This episode is brought to you by our partner, ChopLocal University

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

In this conversation, Tara Vander Dussen shares her experiences living on a farm in New Mexico, discussing the challenges and joys of farming, raising children, and running a podcast focused on agriculture. The discussion covers various topics, including dairy farming practices, environmental regulations, the impact of misinformation in agriculture, and the importance of the human connection between farmers and regulators. Tara emphasizes the need for education and understanding in the agricultural community, particularly in navigating the complexities of modern farming and environmental science. In this engaging conversation, Tara discusses the evolving mindset of Gen Z and their critical approach to understanding agriculture and food sourcing. She emphasizes the importance of transparency in farming, the role of AI as a beneficial tool, and the challenges of parenting, particularly in balancing work and family life. Tara shares her personal journey into homeschooling and the unique experiences of raising children on a farm, while also addressing common parenting struggles such as sleep issues. The discussion highlights the need for open communication and connection in both agriculture and parenting.

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Tara lives on a farm in New Mexico, growing crops and raising two daughters.
• The weather in New Mexico has been unusually cool and rainy this summer.
• Tara has a background in environmental science and works in dairy farming.
• Dairy farming in New Mexico has large herd sizes compared to other states.
• Cows handle hot and dry conditions better...

This episode is brought to you by our partner ChopLocal University

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

In this conversation, Michaela Gassling shares her journey from city life to farming in Nebraska, discussing the challenges and joys of raising crops, cattle, and four children. She reflects on her career in ultrasound technology, the struggles of postpartum anxiety, and the impact of a brain tumor diagnosis on her family. Michaela emphasizes the importance of community support, self-care, and embracing life's challenges, ultimately finding joy and perspective in her experiences.

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Michaela grows crops and raises cattle in Nebraska.
• She transitioned from city life to farming after marrying her husband.
• Ultrasound technology involves more than just prenatal scans.
• Finding a work-life balance is crucial for mental health.
• Postpartum anxiety is often overlooked but affects many mothers.
• Community support can significantly ease the burden during crises.
• Michaela's brain tumor experience taught her valuable life lessons.
• Self-care and mental health are essential for recovery.
• Embracing life's challenges can lead to personal growth.
• Michaela emphasizes the importance of kindness and empathy.

This episode is brought to you by our partner, ChopLocal University.

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

Welcome to part two of this engaging conversation with Eliza Blue, who shares her journey from a city dweller to a passionate sheep farmer, fiber artist, and songwriter. She discusses the profound connections between her agricultural life and her creative pursuits, emphasizing the importance of community, the lessons learned from livestock, and the evolution of her writing and music. Eliza reflects on the challenges of parenting, the ethics of farming, and the unexpected paths that have shaped her identity. Through her experiences, she highlights the beauty of embracing change and the significance of authenticity in art and life. In this conversation, Eliza Blue discusses the vibrational power of music, her creative projects, and the concept of kithship, emphasizing the importance of community and relationships. She explores the role of theater in rural areas, the significance of creative collaboration, and the value of art beyond monetization. Eliza also shares insights on parenting, the challenges of communication with children, and the lessons learned from managing livestock. The discussion highlights the intersection of art, fear, and community engagement, as well as the importance of sustainability in both art and agriculture.

This is the first episode where we are moving to two parts. Catch the first part this week and the second part in Patreon right away or wait until next week for Part 2.

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Eliza Blue is a multifaceted artist, combining her passions for music, farming, and writing.
• She found her love for sheep farming through an unexpected journey.
• The fiber...