The Ag Scout

Natalia Ruiz

Agriculture is the number one industry in Harnett County. As its population grows, so does the importance of agricultural education. Join Natalia Ruiz as she scouts for professionals and makes agriculture even more local to you.

Episodes

  1. Jan 26

    Janice Wright: Rooted in NC

    Janice Wright is the founder of Rooted in NC, an agricultural marketing consultant who travels all over the state to see farms and help others see them, too. Janice didn't grow up in agriculture, but being a military spouse led her to try on many hats until she found the right one, advocating for North Carolina entrepreneurs. She has also built a blog, My Suitcase Dreams, to share the new places and businesses she discovers. To book a session with Janice, visit rootedinnc.com and find her on Instagram and Facebook: @rooted_in_nc & @mysuitcasedreams

  2. 08/25/2025

    Robert Elliot: The Veteran's Farm of NC

    The Veteran's Farm of North Carolina offers hands-on educational programs, mentorships, peer support, therapy, and rental equipment to veterans interested in entering the agricultural field. They provide all the necessary resources to ensure support and success during the transition into civilian life. Robert Elliot, who grew up on his family's farm, never thought he would go back to agriculture after his time in the military, but he ended up creating and inspiring communities of veterans in agriculture all over the U.S. To learn more, visit vfnc.org and follow the vet farm on Instagram and Facebook @vetfarmofnc

  3. 07/07/2025

    Milke Way Farms: Flower Farming is Farming.

    Milke Way Farms is a family-owned and operated flower farm in Lillington, North Carolina. It was started by Danielle, a city girl that had next to no experience with plants but was able to build a sustainable and widespread business through research and trial-and-error. To learn more visit milkewayfarms.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram @milkewayfarms.

  4. 06/09/2025

    Lynn Lambert: Harnett Soil & Water Conservation District

    The Harnett Soil and Water Conservation District works in cooperation with landowners to conserve water quality and resources, prevent soil erosion, and encourage sound conservation practices by providing technical assistance. Lynn Lambert works as the natural resources director and conservation education coordinator for the Harnett County district. You can find more information about what HSWCD does and how to contact them at https://harnett.org/soilwater/.

  5. 04/30/2025

    Harris Gross: Behind the Harvest

    Gross Farms is a family-operated, multigenerational farm based in Sanford, NC. They grow tobacco, soybeans, and rye but about 20 years ago they began a Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch during the fall. They also do U-Pick strawberries in the Spring. Harris Gross is a Sanford native and was introduced to this aspect of the industry when she married her husband. Listen to this episode to learn more about what inspired to become an "agvocate". You can find more information about Gross Farms at grossfarms.com or on social media @gross_farms. Be a part of the impact that Mrs. Gross is making on the future of agriculture by following her instagram @behindtheharvest.

  6. 03/10/2025

    Shelby Robertson: NC FFA

    The North Carolina FFA association has grown over 12,000 members in the last year. As we’re nearing a membership of 50,000, it’s important to celebrate the leadership that has made this possible. Learn more about the North Carolina FFA State Coordinator, Shelby Robertson, as she shares her story of being in FFA, serving as a state officer, and taking on a new role within agricultural education.

  7. 03/03/2025

    Trailer

    Hi and welcome to the Ag Scout podcast. My name is Natalia Ruiz and I am a senior in Harnett County schools. As a student in agriculture and a member of the National FFA Organization, I’ve learned about the importance of advocacy and especially of making sure that our community is properly informed on the industry that clothes and feeds us. The North Carolina FFA association alone has had an increase of over 12,000 new members in the last year, and Harnett County is growing in its population too. Thanks to the National FFA SAE grant, I’ve been able to launch this podcast to address this new growth. My goal is to coordinate meaningful conversations with industry professionals in my area to make agriculture even more local to you! You can find my Facebook and Instagram @theagscoutpodcast to stay tuned on future episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Agriculture is the number one industry in Harnett County. As its population grows, so does the importance of agricultural education. Join Natalia Ruiz as she scouts for professionals and makes agriculture even more local to you.

Information

  • Creator
    Natalia Ruiz
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Natalia Ruiz
  • Show Website
    The Ag Scout