ST. PAUL, Minn. – 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.

Vander Dussen 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 Natural Resources Conservation Service technical service provider. She 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 said they are thrilled to have her 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,” Hora said.

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

In return, Vander Dussen said she’s really looking forward to this new opportunity.

“The guys have been so welcoming,” she said. “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.”

Field Work began in the spring of 2019. 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.