David Hafner
Smallholder Farmer & Farmer Advocate
PODCASTS
I have been the guest of a few different podcasts. You can find those episodes here.
If you are interested in having me as a guest on your show, please reach out to me.
David Hafner is a farmer, advocate and activist for farmers. On social media he is the Farmer Advocate. He shares farmers stories with the public and with elected officials to make sure that agriculture remains a priority both during the election and afterward when the big decisions are being made.
We talk about mental health, the importance of drawing boundaries to make sure you have quality time with your kids and how to stop feeling like you aren’t good enough. Everyone has a place in agriculture and everyone has a story to tell.
How do we ensure that the stories we tell will last? In this podcast, PAL Class 10 members David Hafner, Derek Orth, and Kyle Wilson- who are experienced storytellers in agriculture from across the country- will highlight elements that make a story worth listening to.
On this week's show, we head to the Sunshine State of Florida and visit with David Hafner (Farmer Advocate), an advocate for ALL Ag! We talk about finding your true calling, returning to your roots, and giving back to the community that helped to shape you into the person you are today. This is a great episode about how life steers you in the right direction, even if you don't realize it at the time. Tune in and give it a listen, you won't regret it! You can find him on social media at @Farmer_Advocate (Instagram) or @Farmer Advocate - David Hafner (Facebook)
David Hafner, the Farmer Advocate is back on the show! In this interview, David and I will chat about his new job with 4-H, how he is continuing to advocate for farmers around Florida and the country, as well as how he is teaching his kids life lessons through farming.
In the show, David opens up about his journey from running a larger scale operation to downsizing and re-evaluating his farming practices. He shares the challenges of facing unpredictable incidents like predator attacks and the impact of relocating his farm. Furthermore, David delves into his role as a 4-H agent, emphasizing the value of youth programs in developing leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills. The insights he shares illustrate the adaptability required in modern farming and the importance of fostering a strong sense of community involvement and support. With a focus on passing down knowledge and preparing young individuals for future challenges, David exemplifies the spirit of forward-thinking within the agricultural world.
In this inspiring episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with David Hafner, the Martin County 4-H Agent and head of the Florida 4-H State Ambassador Committee. From growing up on a horse ranch to becoming a champion for youth development and leadership, David shares his unique path through agriculture—one that began as a high school senior in 4-H and eventually led him to a career empowering the next generation of ag leaders.
David walks us through:
• His journey from ranch life to junior leadership, volunteer service, and ultimately becoming a 4-H agent
• The pivotal moment he lost access to leased land—and how participating in the PAL program helped him discover a deeper calling in ag mentorship
• What a 4-H agent really does, and how the work goes far beyond animals and county fairs
He also gives listeners a look into what 4-H looks like in Martin County today, where students explore everything from STEM and AI to civic leadership and non-traditional ag careers.
One highlight? 4-H Legislature, a program where youth take on the roles of lobbyists, senators, media specialists, and even governors to learn the real-world process of writing, debating, and passing bills into law.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or future 4-H’er, this episode is packed with insight into how 4-H helps students build confidence, career readiness, and the skills to lead in any field—not just farming.
🎙️ Don’t miss David’s story and his passion for planting seeds of leadership through 4-H.