Natalia Ruiz was inspired by the California FFA to create a podcast focused on local agriculture in North Carolina.
Western Harnett FFA Chapter President Natalia Ruiz recently embarked on an exciting venture to launch her own podcast. Her goal is to build stronger connections with agriculturists throughout Harnett County, N.C., creating a platform that highlights the significance of agriculture in the community.
The inspiration for Ruiz’s podcast came from the California FFA Association, which shared its experiences and insights about podcasting. This sparked an idea in Ruiz’s mind, motivating her to step out of her comfort zone and explore the world of digital storytelling. She recognized a podcast could serve as a powerful tool for engaging with her peers and the wider agriculture community.
On March 10, Ruiz proudly released her first episode featuring an insightful conversation with North Carolina FFA Coordinator Shelby Robertson. The response she received after the episode’s launch was overwhelmingly positive, and Ruiz describes the support as “inspiring and exciting.” This encouragement has fueled her passion for podcasting and her desire to continue sharing stories and knowledge related to agriculture.
Ruiz’s guiding motto is “to make agriculture even more local to you.” She understands agriculture is the backbone of North Carolina’s economy and aims to shed light on its profound impact on everyday life. Through her podcast, she aspires to spark curiosity and awareness about agricultural practices and their relevance in her state. Her mission is not only to inform listeners, but also foster a deeper understanding and relationship between producers and consumers. This includes discussing basic agricultural procedures and current events affecting the industry.
Advocating for agriculture has never been more crucial, especially in a time when the connection between food producers and consumers is often overlooked. Ruiz is committed to making her mark as a resource for information within North Carolina’s agricultural landscape. With each episode, she hopes to inspire others to appreciate the value of agriculture and encourage them to more actively engage with the industry.
As Ruiz continues her journey, she remains focused on her vision of promoting agriculture locally, ensuring the voices of those in the field are heard and respected. Her podcast not only serves as a platform for discussion, but also as a testament to the power of youth engagement in the agriculture sector. Through her efforts, Ruiz exemplifies the spirit of advocacy and connection that is vital for the future of agriculture in North Carolina.
