With the new year comes new opportunities so I asked a few past guests of Raising the Barn who are experts in Ag marketing and market research to share their predictions for the Ag industry in 2025.

Abriana Johnson, founder of Black Unicorn Creative and creative force behind industry-transforming brands Cowgirl Camryn and Black In The Saddle joins the podcast to talk about shifting narratives within the equine and agricultural industries and how she’s building a community of “Barnyard Besties.”

Tiffany Rufus, Founder & CEO of Freedom Harvest, the first direct farm-to-consumer mobile app with a built in same day delivery solution, joins the podcast to talk about how she’s working to address the twin challenges of declining family farms and the accessibility of fresh, healthy food.

Colson Steber, Co-CEO of Ag Access, joins the podcast to talk about the importance of farmers’ having a voice in the innovations coming to the Ag industry, the continued investment in Ag Tech, and what factors will impact the Ag industry in the near future.

Ben Boyles, Senior Agribusiness Extension Agent at Clemson University, joins the podcast to talk about his work in developing and implementing programs aimed at strengthening South Carolina's agricultural economy and rural communities and the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour.

Tasha Trujillo, owner of Palm Pike Flower Farm, joins the podcast to talk about how she is growing sustainable flowers for people and pollinators in York, SC, her participation in the SC Ag + Art Tour, and how’s she’s built a platform online to tell her farm’s story. 

Kinsley Miller from the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe joins the podcast to talk about how they are inspiring and preparing the next generation of young farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders.

Sam Hall from Bush-N-Vine Farm joins the podcast to talk about life on a multi-generational farm, their participation in the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour, how they’re growing strawberries 40 weeks out of the year.

Brandon and Sarah Bowers of Bowers Farm in Pomeria, SC join the podcast to talk about personal brands, working with a marketing agency, agritourism.

Bailey Edwards, Farm Manager at Cherry Place Farm, joins the podcast to talk about marketing prep for the 2024 season on your farm.

Katie Haynes, the reigning 2022 NC Miss Agriculture Advocacy Ambassador and 2022 NC People’s Choice Miss United States Agriculture, joins the podcast to talk about advocating for agriculture on social media.

Sarah Audet, Interim Executive Director at the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition, joins the podcast to talk about virtual agritourism and the #Farm24VT event.

Elizabeth Wood, Director of Agricultural Literacy, Women and Youth Programs for the South Carolina Farm Bureau, joins the podcast to talk about how farmers can effectively engage with consumers.

Hannah Monroe, owner and farmer of Kingdom Gardens in Rock Hill, SC, joins the podcast to talk about how she’s reaching new consumers through her Farm Club memberships, her new community composting program, and a focus on direct to consumer sales using Instagram.

Cari Rincker, owner of Rincker Law and Cari’s Farm, joins the podcast to talk about legally protecting your Ag business, balancing life on and off the farm, and her advice for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Tiayonna Liska, owner of Carolina Garden Coaching in Raleigh, NC, joins the podcast to share her perspective on urban gardening, food deserts, and Ag education in schools.

Brett and McKenzie Flashnick, owners of The FARM 1780, join the Raising the Barn podcast to talk about how they use agritourism alongside growing produce and raising livestock for sale at their farm in Lexington, SC.

In the first episode of the Raising the Barn podcast, I’m talking with Kevin and Shelby Lussier, young farmers, entrepreneurs, and owners of Hawthorne Creek Creamery.