As fires continue to scorch the Western U.S., it can be hard to imagine a way to tame such extreme events. Wildfires have always been a natural environmental occurrence. Still, scientists are exploring management practices that may be able to mitigate these repercussions – while simultaneously helping the forests tolerate fire in general…

Dr. Brandon M. Collins joins the podcast to discuss his work in fire dynamics and forest management. Brandon is an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley and the lead scientist at Berkeley Forests, where he is confronted with the daunting task of reducing increased susceptibility to wildfire and drought. He aims to do all this while also minimizing impacts on other forest ecological components.

Join the conversation now to explore:

• The importance of managing forests so that they can withstand fires.
• The benefits of fire and to what extent it should be controlled.
• The importance of connecting analysis to real-life engagement.
• The two methods to help forests maintain a healthy tree density.

You can find out more about Dr. Collins by clicking here now!

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

“All life begins in the soil, and it translates all the way to human life and human health,” said the soil agronomist whose nutrition advice helped Blaine Hitzfield’s mother find life-changing relief from crippling arthritis.

Farmers have a significant role to play in the health of society, and as the CEO of distributions at Seven Sons Farms (and one of the seven sons!), Hitzfield understands this well. He’s come to appreciate the value of healthy soil in growing healthy food, which has become his mission.

Tune in to explore:

• What’s produced by and offered at Seven Sons Farms
• What CAFO is and how it works
• How rotational and adaptive grazing reflect ecological principles
• Why feedlot animals have been bred to have small rumen capacity
• Challenges and lessons learned at Seven Sons Farms over the years

Interested in learning more?

Press play to hear the entire conversation, and check out Pasture-raised Meats & Organic Groceries - Seven Sons Farms for more info.

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

What does it take to successfully manage a large-scale dining operation? Glenn Loughridge joins us today to discuss how he accomplishes just that as Auburn University's Director of Campus Dining and Athletics Concessions. Since 2012, Glenn has been responsible for delivering local, fresh food to the campus community in a creative and collaborative manner.

As a graduate of Auburn University himself, Glenn has a long history with creative food management practices. Now, he is on a mission to provide the most sustainable, nutritious, and enjoyable dining experiences possible for the students, faculty, and staff of his beloved alma mater…

In this episode, we dive into:

• How to successfully facilitate a deep sea crabbing operation.
• Glenn’s work as an advocate between the university and its food service providers.
• How students’ tastes can evolve as they grow older.
• The importance of highlighting the nutritional value of sustainably-sourced food.

To find out more about Glenn and his work, click here now!

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q