The Farm to School Podcast

Rick Sherman & Michelle Markesteyn

Stories from the frontlines of food, farming, and education—where young minds grow and agriculture takes root.  Join co-hosts Michelle Markesteyn and Rick Sherman as they explore what it means to bring local food into the school cafeteria and teach kids about where their food comes from with guests from around the world!UPDATE: Show notes, contact information and more at  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/podcast/farm-school-podcast  Please stop by to say hello and to suggest a show topic!

  1. 1d ago

    You Want to do What? The chance encounter with a little boy that launched Katie Mularz’s Farm to School journey

    Sometimes all it takes is one moment to change the course of a life. For Katie Mularz, that moment came in a New Orleans garden, where she watched a young student who struggled in the classroom come alive while digging in the dirt. What started as a chance encounter grew into a career helping build Louisiana's farm to school movement, pass groundbreaking legislation, and eventually develop innovative culinary garden and teaching kitchen programs through the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. GUESTS:  Katie Mularz — Chief Impact Officer, Emeril Lagasse Foundation Katie Mularz is the Chief Impact Officer at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, where she leads community programs, grants, and initiatives focused on youth, food education, and access.  Current Role and Responsibilities Mularz joined the Emeril Lagasse Foundation in 2016, where she spearheaded the launch of the foundation’s signature Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen program and oversees community giving, grants, and other initiatives  As Chief Impact Officer, she directs strategic leadership to expand the foundation’s reach, manage programs, and deepen their impact on youth and communities nationwide  LSU farm to school New orleans Holly grove market Emerill foundation Emeril’s culinary garden Healthy Food schools collaborative We would love to hear from you! Send us a message.

    You Want to do What? The chance encounter with a little boy that launched Katie Mularz’s Farm to School journey

  2. Oct 19

    The Culture of Agriculture: Curiosity Grows here with Evelyn Tedrick of Oregon AG in the Classroom

    What do square dancing, dairy cows, hazelnuts, school gardens, and journalism have in common? More than you'd think. Sometimes the best conversations are the ones you never plan for. At “Oregon's Bounty, a Celebration of Agriculture” event at the Oregon State Capitol, Rick set up a podcast booth hoping to find someone willing to chat. What he found was an inspiring conversation with Evelyn Tedrick of Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom. From virtual farm field trips and Harvest of the Month programs to the culture of agriculture and the importance of helping kids understand where their food comes from, this episode is a reminder that curiosity may be the most important crop we can grow. GUESTS:  Evelyn Tedrick, Oregon Ag in the Classroom Evelyn Tedrick is the Education Programs Coordinator for Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom, creating and delivering programs that connect Oregon students and educators to the state’s diverse agricultural heritage  Role and Responsibilities Since January 2025, Evelyn has led the development and execution of agricultural education programs for K–12 students across OregonHer work includes: Program design and delivery — both virtual and in-person, from concept to implementation.Resource coordination — managing materials, curriculum, and training for educators.Community engagement — fostering connections between students, teachers, and Oregon’s farming communitiesOregon's Bounty, A Celebration of Agriculture  Oregon Ag in the Classroom National Ag in the Classroom Past episode: Jade Davidson Oregon State university SMILE ORAITC Literacy Project We would love to hear from you! Send us a message.

    The Culture of Agriculture: Curiosity Grows here with Evelyn Tedrick of Oregon AG in the Classroom

  3. Oct 5

    A School Garden Without a Water Source? What about Dry Farming?

    What if the secret to growing great food isn't adding more water, but learning to use less? In this episode, we explore the surprising world of dry farming with guests Matt Davis of Oregon State University and Cassandra Waterman of the Dry Farming Institute. From intensely flavored tomatoes and climate-resilient crops to school gardens that *might* not need a hose, we discuss how farmers, educators, and students are rethinking our relationship with water and discovering powerful lessons in resilience, stewardship, and growing food for a changing climate. Matt Davis Cassandra Waterman  OSU Dry Farming project Dry Farming Collaborative Dry Farming Institute Lua Siegel podcast link Giant Pumpkins:  they are 79-90% water.  A 300-500 lb pumpkin can gain 30 lbs per day, so you’ll need 50-100 gallons per week!  Ten Rivers Food Web FB page Principles of Tomato Grafting, OSU Dick Wadsworth and Dry Farming in OregonIn the 1970s, Dick Wadsworth, then a young farmer near Veneta, Oregon, noticed that his neighbors in Northern California were producing higher yields and better-quality crops on similar land — but they were dry farming, while Wadsworth was irrigating. This comparison made his own yields look poor, prompting him to study and adopt dry farming practices  Wadsworth began visiting neighbors, observing their techniques, and adapting them to his own conditions. Over time, he achieved yields and quality comparable to his neighbors, learning that dry farming is far more complex than simply growing without water. It requires careful site selection, soil moisture management, and crop system design  When Wadsworth moved to the Willamette Valley 12 years ago, dry farming was virtually unknown. Today, it is a growing trend among Oregon farmers, especially in regions with sufficient winter rainfall to recharge soils for summer crops. His experience reflects a broader shift in the state’s small farm community toward water-conserving practices  We would love to hear from you! Send us a message.

    A School Garden Without a Water Source? What about Dry Farming?

  4. Sep 21

    Door to door, state to state, coast to coast: The Don Froylan Story

    What does it take to turn a family recipe into an award-winning cheese company? In this episode, we sit down with Francisco Ochoa of Don Froylan Creamery to trace a remarkable journey that began with homemade queso fresco sold door-to-door in Oregon's small towns. Today, Don Froylan's cheeses are winning international awards, reaching schools across the West Coast, and helping students experience authentic local foods. It's a story of family, culture, perseverance, and one very unforgettable string cheese. Don Froylan Creamery How to visit the creamery:  located at 3310 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301 Hours are 9am-9pm daily You can watch them pulling cheese most mornings.  I think currently sun-thurs.  From Dream to Dairy: The Story of Salem’s Premier Mexican Cheese Maker How an Oregon creamery grew from a home business to the home of America’s best string cheese Salem  Oregon Company Wins "Best String Cheese in the World”  How Mexican Family Became masters of Mexican Cheese Oregon Dairy: From Family Business to Premium Cheese The Ochoa’s Family Legacy of Mexican Cheese Oregon School Nutrition Association Farm to School Showcase We would love to hear from you! Send us a message.

    Door to door, state to state, coast to coast: The Don Froylan Story

  5. Sep 8

    All About Geoducks.. And Social Emotional Learning in the School Garden

    What do geoducks, school gardens, and social-emotional learning have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode, Farm to School veteran Erica Curry of Row by Row joins Rick and Michelle for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with the Pacific Northwest's most peculiar clam and blossoms into a thoughtful exploration of how gardens help students build confidence, empathy, resilience, and connection. From career pathways to SEL, this episode proves that some of the best learning happens with your hands in the soil.  GUESTS:  Erica Curry Row by Row BIO: Hi! I’m Erica Curry (she/her), founder of Row by Row. My background includes over two decades focused on supporting sustainable agriculture, farm to school and food, farm and place-based education. Originally trained in ecology, I see the world through an interdisciplinary lens and have always been a passionate advocate for the environment and kids. Throughout my career I’ve worked closely with the land through ecological field research, farming and gardening. I have extensive experience in training, facilitation, building networks, planning conferences, evidenced-based program and curriculum development. I hold a B.S. in Ecology and M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems and Place-Based Education. I attended the Islandwood Education for Environment and Community graduate program and was a Doris Duke Conservation Leader Fellow. Learn more about my experience here. GEODUCK:  Pronounced GOOEYduck   Dirty jobs Mike Rowe Geoduck episode The Evergreen State College: TESC We would love to hear from you! Send us a message.

    All About Geoducks.. And Social Emotional Learning in the School Garden

  6. Aug 17

    Farm to School at Any Scale, From Policy to Plate – with Andrea Alma

    Farm to School isn’t just about local apples—it’s about rethinking the entire food system. In this episode, Andrea Alma shares how a public health problem-solver fell in love with school lunch—and went on to help reshape it from policy to plate. From early wins in D.C. to building one of the most innovative large-scale programs in Minneapolis, Andrea unpacks what it really takes to move from small efforts to system-wide change. We dive into root causes, school gardens, farmer partnerships, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes—while exploring why creating lasting impact means thinking far beyond what’s on the tray. It’s a story of passion, persistence, and planting the seeds for a better food future in schools. Make sure to check out Andrea at https://sites.google.com/view/rootstockconsulting  GUESTS:  Andrea Alma Andrea is the owner and consultant at Rootstock Consulting where she draws upon her 18 year career as a movement leader to help clients take their farm to school programs to new heights. Andrea spent the past 10 years as a USDA Farm to School Regional Lead in the Mountain Plains Region. Prior to joining the USDA, Andrea was the first ever Farm to School Coordinator for Minneapolis Public Schools where she worked alongside Bertrand Weber to launch the district's nationally-renowned farm to school program. Her career began in Washington, DC where Andrea founded and directed the DC Farm to School Network. There she led efforts to develop and pass one of the nation’s first local procurement incentive laws, the DC Healthy Schools Act. DC healthy schools act  The District of Columbia Healthy Schools Act (HSA) is a highly comprehensive law designed to improve the health, wellness, and nutrition of students in DC Public Schools (DCPS), public charter schools, and participating private schools. [1] Administered by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), it mandates rigorous standards spanning multiple areas of student wellness: [1] Link to Bertrand’s episode MPS USDA Patrick Leahy F2S Grant Rikkilyn episode We would love to hear from you! Send us a message.

    Farm to School at Any Scale, From Policy to Plate – with Andrea Alma

  7. Aug 3

    Hit “Record” and See What Grows.. an Unplanned School Garden Conversation

    Hit “Record” and See What Grows.. an Unplanned School Garden Conversation  This episode proves that sometimes the best conversations happen that are unplanned. Recorded “on the fly” at the Oregon Farm to School Conference, Rick pulls up a chair with Corrina Hargett—teacher, school garden champion, coastal wonder‑cultivator.. and avid surfer—to talk about dirt, curiosity, broccoli that actually tastes good, and why gardens belong to everyone. From surfing the Oregon coast to growing pumpkins where people said they wouldn’t grow, this joyful conversation reminds us that when kids (and adults) get their hands in the soil, they calm down, light up, and rediscover the best parts of themselves. No script, no grades—just wonder, laughter, and a whole lot of heart. GUESTS:  Corrina Hargett School Garden Coordinator certification training Corrina Hargett Grows Student Connections to School Food - Pilot Light  We would love to hear from you! Send us a message.

    Hit “Record” and See What Grows.. an Unplanned School Garden Conversation

  8. Jul 13

    The Culture of Agriculture, Grounded: A Gift of Sound and Stillness

    This episode isn’t meant to be rushed.  And it isn’t meant to be explained so much as experienced. In a world of packed agendas, buzzing hallways, and constant motion, today’s conversation offers a rare pause: a moment to breathe, to settle, and to remember that learning begins when we feel safe enough to arrive fully. Guided by educator and musician Kevion Devante, this episode is a gentle reset—using sound, stillness, and intention to ground our bodies, quiet our minds, and prepare the soil where curiosity, connection, and growth can take root. Press play, soften your shoulders, and allow yourself be present. GUESTS:  Kevion Devante Kevion Devante kevionyoung@gmail.com  662.207.9452 https://canvasrebel.com/meet-kevion-devante/  https://canvasrebel.com/inspiring-conversations-with-kevion-devante-of-livin-innerg/  https://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-kevion-devante-livin-innerg-north-altanta/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xr4ZUTc6l8  https://www.instagram.com/p/Co7pEknOOPu/ We would love to hear from you! Send us a message.

    The Culture of Agriculture, Grounded: A Gift of Sound and Stillness
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Stories from the frontlines of food, farming, and education—where young minds grow and agriculture takes root.  Join co-hosts Michelle Markesteyn and Rick Sherman as they explore what it means to bring local food into the school cafeteria and teach kids about where their food comes from with guests from around the world!UPDATE: Show notes, contact information and more at  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/podcast/farm-school-podcast  Please stop by to say hello and to suggest a show topic!

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Sherman & Michelle Markesteyn
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Farm to School Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Farm to School Podcast

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