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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Jul 30

    Modernizing Dams, Reservoirs & Delivery Systems for Family Farms & The Food System

    In this episode of Fill Your Plate Now, we welcome back Sam Barncastle of the Family Farm Alliance to dive deep into the urgent need to modernize aging Western water infrastructure that family farms depend on. From 50 to 100+ year-old dams, reservoirs, canals, and conveyance systems to the critical role of both engineered and natural infrastructure (aquifers and watershed management), Sam breaks down exactly what upgrades and new capacity are needed right now for reliable water delivery. We explore: The most critical infrastructure projects that could transform reliability for irrigators On-farm technology and efficiency upgrades farmers are prioritizing How unreliable upstream systems limit what producers can achieve with drip irrigation and precision tools The real barriers holding progress back—permitting delays under NEPA, ESA consultations, Clean Water Act processes, endless litigation, and flawed funding structures Concrete examples of projects stuck for years and practical ideas coming straight from farmers and water managers What smarter, long-term funding and streamlined regulatory reforms would look like If you care about food security, Western agriculture, and fixing the systems that keep water flowing to family farms, this conversation delivers the clear-eyed analysis and solutions you need. Listen now to learn what's standing in the way and what it will take to fix it. Resources for Samantha Barncastle | Executive Director of the Family Farm Alliance The Family Farm Alliance Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

  5. Jul 23

    From Classroom to Cotton Fields: Nancy Caywood on Multi-Generational Farming, Water Resilience, and Connecting Consumers to Agriculture

    Join us on Fill Your Plate Now as we sit down with Nancy Caywood, a third-generation farmer at Caywood Farms near Casa Grande in Pinal County, Arizona. With roots tracing back to land acquired around 1930, Nancy blends her background as an elementary teacher (BA from ASU) and holder of a Master's in Agricultural Education (University of Arizona) with hands-on farm life.  In this episode, Nancy shares the story of her family's multi-generational cotton and alfalfa/hay operation, how she created the award-winning FARM SMART ag-literacy program in California that reached over 100,000 people, and why she launched the popular Caywood Farm Tours in 2011 after retiring from teaching. Discover what visitors find most eye-opening during hayrides, equipment demos, and the "Cotton's Long Journey from Seed to Bale" presentations — even when fields are fallow. Nancy opens up about today's toughest challenges: persistent drought, reduced irrigation water from the Gila River system, flood irrigation realities, and the difficult decisions around fallowing fields. Yet she remains hopeful, discussing conservation practices, the critical role of policy and infrastructure improvements, and how Arizona Farm Bureau involvement (including Women's Leadership and the Go Team) helps farmers advocate effectively.  She also explores family succession with son Travis and the grandkids stepping up, her philosophy of farming with purpose, common consumer misconceptions about agriculture, and the power of music, fun, and personal connection in bridging the gap between farms and families.  Whether you're a consumer, educator, or fellow ag advocate, this episode is packed with inspiration on why agricultural literacy matters and how the next generation can keep family farms thriving. Tune in for stories of resilience, education, and the heart of Arizona agriculture! Resources for Nancy Caywood | Caywood Farms Caywood Farms Website | Farm Bureau Article | Facebook | LinkedIn. Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

  6. Jul 16

    From Farm to Carton: Dr. Schack (The Dairy Doc) on Her New Children's Book & Connecting Kids to Real Dairy Farming

    Join hosts Tammy Baker and Julie Murphree on Fill Your Plate Now for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Michelle Schack—Arizona dairy veterinarian, mom, social media educator known as The Dairy Doc, and co-founder of DairyKind. Dr. Schack shares the story behind her new children's book, DairyDoc's Discovery Goggles: Milk from Cow to Carton, which takes young readers on an exciting journey through the milk supply chain—from the farm and bulk tanks to processing plants, pasteurization, and grocery shelves. Inspired by kids' questions (and misconceptions) about where milk really comes from, this fun, educational adventure highlights the science, teamwork, and dedicated people behind one of America's favorite foods. Tune in to explore how this book sparks curiosity in the next generation, bridges the farm-to-table gap, supports agricultural literacy, and encourages appreciation for modern dairy farming, animal care, and the careers that make it all possible. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about your food, this episode delivers wholesome insights and practical ways to talk to kids about nutrition and agriculture.  Available now on all major podcast platforms—don't miss this fresh take on filling your plate with knowledge! Resources for Dr. Michelle Schack | Arizona Dairy Veterinarian | Mom | Social Media Educator | The Dairy Doc | Co-founder of DairyKind Get The Book via Amazon | Dr. Schack's Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Additional Resources Tammy Baker LinkedIn | Julie Murphree LinkedIn | AZ Milk Producers Website | Arizona Farm Bureau

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.

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