production Archives - Podcasts for Aggies

I Call Shotgun! – Ride 2

30Apr

Welcome back to “I Call Shotgun!” the podcast where the passenger gets to pick the topic and the destination.

In this episode, Kristen changes up who she rides with as it isn’t a close friend of hers, but rather someone closer: her parent.

Being away from home, it comes as no surprise what a college student might be feeling. There are many ups and downs that come with being in college hundreds of miles away. These experiences are unique but similar among people in multiple ways. Joining Kristen for this ride is her father, who is a former student of Texas A&M University and knows all too well the struggle of leaving home to the highlight that is becoming an Aggie. Kristen interviews her father with the topic of conversation being that of sending your kid away not only to college but to one that is six hours away from home.

Together, they share their unique perspectives on the experience of going to college far from home on “I Call Shotgun!”. The parent gets to speak about their worries about being far from their child and how they stay connected while Kristen adds a little bit of that student perspective. As the car cruises down the roads of College Station, the conversation shifts from advice to jokes, making this a lighthearted episode of the “I Call Shotgun!” podcast. Through both of their stories, we get a glimpse into the complex world that is college life. College life is where students and parents alike navigate new challenges and forge deeper connections.

Grab a seat and join us on this ride as we explore the ups and downs of college far from home. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or curious about the college experience, “I Call Shotgun!” is the perfect podcast!

I Call Shotgun! – Ride 1

30Apr

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“I Call Shotgun! – Ride 1” is coming in hot with its first-ever episode! And now it is here with college stories from two college students building their futures while away from home.

The time is finally here! The perfect car ride companion is here after three months, ready to play from your speakers! The podcast is ready to be listened to by anyone and everyone! If you’re looking for a podcast that makes you feel as if you’re in the backseat of your friend’s car, you’ve come to the right place.

Kicking off this first episode strong is an episode that is comforting and almost familiar ride. With Kristen and not only her shotgun rider but another friend in the backseat, the podcast takes place during a late-night drive throughout College Station. There’s no real destination in mind as the three travel around main roads and back roads, dark paths and neon signs, to do nothing but get some good discussions in.

With her close friends, it is no surprise how long the both of them can talk. The three are able to share their stories about their first two years in college at Texas A&M University. The three are connected through the FLO that they are all a part of, which becomes the main topic of conversation. At the top of a parking garage, the three speak about their experiences, how they ended up there, and how they feel about the school year coming to an end. Nothing is off limits between three friends chatting it up and the listener: you!

So buckle up, roll down the windows, and join us! Whether you’re a college student yourself or just looking for a fun ride, “I Call Shotgun!” is the perfect podcast to listen to! Find the podcast over at https://agcj366.tamu.edu/ and on Spotify.

Want more content? Follow the podcast’s social media!

Follow the “I Call Shotgun!” Twitter for updates!

Roots: Episode 1 – Origins

29Apr

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Welcome to Roots. I’m your host, Abby Huie, and I’ll be walking with you through the story of my family’s farm and ranch outside of Beeville, South Texas. We will dive into the origins of 1349 Food and Fiber, its struggles and successes, and the outlook for future generations. We’ll also explore the ways that agriculture has evolved for small production businesses like ours, gaining a deeper understanding of the realities an American farmer faces everyday.

James Riggle riding a horse with his grandson, Matt Huie, on the 1349 Food and Fiber ranch.

James Riggle riding horses with his grandson, Matt Huie.

In The Beginning

In episode 1, we will explore the origins of the 1349 Food and Fiber farm and ranch. We’ll date back to my great-grandfather and the origin of our roots, James Riggle, who handpicked cotton during the great depression. James and his wife, Frankie, would go on to build their own farm and ranch operation with all of the blood, sweat, and tears that this lifestyle demands. James, who was “Grandaddy” to us all, embodied the spirit of the Texas cowboy. He embraced the land and it in turn bared the fruits of his diligent work. Though he and Frankie are not physically with us anymore, their legacy remains at the root of our family and our love for agriculture.

Our First Guests:

To get a first hand perspective of life growing up on the original family land, we will hear from Cherry Pichot, one of James’s three daughters, and her husband Claude Pichot, who in later days helped James with the finances and business aspect of his farming operation. Although James’s daughters never officially took over the operation, they were vital in its lasting success and in its continuity in the next generation. In speaking with Cherry and Claude, we will lean into stories of the old days, when pastures stretched to the horizon and $200 was a lot of money.

James Riggle, 2010

Farming and ranching are not for the faint of heart. This life requires faith, perseverance, and grit to be successful. It is these values and this story that shaped who I am today. It is my hope that through this podcast, you too will feel these roots. As Grandaddy always said, move forward in your life rooted in the past, but with steady eyes on the future.

Roots: Episode 2 – 1349 in 2022

29Apr

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In episode 2, we are exploring the modern-day farm operation at 1349 Food and Fiber. Our discussion will cover the everyday routine, how farmers handle financial risk, and the why behind the commitment to this lifestyle.

FM 1349

The 1349 Food and Fiber ranch is rooted in roughly 900 acres up and down Farm to Market Road 1349. This land is where James Riggle began his original operation in 1945 and what my family considers the “homeland.” However, today’s farm operations span far beyond the bounds of 1349. The business is now located in 5 counties, covering roughly 6,000 crop acres and 10,000 acres of cattle pasture. For perspective, 6,000 acres is about 4,500 football fields.

The operation currently produces corn, cotton, and grain sorghum. In addition, seasonal cover crops such as winter wheat are grown to enhance soil matter. Most of these products are sold or traded to make animal feeds and textiles. However, we use some of these products to feed the ranch’s livestock. The planting season for these crops usually begins in late February and spans until early May, ending just in time to prepare for summer harvest. This period is one of the most stress-inducing parts of the production agriculture process. The weather in these months can make or break a good crop.

So how does it all happen?

Tune in to hear from our guests, Matt and Shambryn Huie, who currently own and operate the 1349 Food and Fiber farm and ranch. Matt will dive into the modern-day farm operation, providing a first-hand perspective of the realities American farmers face in production agriculture everyday. Shambryn will also chime in on farm finances and how family helps keep this operation moving. Oh – and they’re my parents.

This episode is special to me, as it encompasses my life growing up. This is what made me who I am. So, welcome to the family! These are the roots.

Stay up to date with Roots on AGCJ366 or wherever you get your podcasts.