In this episode of the Chesapeake Dirt Podcast, we sit down with Zach Evans of Mountaire Poultry to talk about the backbone of the Delmarva Peninsula’s agricultural economy—poultry, land stewardship, and the people who make it all work.

Zach shares insight into Mountaire’s role as a vertically integrated poultry company and how the organization partners with farmers, landowners, and rural communities across the Mid-Atlantic. We dive into topics ranging from modern poultry production and nutrient management to sustainability initiatives, environmental responsibility, and the evolving relationship between agriculture and land use on the Eastern Shore.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it takes to balance production, conservation, and long-term land viability in one of the most agriculturally important regions in the country. Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, investor, or simply interested in how food systems connect back to the dirt beneath our boots, this episode delivers real-world perspective from a leader in Delmarva Agriculture.

In this episode, we sit down with John Deeter of Guyette & Deeter, the leading name in sporting art and decoy auctions. John shares his personal journey through the world of sporting arts—how he found his place in a niche that blends craftsmanship, history, and the culture of the American sportsman. From legendary carvers to once-in-a-lifetime collections, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at the stories that shape this unique market.

We also dive into the upcoming exhibit “Portrait of a Farm” by renowned artist Cameron McIntyre—a deeply personal body of work that captures the rural landscapes and traditions that continue to influence sporting art today. John gives us an insider’s perspective on the inspiration behind the exhibit, what makes McIntyre’s work so respected, and why this showing is poised to be one of the most talked-about displays of the year.

Whether you're a collector, a waterfowler, or simply someone who appreciates the heritage of field and farm, this conversation opens the door to a world where artistry and tradition meet.

Through five generations, over more than 60 years, the Wright family of Wicomico County, Md., has provided the local community, as well as vacationers, superior agricultural products. What started as a part-time learning process for Charles M. Wright, Jr., has now evolved into a well-managed farming business and a 13,000 sq. ft. retail market, providing the highest quality vegetables and fruits, plus seasonal and gift items.

Mr. Wright also sits on many agricultural related boards around the region; on today's episode we get into some of the topics that he continues to advocate for to ensure a future for Maryland's farmers.

Bryan Martin currently serves as a Managing Director of the D. E. Shaw group. At the D. E. Shaw group he led the U.S. Private Equity team from 2005 through 2019.

Throughout his career, Mr. Martin has been an innovator and a pioneer, building companies and management teams in high-growth, capital-intensive industries. Prior to founding D.E. Shaw, he was a member of the board of directors for two other historically-important renewable energy companies, First Wind and Deepwater Wind. As Chairman of the Board of Deepwater Wind, Mr. Martin was instrumental in developing the first offshore wind farm in the U.S.

WE ARE BACK!!! In this episode of the Chesapeake Dirt Podcast, we sit down with Ian and Brian, the founders of High ’n Dry Waders, to talk about their journey from idea to industry-leading gear. We dive into how their waders are built for everyday watermen to hardcore waterfowlers, the challenges of starting an outdoor brand, and what drives their passion for hunting and conservation on the Chesapeake.

This week Steve sits down with the CDP crew to talk about some hard-hitting topics effecting a wide range of Marylanders across the state and talks about all the great work that ESLC is doing.

Steve joined the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy as President in December 2021 after spending two decades as a lobbyist in Washington. For the last ten years of Steve’s time on Capitol Hill, he led the government relations work of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), a national hunting and fishing conservation organization. During his tenure in the nation’s capital, Steve was the principal architect of a variety of successful legislative campaigns and worked extensively on public policy issues related to public lands conservation, recreational fishing, wetlands protection, wildlife health, access, infrastructure, forest management, and private lands conservation.

Muhammad Parvez and his son Hamza of Ish Farms welcome TLG into their newly constructed home for a great conversation about family, business and of course poultry. These award-winning poultry producers left their native country of Pakistan to create a unique family company here in the US over a decade ago, now they continue to grow with innovative ideas and determination.

Spencer Waller of Orion Wildlife, owner of a comprehensive land and wildlife management company based in Maryland, working with landowners throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to improve wildlife habitat on their farms. Spencer shares some of his time and knowledge from his almost 30 years of wildlife habitat and conservation efforts across the Delmarva.

Be sure to check out everything he has to offer at www.orionwildlife.com