Best Forestry Issues Podcasts (2025)

In the wake of the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, it’s not just other political figures that worry about threats of political violence–farmers do, too. Dillon talks about the recent history of radicalized political activists targeting farms, and explains why farmers live under the threat of protests, defamation, sabo…

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What’s on the grill? 1:39:13

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1d ago1:39:13

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Maybe you're looking to cook the deer venison, pheasant or pumpkins you harvested this fall. All the above can be thrown on the grill, flattop griddle on in the smoker. Even a self-proclaimed grill master could use advice and a recipe or two.

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Making the most of strong farmgate returns | EP 53 24:13

1d ago24:13

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Dairy, beef and sheep farmers are all enjoying strong returns right now – but as every farmer knows, the good times don’t last forever. In this episode, Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean shares practical advice on how to turn today’s profits into long-term security. Karl explains why reducing debt should be front of mind, what types of on-far…

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Garden Talk: Fall lawn maintenance and urban forestry 1:39:06

5d ago1:39:06

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Turf expert Doug Soldat is back with his annual fall lawn tutorial. We talk with him about how our humid summer affected our lawns and what to do to get ready for spring. In the last half hour we get an update about how wood is harvested in municipalities and how it is repurposed.

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Preparing wills, estate plans and other legal issues, Dane County Food Collective works to improve local food system 1:39:20

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We talk with attorneys Michael Riley and Emily Selner about elder law, including what to know about wills and naming someone as your power of attorney. Then, we hear about the Dane County Food Collective’s mission to better the food industry. Our guest is Evan Dannells, a founding member, chef and restaurant owner.…

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Insects not spreading disease, despite fear; solar energy options; and why farmers are planting prairies 1:39:05

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Wisconsin’s assassin bugs and mosquitoes could be worse. Then, a solar industry rep explains the tech and what the loss of federal tax credits could mean for customers. Then, we talk about the many benefits of prairie strips on tilled farmland.

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Dr. Zorba Paster visits Larry, “True North Cabin Cookbook,” Secretary of Wisconsin Department of Tourism on what to do this fall 1:39:20

8d ago1:39:20

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We reflect on 33 years of “Zorba Paster On Your Health” with Dr. Zorba Paster himself. Then, author Stephanie Hanson joins us to talk about her new “True North Cabin Cookbook.” Finally, Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers returns to talk about autumn activities.

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How A News Report Unfairly Labeled Local Animal Farms As Polluters 22:24

9d ago22:24

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“Animal feeding operations are increasing Whatcom’s air pollution, study finds,” read the initial headline on a misleading article in Bellingham-based Cascadia Daily News, obscuring the fact that the study it referenced did not make such a finding, and that a series of faulty assumptions led to this troubled reporting. Fred Likkel, Whatcom Family F…

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Olympia Shortchanges Whatcom Water Users Sued By State 21:46

9d ago21:46

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Despite fully funding its own legal needs after launching a massive lawsuit against all water users in Whatcom County, the state has dialed back its support for the 30,000-plus Whatcom residents it sued. Fred Likkel, Executive Director of Whatcom Family Farmers, joins Dillon with the latest developments in the controversial court case, including ho…

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Walking off lower back pain; the parental grief of “empty nest syndrome” 1:39:20

9d ago1:39:20

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We look at the effectiveness of walking to relieve lower back pain, then we talk to behavioral health specialist Anne Totero about the emotional distress parents often feel when their children leave home.

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Season 2 Trailer 2:01

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Forestry Uncut gives voice to the people, issues, and aspirations shaping forestry today, offering the public a clearer view of the industry while providing space for forestry professionals to share their stories in their own words. A podcast dedicated to uncovering the raw truths and realities of the forestry sector, it releases weekly and is host…

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How farmers can unlock better banking deals | EP 52 29:33

9d ago29:33

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Scott Wishart from agricultural loan broker NZAB joins us to discuss how farmers can take more control of their banking outcomes. Scott shares practical advice on how to become “bank-ready,” what information to gather beyond budgets and financials, and how a well-prepared farmer can unlock a better deal. He also explains the value of engaging multi…

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Forestry Economics for 2025 — Ep. 59 44:18

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Send us a text Brooks Mendell, CEO of Forisk Consulting, was guest speaker at the 78th annual convention of the Louisiana Forestry Association and took time to talk about the state of the forestry industry in Louisiana and the South. His research and insight gives us a good snapshot of the forest products industry in 2025 and what we can hope for i…

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Garden Talk: Tree health and adding spring color with bulbs 1:39:05

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We talk with DNR Forest Health Specialist Paul Cigan about what’s been going on in the state forests this year. We also look at how to add color to your spring lawn.

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Home improvement: decks and shoreland care 1:39:20

13d ago1:39:20

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First, residential remodeler Chad Speight returns with Tim Quigley to talk about the latest trends in decks and outdoor living spaces. Then, we’ll hear why it’s important to care for private lake shorelines. Our guests give advice on what you can do to improve the health of your local lake.

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Wild rice harvest woes, how carbon fees could lower energy bills, and prescribed burn training 1:38:27

14d ago1:38:27

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Wisconsin sees its wild rice harvest continue to fall. Then, a a researcher explains how consumers could see lower energy bills. Then, we learn how to get trained as a Burn Boss.

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Digestive health, Healing after heartbreak, “Time, Beauty, and Grief: A Hike Through Wisconsin’s 50 State Parks” 1:39:20

15d ago1:39:20

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We talk about common gastrointestinal issues with Dr. Siegfried Yu. Then, psychologist and author Guy Winch joins us to talk about the effects of heartbreak. Finally, discuss “Time, Beauty, and Grief: A Hike Through Wisconsin’s 50 State Parks” with author Betsy Korbinyr.

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Emergency Bridge Closure Leaves WA Creamery Fighting For Survival 22:29

16d ago22:29

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Ryan Mensonides’ dream of providing his farm’s top-quality dairy products direct to the community was just starting to take off this summer, when a truck crash near Enumclaw, WA changed everything. Mensonides joins Dillon with a call for the state to take an active role in quickly finding solutions to try to salvage the area’s suddenly-suffering ec…

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New State Refrigerant Rules Threaten Big Costs For WA Farming 21:08

16d ago21:08

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Refrigeration is an important capacity many farms need when they’re producing fresh food, but new Washington state restrictions on refrigeration systems could cripple farms with massive cost increases. Ben Ingalls with IVI joins Dillon with the background on the new laws and what they’ll mean for farming in the region.…

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AI erodes critical thinking, study says; poets spotlighted in PBS Wisconsin series; and agency tackles childhood trauma 1:39:04

16d ago1:39:04

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Increasing reliance on AI is taking a toll on independent thinking. Then, we talk about a new PBS Wisconsin web series “Welcome Poets.” Then, the Rainbow Project helps children and families recover from trauma.

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Can rural media survive? | EP 51 38:33

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Farmers rely on rural media to stay informed – but shrinking print runs, social media, and changing news habits are putting pressure on traditional outlets. In this episode, we sit down with Dean Williamson, CEO of AgriHQ and publisher of Farmers Weekly, to discuss the challenges facing rural media. We explore the changing media landscape, how youn…

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Garden Talk: Time to sow wildflower seeds and a new invasive plant found in the state 1:39:07

19d ago1:39:07

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Some seeds do better when planted in the fall. Prairie expert Neil Diboll is back to share his advice for what to plant now. Then we talk to an extension weed specialist about stiltgrass.

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Vehicle maintenance, History of car manufacturing in Wisconsin 1:39:20

20d ago1:39:20

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First, retired service manager Jim Ward is back to answer your questions about getting water out of your car and prepping for winter driving. Then, we hear about the history of cars and vehicle manufacturers in Wisconsin from Dawn Bondhus, executive director of the Wisconsin Automotive Museum.

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Public wildlife sightings as data; and the low-carbon concrete of the future 1:39:05

21d ago1:39:05

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What each of us sees and hears in the wild can guide natural resource management in Wisconsin. We talk about the connection with two UW-Extension wildlife specialists. Then, we learn about the low-carbon concrete poured by UW-Stout students on their campus.

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History of education, The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, Fall prevention awareness month 1:39:20

22d ago1:39:20

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We talk about America’s first kindergarten in Watertown with Melissa Lampe and Jim Braughler. Then, we hear about the evolution of education in our country from author Jim Nelsen. Deanna Springer fills us in ahead of The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show and we cover strategies to avoid falling with Jill Renken.…

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Will farmers finally get a fair deal on banking? | EP 50 37:03

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Farmers have long been saying they’re getting a raw deal from the banks – higher interest rates, tougher lending rules, fewer options, and growing pressure around environmental reporting. That’s why Federated Farmers pushed so hard for a rural banking inquiry. Now, after months of hearings and submissions, the Finance and Expenditure Committee has …

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Garden Talk: Growing tasty vegetables and how to do it into the late fall 1:39:20

26d ago1:39:20

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If you want to be a better cook, look to your garden. We talk to Kevin West, the author of a new gardening cookbook about how to grow better tasting vegetables. Then Diana Alfuth is back to answer your questions on what to plant now and how to extend your growing season.

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New ways to think about clothing and fashion, Tax advice from a professional 1:39:03

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We chat with Dr. Erik Brodt, one of the co-founders of a clothing company that celebrates Native American style. Then, we get advice from Green Bay-based personal stylist Stephanie Taylor. Finally, tax professional Mary Mellem returns to remind you to file ahead of the Oct. 15 extended deadline.

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New checklist of the world’s birds better defines species 1:39:03

28d ago1:39:03

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It took four years to compile and unify, but a new global checklist of birds, the AviList, recognizes 11,131 bird species in the world and attempts to settle decades of debate over how species are defined.

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The unifying and healing powers of music 1:39:20

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We start by talking about the music of the Vietnam War and how soldiers and civilians alike connected with songs while continents apart. Our guests are the writer Doug Bradley and historian Craig Werner. Then, we cover the book “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine” with author and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin.…

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Is Washington State Sponsoring Anti-Farm Activist Propaganda? 24:29

30d ago24:29

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A Yakima, WA-based activist group recently published anti-farm videos on its social media feeds that featured the Washington State Department of Health’s official logo, raising troubling questions about possible tax dollars used for political purposes. Save Family Farming has filed an official complaint with the WA Attorney General’s Office calling…

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Carbon forestry crisis – the view from Southland | EP 49 30:26

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Carbon forestry is spreading fast, and the impacts are becoming impossible to ignore for farmers in regions like Southland. In this episode, we’re joined by Dean Rabbidge, Southland Federated Farmers meat & wool chair, to talk about what he’s seeing on the ground. He describes the heartbreak of whole, highly productive farms being converted into pi…

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Anti-Farm Activist’s Offensive Quote Demeans Farmers, Farmworkers 23:07

30d ago23:07

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Discredited labor activist Rosalinda Guillén of Community to Community Development recently repeated false and offensive attacks on farms hiring guest workers via the federal H-2A visa program Farms have been turning to the expensive and highly-regulated program as a last resort to help cover labor gaps resulting from the worsening farm labor short…

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Automation app dangers; alcohol use falling; and the Weather Guys talk about flash floods 1:39:05

30d ago1:39:05

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UW-Madison students and researchers find automation apps ripe for hacking and abuse. Then, we talk about the drop off in drinking by Americans. Then, we talk about the recent flooding in Milwaukee with the Weather Guys.

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Garden Talk: Fruit crops and the history of sugar beets in Wisconsin 1:39:02

1M ago1:39:02

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We talk with the UW Extension’s fruit experts about getting your best harvest. We also look into one of the last visible links to Wisconsin’s beet sugar industry.

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Book club: “The Business Trip,” ADHD in adults 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

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We talk about the novel “The Business Trip” with author and longtime journalist Jessie Garcia. Then, Dr. Jake Behrens joins us as we dispel myths about ADHD and talk about diagnosis and treatments for adults.

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Late summer insects; citizen monitoring of wildlife; and the UW Arboretum’s new director 1:39:02

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Entomologist Phil Pellitteri returns to help us deal with insect pests. Then, we talk about citizen-scientist wildlife monitoring. Then, we meet the new director of The Arb.

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Mental health on the land – what’s the plan? | EP 48 49:17

1M ago49:17

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In this episode, we dig into the mental health challenges facing farmers and rural communities, and ask: is the support on offer actually working? Matt Doocey, New Zealand’s first dedicated Minister for Mental Health, joins us to discuss what’s changing, what still needs to, and whether rural voices are truly being heard. Federated Farmers presiden…

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How to can and preserve food, Update about Wisconsin soil, Brewers’ success 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

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Christina Ward, an author and certified Master Food Preserver for Milwaukee County, shares how to preserve your summer harvest. Then, we talk about soil health with Jamie Patton of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Conservation Service. Finally, we chat about the Brewers with podcast hosts Ryan Topp and Paul Noonan.…

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Ag Water Issues Dominate Recent Save Family Farming Advocacy Efforts 42:20

1M ago42:20

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It’s no surprise that during a dry summer, people are talking about water issues, including many that involve the farming community. Ben Tindall, Save Family Farming’s Executive Director, joins Dillon for an update on the advocacy work the organization is focused on currently and into coming weeks and months.…

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The placebo puzzle in pain management; and the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal 1:39:05

1M ago1:39:05

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In some studies, the placebo effect is as effective as actual treatment for pain. We talk to two physical therapists about why that might be. Then, we talk to the author of a new book about the history of the Erie Canal.

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Garden Talk: Too much water and UW Arboretum news 1:39:07

1M ago1:39:07

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Record setting rain has left many gardens under water. We talk with UW Extension horticulturist Vijai Pandian about how to save your plants. We also get an update from the Arboretum’s Native Plant Garden Curator Susan Carpenter.

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Home improvement: Prevent mold and moisture from building in your home, Mass timber buildings experiment with more wood instead of steel, aluminum 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

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Wisconsin registered home inspector John Freiburger is back to talk about mold and the most common places it grows in your home. Then, we hear about using mass timber in place of materials like concrete, steel and aluminum. Our guest is Alex Timmer, an associate professor of architecture at UW-Milwaukee.…

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How oceans support life; keeping space rovers unstuck; and the scourge of blue-green algae 1:39:06

1M ago1:39:06

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Oceanography has much to tell us about the health of planet Earth – as well as far-flung exoplanets. Then, we learn why space rovers get stuck on Mars and the moon. Then, an up-to-date report on another summer of blue-green algal booms on Wisconsin waterways.

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State Funding Cuts Leave Whatcom Water Users High & Dry 22:29

1M ago22:29

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State leaders have said they would provide support for the 30,000-plus water users it has sued in its Whatcom water rights adjudication court case as they navigate the extremely complex issues the state has forced on them. But Bill Clarke, Olympia-based attorney for the Ag Water Board of Whatcom County, tells Dillon that various aspects of the fund…

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Building self esteem, Traumatic brain injury and rehabilitation, Ear and hearing health 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

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Psychologist Dr. Shilagh Mirgain is back to talk about how to improve your self confidence and why it’s important. Then we talk about traumatic brain injuries with Jamie Niemuth, a registered nurse. Finally, audiologist Dr. Brent Fisher joins us to cover ear health, especially tinnitus.

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Hugh Jackson on farming, balance and backing himself | EP 47 42:49

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A month since he won the prestigious NZ Young Farmer of the Year Award, we catch up with Hugh Jackson to find out how he’s feeling about the win and get to know a bit better. We dig into his background, his personal goals, his mental health story, his passion for the Young Farmers organisation, and what makes him tick. We also talk about winning th…

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State Wants Farm Forestry Buffers On Streams Without Fish 21:54

1M ago21:54

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State leaders are going back on decades-old agreements with farm foresters with a troubling new plan that would force larger forest buffers on streams without fish. The proposal has farmers worried they could be targeted with similar stringent rules, forcing massive amounts of farmland out of production statewide. Tom Westergreen, a small family fo…

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Tech updates, stop light advances, and getting better broadband 1:38:31

1M ago1:38:31

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Tech expert Beth D’Angelo is back to talk about the latest version of Chat GBT and how tariffs will affect chips and semiconductors. Then we look at research that will make stop lights work smarter. Finally we talk about how to make your broadband better.