Field Work podcast announces new third host for season four

Field Work, the popular sustainable agriculture podcast from American Public Media, is pleased to announce that Tara Vander Dussen, aka the New Mexico Milkmaid, will join hosts Zach Johnson and Mitchell Hora as co-host for season four of the podcast – launching in early 2022.

Tara is a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist. She earned her degree in environmental science from the University of Arizona and has spent the last nine years working as an environmental scientist on dairy farm projects throughout the southwest; she is also a certified NRCS technical service provider. Tara assists her clients with state and federal regulatory compliance, water conservation, sustainable management practices, and quarterly monitoring reports. Vander Dussen lives and works on her dairy in eastern New Mexico with her husband and two daughters.

Hosts Zach Johnson and Mitchell Hora say they are thrilled to have Tara join the team. “Zach and I have had so much fun and built such a strong rapport over the past three years, and Tara came along and fit seamlessly into that dynamic,” says Hora.

“She brings a great perspective to the mix and she’s super smart,” says Johnson. “We can’t wait to work with her on season four!”

In return, Tara says she’s really looking forward to this new opportunity.

“The guys have been so welcoming,” says Vander Dussen. “It’s going to be so fun to work with them. I’ve been a fan of Field Work for a long time and have even guested on the show. Being able to bring my unique perspective as a dairy farmer from the southwest and expertise as an environmental scientist is a really exciting opportunity.”

Produced by American Public Media, Field Work was launched in the spring of 2019 to promote the voices and experiences of farmers who are trying sustainable agriculture practices. Catch up on all of Field Work’s episodes here.

Field Work episodes can be found on all podcast platforms, and episodes (as well as bonus content) are also available for listening on Field Work’s YouTube channel. Learn more about the show at fieldworktalk.org and follow along for updates at @fieldworktalk on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.