Taking Farmers for Granted

Taking Farmers for Granted

Author: The One Country Project October 29, 2025 Duration: 40:56

In this episode, Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp host Nick Levendofsky, the Kansas Farmers Union Executive Director. Together, they discuss challenges facing rural America, especially farmers and ranchers.

Listen to this episode to learn more about trade tensions, changing markets, and how government aid policies are affecting the livelihoods of those in agriculture and rural communities.

Heidi and Joel share practical insights on political shifts, infrastructure funding, and community support for food banks, exploring how rural voices can regain confidence and hope.

Join us on The Hot Dish every week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

  • (00:00) - Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp start their conversation with Nick Levendofsky debating the trade damage with China
  • (07:01) - Nick Levendofsky discusses how farmers are facing huge market losses right now
  • (13:43) - Heidi and Joel debate uncertainty around the Farm Bill and Farmer Aid with Nick Levendofsky
  • (21:27) - Joel and Heidi highlight how it seems Democrats are abandoning Rural America
  • (31:58) - Nick and Joel agree on how important calling BS is to the Rural ethic
  • (34:57) - Joel and Heidi discuss the cattle farmers and Senate clash with Nick

Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. Senator, and her brother Joel, a longtime Midwest radio host, bring a unique perspective to the table in their podcast The Hot Dish. Their dynamic is the engine here-a blend of deep policy knowledge from the halls of Congress and grounded, everyday insight from community radio, all filtered through the familiar and often humorous lens of sibling debate. They sit down with a range of guests, from national newsmakers and elected officials to local policymakers, focusing squarely on the ideas and actions that impact rural communities across America. These aren't dry lectures; they're animated discussions that dig into practical solutions for real challenges, from economic opportunities to infrastructure. Produced by The One Country Project, the conversation on this podcast is as informative as it is engaging, often punctuated by the kind of lively back-and-forth that only a brother and sister can provide. You'll come for the insightful analysis on politics and news, but you'll stay for the authentic and enlightening dialogue that makes complex issues relatable. Each episode serves up a hearty mix of substance and personality, offering listeners a fresh take on the stories that shape the heart of the country.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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