In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole interviews Lauren Perez, a talent acquisition specialist at LEP and Associates. Lauren shares her journey from Kansas to Texas and her passion for agriculture, discussing the critical role of talent in the industry. They emphasize the importance of networking, using LinkedIn, and creating a standout resume. Lauren offers advice for those without an agricultural background, highlighting various career opportunities and the significance of being active and involved. Lauren also mentions her resources, including a newsletter and masterclass, to help individuals excel in their agriculture careers.

Learn more and connect with Lauren below!

• https://www.lepandassociates.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-e-perez/

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, the host highlights upcoming summer events and policy development meetings in June. The governor has halted new legislation until a solution for funding the Developmental Disabilities Program is agreed upon, leading to an extended legislative session. Five rural water bills were vetoed by the governor. The USDA's Emergency Commodity Assistance program is now accepting applications to aid farmers affected by declining commodity prices and rising input costs, with a deadline of August 15th. The episode also mentions an upcoming special guest feature focusing on agricultural careers.

In this edition of the Arizona Agriculture Connection, catch up on the results from the Maricopa County Fairy Communication Contest. In addition, legislative sessions are ongoing with a focus on budget negotiations and stakeholder meetings for SB 1611 on Ag to Urban and SB 1520 on groundwater management. Arizona Department of Agriculture Director Brierley awaits a full Senate vote for their confirmation. For more details on tariffs, listeners are encouraged to catch episode 12 featuring economist Danny Munch on tariffs. The Maricopa County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee will serve dinner at the Ronald McDonald House on May 8th, with more information available on the county's Farm Bureau website.

Learn more and RSVP for events at MaricopaCountyFB.org

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, host Nicole interviews Danny Munch, an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Danny shares his background and journey to becoming an economist, detailing his northern upbringing and experience in agriculture. The conversation touches on various pressing issues, including the delayed 2018 Farm Bill, challenges faced by farmers due to outdated policies, the importance of public lands for ranchers, and the potential impacts of tariffs on agricultural markets. The discussion also covers the growing practice of using beef genetics in dairy cows to diversify revenue and address beef shortages. Danny emphasizes the importance of educating Congress about agricultural policies and the critical role of farmers and ranchers in managing federal lands. The interview concludes with a focus on the value of Maryland’s agricultural contributions and a call for better legislative support for the farming community.

In this week's edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection with Maricopa County Farm Bureau, recent and upcoming events are highlighted, including the annual Farm City breakfast and the Women's Leadership Committee meetup. Key legislative topics discussed include groundwater rights, OHV regulation, and autonomous tractors, with specific bills such as SB 1520, SB 1517, and SB 1320 sponsored by Senator Dunn. On the federal level, the USDA's Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) is now open for applications until August 15. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Agriculture seeks feedback on revamping its Arizona Grown program. Visit the Maricopa County Farm Bureau website for more details on events and legislative efforts.

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, host Nicole Clements interviews Chad Smith, the Director of Government Relations for Arizona Farm Bureau. Chad shares his unique journey from hotel management to agriculture advocacy. The discussion covers the Farm Bill's structure, its importance to various sectors, including nutrition and rural economies, and the critical need for a new, modernized Farm Bill. Chad emphasizes the impact of the bill on consumers, farmers, and ranchers, and the necessity of advocacy. The episode also touches on local legislative issues in Arizona, particularly groundwater management and agricultural sustainability.

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole interviews James O'Neill, Director of Legislative Affairs for the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC). They discuss the critical role of the immigration workforce in agriculture, the challenges posed by high regulatory demands, and the high percentage of undocumented labor in the sector. James offers insight into ABIC's mission to support immigration reform that balances moral considerations with economic needs. They also delve into the consequences of labor shortages on farming operations, such as increased consumer prices and the existential threat to small and medium-sized farms. The episode emphasizes the importance of advocacy for better guest worker programs and resources available to farmers for navigating complex legal requirements.

Learn More About ABIC here: https://abic.us/

And if you want to get more involved with those growing your food, consider joining Maricopa County Farm Bureau. Learn more here: https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, host Nicole Clements shares a conversation with Krysta Paffrath, a Young Farmer and Rancher Member from Maricopa County, about their experience at the American Farm Bureau Fusion Conference in Denver, Colorado.

The Fusion Conference combines the efforts of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, Women's Leadership Committee, and Promotion and Engagement Committee for collaborative discussions on agricultural issues. The episode highlights the welcoming community spirit of the Farm Bureau, the diverse backgrounds of its members, and the value of networking and education from various breakout sessions. Notable moments include impactful speeches by Dr. Temple Grandin and insights from the protein supply chain. The episode concludes with information on upcoming Farm Bureau events and the importance of telling personal stories in agriculture.

You can get in on the fun for the next conference by becoming a member today at https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/