Jessie Jarvis had a time when she considered pursuing an occupation outside of agriculture. Born and raised as a rancher’s daughter in Southern Idaho, she tells how her love for agriculture and desire to raise children in agriculture changed her mind.

With the support of her husband Justin, Jessie uses her experience in communications and media to build bridges for the next generation of agriculturists, whether they work in the dirt, with cows, in a lab, or on a computer. She explains how times are changing and that we must work to show the next generation that there is a place for them in agriculture.

Almost half of the land in the western United States is owned by the Federal Government. Compare that to only 4 percent of land east of the Mississippi. Obviously, there is a story to tell on this topic.

Dirt Road Discussions visited with an online panel consisting of Amanda Kaster, Director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation; Keith Hamilton, a fourth-generation rancher and farmer from Wyoming; and Ben Menges, a fifth-generation farmer from Arizona.

With host Cam Hammond and Ott Clark, the panel takes us through an honest conversation about the pros, cons, victories, frustrations, benefits, and limitations of living near and working on these federal lands. If you don’t know what federal lands are, no worries. They will explain that, too.

Thank you to multiple western state Farm Bureau Federations who made this possible.

Imagine a succulent plant with sharp spines that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide. When it flowers, it can grow up to 8 feet tall, and its inflorescence can reach 25–30 feet tall. Sharla and Leo Ortega grow agave, a plant used for tequila and many other products. They talk about navigating the challenges of raising this "behemoth" crop.

Those who like to cast bait or a fly in the stream probably like a good salmon or trout filet, but it would never come close to meeting American's demand for fish. Welcome to the aquaculture industry. Jacob Bledsoe, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist — Aquaculture Research, shares how fish farms are advancing, consolidating, and competing with imported products to provide fish or grocery stores, restaurants, and pet stores.

Marshal Sewell's thoughts about the farmer's mental health changed with the suicide of his father. In this podcast, Marshal talks about his own quest to prevent further suicides through open dialogue about the pressures of farming and steps that can be taken to identify and help someone going down that path. He shared how he started the Mind Your Melon movement.

This is a must-hear podcast for every family who drives. Roadways and highways in rural areas look safe because they are less crowded, but they account for 75% of fatalities. Factors such as high speeds, distractions, and lack of patience combined with wildlife, agriculture equipment, and a false sense of security create dangerous dynamics. Jessie Barrus, Idaho Transportation Department District Engineer, and Cory Juber, Idaho State Police Trooper from North Central Idaho, share their experiences with rural road issues and give advice for drivers, farmers, and all who share these corridors.

George Rohrbacher found himself in the middle of nowhere, with only the lights from his tractor, pondering how he was going to save his farm. Farm markets in the late 1970s were tanking, and very little rain had fallen on his newly acquired dry farm. And then, out of nowhere, he decides to risk it all on a board game. You will not want to miss this.

Yes, it is absolutely true! Back in 1948, biologists threw beavers out of airplanes over Idaho's rugged backcountry with parachutes to help them rebuild ponds and other water structures. This podcast will have you laughing as Ben Goldfarb, environmental journalist, author, and "Beaver Believer," tells how it all went down. Ben also shares how biologists are seeking healthy strategies for beavers to coexist with their human neighbors.