Disruptions in shipping lanes such as in the Strait of Hormuz creates havoc in food supply and demand. This episode of Farm to Table Talk features Peter Friedmann from the Agricultur Transportation Coalition discussing the complex global supply chain challenges in moving agricultural products from farms to tables around the world. Peter explains how U.S.agriculture relies heavily on international shipping, with products often traveling extensive routes including transloading at intermediate ports and facing significant challenges due to geopolitical issues like the Strait of Hormuz situation affecting shipping routes to key markets in the Middle East. Agricultural exports require corresponding imports to create the container capacity needed, with farmers and their processors haveing to reroute products across the country to different ports when traditional routes are blocked. Peter highlights the resilience of U.S. agriculture in finding new markets despite trade disruptions, while noting that once markets find alternative suppliers, it’s difficult to regain that business. All aspects of the food system are effected, even “local” often starts with imported fertilizer and seeds. www.agtrans.org

You can’t dream big enough was a challenge often heard from the widely acknowledged voice of Agriculture, Orion Samuelson. Just after graduating from college the host of Farm To Table Talk, Rodger Wasson had the good fortune to host a Radio Farm Show in Normal, Illinois and subsequently become acquainted with the legendary host of the Chicago based clear channel WGN Radio Farm Show. Orion Samuelson made it is life’s work to support farmers and remind consumers that since they eat they’re part of agriculture. Orion recently passed away at the age of 91. Courtesy of the Lincoln Laureates podcast we are sharing views from Orion that he expressed in conversation with broadcast journalist Jim Bohannon. The conversation recorded in 2022 celebrates the Lincoln Academy of Illinois having honored Orion Samuelson as a leader who has contributed to the betterment of humanity.

https://www.LincolnAcademyIllinois.org

Natalie Bogwalker, c0-author of The New Natural Food Garden, discuses her journey from living in a log cabin to selling her business Wild Abundance and focusing on gardening education. She shared insights about her new book, which features beautiful photography and practical gardening advice, and discussed her approach to cooking with homegrown ingredients. The conversation explored how gardening can provide both financial savings and mental health benefits, with Natalie emphasizing that growing food can lead to a more fulfilling lifestyle rather than necessarily generating income. Rodger and Natalie also discuss the importance of preserving food and creating recipes using seasonal ingredients. www.growingwise.net