Fill Your Plate NOW

Tammy Baker and Julie Murphree

Imagine knowing exactly where your food comes from, supporting local farmers, and enjoying meals that are not only fresh and delicious but also cost-effective. By bridging the gap between you and the source of your sustenance, we're not just feeding bodies; we're enriching lives. Embrace this journey to wellness and wealth, where every bite brings you closer to the farm gate and further from what's unhealthy. Join the movement that's making consumers healthier, happier, and financially food-shopping wiser. In this podcast, you'll learn about sustainable farming practices, nutritional home-cooking hacks, food and farm technology all from the farm girl, Julie Murphree, and the nutrition Ninja, Tammy Baker.

  1. 6d ago

    From City Girl to Cotton Fields: Sherry Saylor on Servant Leadership

    Fill Your Plate Now sits down with Sherry Saylor, a recently retired Buckeye-area farmer, longtime school counselor, and national Farm Bureau leader whose life has connected the farm, the classroom, and the community. Sherry grew up in South Carolina and married Rick, a third-generation Arizona farmer. In the mid-1970s, she moved to the Buckeye farm and learned row-crop farming—cotton, wheat, barley, and alfalfa—at R&S Farms. She shares the culture shock and pleasant surprises of that transition, her fondest memories of decades on the land, and how arriving as a "city girl" shaped the way she talks with the public about agriculture. A former National Chair of the American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee, Sherry reflects on how Farm Bureau shaped her personal growth and her ability to advocate for farmers and ranchers. She also spent roughly 40 years as a guidance counselor at Buckeye Elementary as the community grew, and she talks about what kept her passionate about kids. The conversation turns to water, trade, labor shortages, the food supply chain, and encouragement for today's farmers and ranchers. Sherry also discusses her service with groups like the Way-Out West Drug Coalition and Christian Women's Clubs, and she shares her hopes for how Fill Your Plate Now can keep connecting consumers to the people who grow their food. Central to the episode is her leadership philosophy: shared leadership and servant leadership work best when leaders serve others without worrying about credit and lean on their team's expertise. Sherry explains how that approach developed and how she practiced it on the farm, in schools, and in Farm Bureau. She offers a concrete example of serving first to produce a stronger outcome, plus two or three practical tips on leadership and volunteerism for listeners. Tune in for a grounded conversation about Arizona agriculture, women in Farm Bureau leadership, community service, and why putting others first still builds stronger farms, schools, and food systems. Sherry Saylor | Farmer & Former National Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Chair Arizona Farm and Ranch Museum & Hall of Fame | Shared Leadership and Servant Leadership Article | Fill Your Plate National Leadership Announcement Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

  2. Sep 24

    How a Cordon Bleu Chef & RDN Makes Healthy Food Fast and Flavorful

    On this episode of Fill Your Plate Now, we sit down with Michelle Dudash, RDN — award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist, Le Cordon Bleu–certified chef, and author of Clean Eating for Busy Families and The Low-Carb Mediterranean Cookbook. Michelle brings a rare combination to the table: professional chef training plus a registered dietitian's science-backed approach. The result is food that is nourishing, realistic, and delicious for busy households. We talk about: How she went from Wisconsin kitchens and a dietetics degree to five-star restaurants and cookbook fame Why "clean eating" doesn't have to mean complicated or joyless Practical ways to get high-protein, lower-sugar, Mediterranean-style meals on the table fast Lessons from feeding her own family while building Spicekick and a national media career What happens when a trained chef and a nutritionist live in the same person If you want healthy meals that fit real life — not a perfect kitchen — this conversation is for you. For those that view the video, you'll get a "Spicekick" out of the video! Resources for Michelle Dudash | Le Cordon Bleu–Certified Chef & RDN Michelle Dudash Website | Instagram | Spicekick Website Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

  3. Sep 17

    From Desert Soil to Full Plates: 4th-Generation Farmer Cassy England on Working the Land that Feeds Us

    On this episode of Fill Your Plate Now, farm girl Julie Murphree and Nutrition Ninja Tammy Baker sit down with Cassy England, a fourth-generation Arizona farmer in Pinal and Pima Counties. Cassy shares her family's story that began in 1932, how she returned to the land after college, and what it takes to manage roughly 6,500 acres of cotton, alfalfa, wheat, barley, corn, and oats in the desert. Listeners will hear how careful crop rotation keeps soil healthy, how precision irrigation stretches every acre-foot of water, and why alfalfa grown on Arizona farms becomes nutritious feed for dairy and beef cattle. She talks about the reality of family-run operations, the people who make the farm work, new technology and programs that boost efficiency, water challenges in Pinal County, and her work on the USDA board and as President of the Arizona Cotton Growers. Tune in for a real look at how local family farms connect the field to your plate—sustainable practices, desert innovation, and the next generation of growers keeping Arizona food and fiber moving. Every bite closer to the farm gate. Listen on your favorite podcast platform. Supported by the Arizona Farm Bureau and Arizona Milk Producers. Resources for Cassy England | Arizona Cotton Farmer Arizona Cotton Growers Association | Instagram Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

  4. Sep 10

    From Hog Barn to Harvest: Idaho Farmer on Pork's Value, Manure Nutrients, and Closing the Farm Loop

    Idaho farmer and former National Pork Producers Council president Dave Roper joins Fill Your Plate Now from his multi-generational family farm in Kimberly, in Idaho's Magic Valley. Roper raises hogs in a farrow-to-finish operation alongside cattle and irrigated crops such as potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, and alfalfa. He also owns MVP LLC Environmental Services, a custom manure-handling and nutrient-application business built around turning livestock manure from a management challenge into a crop resource. Roper traces how the farm has evolved, what pulled him into farming and later into environmental services, and the values he wants the next generation to carry forward. He walks listeners through modern hog care—from farrowing to finish—and explains why manure injection, nutrient recycling, and careful application matter for soil fertility, water quality, odor, and emissions. He also shares lessons from USDA research comparing manure application methods, the newest stewardship tools showing up in irrigated livestock country, and how pork fits on a sustainable, nutritious plate. If you've ever wondered what "closing the loop" looks like on a real farm—or how pork producers balance production, community expectations, and the environment—this conversation connects the barn, the field, and the dinner plate. Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

  5. Sep 3

    Nurturing Healthy Eaters: Insights from Colleen Sloan

    Join Colleen Sloan, a pediatric Physician Associate and Registered Dietitian with over 15 years of experience, as she delves into the world of child nutrition. In this episode, Colleen discusses the critical importance of good nutrition during childhood and addresses common challenges families face, such as dietary myths and the important role of dairy in growth and development. Discover practical strategies for fostering healthy eating habits without the stress of mealtime battles, and learn how nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and mental well-being intertwine to support children's health. Colleen also shares insights on making informed dietary choices amidst the noise of social media, empowering both families and healthcare professionals to nurture confident, healthy eaters. Resources for Colleen Sloan | Nutrition for Clinicians |  Pediatric Physician Assistant (PA-C), Registered Dietitian (RDN), and the creator of the Exam Room Nutrition Podcast Exam Room Nutrition Podcast | Instagram | LinkedIn Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

  6. Aug 27

    Dairy Nutrition for Growth and Development

    In today's conversation, we'll explore the role of dairy throughout the lifecycle—from infancy and childhood to adulthood and healthy aging. Joining us is Lauren Peña, a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master's degree in organizational leadership whose career has been dedicated to advancing nutrition education, promoting healthier communities, and translating evidence-based nutrition science into practical guidance. Lauren serves as the Manager of Nutrition and Sustainability at the Dairy Council of Arizona, where she works to educate healthcare professionals and the public about dairy's role in health, address food insecurity, and promote sustainable dairy practices. Together, we'll discuss the essential nutrients dairy provides, how dairy recommendations change across different stages of life, common myths and misconceptions, and practical strategies for incorporating dairy into a balanced eating pattern. Whether you're a healthcare professional, parent, educator, or simply interested in nutrition, this episode offers science-based insights and practical takeaways to support healthy eating at every age. Resources for Lauren Peña | Head of Production, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. Dairy Council of Arizona (About Us) | Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Board of Directors) | LinkedIn Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

  7. Aug 13

    Embracing Agriculture at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company

    Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company has become a leader in craft beer by proving that great beer starts with great local ingredients. Since opening in 2013, the brewery has embraced Arizona's agricultural community, partnering with local farmers, ranchers, dairies, and food producers to create beers and menu offerings that celebrate the state's rich and diverse landscape. From locally grown fruit and grains to Arizona-produced dairy, honey, herbs, and other seasonal ingredients, Arizona Wilderness is committed to supporting regional producers while advancing sustainable practices that help conserve the state's natural resources. Joining the conversation is Brewmaster Brad Miles, whose extensive brewing experience brings a new level of technical expertise and innovation to the brewery. Today, he leads brewing operations at Arizona Wilderness, creating beers that reflect the brewery's commitment to local agriculture, community partnerships, and world-class craftsmanship. In this episode, we explore how Arizona Wilderness is redefining what it means to be a community brewery—building lasting relationships with Arizona growers and producers, creating exceptional beer from locally sourced ingredients, and demonstrating how agriculture, sustainability, and innovation can come together to strengthen both the local economy and the craft beer experience. Resources for Brad Miles | Head of Production, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. AZ Wilderness Website | Facebook | Instagram Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

  8. Aug 6

    Growing Home: Arizona – How 3 Families Humanize the Desert's Water Crisis & Why Every Arizonan Is Connected

    Water is the lifeblood of the desert—but conversations about Arizona's most precious resource are often buried in statistics, policy debates, and impersonal headlines. In this episode of Fill Your Plate Now, we sit down with Arizona Farm Bureau's Julie Murphree and Arizona Milk Producer's Tammy Baker to unpack their powerful mini-documentary Growing Home: Arizona and discover why they chose to tell the state's water story through the real lives of three families instead of charts and talking points. The documentary lets you meet the Bales family farming in Buckeye, the Caywood family with deep roots in Pinal County, and the Lopez family in a growing metro Phoenix neighborhood. Their different relationships with water reveal a simple truth: every Arizona resident—rural or urban—is connected to this resource. We explore how the film humanizes water scarcity, highlights agriculture's vital role in food production, jobs, family operations, and strong communities, and why including a non-farming family's perspective was essential. You'll also learn the difference between the 24-minute documentary and the shorter version, where to watch and share them, how the film is resonating so far, and the deeper meaning behind the closing message: "Growing food. Growing communities. Growing home." Tune in for a hopeful, human look at water stewardship and the shared responsibility that can help Arizona keep growing—together. Growing Home: Arizona Watch Now On The Arizona Farm Bureau Page for Growing Home: Arizona Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Imagine knowing exactly where your food comes from, supporting local farmers, and enjoying meals that are not only fresh and delicious but also cost-effective. By bridging the gap between you and the source of your sustenance, we're not just feeding bodies; we're enriching lives. Embrace this journey to wellness and wealth, where every bite brings you closer to the farm gate and further from what's unhealthy. Join the movement that's making consumers healthier, happier, and financially food-shopping wiser. In this podcast, you'll learn about sustainable farming practices, nutritional home-cooking hacks, food and farm technology all from the farm girl, Julie Murphree, and the nutrition Ninja, Tammy Baker.

Information

  • Creator
    Tammy Baker and Julie Murphree
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Fill Your Plate NOW

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