Explore every episode of the podcast Let's Get Rural Podcast

Another Kentucky harvest is nearly in the books. Dustin White of White Farms in Union County sits down with Let’s Get Rural to talk about his family’s roots in agriculture, the work behind their farming operation, and how this year’s crop is shaping up as harvest comes to a close.

Find the latest KFB market reports at: https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/commodities/market-reports/

Fall is in full swing across Kentucky, and farm markets arebuzzing with the sights, sounds and flavors of the season. From warm cider to picking the perfect pumpkin, there’s plenty to celebrate. Just Piddlin’ Farm owner Chip Willingham joins Let’s Get Rural to share the story behind his farm market and how the KFB Certified Farm Market program has helpedsupport and grow his operation.

Learn more about their farm at: https://www.justpiddlinfarm.com/

Learn more about the Certified Farm Market program at: https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/certified-farm-markets/

Farming can be rewarding, but it can also bring tremendous pressure and uncertainty. Farmer William McIntosh joins Let’s Get Rural for an honest conversation about the mental health struggles he has faced and how those experiences have inspired him to bring greater awareness to farmer mental health. William shares his story in hopes of reminding others in agriculture that they aren’t alone, especially during challenging times on the farm.

Let's Get Rural hits the road to Flemingsburg, Kentucky, for a special episode recorded during the Annual Fleming County Tractor Parade. What started as a parade became a celebration of everything that makes rural communities special: a deep appreciation for agriculture, a strong sense of history, and the people who keep those traditions alive. Hop on board as we take you straight to the heart of tractor country on this special road-trip edition of Let's Get Rural.

Harvest season is one of the most important times of the year for farmers, and it’s also a critical period for grain and commodity markets. On this episode of Let’s Get Rural, Kentucky Farm Bureau Commodity Marketing Specialist Taylor Thompson joins Tim Thornberry for a timely conversation about what farmers are seeing in the fields and what market analysts are watching as combines roll across the countryside.

Learn about all the best information about Kentucky commodities at: https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/commodities/

Brooke Pardue with the Parklands Alliance joins the show todiscuss the upcoming Jack’s Lantern Trail event in Iroquois Park. Discover how thousands of Kentucky Proud pumpkins are transformed into incredible works of art, creating a one-of-a-kind fall experience filled with fun, creativity, and family-friendly entertainment for all ages.

Learn more about Jack's Lantern Trail at: https://www.jackolanternlouisville.org/

Join us for a special episode of Let’s Get Rural as we uncover how agricultural education is making a difference in Kentucky classrooms! Discover the impact of "All In for Ag Education Week," a statewide initiative connecting students to the diverse world of agriculture and its exciting career paths. Christi Hack shares inspiring stories and innovative programs from Jessamine County, revealing how educators are helping students appreciate the vital role agriculture plays in their lives.

Learn more at: https://www.kyagr.com/marketing/ag-education-week.html

Join us on Let’s Get Rural as we spotlight Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Generation Bridge Advocate of the Year award. This year’s honoree is Melissa Miller, farmer and Executive Director of the Kentucky 4H Foundation. Discover Melissa’s inspiring story and learn how she’s helping shape the future of agriculture advocacy in Kentucky.

Learn more about the Generation Bridge Program at: https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/generation-bridge/

Discover the future of agricultural innovation on this episode of Let's Get Rural! We're joined by Gene Ligman, founder of Kentucky-based Clear Grain Co., one of ten startups competing in the American Farm Bureau’s Ag Innovation Challenge. Gene shares how Clear Grain is revolutionizing grain storage and transportation with cutting-edge technology designed to control pest, even those hidden inside kernels, using a unique vacuum chamber and ozone-carbon dioxide blend. Tune in to learn about the proof-of-concept journey, the fierce competition for $100,000 in startup funding, and the advances reshaping rural America.

Learn more about the AFBF Ag Innovation Challenge at: https://www.fb.org/initiative/ag-innovation-challenge

Join us on "Let’s Get Rural" as we go behind thescenes at the Kentucky State Fair. Corrine Fetter, Executive Director of Expositions for Kentucky Venues, shares how her dedicated team pulls off one of the state’s largest events and highlights why the fair is so vital to Kentucky's agricultural community.

Learn more at: https://kystatefair.org/

Each year, Miss Kentucky not only represents the Commonwealth at the Miss America contest, but also takes on a vital role as an ambassador for agriculture with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. She plays a major part in the Kentucky State Fair, including the iconic Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction. Join us on “Let’s Get Rural” as Miss Kentucky shares fun stories and insights from Agland during the fair.

Instagram: missamericaky

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissAmericaKY

Join us on "Let’s Get Rural" as we dive into the world of livestock shows, a beloved tradition at state fairs across the country. In this episode, renowned judge Terry Burks shares his lifelong passion for animals and his dedication to mentoring youth in agriculture. Tune in for inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a celebration of rural life.

If you love local food, the state fair, and way too many cookies, this episode of Let’s Get Rural is your jam. Join us as Mark Pohl, the fair’s new Cookie Guy, as he spills the tea on what it’s really like to bake up an insane amount of cookies for a state full of hungry fairgoers.

Follow Sweet Bucket Cookies at: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_buckets_cookies/

Rural development remains a critical priority for farmersand rural residents across Kentucky. In a recent discussion, Rachel Chambers, a representative from USDA Rural Development, joined Renee Carrico and KFB News Editor Tim Thornberry to explore innovative strategies and opportunities that can help rural communities not only survive, but truly thrive!

Learn more at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ky

Let’s Get Rural welcomes historian Amalie Preston for a special episode on the history of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. From James Harrod’s frontier settlement to the region’s farming heritage, Amalie brings vivid stories and insights into the people who shaped Kentucky’s beginnings.Learn more about Harrodsburg's rich history at: https://harrodsburghistorical.org/

Join us as we sit down with two seasoned livestock experts who share their passion for teaching the ins and outs of running a successful livestock operation. From daily animal care to mastering the business side of farming, this podcast offers practical advice, insightful stories, and expert tips for everyone from beginners to seasoned ranchers.

Rural development is crucial to the future of Kentuckycommunities. It impacts our local economies, education, healthcare, and quality of life for residents across the state. On this episode, Travis Burton joins Let’s Get Rural to discuss his role in supporting and empowering rural communities.

Join us as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary byexploring the powerful connection between agriculture and military service. In this episode, we sit down with Jewett Borden, a veteran whose passion for farming and country has shaped his remarkable journey. Discover how veteransare strengthening agricultural communities across the nation, and how their service continues to make an impact, both on and off the field.

Learn more about what Jewett is up to now at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070128452331

Join Olivia McCants of the Kentucky Historical Society as she sits down with the KFB News Editor to explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Daniel Boone. Discover how Boone shaped Kentucky and left a lasting mark on the nation in this engaging podcast conversation.

Learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society at: https://history.ky.gov/

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with a special episode! Join hosts Renee and Matt as they go head-to-head in a spirited trivia challenge, all about our nation and its history. Guiding the fun is Taylor Thompson, KFB Commodity Marketing Specialist, who returns as our brilliant trivia master. Tune in for laughs, learning, and plenty of patriotic spirit!

Join us as we spotlight Bella Franklin, a remarkable sophomore at Western Hills High School and the founder of “Buckle Up with Bella.” In this episode, discover how her community service initiative is raising awareness about highway safety for drivers of all ages, and learn about her travels across Kentucky as Miss Western Kentucky’s Teen. Bella shares her passion for educating both students and adults about the importance of buckling up, promoting distraction-free driving, and supporting children in need through her unique partnership with local police stations. Tune in for an episode full of motivation, advocacy, and real-world impact!

The county fair is a beloved tradition in rural communities nationwide, and it holds special significance for Kentuckians. Doug Banks, a member of the Meade County Fair Board, joins Let's Get Rural to discuss what makes their county fair unique and why it is so well known.

Join us on Let’s Get Rural as Pat Clements shares his inspiring journey of agricultural advocacy and leadership. Discover the real challenges wheat and small grain farmers are facing today—and why their stories matter now more than ever. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that goes beyond the headlines and into the heart of rural America.

Learn more about KY Small Grains Growers' at: https://www.kysmallgrains.org/

Read about the work of NAWG at: https://wheatworld.org/

Janelle Nicolai and her husband Roger took a leap of faith, diving headfirst into the world of agriculture. After years of trial and error, their Farm on Rough River now thrives with a bounty of meats and vegetables. Discover their inspiring journey as Janelle joins us on Let's Get Rural.

Follow their journey at: https://www.facebook.com/thefarmatroughriver/

Discover the story behind Chaney’s Dairy Barn, a beloved Bowling Green institution that’s become synonymous with ice cream in Warren County, Kentucky. Join us as Carl Chaney shares how his family transformed a traditional dairy into a local icon with a unique, value-added approach. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at their journey, challenges, and the community they’ve built one scoop at a time.

Learn more about the dairy barn at: https://www.chaneysdairybarn.com/

Join KFB News Editor Tim Thornberry as he sits down with David Wayne to explore the wide range of opportunities available to agriculture producers through the FSA. Discover valuable programs, resources, and expert insights that can help you make the most of what the Farm Service Agency has to offer.

Learn more at: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/kentucky

May is Beef Month, so we caught up with Bradon Burks of the Kentucky Cattlemen's and Beef Council to discuss the industry and explore some unique ways we celebrate our cattle farmers.

Learn more about the beef council at: https://www.kybeef.com/

Catch up on what the KY Cattlemen's Association is up to at: https://www.kycattle.org/

Chris Pierce of Pulaski County joins Let’s Get Rural toshare valuable insights into innovative practices he implements on his farm to decrease the cost of production. During the conversation, Chris explains how these strategies not only help him save money but also improve the overallefficiency and sustainability of his farming operation.

Read more at: https://editions.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=863102&p=1&view=issueViewer

BCTC Equine’s Dixie Kendall joins the Let’s Get Ruralpodcast to share her journey in the racing industry and her passion for education. Learn about the North American Racing Academy, the first community college-based racehorse riding program in the U.S. and what makes it unique.

Learn more at: https://bluegrass.kctcs.edu/about/nara/index.aspx

Each year, the world pauses for two minutes to watch the legendary Kentucky Derby. Countless dedicated equine veterinarians work tirelessly to keep the athletes in peak condition—but none are more renowned than the team at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. Dr. Ali Broyles joins Let's Get Rural to share her journey to her current role at the hospital and discuss the incredible work she and her colleagues are accomplishing.

Learn more about Rood and Riddle at: https://roodandriddle.com/

Glean Kentucky is a valued partner of Kentucky Farm Bureauand a recipient of funds raised at the KFB Insurance Clays for a Cause event in April. Jennifer Palmer, Executive Director, joins Let’s Get Rural to discuss the unique work Glean Kentucky does for fellow Kentuckians and how local farmers can get involved.

Learn more about Glean Kentucky at: https://gleanky.org/

Learn more about Clays for a Cause at: https://www.kyfb.com/insurance/clays-for-a-cause/

Brent Gatton, The Chair of the United Soybean Board and afifth-generation grain producer, discusses the role of the board, as well as successes and challenges with the soybean sector.  The USB manages the national soy checkoff program, investing funds to increase profits and opportunities for soybean producers.

Learn more about USB at: https://unitedsoybean.org/

Discover the inspiring story of Scott Porter, the 2025Kentucky Farmer of the Year, in this episode of Let’s Get Rural. Learn how Porter's dedication, innovative farming practices, and commitment to community service earned him this prestigious award from the Kentucky Farm Bureau. Joinus as we highlight the values and achievements that strengthen Kentucky’s farming community, and hear what it takes to make a lasting impact on the agriculture industry.

Learn more about the Porter Family at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK7mI5Aaqjc

Learn more about the Farmer of the Year award at: https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/commodities/farmer-of-the-year/

Mark Thomas, a multigenerational farmer from Hardin County, Kentucky, began sharing his farm life in innovative ways during the pandemic. This openness has created interesting opportunities for him to become a voice for agriculture on his social media platforms and podcast Dirt to Dollars. Get to know Mark and his engaging perspective on agriculture and rural living.

Dirt to Dollars Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-to-dollars/id1503509514

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomasfarms?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Each year, the Kentucky Farm Bureau honors the top woman farmer in Kentucky. This year, the spotlight shines on Kristan Wright of Henry County! Tune in as Kristan sits down with us to share her inspiring journey in agriculture, both on and off the family farm.

Learn more about women in Kentucky agriculture at: https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/women-in-ag/

What started in a tobacco barn has grown into a major scholarship fundraiser. Join us as Aaron Clark shares the story of how the Fayette County Farm Bureau has hosted a big equipment auction for over 40 years—and how it continues to make a difference in the community!

Learn more about the Fayette County Farm Bureau at:

https://fayettecofarmbureau.com/

Today, we're celebrating the achievements of two outstanding high school students: Clara Belle Bishop of Nelson County and Jeremiah Jury of Owen County. They were just named winners of the Kentucky Farm Bureau 2025 Outstanding Farm Bureau Youth contest at the organization’s 106th Annual Meeting. Clara Belle and Jeremiah join the podcast today to talk about everything that comes with this amazing achievement.

Learn more about KFB's Youth Programs at: https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/youth-development/

Each year, the Kentucky Farm Bureau sends its brightestyoung farmers to compete at the national level. On this episode of Let’s Get Rural, Cody Burke of Franklin County shares his experience and success at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Tune in to hear Cody’s inspiring journey and what it takes to excel in agriculture today!

Learn more about the Young Farm Program at KFB:

https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/young-farmers/

Ella Fourqurean, the Expositions Sales Manager at KentuckyVenues, joins Let’s Get Rural to discuss managing the National Farm Machinery Show at the Kentucky Expo Center—the nation’s largest indoor farm show. With over 1.2 million square feet filled, attendees can explore top farming equipment, cutting-edge technology, and the latest in agribusiness innovation.

Kentucky Farm Bureau Commodity Marketing Specialist Taylor Thompson joins the podcast this week to talk aboutthe issues farmers are facing this year as they prepare for planting season. 

Learn more about the work of the KFB Commodity Division at:

https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/commodities/

Tune in to our latest episode as we sit down with Dr. Kristie Guffey, professor of Agriscience and graduate coordinator at the Hutson School of Agriculture at Murray State University. Growing up on a beef cattle and tobacco farm in Kentucky and active in the FFA, Dr. Guffey brings a lifetime of agricultural experience to the table. Hear her journey from high school ag teacher and FFA advisor in Carlisle County, through her years at WKU-Glasgow, to leading the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Facility and now shaping the next generation at Murray State. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about leadership, education, and the future of agriculture!

Buzzing into this edition, the newest director of the Kentucky State Beekeepers Association (KSBA) and the President of the Franklin County Farm Bureau, Ray Bowman, dives into the sweet world of honeybees, sharing why these tiny pollinators matter and highlighting some of the buzzworthy initiatives the organization takes to support Kentucky's beekeepers and keep everyone in the loop.

Learn more about the KY Beekeepers Association at: kybees.org/

Lee Maddox, affectionately known as Tennessee Lee, has been with the Tennessee Farm Bureau for years, helping the organization share the story of agriculture. His voice is recognized throughout the Volunteer State and even at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

Learn more about the work Lee and his team are up to at: https://tnfarmbureau.org/news

Excited to host the California Farm Bureau's 1st Vice President Shaun Crook while recording at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. He discusses key challenges facing farm families in his state and highlights how agriculture is similar across the country.

Let's Get Rural hits the road to Anaheim, California, for the latest podcast episode featuring American Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Joby Young. Young discusses his journey to the Farm Bureau and the meaningful impact State Farm Bureaus make every day.

Learn more about American Farm Bureau at: fb.org

Taylor and Hannah Jones have been named the 2025 KFB Outstanding Young Farm Family winners. After securing the grand prize at the state level, they will represent Kentucky at the national competition during the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Discover their inspiring journey as new farmers and their enthusiasm for this remarkable opportunity.

Learn about the KFB Young Farmer Program at: https://www.kyfb.com/federation/programs/young-farmers/

As the year draws to a close, the legislative season inFrankfort intensifies with the start of a new session. KFB Public Affairs Director Kyle Kelly joins us to discuss key issues from the upcoming legislative session that could impact our farmers and rural communities.

Learn more about KFB’s Public Affairs Initiatives at: https://www.kyfb.com/federation/public-affairs/

Every month, KFB News Editor Tim Thornberry takes readers on a lively journey through his Down the Backroads column. This time, he drops by to share behind-the-scenes stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and a special festive twist—a Christmas edition made just for the Let’s Get Rural podcast!

Read the KFB News Magazine at: https://editions.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=66493&l=1&view=issuelistBrowser

Each year, Kentucky cultivates strong youth leaders throughorganizations such as FFA, 4-H, and FCCLA. This year, two Kentuckians were selected as national officers for the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). They joined us to discuss this exciting achievement and sharetheir plans for the upcoming year of service.

Learn more about FCCLA at: https://fcclainc.org/

Each year, the Kentucky Farm Bureau honors exceptional young agriculturalists whose dedication and leadership truly transform their communities with the prestigious Excellence in Ag Award. In 2025, this distinguished recognition was awarded to Brandon Gilles of Daviess County—a testament to his unwavering commitment and impact. Brandon joins Let’s Get Rural to inspire listeners with his journey as both a farmer and a professional at Farm Credit of Mid-America, sharing insights that showcase the vital role young leaders play in shaping the future of agriculture. #NewPodcastAlert ‼🚨‼ #Kentucky #BigOnCommitment