In this episode of the Global Farmer Voices Podcast, we continue celebrating the Global Farmer Network’s 25th anniversary by highlighting climate solutions already happening on farms around the world.

Brazilian farmer Richard Franke Dijkstra shares his family’s remarkable journey, from immigrating to Brazil after World War II, to pioneering one of the most successful no-till and soil-health systems in the world. Richard explains how regenerative practices, farmer-led research, and strong community networks have transformed Brazilian agriculture and helped producers store more carbon, reduce erosion, and increase productivity.

With COP30 shining a spotlight on Brazil, Richard offers a grounded look at what sustainable agriculture really looks like directly from the field.

To learn more about the Global Farmer Network and its mission, visit globalfarmernetwork.org.

Monica Ognio (Peru) is a farmer and teacher turning “imperfect” onions into a shelf-stable snack through infrared drying. Monica shares how technology, education, and women’s leadership drive retention, build human capital, and strengthen local communities—one team at a time

From a small village in Vietnam to the co-owner of one of the country’s largest high-tech farms, Mr. Liem Quoc Pham has built UniFarm into a model of resilience and innovation. In this episode of the Global Farmer Voices Podcast, we explore how UniFarm grew from an idea into a 1,000-hectare operation that supplies bananas, melons, jackfruit, and other crops across Asia and beyond.

Mr. Liem shares how he spent two years traveling the world to study farming practices in Israel, New Zealand, Japan, and Australia — knowledge he brought home to Vietnam. He explains how UniFarm fought back against Panama disease, developed new banana varieties, and built a biotech center to power the future of food. Most importantly, he emphasizes why technology is essential for efficiency, sustainability, and attracting young people into agriculture.

As the Global Farmer Network marks 25 years of advocating for technology choices, this conversation illustrates how one farm’s vision can have a ripple effect, educating farmers, inspiring students, and protecting both people and the planet.

Politics was Plan A for UK farmer James Mills. After leaving the farm, he built a career in Parliament, at the National Farmers’ Union, and in Brussels. However, after hearing rumblings that Brexit was upon them, James made the decision to head back to the farm. That first walk up the drive after returning is etched in James’s memory; he knew he was coming home. When a proposed 20% inheritance/estate tax threatened to tear through family farms, James found himself in those same halls again, this time organizing, not advising, helping bring ~40,000 farmers to Westminster in a peaceful show of resolve. Reflecting on why the fight matters: not to force the next generation into farming, but to ensure they have the option to choose it. As Global Farmer Network marks 25 years of lifting ag as a career of choice, James’s journey ties purpose to place and policy to people. Listen for the drive, the protest, and the promise of legacy.

This July, we’re celebrating 25 years of collaboration and knowledge, spotlighting the leaders who say “yes” to big ideas and bold partnerships. Few embody that spirit more than Bill Couser, a Central Iowa cattleman, corn farmer, ethanol pioneer, and lifelong advocate for agriculture.

In this episode, Bill reflects on a six-decade journey that began with a 4-H calf and grew into a legacy of leadership. From building a nationally recognized feedlot to co-founding an ethanol plant that revitalized his community, Bill has always believed in lifting up others. His story is one of grit, mentorship, and trust; especially as he transitions from leading at the front to guiding the next generation.

Tune in to hear why Bill is the 2025 Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award recipient, and how his life’s work continues to connect farmers around the world through shared values, collaboration, and care for the future.

This month, we’re celebrating 25 years of connection and convening, core values that have shaped the Global Farmer Network from the very beginning. Few farmers reflect that spirit more clearly than Derek Matthews, a multigenerational producer from South Africa.From cooperative leadership to international collaboration, Derek has built his career on bringing farmers together across borders and generations. In this episode, he shares stories of resilience, climate challenges, crop diversification, and what it means to be part of a global farming community. Whether mentoring his son on the family farm or helping organize the upcoming GFN mobilization in South Africa, Derek reminds us that the future of farming is built through connection.Tune in to hear how one farmer’s belief in unity is helping shape agriculture, locally and globally.#gfnmobilizing #sustainablefarming #southafrica #farmersunite #farmers #agriculture

In this episode, we honor 25 years of biodiversity by sitting down with Sarah Singla — a regenerative farmer, agronomic engineer, and member of the Global Farmer Network. Farming land in southern France that's been in her family since the 16th century, Sarah shares how no-till practices, biodiversity, and soil health shape her approach to sustainable agriculture.

We explore her work with local beekeepers, her role in co-creating a global farmer-led regenerative agriculture declaration, and her vision for a resilient, productive, and meaningful future in farming.

This month, we’re celebrating and honoring 25 years of strong stewardship—and there’s no better farmer to highlight than Jeff Bidstrup of southern inland Queensland, Australia. A third-generation grower and longtime advocate for sustainable practices, Jeff has spent decades innovating to ensure the health of his land and the future of agriculture.

In this episode, Jeff shares how his commitment to stewardship has shaped not just his farm, but also agricultural practices around the world. He reflects on the evolution of soil health, climate challenges, resistance management, and the role of science and education in farming’s future. This episode is a powerful reminder that sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a lifelong mission for farmers like Jeff.

Tune in to learn how Jeff’s legacy continues to inspire the next generation of global stewards.