Talking On The Turn Row with Whitney Haigwood
If you’ve ever stood on the edge of a field and had a good, honest conversation—you know how it feels when someone truly gets it. That’s what it was like sitting down with Whitney Haigwood.
Whitney is a staff writer for Delta Farm Press, but calling her just a “writer” doesn’t quite capture what she brings to the table. She’s a storyteller, a teacher at heart, and someone who sees ag not just as an industry—but as a community of people doing their best with what they’ve got.
Our conversation covered a lot of ground (literally and figuratively). We talked about the economic pressure farmers are facing, the emotional weight that comes with it, and the importance of communication that doesn’t talk at folks—but with them.
Whitney didn’t grow up planning to work in ag. In fact, she started her career as a teacher. But like a lot of us, she followed her curiosity and her values—and they led her right back to the farm.
One of the things that stuck with me most was her take on how much regional differences matter in ag reporting. What’s true in Arkansas might not be the reality in Iowa—and yet farmers everywhere are wrestling with similar struggles: rising costs, unpredictable weather, and the need to adapt quickly. Whitney has a gift for finding those common threads while still honoring what makes each community unique.
We also talked about how digital platforms are changing the game for ag journalism. There’s more noise, sure—but also more opportunity. More chances to reach people where they are, whether that’s in a tractor cab or scrolling late at night after the day’s work is done.
And of course, we made space for the women in ag conversation—because that still matters. Whitney offered thoughtful, grounded advice to young women coming into this field: Find your lane. Use your voice. And don’t be afraid to show up differently.
This episode felt like one of those quiet, important conversations that stay with you long after the mics are off.
Give it a listen if you haven’t yet.
We’re talking ag, life, and the power of a good story told right from the turn row:
🍎 https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/field-good-life/id1795513436
💚 https://open.spotify.com/show/2xQkadHp60CkKLaD43Eotq?si=ca58a1ce8deb4073