PHOTOS BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
SHARK FARMER … With wit and sincerity, Rob Sharkey—farmer, media host, and RFD-TV personality—shares his journey to inspire and encourage the local agriculture community through adversity.
HOMEMADE HAPPINESS … Host Shelly Dean congratulates a lucky winner taking home a package of delicious homemade bread, a special touch prepared by the Deans’ son-in-law.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
At this year’s Soil Health Field Day, hosted by Allen and Shelly Dean, soil wasn’t just underfoot, it was front and center. From seasoned farmers to ag-tech innovators, conversations buzzed with a renewed focus on soil health, a topic rapidly gaining traction thanks in part to platforms like RFD-TV.
As attendees gathered to explore the future of American agriculture, one message rang clear: healthy soil isn’t just good science—it’s good business, and it’s the foundation of resilient rural communities.
“Healthy Soil, Healthy People,” read the signs guiding guests to the event, which began at 2:00 p.m. Traveling down a dusty, winding driveway, attendees were greeted by a large white tent standing as a symbol of the growing interest in soil health.
Once parked, guests could walk or catch a ride in a golf cart across a wooden bridge to the tent, where round tables adorned with mason jars of fresh flowers created a picture of rustic charm.
The program opened with remarks from Jerry Hatfield, retired director of the USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture at Iowa State University. Hatfield’s presence underscored the event’s emphasis on scientific leadership in sustainable agriculture.
Etienne Sutton, Ph.D., Program Manager for the National Cover Crop Variety Development Project at the University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture, followed with a compelling presentation on the benefits of cover crops.
Sutton distributed handouts and explained the research behind various species, highlighting their impact on soil structure, nutrient retention, and long-term sustainability.
She also previewed a forthcoming app designed to help farmers identify cover crop options using photos and simple measurements. An innovative tool aimed at making soil health more accessible and actionable.
Sutton concluded her talk with a lively Q&A session, where attendees asked pointed questions about implementation, species selection, and long-term results.
As dinner preparations began, Allen Dean introduced a speaker from Ohio State University, Dr. Vinayak Shedekar, who has worked with the Dean Farm for several years.
With the region’s extensive tile drainage system, runoff was limited to just two to five inches per year, making monitoring both difficult and essential, which Shedekar emphasized in his brief speech.
Allen then welcomed Matt Burkholder of The Nature Conservancy, who shared insights on farmer-led programs such as the Farmer Advocacy Program and Farmers for Soil Health.
Burkholder emphasized the importance of free monitoring services and peer-to-peer support in advancing conservation practices. Prior to the meal, farmer friend Mark Roemke did the blessing before dinner, focusing on faith, family, and health.
Allen then began releasing guests by age to enjoy a farm-to-table dinner prepared by expert chefs, whose culinary talents were met with enthusiastic appreciation.
Options included pork chops, chicken legs, or ribeye, served with salad and corn on the cob. A wide variety of pies, made by June Fry, were available.
Many guests could be heard complimenting the delicious meal, with one exclaiming, “That is the best peach pie I’ve ever had!” A standout moment came with the arrival of homemade bread, baked by the Deans’ son-in-law—a personal touch that added warmth and authenticity to the evening.
Before introducing the next speaker, Allen Dean took time to recognize the chefs who had made the meal possible.
Called up to the stage were Ryan Wehri, Tyler Bishop, and Dennis Bishop, who prepared the meal, and June Fry, who declined to appear on stage but was acknowledged for preparing the pies.
All were met with applause for the delicious meal. Several guests even went back for seconds, which is one of the greatest compliments to a chef.
After dinner, Shelly Dean introduced Rob Sharkey. She read, “Rob Sharkey is a risk-taker and out-of-the-box thinker.”
Better known by his digital alias, The Shark Farmer, Rob is an Illinois grain farmer, owner of a whitetail deer hunting outfitter, podcast and radio show host, and host of multiple TV shows on RFD-TV and PBS.
Rob Sharkey took the stage with his signature blend of humor and honesty. Known for his podcast and outspoken advocacy for rural communities, Sharkey shared stories that resonated deeply with the crowd, all while keeping them laughing out loud.
He summarized his story of taking over a fifth-generation pig farm and nearly filing for bankruptcy, giving full credit to his wife, Emily, for pushing him not to.
With innovative ideas, like starting a hunting outfitter business, the Sharkeys were able to pay off their debt within seven years.
These out-of-the-box ideas led to a podcast, a SiriusXM radio show, and now a show on RFD-TV. Sharkey films out of Nashville, where he conducts man-on-the-street interviews, asking locals to identify farming equipment resulting in some hilarious interactions.
He stated that, aside from a small handful, most people are genuinely curious about farming and want to know where their food comes from.
His keynote touched on the emotional and economic realities of farming, highlighting both the grit and grace required to thrive in rural America.
He shared examples of guests he’s had on his podcast such as one whose son was paralyzed in a devastating accident, and an Olympian who struggled with meaning after the games, turning to alcohol to cope.
Sharkey doesn’t shy away from hard topics or the often-undiscussed aspects of farming life. He acknowledged that the agricultural landscape is changing and that farming may not be an option for everyone in the future.
He encouraged attendees to make connections, seek support from others in the community, and be willing to differentiate and try new things, whether it is cover crops or leaving the farming industry for new opportunities.
He stated that sometimes you need a spark to try something different. Reminiscing on past struggles, he said, “Some of the best decisions I made were when I needed to make them.”
He concluded by inviting anyone interested to speak with his wife and producer, as these are the kinds of stories they aim to elevate. Sharkey’s message left attendees inspired, reflective, and more connected to the mission of soil health.
Before concluding the event, Allen and Shelly Dean took to the stage once more, first encouraging guests to allow one lady from each table to take home the flower centerpieces.
In addition to the flowers, the Deans awarded locally sourced honey from the Carlsons and packages of homemade bread. Winners were selected from the list of guests.
The event concluded with heartfelt thanks to all who contributed—from speakers and organizers to the chefs and volunteers who made the evening memorable.
Allen expressed gratitude to everyone and stated that, with the turnout of over 200 guests, they would need to start planning for next year right away. As conversations lingered and guests departed, the sense of shared purpose and community was unmistakable.