Jay Matteson's Rural America

Jay M. Matteson
Jay Matteson's Rural America

After 20 years of my own award winning radio talk show, I decided to bring my talk show to a podcast. My guests and I talk about agriculture and "rural living" topics in a fun and informal format. It can be quite "moooving" at times. Yes, sometimes we have serious discussions, but many times we laugh as much as we talk! The official drink of our show is a cold glass of whole milk with a spritz of maple syrup!! We like our cheddar so sharp it will curl your toenails!

  1. 4일 전

    Bringing Farm Workers Out of the Shadows: A Call to Action

    Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins tackle a critical conversation about the future of agricultural labor in the U.S., focusing specifically on the importance of foreign workers in the farming sector. They detail how these workers are essential to maintaining productivity in dairy farming and other agricultural practices. The hosts discuss the current state of immigration policy, particularly the limitations of the H2A visa program, which is designed for temporary seasonal workers but does not provide the stability that dairy farms require. They emphasize the need for a more adaptable labor solution that can accommodate the long-term staffing needs of farms, which are often overlooked in policy discussions. Throughout the episode, the hosts challenge prevalent misconceptions surrounding the employment of undocumented workers in agriculture. They provide insights into the legal obligations that farmers must adhere to, such as paying fair wages and meeting strict regulatory standards. By sharing their personal experiences and expertise, they aim to dispel myths about exploitation in the agricultural labor market, demonstrating that most farmers are committed to complying with labor laws while facing significant challenges in securing a reliable workforce. The discussion leads to a broader consideration of how the U.S. must navigate its agricultural workforce needs in the face of changing demographics and a declining domestic labor pool. Matteson and Robbins argue that without reforming labor policies to create a viable path for foreign workers to fill critical roles on farms, the nation risks jeopardizing its food production capabilities. The episode serves as a vital reminder of the interconnectedness of immigration, labor, and agriculture, urging listeners to advocate for sensible policies that support both farmers and workers. Takeaways: The importance of a stable and reliable workforce in agriculture cannot be overstated, especially for dairy farms. Farm owners face significant challenges in hiring local workers for labor-intensive agricultural roles. There's a pressing need for a guest worker program that allows for longer-term employment in agriculture. Misinformation about agricultural labor practices can lead to misunderstandings regarding wages and working conditions. Without foreign labor, the U.S. faces a critical decision between importing food or workers. A simplified guest worker program could help address the labor shortages faced by farmers.

    30분
  2. 4일 전

    From Empty Shelves to Abundant Harvests: The Rise of Shop Kansas Farms

    Jay Matteson's Rural America brings to light the impactful story of rural resilience and innovation during challenging times, particularly through the lens of the pandemic. The episode, hosted by Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins, features guests Rick McNary and Stacy Davis, who share their experiences with Shop Kansas Farms and the Border Queen Harvest Hub. As the pandemic disrupted food supply chains, Rick recounts how he used social media to create an online marketplace connecting local farmers and consumers. The rapid growth of the Facebook group illustrates a community's need for direct access to local food sources. With over 168,000 members, Shop Kansas Farms not only provided a platform for farmers to sell directly to consumers but also highlighted the importance of supporting local agriculture. Stacy adds an economic development perspective, emphasizing the collaboration necessary to sustain such initiatives beyond grant funding. Together, they illustrate a model of economic resilience rooted in community engagement, local food systems, and innovative partnerships that can thrive even in adversity. Links referenced in this episode: shopkansasfarms.comborderqueenharvesthub.comwww.agricultureevents.comjcida.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Shop Kansas Farms Kansas Farm Bureau Jefferson County Economic Development Sumner County Economic Development Commission Patterson Family Foundation Vision Caldwell Group

    35분
  3. 10월 24일

    Exploring Rural Resilience: Lessons from Economic Development in America

    This podcast episode delves into the evolving landscape of economic development in rural America, highlighting the significant projects and initiatives taking place across the country. Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins discuss the recent Advanced Economic Development Leadership Academy conference Jay attended, where Jay explored how rural communities are attracting investment and fostering growth despite economic challenges. They emphasize the importance of having the necessary infrastructure, such as water, electricity, and internet access, to appeal to businesses looking to relocate. The conversation also touches on the impact of climate change, including unusual weather patterns and tornado activity in typically stable regions. With insights from their experiences and interactions with fellow economic developers, the episode underscores the vital role of community engagement and strategic planning in revitalizing rural economies. Listeners are treated to a rich conversation between Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins that explores the evolving landscape of rural America. The episode opens with a casual exchange about Robbins' recent travels and the weather's impact on local agriculture. This sets the stage for a discussion on the current harvest season and its implications for farmers in the region. Robbins shares personal insights from Old McDonald's Farm, where they have experienced increased visitor engagement due to favorable weather conditions, illustrating the intersection of agriculture and rural tourism. The conversation then pivots to a deeper examination of economic development, particularly Robbins' participation in the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Academy. Here, he highlights the importance of collaboration among economic developers and the need for rural communities to adapt to changing economic circumstances. The episode captures key insights from site selectors who are increasingly looking toward rural areas for business opportunities, emphasizing the importance of having the right infrastructure and resources in place to attract new investments. Throughout the discussion, Madison and Robbins reflect on the resilience of rural communities, sharing success stories of revitalization efforts in places like Hazard, Kentucky. They draw attention to the necessity of strategic planning and community involvement in overcoming economic challenges, providing listeners with a sense of hope and actionable insights for local leaders. The episode concludes with a call to recognize and leverage the unique strengths of rural America, inviting communities to take proactive steps toward sustainable growth. Takeaways: Rural economic development is actively progressing with significant projects despite broader economic challenges. Communities need to identify their unique advantages to attract businesses in competitive landscapes. The importance of infrastructure cannot be overstated in attracting economic development to rural areas. Networking with economic developers from various regions can provide valuable insights and strategies. Successful rural economic initiatives often involve collaboration with local schools and community programs. Communities are increasingly recognizing the value of their proximity to major urban centers.

    36분

소개

After 20 years of my own award winning radio talk show, I decided to bring my talk show to a podcast. My guests and I talk about agriculture and "rural living" topics in a fun and informal format. It can be quite "moooving" at times. Yes, sometimes we have serious discussions, but many times we laugh as much as we talk! The official drink of our show is a cold glass of whole milk with a spritz of maple syrup!! We like our cheddar so sharp it will curl your toenails!

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