Black Farmers

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Byron McGowan, a cattle farmer and arborist, about the historical context of Black farmers in the U.S., the challenges they face today, and the importance of educating consumers about sustainable farming practices. Byron shares his personal journey into agriculture, the stigma surrounding farming careers, and the lessons he learned from his military service. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency in sourcing food and the significance of customer service in the farming industry. In this conversation, Byron McGowan shares his journey from a fascination with the outdoors to becoming an arborist and running McGowan Farms. He discusses the importance of understanding food labels, the dangers of arborist work, and his vision for expanding his farm to support local communities. Byron emphasizes the need for education and empowerment in agriculture, especially for young people, and addresses the impact of tariffs on local farming operations. The conversation concludes with a call for community support and connection.