Jeff Fowle – Farmer & Rancher, California | 530-598-5104 |
jefffowle96027@gmail.com
As the fourth generation to farm and ranch at their current location, and raising the fifth, it is extremely important to Jeff that the land remains productive, the environment healthy and the water plentiful. "Engaging in a positive manner through television broadcast, social media and other outlets is essential in order to effectively communicate with the public what, why and how we do what we do," says Jeff. "America’s Heartland has been a wonderful show to bring the diversity of American agriculture to the homes of all Americans. It has been instrumental in giving consumers a ‘hands-on’ view of farms, ranches and orchards across the country, and meet the family farmers and ranchers who are providing food, fiber, fuel and shelter."
Jeff adds, "An educated public and consumer is agriculture’s best insurance policy for future generations to share our passion and commitment to providing the safest, most abundant and affordable food supply in the world. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to work with such a diverse and enthusiastic group of agvocates on this most rewarding Friends of America’s Heartland effort."
Ray Prock, Jr. – Dairy Farmer, California | 209-652-5349 |
rprockjr@gmail.com
Ray is a second-generation dairy farmer in Central California working to secure a future for third and future generations to one day help feed the world as farmers. Ray sees America’s Heartland, both as a broadcast venue and a social media tool, as extremely effective ways to connect with others, and to have conversations about what, why and how farmers feed, clothe and fuel today’s ever-growing population. Ray says he supports the Friends campaign because "America's Heartland is a unique, great way for people to stay in touch with today's diverse farming methods right from the comfort of their own homes."
Chris Chinn – Hog Farmer, Missouri
chrisc@marktwain.net
Chris and her husband farm in Missouri with his parents and brother. They own and raise hogs, cattle and hay on their farm and make all of the feed for the livestock at their feed mill. Chris and her husband are the proud parents of two children who they hope will be able to return to the farm as the sixth generation of farmers in their family. Their modern-day hog farm and feed mill was the focus of one episode, and they received several positive comments from viewers. "America's Heartland is an important program that helps tell the story of farmers & ranchers across America," says Chris. "America's Heartland has opened a new door for the future or our industry buy showing different types of farms and ranches across America -- not only small family farms, but farms that have grown and modernized to keep up with our ever growing population.
"There are so many misconceptions about how modern farms operate, and what it takes to feed our growing world population. America's Heartland puts a face on this issue and helps tell the accurate story of modern agriculture, as well as conventional agriculture. Diversity in agriculture is necessary to bring home future generations to our farms and ranches. America's Heartland shows how important it is that America's farmers & ranchers be able to grow and change with the new challenges we face in agriculture each day. This show has brought the American farm and ranch into the homes of millions who otherwise would not see how we operate our farms and ranches on a daily basis. America's Heartland puts a face and a voice to agriculture, and it's the accurate image of how America's farmers & ranchers are protecting our nation's food security while meeting the ever-growing demands of our world population."
Matt Rush – Farmer & Rancher, New Mexico | 575-760-7874 | matt.rush@nmfarmbureau.org
Matt’s roots in New Mexico are deep. His family has been farming and ranching here since the early 1900’s. Matt is the 8th generation in his family to be a farmer and cattle rancher. He grew up and currently resides in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, as did his parents, both grandparents and great-grandparents. They also farm 960 acres of wheat and hay. To support his farming habit, he spends the winter months traveling the country speaking to groups on leadership skills as well as preaching the importance of American agriculture.
He served on the New Mexico Plan for Bio Fuels Development Committee, has been an invited guest of the Bush White House. He currently serves on the American Farm Bureau's Foundation for Agriculture Board of Directors, and is a graduate of the Partners in Ag Leadership Class. He has also served on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher’s Committee.
Matt is a member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers, and is an active member of his church.
Erin Freel – Rancher, Florida | 813-478-1735 | erin@tmpstyle.com
Erin Freel is a fifth generation cattle rancher. She works with her family on their 800-head registered Florida spread, Country Oaks Angus Ranch (www.floridaangus.com). Being passionate about agriculture from an early age, Erin started her own agricultural and communications firm in 2000, and now has over 100 ag clients across the country. As Erin helps her clients tell their stories about agriculture, she is inspired by the similar efforts and great success of America’s Heartland. |
