Jay Matteson's Rural America

Jay M. Matteson
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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. 3 DAYS AGO

    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.

    30 min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    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

    35 min

  3. OCT 24

    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.

    36 min

  4. AUG 21

    Here comes the rain again....

    It's been a very wet growing season in 2024 and who knows when it's going to stop! Cohosts Ron Robbins and Jay Matteson discuss what the summer growing season has been like and the impacts on local agriculture. Luckily many modern dairy barns have lighting systems that compensate for the lack of sunlight, helping cows stay comfortable. But even with that, milk production is tight and having an impact.

    28 min

  5. JUL 24

    What's happening to our economy with Dr. David Kohl

    In this episode Dr. David Kohl shocks Jay with his analysis of the United States economy. Kohl discusses an upcoming meeting of China, Russia, Iran and other countries that could change our economic standing in the World. Listen in as Jay Matteson and Ron Robbins are joined in the studio by Dr. David Kohl, a global agricultural economist who has traveled over 9 million miles speaking to groups and been published in thousands of articles discussing agriculture and our economy. Dr. Dave Kohl is an academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Dr. Kohl has tremendous insight into the agriculture industry through research, and involvement in ag businesses. He has traveled over 10 million miles; conducted more than 7,000 presentations; and published more than 2,500 articles in his career. Dr. Kohl’s wisdom and engagement with all levels of the industry provide a unique perspective into future trends.

    40 min

  6. JUN 3

    Grants and Financial Assistance Programs from National Grid for Agriculture

    Podcast host, Jay Matteson, is joined by Joe Russo, Economic Developer for National Grid, and Seth Browe, Senior Representative for National Grids Energy Efficiency Program to discuss important grants and financial assistance programs for agriculture. There are many important programs offered by National Grid to assist farms and agribusinesses. Seth and Joe explain the programs and the important points of information you should know as you consider applying for these programs. Spending a few minutes listening to this podcast may save you thousands of $$.

    31 min

  7. MAY 28

    NYS Dept of Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball Discusses growing Local Food Supply in NYS

    Commissioner Richard Ball of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets joins Ron and Jay to discuss growing local food supplies across NYS through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RSFI). RSFI is a new grant program available to farmers and others to provide critical funding to support New York State's food supply chain. Grants will invest in projects to modernize agricultural facilities, improve training and facilitate the purchase of new equipment.

    31 min

  8. MAY 15

    Feeding Hungry Children, The United Way!

    Host Jay Matteson interviews Dawn Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Northern New York about food insecurity in our rural communities and the role United Way plays in assisting people in need. Dawn discusses their food drive coming up on June 5 in Watertown from 8am to 2pm. Jay learns about a great program involving United Way and Jefferson - Lewis BOCES involving the BOCES Hospitality program. Students in the program prepare frozen meals that are given out to to local families in need. Once the family has the meal, they pop it in the microwave and have a healthy, tasy meal to eat!

    26 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Jay M. Matteson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Jay M. Matteson
  • Show Website
    Jay Matteson's Rural America

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