November 1: Grain by Grain author Bob Quinn

Montana wheat farmer and Grain by Grain author Bob Quinn revisits the “Down on the Farm” front porch, where he and host Tom Willey discuss present circumstances and future direction of our four-decade-old organic movement. Is rapid adoption of organics by conventional farmers a mile wide but inch deep, or can they be incentivized to pursue high biological integrity?

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October 4: Entomologist Billy Synk of Project Apis m

While this year’s harvest awaits the huller in massive piles around the valley, a progressive vanguard of almond farmers, some 150 statewide, prepare to sow their orchard floors to winter-blooming cover crops to serve as bee pasture. These orchardists are guided and encouraged by a young entomologist, Billy Synk, of Project Apis m., an Almond Board supported effort whose mission is to strengthen pollinators and soil health. Join “Down on the Farm” host Tom Willey and Billy Synk.

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September 6: UC Entomologist Kent Daane, pest control

California played a pioneering and preeminent role in the public interest science of biological pest control over the first three quarters of the 20th century. Thereafter, commercially manufactured insecticides, what some call “the pesticide conspiracy”, have dominated agricultural crop protection. Join University of California entomologist Kent Daane and “Down on the Farm” host Tom Willey discussing the past, present and future of pest control on California’s farms.

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August 2: New Zealand soil ecologist Gwen Grelet

New Zealand soil ecologist Gwen Grelet is on odyssey across these United States to learn what drives farmers to adopt radical changes in production systems. Kiwis are as interested as are we in harmonizing agriculture with the natural systems foundational to its productivity. Join soil mycologist turned sociologist Gwen Grelet and “Down on the Farm” host Tom Willey in conversation.

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July 5: “Grain by Grain” authors Bob Quinn and Liz Carlisle

Armed with a PhD in plant science, but disenchanted with academia, Bob Quinn returned to his generational Montana wheat farm in 1978, determined to make a go of it. Soon, Quinn decided to reinvigorate his Big Sandy community as well as his own family farm. To learn what he accomplished, join Bob and Grain by Grain coauthor Liz Carlisle on “Down on the Farm” with Tom Willey.

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