FARM Champion

University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service

This podcast brings you conversations with the professionals behind farmer success stories. Each episode features a FARM Champion — trusted experts who work alongside farmers and ranchers to navigate the business side of agriculture, from financial management and tax planning to long-term sustainability. Tune in for real-world insights, practical guidance, and stories that support stronger, more resilient farm operations.  This podcast is sponsored by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the Southern Risk Management Education Center. 

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 9 - Heirs Property: Protecting Land, Preserving Legacy, and Building Knowledge for Farm Families

    In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Kara Woods of the National Agricultural Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University to discuss heirs property and why it matters for farm families and rural communities. They discuss how heirs property develops, the challenges it can create for landowners, and how research, education, and practical resources can help families better protect their land, preserve generational wealth, and make informed decisions for the future.

    29 min

  2. May 27

    Episode 8 - Navigating Conflict in Agriculture Through Mediation

    In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley talks with Kiley Fleming, Executive Director of the Iowa Mediation Service and Chair of the Coalition of Agricultural Mediation Programs (CAMP), about the role of agricultural mediation in helping producers navigate conflict, communication challenges, and difficult decisions. Kiley explains how mediation works, discusses common agricultural disputes, and shares practical strategies for managing tension within farm operations and families. Listeners will also learn how to connect with certified mediation programs and resources through CAMP and AgFTAP.

    34 min

  3. May 20

    Episode 7 - Protecting the Farm Legacy Through Estate & Transition Planning

    Estate and transition planning can be one of the hardest conversations farm families face, but it is also one of the most important. In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Paul Goeringer, Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Legal Specialist at the University of Maryland, to discuss how producers can begin planning for the future of their operations. Paul breaks down key estate planning tools, shares insight into the family dynamics and communication challenges that often arise during succession planning, and offers practical advice for getting started. He also highlights resources and professional networks available to help farm families protect both their operations and their legacy for future generations. To learn more about this work, please visit: Agriculture Law Education Initiative

    25 min

  4. May 13

    Episode 6 - Telling Your Farm Story Through Recordkeeping

    In this episode of the FARM Champion Podcast, host Ahlishia Shipley speaks with Jonathan Shepherd, Agricultural Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, about farm tax planning and recordkeeping as critical risk management tools. Jonathan reframes Schedule F as a year-round practice and addresses common challenges like system overwhelm. He also shares a producer success story showing how strong records can unlock capital. This conversation highlights how disciplined, consistent recordkeeping strengthens farm business management and long-term resilience.

    19 min

  5. May 6

    Episode 5 - Helping Farmers Navigate Financial Pressure with the AgFTAP Cooperators Project

    When financial pressures mount, the right support can help farmers find a path forward. In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Alicia Netterville to explore how the AgFTAP Cooperators Project is helping producers navigate real challenges like rising costs, credit issues, and access to capital. Through one-on-one support across 18 states, cooperators are helping farmers restructure debt, secure financing, and strengthen their operations. To learn more or connect with support in your area, call 1-888-200-6013.

    19 min

  6. Apr 29

    Episode 4 - Navigating Farm Financial Stress and Promoting Producer Well-Being

    In this episode of the FARM Champion podcast, Ahlishia Shipley talks with Erica Barnes Fields about farm financial stress and its impact on producer well-being. They discuss common warning signs, why producers face unique pressures, and how the FARM Champion network and other resources can help connect farmers with support.

    14 min

  7. Apr 22

    Episode 3 - Know Your Numbers: Financial Strategies for Farm Resilience

    Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Ryan Loy, Extension economist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, to talk through the financial realities facing farmers today.  Ryan shares practical financial strategies producers can use to stay resilient, including the importance of accurate budgeting, disciplined spending, and proactive marketing. The conversation also highlights the value of strong relationships with lenders and the role of Extension tools and decision-support resources in helping producers make informed financial decisions.

    24 min

  8. Apr 15

    Episode 2 - AgFTAP: Helping Farmers Navigate Finance, Tax, and Business Decisions

    In this episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with AgFTAP project director Allison Vetter to learn about AgFTAP, a national program designed to support producers with resources in agricultural finance, tax planning, recordkeeping, and asset protection. They discuss the challenges facing today’s producers, the importance of accessible technical assistance, and provide an overview of how AgFTAP can connect farmers with practical tools and trusted experts to support stronger farm business decisions.

    19 min

  9. Apr 8

    Episode 1 - What Is a FARM Champion? Building a Network for Farm Success

    Farmers and ranchers are facing tight margins, rising costs, and increasingly complex business decisions. In this first episode, host Ahlishia Shipley sits down with Ron Rainey to introduce the FARM Champion Network, a nationwide effort connecting producers with trusted experts in finance, risk management, and business planning. They discuss today’s economic pressures, why access to reliable guidance matters, and provide an overview of how the FARM Champion Network is designed to support producers in navigating these challenges.

    25 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

This podcast brings you conversations with the professionals behind farmer success stories. Each episode features a FARM Champion — trusted experts who work alongside farmers and ranchers to navigate the business side of agriculture, from financial management and tax planning to long-term sustainability. Tune in for real-world insights, practical guidance, and stories that support stronger, more resilient farm operations.  This podcast is sponsored by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the Southern Risk Management Education Center. 

Information

  • Creator
    University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 FARM Champion
  • Show Website
    FARM Champion