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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June 7: Mark Arax’s “The Dreamt Land”

Mark Arax’s The Dreamt Land is a literary tapestry that depicts the reshaping of nature into modern California, woven from engrossing stories of men and women whose outsized ambitions drove them to “remedy God’s uneven design of California.” Join Mark and “Down on the Farm” host Tom Willey discussing a five-year gestation of the preeminent Valley author’s much anticipated new volume.

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May 3: Adriana Manfredi Brown and Ron Manfredi, discuss Madera community Italian immigrants

These American Continents have been attracting immigrants for some 13,000 years. Fleeing poverty and seeking opportunity for betterment, Italian newcomers created a vibrant rural Madera community in the late 1800s. The Italian Swiss Colony and winery served as its viticultural land base and economic engine. Join “Down on the Farm” host Tom Willey in conversation with longtime Maderans Adriana Manfredi Brown and Ron Manfredi.

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April 5: Bruce Roberts, J.G. Boswell Endowed Chair in Plant Science, CSU Fresno

Bruce Roberts grew up on a San Joaquin Valley family farm when forty acres supported middle class living and sent kids to college. Roberts served as Kings County’s agronomy farm advisor when “white gold” cotton still dominated our Valley’s landscape. In 2004, Alma mater, CSU Fresno, appointed Roberts to the J.G. Boswell Endowed Chair in Plant Science. Join Bruce Roberts and “Down on the Farm” host Tom Willey in conversation.

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