Best Native Prairie Podcasts (2025)

1
Managing grasslands and native prairie 2:48

18d ago2:48

2:48

We may occasionally hear disparaging comments about the management of native prairie (e.g., overgrazing), but leaving it completely idle or rested for many years is not a good option. Active management is needed to keep the prairie in good condition.By Chuck Lura

1
American Kestrels call North Dakota home 2:38

4d ago2:38

2:38

I suspect that most people have seen a small hawk-like bird perched on a utility pole or line that is a little larger than a mourning dove but smaller than a pigeon. If so, that is likely a sparrow hawk, also known as a kestrel.By Chuck Lura

1
Wild Pollinators in Ag Landscapes with Dr. Jason Gibbs (U of M) 37:30

6d ago37:30

37:30

Dr. Jason Gibbs studies the diversity and taxonomy of wild bees. He completed his PhD at York University. He was a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell University and a research associate at Michigan State University before joining Canada’s only Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba in 2016. He is curator of one of the largest insect…

1
Why this aromatic prairie shrub is everywhere in North Dakota 2:42

11d ago2:42

2:42

There are a dozen species of sage that may be found in North Dakota. Among the more common are a couple species that most people would just call sagebrush, wormwood (an introduced noxious weed), and fringed sage or prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida).By Chuck Lura

1
Developing Native and Tame Forage Varieties and Mixtures with Dr. Bill Biligetu (U of S) 22:58

20d ago22:58

22:58

Dr. Bill Biligetu is an Associate Professor, at the Crop Development Center of the University of Saskatchewan. Growing up on the Mongolian Plateau, Dr. Bill Biligetu (PhD) has seen first-hand the effect climate change can have on grasslands. As the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Forage Crop Breeding, his program h…

1
Curiosity about caterpillars 2:43

25d ago2:43

2:43

What is it about kids and caterpillars? It seems like kids of my generation at some point found a caterpillar and promptly put it (along with some plant material) in a jar with some holes punched in the lid, and watched it so see what would happen.By Chuck Lura

1
Go Juneberry picking this summer 2:47

1M ago2:47

2:47

It is not too early to start looking for some Juneberry patches to harvest this summer.By Chuck Lura

1
MBFI's Mineral Case Study with Dr. Mary-Jane Orr 55:11

1M ago55:11

55:11

Mary-Jane leads a dedicated team at MBFI to advance Manitoba’s beef & forage industry through engaging stakeholders, evaluating on-farm innovation, and extension for sustainability of farmers, the public, and the environment. She deeply values the opportunity to collaborate with producers, researchers, education providers, extension specialists, co…

1
Orchid species native to North Dakota 2:36

1M ago2:36

2:36

The orchid family is one of the largest and most diverse family of flowering plants and widely recognized for their attractive and fragrant flowers. Even though we can now find orchids for sale in several big box stores, the mention of orchids often brings out thoughts of exotic tropical locations.By Chuck Lura

1
Episode 38: Raised Outside, A Father's Day Special 1:09:59

1M ago1:09:59

1:09:59

In this special Father’s Day episode, I sit down with the two people who sparked my love for the outdoors, my mom and dad. Together, we share stories from my childhood, their approach to raising kids outside, and their advice for families who want to connect through nature. From early morning fishing trips to big life lessons in the wild, this conv…

1
How fox squirrels made themselves at home in North Dakota 2:37

2M ago2:37

2:37

It might surprise you, but the fox squirrel is not native to North Dakota.By Chuck Lura

1
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef & CRSB Certification with Andrea White & Ryan Beierbach 1:02:19

2M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Andrea White is the Director of Marketing and Stakeholder Relations with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). She leads the marketing and communications strategies for the CRSB and its CRSB Certified program. She is a key liaison with the CRSB’s multi-stakeholder membership and supports marketing initiatives of those using the CRSB …

1
That lush spring growth might be sedges, not grass 2:48

2M ago2:48

2:48

The landscape has been changing from brown to green, and for the casual observers, most of that fresh green color is often largely attributed to grass growth. But it might not all be what it seems. Much of that new green growth, particularly in the wetter habitats may not be grasses but sedges, a group of plants that are not well known.…

1
Episode 37: Restoring the Wild: A Conversation on Conservation 50:36

2M ago50:36

50:36

In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, we sit down with Caitlyn Ruhl, Habitat Restoration Coordinator for the New Mexico Wildlife Department, to explore the critical role of habitat conservation and restoration in sustaining our state’s diverse wildlife.Caitlyn brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for the outdoors, describing …

1
Mental Health Awareness In Agriculture - The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program and Donna's Journey with Donna Odell 24:24

2M ago24:24

24:24

Donna married her high school sweetheart Les directly out of school and has been married to him for 39 years this July. She was raised in Virden and moved to the farm when they married. For 5 years they lived in a trailer and had one daughter there. They started into cattle with 6 mixed breed cows in 1989. In 1991 they moved to the home farm where …

1
What are the survival rates of ducklings? 2:51

2M ago2:51

2:51

What are the chances that an egg laid by a duck hatches, develops, and lives to see its first birthday. As you might assume, the odds are not good.By Chuck Lura

1
Episode 36: Responsible Boating Summer 2025! 48:55

2M ago48:55

48:55

In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, we dive into the essentials of responsible boating and how you can help protect our waters from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Join AIS Coordinator James Dominguez from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife and Scott Chambers from New Mexico State Parks as they share expert tips, safety reminders…

1
Mental Health Awareness In Agriculture - Gerry Friesen: The Recovering Farmer 44:07

2M ago44:07

44:07

Gerry Friesen, AKA the Recovering Farmer, is a co-founder of the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program. He comes from a diverse background of experience, learning and discovery through farming and as a stress and conflict management specialist. Gerry’s passion is in helping others find solutions for the various issues that life throws at us. A combinati…

1
Head to the wetlands soon to see a Wilson's Phalarope 2:36

2M ago2:36

2:36

Over the next few weeks, you might want to consider grabbing the binoculars and heading out to some nearby wetlands. There is much to see there this time of year, plus you have a good chance to see some Wilson’s phalaropes, which are widely distributed in North Dakota, particularly in shallow water. These small shorebirds are quite interesting and …

1
Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture: The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing with Dr. Briana Hagen 34:18

2M ago34:18

34:18

Dr. Briana Hagen is a leading voice in Canadian agricultural mental health. As CEO and Lead Scientist of the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, she combines academic research with real-world solutions, co-creating programs alongside farmers to build resilience and break down barriers to mental health support. Dr. Hagen’s work spans policy …

1
It's Morel Season in North Dakota 2:59

2M ago2:59

2:59

If the morel mushrooms are not popping up in your area, they should be soon. As many of you know, morel mushrooms are eminently edible and the mushroom of choice for mushroom hunters.By Chuck Lura

1
Mental Health Awareness in Ag Mini Series: Do More Ag and High Heels & Canola Fields with Lesley Kelly 33:38

3M ago33:38

33:38

Lesley Kelly is a farmer, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who farms with her family in Watrous, Saskatchewan. As the voice behind High Heels & Canola Fields, she bridges the gap between farmers and consumers by dispelling agricultural myths and fostering meaningful conversations about food and farming. Her passion for advocacy began while …

1
How to attract hummingbirds to your yard 2:30

3M ago2:30

2:30

Are you anxious to see the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds? If so, now might be a good time to start cleaning up the feeders and setting them out, because they usually start showing up around early May.By Chuck Lura

1
Yellowquill Prairie Preserve: Grazing Native Prairie with Josh Dillabough & Gordon Beddome 48:05

3M ago48:05

48:05

Josh Dillabough is a dedicated natural area manager for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, he’s been with the organization since 2010. When not pursuing efforts to protect critical natural habitat or being coerced into media interviews or podcasts, he endeavours to be a loving husband and dad. Josh is an outdoor enthusiast that enjoys hunting, fishi…

1
Male and Female (Dioecious) Trees 2:47

3M ago2:47

2:47

We seldom give plant sex much consideration, but some species of flowering plants produce flowers with both male and female reproductive structures in the same flower (perfect flowers). Most of the plants you are familiar with are in that category. Other species produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant.…

1
The sounds of the season 2:35

3M ago2:35

2:35

Spring is often punctuated by a series of new sights and sounds as winter gives way to summer. It seems like each new sighting of a bird, for example, is duly noted and announced to others. Sighting the first robin of the season is probably the best example, but don’t forget to pay attention to the many other varied sounds of spring.…

1
Episode 35: Shaping Future Hunters: Volunteer with Hunter Education 45:14

3M ago45:14

45:14

In this episode, we dive into the impactful world of hunter education with Stephanie Walton. The Hunter Education Program plays a vital role in teaching safety, ethics, and conservation to future generations. Discover how you can volunteer and contribute to shaping the next generation of responsible hunters. Join us as we discuss the program’s miss…

1
Impacts of Tariffs on Canadian Cow-Calf Production with Tyler Fulton CCA President 43:05

3M ago43:05

43:05

Tyler Fulton and his wife, Dorelle, along with their kids Evan and Mae own and operate Tyton Farm Ltd, a 600 head cow/calf/backgrounding operation south of Birtle, MB. The farm operates about 6000 acres in prairie pothole country, which consists of mostly tame pasture, hay, and some annual crops. Tyler has spent most of his off-farm career in the f…

1
The ominous future for butterflies 2:55

3M ago2:55

2:55

If you grew up in or before the 1950s or 1960s, butterflies were likely a common sight during the summer months, including monarchs, painted ladies, red admirals, swallowtails, blues, whites, sulphurs, and mourning cloaks. Many kids even had butterfly collections. That is not the case these days. Things have changed, and not in a good way.…

1
Finding a deer shed is a treasured experience 2:40

4M ago2:40

2:40

It is officially spring. The spring equinox, you may recall, occurred back on March 20. And if your senses seem to have been dulled a little over the winter months, getting out in nature can help give them a boost. Consider going for a walk through the woods, grassland, or other places to soak up what nature has to offer in the spring. And while yo…

1
MBFI Winter Feed: Snapshot on Production & Feed Quality of Corn, Silage, Hay & Ammoniated Straw 1:05:19

4M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Mary-Jane leads a dedicated team at MBFI to advance Manitoba’s beef & forage industry through engaging stakeholders, evaluating on-farm innovation, and extension for sustainability of farmers, the public, and the environment. She deeply values the opportunity to collaborate with producers, researchers, education providers, extension specialists, co…

1
What is hantavirus? 2:52

4M ago2:52

2:52

Most everyone has heard the news of the tragic passing of two-time Academy Award winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife (Betsy Arakawa). His wife, you may recall, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Hantavirus exists in North Dakota, and a reminder of the virus and disease might be helpful and timely.…

1
The historical abundance of bison 2:56

4M ago2:56

2:56

I happened to notice that Dances with Wolves was running on one of the cable stations recently. That 1990 film starring Kevin Costner had some great scenes of bison herds and a bison hunt. I could not help but imagine what those immense herds of bison looked like before European settlement.By Chuck Lura

1
The Impact of Management of Marginal Field Areas with Dr. Christy Morrissey 47:52

4M ago47:52

47:52

Dr. Christy Morrissey is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on issues related to agricultural pesticides and other chemicals and the use of birds and insects as indicators of ecosystem health. Dr. Morrissey has published over 95 highly cited journal articles and book chapters and in 2020…

1
Have you seen Canada geese yet this year? 2:42

4M ago2:42

2:42

If you have not seen any Canada geese yet this year, you should soon. The migration is on, and some stay in the state year-round — for example, along the Missouri River.By Chuck Lura

1
Bonus Episode: Let's Talk Draw! 49:43

4M ago49:43

49:43

If you’re planning to apply for a big game tag in New Mexico this year, this episode is for you. The draw process can be confusing, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to apply successfully.Joining me are two experts who work directly with hunters—Christina Salazar, executive secretary to the director at New Mexico Game a…

1
Birdwatching at Kelly's Slough National Wildlife Refuge 2:48

5M ago2:48

2:48

Kelly’s Slough National Wildlife Refuge, near Grand Forks, is well-known to area bird enthusiasts as being a great place to do some bird watching, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. Depending upon weather, bird watching should be quite good from around the late March through May.By Chuck Lura

1
ALUS Growing Roots Program with Joey Pankiw (SRRWD) 32:17

5M ago32:17

32:17

Joey Pankiw grew up on a family farm in the Red River Valley. Joey is a graduate from the University of Winnipeg with a B.A. in Geography, and obtained a MSc. in Geography from the University of Regina. He started working with the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District in 2019 as a Watershed Assistant and also held the ALUS/Grow Coordinator position b…

1
Hiring Farm Workers with Justin Girard (Young Agrarians) 45:05

5M ago45:05

45:05

Justin Girard is the Manitoba Program Manager for Young Agrarians, a peer to peer educational resource network for new, young and aspiring farmers. He is also the team lead for the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program, a program that sets up aspiring farmers with their first farm job and provides support to both the apprentices and the seasoned f…

1
Episode 34: RideNM: Responsible Off-Roading with NMDGF 1:02:33

5M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

New Mexico is an amazing place to enjoy your off-highway vehicle (OHV). The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish OHV program provides off-highway motor vehicle recreation that recognizes the importance of New Mexico’s cultural, historic and resource values while also ensuring public safety. New Mexico has requirements for off-highway motor vehicl…

1
Livestock Inspection & Traceability with Carson Callum (MBP) 29:49

6M ago29:49

29:49

Carson Callum is the General Manager with Manitoba Beef Producers. Carson joined MBP in 2019, and comes with an extension background in agriculture. He has a Master’s of Science in Agriculture, specifically related to beef cattle. Carson has worked in many areas of the ag sector, and the beef industry is near and dear to him. He grew up on a small …

1
The Soil Health Network with Brent VanKoughnet 59:17

6M ago59:17

59:17

Brent VanKoughnet M.Sc. P.Ag. is Owner / Manager of Agri Skills Inc. a company that specializes in agricultural innovation and human resource development services. Agri Skills provides market development consulting services, custom skills development and training programs, and field scale precision trial services to several major manufacturers and …

1
Episode 33: Conservation in Action: Collaboration for New Mexico's Elk 1:06:56

6M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have a long-standing partnership dedicated to preserving and enhancing elk populations in the Land of Enchantment. Together, they’ve spearheaded habitat restoration projects that ensure sustainable, high-quality elk herds across the state. Join us as we discuss the imp…

1
Manitoba Ag Days with Kristen Phillips 30:26

6M ago30:26

30:26

Kristen Phillips is a mother, agronomist, farmer and she is the General Manager of Manitoba Ag Days. Her and her husband Garret have 3 beautiful daughters, Leah, Bailey and Jordyn. They farm ~ 4000 acres in partnership with Kristen's parents Doug and Denise Williamson. Kristen loves spending time with her girls and you will often find them out scou…

1
Ranching For Profit with Dallas Mount (Ranch Management Consultants) 1:03:51

7M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Dallas Mount is the owner of Ranch Management Consultants (RMC), home of the Ranching for Profit School and the Executive Link program. Dallas has led RMC since 2019 and worked with thousands of ranchers across North America, Australia and the UK to position their business for economic profit and ecologic health. After working with University of Wy…

1
Digging into Marketing with Brock Taylor 35:57

7M ago35:57

35:57

In today’s episode, Brock Taylor shares his history in agriculture and about his experiences in the cattle industry. He is the second generation at Taylor Auctions and his oldest son is now involved in the business as well. Brock is the Past President of the Livestock Markets Association of Canada and shares a bit about his role with this organizat…

1
Producer Profile: Experience with Backgrounding with Trevor Atchison 1:03:38

8M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

Trevor Atchison operates Poplarview Stock Farm with his wife Melissa, their two children Reese and Wyatt, his parents Lloyd and Joan Atchison and nephew Tyler Scott. Poplarview Stock Farm was recognized as a Century Farm in 2005. Trevor’s children and nephew are the 5th generation. The farm is located just east of Pipestone, MB in sandy soils borde…

1
Harmony in Farm Family Transitions with Elaine Froese 51:26

8M ago51:26

51:26

Elaine Froese has coached over 1000 families helping decrease their anxiety over the uncertainty of their future. She has authored 5 books and written a Grainews column for 30 years. Froese Family Farms, a certified seed farm near Boissevain in Southwestern Manitoba is her home base, where she farms with her husband, son, and daughter in law. Faith…

1
The Impact of Grazing Management on Sequestering Carbon with Aaron Glen (AAFC) 51:14

9M ago51:14

51:14

Dr. Aaron Glenn is a Research Scientist specializing in micrometeorology and has worked at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Brandon since 2011. He has a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Manitoba. His area of expertise and research interests relate the impact that weather and climate have on crop production and the influence that agri…

1
Episode 32: Operation Game Thief 40:13

9M ago40:13

40:13

Operation Game Thief is a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish program, which pays rewards to citizens who turn in poachers. Begun in 1977 here in New Mexico, Operation Game Thief or a similar program has now been adopted by nearly every other state. In short, Operation Game Thief is crime-stoppers for wildlife. Join us as we talk with Colonel Ti…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Native Prairie Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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