Join hosts Julie Murphree (the farm girl) and Tammy Baker (the Nutrition Ninja) for a down-to-earth chat with Mark Freeman, the Mayor of Mesa, Arizona—and a proud, still-active yeoman farmer with deep roots in the Valley's ag heritage. Mark shares stories from his family farm legacy (dating back to Mesa's founding days!), how he balances running a major city with growing fresh crops, why local agriculture matters for healthy plates and strong communities, and his take on sustainable food systems in one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S.

Whether you're into urban farming, supporting Arizona growers, or just love hearing real talk about where your food really comes from—this episode is packed with heart, hard work, and a few laughs from the field to the podium. Don't miss it—grab your fork and tune in!

#FillYourPlateNow #ArizonaAg #LocalFood #MesaMayor #FarmToTable

Resources Mentioned During the Show

City of Mesa Mark Freeman Bio Page | The Freeman Corn Patch Facebook Page

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

In this eye-opening episode of Fill Your Plate Now, hosts Tammy Baker and Julie Murphree talk with Jacklyn Reynolds, Sustainability Analyst at United Dairymen of Arizona to discover how Southwest dairy farmers are leading the charge on sustainability. From innovative water reuse and recycling systems that conserve precious resources in arid regions, to cutting-edge methane digesters that capture emissions and turn them into renewable energy, learn the real story behind modern dairy's environmental efforts.

This episode will bust common myths, and help you discover why supporting local dairy means supporting a greener future. Whether you're a farmer, foodie, or eco-conscious consumer, this conversation reveals practical innovations making dairies more sustainable than ever.

#SustainableDairy #ArizonaFarms #WaterRecycling #MethaneDigesters #FillYourPlateNOW #LocalFood #DairySustainability #UnitedDairymen

Resources Mentioned During the Show

Jaclyn Reynolds LinkedIn | United Dairymen of Arizona Website | Dairy Conservation Manager Site

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

In this lively episode, hosts Julie Murphree and Tammy Baker sit down with Rob Sharkey, the one and only Shark Farmer! As a fifth-generation Illinois grain farmer, podcast host of the wildly popular Shark Farmer Podcast, SiriusXM Rural Radio voice, and ag advocate, Rob brings his signature honest, humorous, and sometimes sarcastic take on modern agriculture.

We dive into the realities of running a family farm today, the power of storytelling to connect consumers with where food comes from, innovative ways farmers are adapting and why supporting local and sustainable practices matter more than ever. If you're passionate about knowing your food's story, loving farm life, or just enjoy straight-talking conversations about farm life and gate-to-plate realities, this one's for you, grab a plate and join us!

Rob Sharkey Resources

SharkFarmer.com Website | Rob Sharkey LinkedIn | X (Twitter) | Instagram | TikTok

Additional Resources

Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau