the summer growing season has been like and the impacts on local agriculture. Luckily many modern dairy barns have lighting systems that compensate for the lack of sunlight, helping cows stay comfortable. But even with that, milk production is tight and having an impact.
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Episodes manquant?
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In this episode Dr. David Kohl shocks Jay with his analysis of the United States economy. Kohl discusses an upcoming meeting of China, Russia, Iran and other countries that could change our economic standing in the World.
Listen in as Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins are joined in the studio by Dr. David Kohl, a global agricultural economist who has traveled over 9 million miles speaking to groups and been published in thousands of articles discussing agriculture and our economy.
Dr. Dave Kohl is an academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dr. Kohl has tremendous insight into the agriculture industry through research, and involvement in ag businesses. He has traveled over 10 million miles; conducted more than 7,000 presentations; and published more than 2,500 articles in his career. Dr. Kohl’s wisdom and engagement with all levels of the industry provide a unique perspective into future trends.
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Podcast host, Jay Matteson, is joined by Joe Russo, Economic Developer for National Grid, and Seth Browe, Senior Representative for National Grids Energy Efficiency Program to discuss important grants and financial assistance programs for agriculture. There are many important programs offered by National Grid to assist farms and agribusinesses. Seth and Joe explain the programs and the important points of information you should know as you consider applying for these programs. Spending a few minutes listening to this podcast may save you thousands of $$.
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Commissioner Richard Ball of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets joins Ron and Jay to discuss growing local food supplies across NYS through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RSFI). RSFI is a new grant program available to farmers and others to provide critical funding to support New York State's food supply chain. Grants will invest in projects to modernize agricultural facilities, improve training and facilitate the purchase of new equipment.
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Host Jay Matteson interviews Dawn Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Northern New York about food insecurity in our rural communities and the role United Way plays in assisting people in need. Dawn discusses their food drive coming up on June 5 in Watertown from 8am to 2pm. Jay learns about a great program involving United Way and Jefferson - Lewis BOCES involving the BOCES Hospitality program. Students in the program prepare frozen meals that are given out to to local families in need. Once the family has the meal, they pop it in the microwave and have a healthy, tasy meal to eat!
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Dr. Robert Lynch, DVM, the Dairy Herd Health and Management Specialist for PRO_DAIRY Animal Science at Cornell University, joins hosts Ron and Jay for an in depth discussion about Avian Influenza and how it is impacting the Dairy Industry. How signifcantly does it impact dairy cows? Does it pose a threat with our dairy product supply? We get answers to those questions and more, thanks to Dr. Lynch.
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Jay interviews cohost, Ron Robbins while he's on the road returning from Florida. The two have a have broad discussion ranging from the results of the presentation by Dr. Dvid Kohl; the upcoming eclipse on April 8; and agricultural impacts of the bridge collapse in the Port of Baltimore. We finish ut the show with a discussion on Avian Flu and the impacts that will have on the dairy industry.
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Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech joins Jay and Ron for a great conversation about sports and business. It's amazing when you think about the 4th quarter, last period, last inning of the game and how you try to overcome a deficit to win the game, and how that compares to running your farm or business successfully.
Our conversation unintentionally uses sports to build great insight into managaing your business and farm.
Dr. Kohl is speaking in Jefferson County and nhis alma mater, Jefferson Community College on Thursday March 28 starting at 6pm. It is a free program and you are encouraged to visit www.agricultureevents.com for more info and to register.
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This is a special invitation to attend an upcoming seminar on March28, 2024 at Jefferson Community College with Dr. David Kohl.
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in this episode, Jay Matteson interviews Linda Garrett, the New York Regional Director of American Farmland Trust. American Farmland Trust (AFT) is doing a lot of work across New York State to help preserve precious farmland. AFT is working with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to provide training to farmers on regenerative agricultural practices and improving soil ecosystems. AFT is also focused on the increasing presence of women in agriculture, helping to bring women with an agricultural focus together across the State.
AFT is also matching those who want to get into farming with available farmland through their Farmland for a New Generation Program. Linda and Jay also discuss AFTs Farm to Institution program and their work bringing local food into school meals for the students.
Solar siting on farmland is a huge issue across NYS and AFT is working hard to help farmers and communities make wise choices. There are many activities undereway by AFT to assist.
This episode is power packed with great information so enjoy and thanks for listening.
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Jay interviews Joel Lalone, Director of the Center for Community Studies at Jefferson Community College about the results of the 2023 Survey of the Community on Quality of Life. Joel discusses the work done by the Center, based at Jefferson Community College, to survey the communty in Jefferson, Lewis and St. lawrence Counties on how public opinion has changed on a variety of important community issues. Are things getting better in our rural communities, or worse? Are our communities heading in the right direction?
It's a great conversation with lots of information to share.
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Podcast host Jay Matteson is joined by Mike Nuchols, Ag Team leader and Commercial Horticulture Educator of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County to discuss the results of the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture. The census is completed every five years in the United States and takes a snapshot of agriculture that is valuable in understanding what is happening in our food production.
You'll hear Mike and Jay discuss "surprises", good and bad, they found in the data.
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Hosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson are finally back on the podcast after both were down with the horrible flu/pneumonia going around. They discuss what's happening to milk prices, the global economy and potentially geopolitical storms that could impact agriculture in 2024.
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Hosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson take the listeners on a wild ride from how local crop harvest went to global food politics. How is the weather impacting food production in South Africa and Brazil. Will El Nino produce mega nor'easters this winter?
We also discuss a previous podcast guest, Country Music singer Stephanie Nash, and how Stephanie has been growing as an agricultural advocate since coming on our podcast.
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Jay Matteson shares information on what is happening to address the school milk supply problems and what was down locally to help make sure milk was available at our schools.
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Show host Jay Matteson spends time talking with Carly Basinger and Avery Maclean, The River Farmers, who own two farms in the Thousand Islands region of northern New York State. Carly has a vegetable farm serving "CSAs" Community Supported Agriculture shares for her local community, a farm stand and serves local restaurants. Avery owns a small farm on Grindstone Island located two miles from the U.S. mainland. She supports many families living on the Island with the produce from her farm.
We share their stories and experiences of running a farm on their own, and what it takes to feed others in a seasonal climate.
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Hosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson discuss what potentially happens to agriculture and our food supply if the Federal Government shutdowns. They also discuss a fantastic grant program available to increase food production in Jefferson County NY and also talk about safety on the highways during fall harvest time.
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Podcast hosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson are joined by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for her second interview on the podcast. But before Ron and Jay get into a great conversation with Claudia, Jay shares breaking news with listeners about Round II of the Jefferson County Food Resiliency Grant Program accepting applications from farms and food businesses. Over $600,000 is available to grow local food supply in Jefferson County!
After the announcement, Jay and Ron talk with Congresswoman Tenney about MANY important ag issues. We especially focus on work happening in Congress about the Farm Bill.
Its a great conversation!
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