Welcome back to Chewing the Cud with CMN Extension! Hosts Christopher Azbell and Shannon McBroom are joined by special guest Heather Dawn Thompson, citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, attorney, conservation leader, and Vice President of Native Nations Conservation and Food Systems at the World Wildlife Fund. In this episode (recorded Friday, October 16, live from the Muscogee Nation Reservation), Heather shares her journey from USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations to her current role linking conservation and Indigenous food systems. The conversation covers the future of Indigenous agriculture, what food sovereignty looks like in practice, buffalo restoration and its deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the Lakota, tribal procurement policies that drive local food economies, challenges and opportunities with leasing and land access, regenerative practices, the Farm Bill, and practical steps tribes, producers, and individuals can take right now. Also in the episode: Muscogee Nation Division of Ag updates (rain, drought assistance, ARC/PLC, NRCS deadlines), College of Muscogee Nation workshops (hemp, pawpaw, food preservation, Master Gardener graduation), youth rifle season, and more. Whether you’re a producer, tribal member, backyard gardener, or just interested in food sovereignty and conservation, this one is packed with insight. Grab a cup of coffee and chew the cud with us. Guest Bio (short version for show notes):Heather Dawn Thompson is a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a longtime attorney in Indian Country, and a leading voice in tribal agriculture, conservation, and food sovereignty. She previously served as USDA Director of Tribal Relations and as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. She is currently Vice President of Native Nations Conservation and Food Systems at the World Wildlife Fund, where she works at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, buffalo restoration, and resilient food systems. Her family’s history is tied to one of the last remaining wild buffalo herds that helped save the species from extinction. Key Topics: Food sovereignty in practice (procurement, local food programs, heirloom seeds)Buffalo restoration and cultural/spiritual connectionsTribal agriculture policy and leasingFarm Bill and USDA program updates for Native producersRegenerative practices and reducing chemical inputsIndividual and community action (gardens, foraging, hunting)Muscogee Nation and CMN Extension updatesShow: Chewing the Cud with CMN ExtensionHosts: Christopher Asbell & Shannon McBroomGuest: Heather Dawn ThompsonDate: October 16, 2026Contact / Text Line: 918-756-3646
