3/31/2025: Who Will Train New Farmers?

Summary

The latest episode of "The World from A to Z with Carl Azuz" delves into various global issues and ends with an insightful conversation on the future of farming. Highlights include Joe Faen, who shifted career paths to become a farmer using alpacas for therapy, and an in-depth report on the urgent rescue operations after a massive earthquake in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the program explores the aging farming population in the U.S. and efforts to train new farmers, particularly through educational programs like the University of Georgia's journeyman farmer certificate program.

Highlights

• Joe Faen found solace and success through alpacas, using them for therapy for special needs communities 🦙
• A disaster in Southeast Asia leaves thousands dead and missing, illustrating the region's vulnerability to natural calamities 🌏
• The Eiffel Tower's rise from a controversial structure to an iconic global landmark 🗼
• As the farmer population ages, educational programs are paving the way for new generations to pick up the plow 🌾
• UC Berkeley's groundbreaking robot mimics squirrel movements for future tech applications, including possibly space exploration 🚀
• Unveiled treasures: a gold coin collection hidden from the Nazis, now valued at over $100 million 🏴‍☠️

Key Takeaways

• Meet Joe Faen, who found a new calling in life by using alpacas for animal therapy 🌟
• A major earthquake devastates Southeast Asia, prompting rescue efforts 🤯
• History happens every day, from the inauguration of the Eiffel Tower to the end of the Warsaw Pact 🏛
• The average dairy cow produces 7 gallons of milk daily, who knew? 🥛
• New farmer training programs are crucial as America's farming workforce ages 🚜
• Robotic innovations are learning from nature, like leaping squirrels in robotics 🤖
• A hidden treasure of gold coins unveils a fortune worth over $100 million 💰

Overview

In this episode of 'The World from A to Z with Carl Azuz', we begin by following an extraordinary life transformation as Joe Faen moves from an office job to farming. Fascinated by the calming presence alpacas brought to people with special needs, Joe turns this into both a business and a mission, offering animal therapy. The segment not only highlights the power of passion but also underscores the therapeutic potential of animals.

Transitioning to current global events, the show captures the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Southeast Asia. As rescue operations continue amidst the chaos, the viewers are reminded of the unpredictable might of nature. Meanwhile, Carl shares historical notes, leading into a critical discussion about the future of American farming, where educational and agricultural programs aim to fill the gap as more farmers near retirement.

Finally, the episode wraps up with an intriguing array of topics: from a robot inspired by squirrels capable of impressive leaps, to a treasure trove of gold coins unearthed after decades underground. The narrative threads weave together a timely reflection on innovation, history, and the legacies we leave behind, engaging viewers with curiosity and insight.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction: Joe Faen's Unusual Career Path In the chapter titled 'Introduction: Joe Faen's Unusual Career Path', the narrative begins with an Irishman named Joe Faen, who embarked on a distinct career journey. Initially, Faen quit his office job to pursue farming but found traditional ways unprofitable. In a creative shift, he invested in seven alpacas, monetizing them not only through the sale of alpaca wool socks and toys but also by offering interactive experiences with the animals. Eventually, Faen discovered his true passion, recognizing the significant positive impact the alpacas had on individuals with special needs, including autism and Down syndrome. This realization marked a turning point in his career, highlighting the therapeutic benefits the animals provided.
• 00:30 - 01:00: Joe Faen's Alpaca Therapy Business Joe Faen has developed a thriving alpaca therapy business, employing 11 staff and caring for 71 alpacas. The alpacas are described as relaxing and gentle, and many people are pleasantly surprised to learn they hum. During a visit to a nursing home, the alpacas triggered memories for the elderly residents, many of whom grew up on farms, showcasing the unique therapeutic value of animals.
• 01:00 - 02:30: Earthquake in Southeast Asia The chapter titled 'Earthquake in Southeast Asia' discusses a recent earthquake that occurred in the region. Rescuers in countries such as Myanmar are intensely searching through the rubble, often manually, in hopes of finding survivors. The community is rallying together to assist in the rescue efforts, highlighting the severity of the disaster and the urgent need for aid and support. The chapter sets the scene for a deeper exploration of the challenges faced by those affected, as well as the international response to this natural disaster.
• 02:30 - 04:30: Historical Events on March 31st The chapter focuses on a significant earthquake event that took place on March 31st. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, struck the region of Thailand, with its epicenter located in southern Myanmar, also known as Burma. Due to its strength and shallow depth, the tremors were widely felt across the country. An aftershock, measuring 6.4 in magnitude, occurred 12 minutes later, with further aftershocks continuing to impact the region. As of the following Sunday, reports indicated at least 1,700 fatalities, and many people still classified as missing.
• 04:30 - 05:30: Dairy Cow Milk Production & Farmer Workforce The chapter discusses the ongoing struggles in Myanmar as it deals with a civil war following a military takeover in 2021. Despite international efforts with nations sending aid and medical supplies, the complex political situation poses challenges for rescue operations. Additionally, in Thailand, a high-rise collapse in Bangkok has left dozens of construction workers trapped, with rescue operations ongoing. As of the latest reports, eight survivors have been found, but many workers remain unaccounted for.
• 05:30 - 07:00: Peanut Industry & Farmer Retirement In the chapter titled 'Peanut Industry & Farmer Retirement,' the focus is on a major recovery operation following an earthquake. Volunteers and heavy machinery work tirelessly, as rescuers carefully dig through rubble by hand, hoping to find survivors. Despite detecting possible signs of life, no survivors were found during daylight hours on Saturday. Approximately 100 people are believed to be trapped, and the search for survivors continues.
• 07:00 - 07:30: Continuation of Farm Legacies In 'Continuation of Farm Legacies,' the narrative shifts to the aftermath of a significant earthquake near Myanmar. Families, anxiously waiting at a gathering point, hope for news about their loved ones' survival as the devastating effects ripple out hundreds of miles from the epicenter. The scale of horror faced by communities closer to the epicenter is unimaginable. This chapter captures the grim reality faced by affected families and the broader impact on the region, as reported by Will Ripley in Bangkok.
• 07:30 - 08:30: Greetings to Various Schools This chapter titled 'Greetings to Various Schools' discusses the iconic Eiffel Tower, which was inaugurated on March 31st, 1889. It covers the initial reactions to the tower, including criticism from those who considered it an eyesore and doubts about its longevity. Despite this, the tower became one of the most renowned monuments worldwide. Additionally, the chapter mentions the formation of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States on this same date in 1906, aiming to standardize and ensure safety in college sports by establishing consistent rules.
• 08:30 - 09:30: Salto: The One-Legged Robot This excerpt does not provide specific information about Salto: The One-Legged Robot, but rather discusses historical events related to sports organizations and the end of the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War era.
• 09:30 - 10:00: Story of Buried Treasure The chapter titled 'Story of Buried Treasure' discusses the idea that history isn't confined to textbooks but can be found in everyday surroundings. Through educational travel adventures, students have the opportunity to explore the world beyond traditional classroom settings, enhancing their learning experiences. The chapter begins with an uplifting introduction and then transitions into a discussion, posing a trivia question about dairy cows and their milk production, which serves as an example of learning through exploration.
• 10:00 - 10:30: Conclusion The chapter discusses the substantial milk production capacity of dairy cows, which can exceed 7 gallons daily. It highlights the aging workforce in the American farming industry, including dairy, beef, vegetable, fruit, and peanut farmers. The chapter raises concerns about the impending retirement of many in this industry and questions who will succeed them. It also mentions the existence of various agricultural programs, presumably to address these issues.

3/31/2025: Who Will Train New Farmers? Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 an Irishman named Joe faen has had a very unusual career path he quit his office job to become a farmer he couldn't make a living doing that the way his family used to so he bought seven alpacas sold alpaca wool socks and toys and offered people the chance to interact with them but failen found his true calling when he saw the kind of positive impact the animals were having on people with special needs autism Down syndrome others who could benefit from
• 00:30 - 01:00 animal therapy and now he has a business with 11 employees 71 alpacas and Endless Smiles on the faces of people he shares them with failin describes the Animals As relaxing they're gentle they hum many folks don't know that about alpacas and at a nursing home that the farmer and two of his furry workers visited recently he thinks they triggered a lot of memories for elderly people there who grew up on farms a form of animal therapy wrapped in the warmth and
• 01:00 - 01:30 softness of wool we're taking a field trip back to the farm later today on the world from A to Z thank you to everyone watching around the world my name is Carl isus Rescuers in Southeast Asia are combing through Rubble sometimes by hand in a frantic search for survivors in the nation of me and Mar and neighboring
• 01:30 - 02:00 Thailand the region was struck by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on Friday its epicenter was in southern Myanmar a country also known as Burma because of its strength and relatively shallow location the Tremors effects were felt far and wide in the country an Aftershock of magnitude 6.4 came 12 minutes later and others have been felt since though officials said Sunday that at least 1,700 people had died hundreds are still missing in the affected
• 02:00 - 02:30 Nations Aid and medical supplies are on the way in from other countries but one thing that could complicate rescue efforts in Myanmar is the Civil War it's been fighting since the military took power from the civilian government in 2021 meanwhile will Ripley reports from Thailand where a high-rise building in the capital collapsed while dozens of construction workers were inside there were at least eight survivors in the rubble but most of the others remain unaccounted for here in Bangkok hundreds of miles from the Center of this massive
• 02:30 - 03:00 earthquake there is a major recovery operation that's been continuing really Around the Clock behind those Gates you've seen a steady flow of volunteers going in and out there was heavy machinery uh operating earlier although as they get closer to that big pile there they're still primarily digging uh by hand trying not to disturb the rubble too much in the hopes that they might be able to find some survivors they believ there around 100 people stuck inside there they had detected possible signs of life but throughout the daytime hours on Saturday they did not find anybody who was still alive that has not stopped
• 03:00 - 03:30 family members from Gathering here waiting to see if maybe their loved ones are among those who survived and if this is the situation hundreds a mile from the epicenter one can only imagine the horrors that are being experienced by so many people closer to where this earthquake hit in Myanmar I'm will Ripley reporting in Bangkok [Music] Thailand on this date in world history would people think of Paris they
• 03:30 - 04:00 often think of this the rising rod iron Landmark that was inaugurated on March 31st 1889 Gustav eiffel's 984 ft Tower built for that year's World exhibition in Paris was controversial some critics called it an isore and others said it wouldn't last it became one of the most famous monuments on Earth this was the date in 1906 when the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States formed up its goals to make college sports safer and set cons consistent rules for them across the
• 04:00 - 04:30 board the IAA us later became the National Collegiate Athletic Association the NCAA and started hosting National Sports championships and on March 31st 1991 the Warsaw Pact came to an end it was a cold war military Alliance established in 1955 between the Soviet Union and its allies in Eastern Europe but by 1989 Communism had crumbled in much of the alliance the Soviet Union had weakened and would itself dissolve in late 19 1991 as the Cold War
• 04:30 - 05:00 concluded history isn't only in textbooks it's all around you at educational travel Adventures we take students beyond the classroom and out into the world your Adventure Starts [Music] Here up word knowledge on average how much milk does a dairy cow produce each day one pint two quarts two
• 05:00 - 05:30 gallons s gallons when a dairy cow is lactating it can produce 7 gallons or more daily whether they're dairy or beef Farmers vegetable Farmers fruit or peanut Farmers they make up the oldest Workforce in America according to the US Senate committee on aging and as many members of this crucial industry get closer to retirement age some are asking who's going to take their place there are a number of agricultural programs
• 05:30 - 06:00 that are working to train farming's next Generation Ivan Rodriguez reports on one of them for more than a 100 Years Mark Israel's family grew peanuts on their South Georgia Farm until now the peanut industry in this part of the world's D he says the last couple of years came with a lot of labor but little to show for it this year though peanut planted acres in the US and Georgia are expected to Hold Steady Farmers aren't expected to make the same profit according to the
• 06:00 - 06:30 University of Georgia's agricultural forecast plus I'm close to retirement Israel is one of many farmers across the country approaching retirement age in fact 40% of Farmland in the US is owned by Farmers 65 and older over the next 20 years it's expected that around 350 million Acres of Farmland will change hands although the country is in need of New farmers the industry is anything but easy for starting a new business again cash is King these new farmers getting the foundation they need through the
• 06:30 - 07:00 University of Georgia extensions journeyman farmer certificate program you have to be a soil scientist you have to be um an administrator you have to be an employer you have to do all of these extra things aside from actually knowing how to grow one of those students is shantia Warren I come from a family sharecroppers my grandmother's grandparents so technically I'm the fourth generation black female owner of this land Warren's 75-year-old mother planted the first 48 pecan trees with
• 07:00 - 07:30 her own hands after her mother's death she went on to plant dozens more to commemorate her ancestors she's in this program to not only learn how to run a successful Farm but pass down what she learns I'm really hoping and wanting my um my little cousins my nieces my nephews to come help me on the farm but also learn what they need to learn to continue the legacy of our family in Atlanta I'm Ivan Rodriguez
• 07:30 - 08:00 Wabash is both a river and a city in Indiana it's also the namesake of Wabash Middle School where Mr maslin's class is with us from the hooer state hello to the Apaches next up is in sou Fall South Dakota Washington High School is there where the Warriors are watching in Mr bradberry's class great to see y'all in the Mount Rushmore State and we'll wrap with the Trojans of James Island Charter High School we see Mr Davis's class online in Charleston in the Palmetto State of South Carolina
• 08:00 - 08:30 take a look at a quirky one-legged robot engineered to stick a landing on a branch just like a leaping squirrel biology and engineering students at UC Berkeley first studied the jumping and Landing patterns of squirrels which they say apply natural breaking Maneuvers to stop on their intended targets so deftly they then designed Salto their own bouncing bot to use a springy step and balancing flywheel to LEAP land and level itself in a single bound just like its nutty counterpart the highflying
• 08:30 - 09:00 feat was chronicled in the journal science Robotics and the university says it's a big step towards bigger possibilities like using the leaping bots in construction environmental applications and maybe even space [Music] exploration finally a story of buried treasure back in the 1930s during the Great Depression a man started buying gold coins first as a stable investment then as a collector Hobby as he and his
• 09:00 - 09:30 wife traveled the world they gathered 15,000 coins some dating back hundreds of years but because they lived in Europe the man packed and buried the treasure to hide it from the Nazis and it stayed underground for more than five decades until his wife decided it was time to retrieve them now they're being sold off in auctions over the next few years with some experts saying their overall value is more than $100 million that's a nice chunk of change that's anything but chump change took coin a phrase and even if you don't give
• 09:30 - 10:00 a flip for coin collecting because you can't make heads or Tales of it my two sense is that there's more than a penny for your thoughts if you test your metal by going for the gold in a hobby that literally pays for itself with any buyer who's a coin artist I'm Carl isus for the world from A to Z and you mean the world to me [Music]