In Her Boots: Recent Episodes
In Her Boots
The re-release of In Her Boots shares and highlights the stories of Black and Brown women who traditionally have not had a platform to use their voice. Learn about the life and work of powerful women in agriculture through their conversations with new host Tiffany LaShae.
Tiffany is a farmer, researcher, educator, and activist with a diverse background in food justice, regenerative agriculture, afroecology, agroecology, ‘permaculture’ & more.
This is a production from Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).
In today's episode, Dr. Akilah Martin shares about her journey with soil and agriculture. She also reflects on her experiences attending an an HBCU (Historically Black College & University) vs. a PWI (Predominately White Institution), her work with DePaul University, and her current projects in Chicago. Dr. Akilah Martin is a soil enthusiast, soil scientist and the author of 'Miseducation of a Farmer.'
Miseducation of a Farmer: https://www.humansandnature.org/miseducation-of-a-farmer
In today’s episode, Maryan Abdinur shares childhood memories from growing up in Somalia. Maryan works with Hope Communities Inc as Food, Land and Community Program Lead, aka "the weird person that carries around plants and seeds."
https://hope-community.org/
In today's episode, Tiffany chats with KaZoua about her role with Minnesota Food Association, nonprofit farming, and the exclusivity of organic farming. KaZoua discusses her memories as a Hmong refugee and her life as the mother of mixed races (Black & Hmong) children. After the killings of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, KaZoua bravely used her voice to challenge white-led organizations to act against systemic racism and police brutality.
Big River Farms: https://bigriverfarms.thefoodgroupmn.org/
In part II of Tiffany's conversation with Dani Pieratos, Dani talks about her connection to the earth and discusses the goals and challenges of the food, agriculture, and land access projects she's working on.
Dani Pieratos is a mother, water protector, and advocate for Indigenous communal sufficiency, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture. She works with organizations such as Harvest Nation, The Land Access Alliance, Bois Forte Food Sovereignty, and the Sustainable Agriculture Community Advocacy Group.
Dani Pieratos is a mother, water protector, and advocate for Indigenous communal sufficiency, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture. She works with organizations such as Harvest Nation, The Land Access Alliance, Bois Forte Food Sovereignty, and the Sustainable Agriculture Community Advocacy Group.
In this episode, Dani describes the harmful impacts of intergenerational trauma endured by the Indigenous Community, some of which she's seen manifest in her own life.
Blog: White farmers blocked a much-needed federal relief program for Black farmers.
We are pleased to present to you the new season of the In Her Boots podcast. The theme of this season, and the new direction of the show, is "Bootless." This shift is explained in this sneak peak of the first three episodes with new host Tiffany LaShae. Through Tiffany's conversations with her guests, the podcast shares and highlights the stories of Black and Brown women who traditionally have not had a platform to use their voice.
Tiffany is a farmer, researcher, educator, and activist with a diverse background in food justice, regenerative agriculture, afroecology, agroecology, ‘permaculture’ & more.
In Her Boots on the MOSES website
Today, we talk to Dr. JohnElla Holmes, executive director of the Kansas Black Farmers Association and part of the wheat farming community in Kansas. She shares a deep-rooted story of resilience from her family’s farming history and building the African American agricultural community in Nicodemus, Kansas. Hear how being proactive, asking questions, and cultivating community add up to strength to stay in farming for the long haul.
JohnElla retired from Kansas State University in 2015 to come "home" to historic Nicodemus, Kansas, which is the oldest all-African-American town west of the Mississippi River and now a National Historic Site. She is a 5th generation descendant of these original settlers in a community that today raised wheat, milo, and cattle.
This episode wraps up our Resilience series and our In Her Boots podcast for this season. Thanks for listening and subscribing so you'll know when we're back with more episodes focused on inspiring women farmers, educators, and organizers committed to sustainable and organic agriculture.
Today for our "Resilience Boot Camp" series, Kelsey Ducheneaux shares how her Indigenous roots drive her work, building on the themes she talked about in her MOSES Conference workshop this past February. It’s all about connections for Kelsey, from observing and appreciating the diversity on our land to building awareness to know when soil is depleted.
Kelsey Ducheneaux is a member of the Lakota Sioux Nation. She is the fourth generation at the DX Ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, offering locally raised beef for direct sale. Kelsey also works as the Natural Resources Director and Youth Programs Coordinator for the Intertribal Agriculture Council, which presents her with the unique opportunity to support the improvement of Indian lands for Indian people across the nation.
Mariann Holm of Holm Boys Dairy talks about the turning points in her life that cultivated grit—the courage and resolve to be a farmer. From taking the risk to leave a cushy corporate gig in California to start their organic dairy in Wisconsin to successfully battling thyroid cancer when the odds were not in her favor, Mariann inspires us all to change life’s curveballs into opportunities to make us stronger farmers and women.
Mariann and her husband, Doran, own a grass-based organic farm in Dunn County, Wisconsin, where they raise organic dairy heifers. Mariann is an organic crop and livestock inspector and serves on the Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council and the Menomonie Market Food Co-op Board of Directors.
For our Resilience series, today we connect with Molly Rockamann of EarthDance Farm to explore how she overcame burnout by taking a year sabbatical from the farm to travel, experience new things, and prioritize the in-person people connections in her life. Most importantly, she returned to her farming career recommitted and renewed—just in time to lead her organization through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Molly is the Founding Director of EarthDance Organic Farm School in Ferguson, Missouri, and the visionary who saved the oldest organic farm west of the Mississippi from development, transforming it into an educational platform for organic agriculture and community empowerment. A native of St. Louis, she resides in Ferguson near the farm. Her passion for good food includes social justice and equity; she believes that the most regenerative agriculture is inclusive of people from all backgrounds.
Today's episode in our Resilience series focuses on how to take care of the most important tool on our farms: our own bodies. Clinical massage therapist Laura Gosewisch shares her clinical knowledge alongside her own first-hand farming knowledge to help us "calibrate the compass of life" for holistic well-being.
In her practice, Laura supports people recovering from complex injuries. She and a partner run Vital Ground Farm, growing and selling vegetables, fruit, and herbs along with preserved foods at the Twin Cities Farmers Market under Minnesota's cottage food law.
Our Resilience series continues as Cynthie Christensen shares her perspective on cultivating gratitude in the daily farming routine. Cynthie's resilience roots dig deep into her rural upbringing and childhood experiences, including the loss of the family farm and how that impacted her and inspired her role today as an advocate and educator in farmer mental health.
Cynthie is both a farmer and a licensed therapist with a passion for rural mental health. She has a private practice, Oak Ridge Teletherapy, and has worked as a psychiatric nurse in an inpatient hospital for the past 20 years. Cynthie has been connected to farming all her life. She is a graduate of the Minnesota Agricultural Rural Leadership Program and currently serves as the President of the Houston County Farm Bureau. Recently, she was appointed to the Minnesota Advisory Council on Mental Health.
We continue our Resilience series this week with Venice Williams of Alice's Garden. She shares her insights and inspiration on keeping grounded and mindful while farming.
"I have not met a woman farmer who is not passionate about her work," she says. "It's not a job. We're not going to a job. We're going to a vocation. Farming is a vocation that renews me every single day. It strengthens us. It excites us. We give ourselves way more tasks than we can ever accomplish in one season, which makes us eager for the next thing."
Venice is the visionary leader of Alice’s Garden, located on the north side of Milwaukee, which models regenerative farming, community cultural development, and economic agricultural enterprises for the global landscape. Venice calls herself a cultural and spiritual midwife, strongly believing she was put in Creation to help bring forth all that is good and whole in people and places. She has been doing just that in Milwaukee for the past 31 years.
We kick off our Resilience series with Meg Moynihan who knows a thing or two about resilience. She shares how her farm suddenly lost its milk buyer and the learnings she harvested through the experience. "Sometimes resilience is staying on the horse and in the saddle... Sometimes it’s getting up again after you fall off the horse. And, sometimes it’s knowing enough that, after you fall, you just need to lie there a while and regroup and recuperate before you can decide whether you run after the horse, get back on the horse, or sell the horse."
Meg Moynihan leads the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s efforts to support farmers and others in agriculture who are experiencing financial, emotional, and mental stress in their lives and communities. Trained as an agronomist, Meg previously worked as a program director, educator, and evaluator. She also served with the U.S Peace Corps in Thailand. She and her husband, Kevin Stuedemann, own a diversified 70-cow organic dairy farm in Le Sueur County, Minnesota.
Building resilience and supporting the mental and physical health of our women farmer community is a strong priority of the MOSES In Her Boots project. In today's episode, host Lisa Kivirist shares thoughts on what it means to be resilient in the face of the current public health crisis and, really, every day. She also shares a preview of upcoming episodes in our 8-week "Resilience Boot Camp." Listen in and decide if you're a carrot, egg, or coffee bean.
Today we wrap up our women caring for the land series with Lindsay Rebhan, taking a deep dive into regenerative agriculture—what it is and why it is important and how we as a community of women committed to sustainability can lead and champion the movement. As Lindsay points out, the important first step in permaculture is observing your land and seeing, understanding, and appreciating what the foundation you already have.
Lindsay Rebhan is a co-owner of Ecological Design, a certified permaculture designer and ecological consultant based in western Wisconsin. A specialist in agroecology, land design, and land management, Lindsay works with farmers, food nonprofits, and organizations to increase the ecological, human, animal, and economic wealth of land over time.
We continue our conversations with women landowners passionate about conservation today with Patti Schevers, who returned to her family farm to steward the land for future generations. Patti offers advice on how to learn and self-educate when you're new to conservation and, as in her case, do so in strong partnership with family.
Patti is the 4th generation stewarding Schevers Farm, located outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The property has been in her family since 1914 and the original 113 acres are all still intact. Patti and her husband, Bradley Burger, are initiating a variety of farm businesses including honey hives, chickens, and vegetables. Patti is leading a variety of conservation initiatives on the land in partnership with NRCS as well as operating a 3-site tent glamping campground on her parcel.
We continue our series about women doing conservation work on their land, talking today with Deirdre Birmingham of The Cider Farm. She shares her land stewardship journey and offers tips for tapping into agency expertise and various funding opportunities.
Deirdre Birmingham runs The Cider Farm with her husband, John Bondi, in Mineral Point Wisconsin. They raise organic English and French cider apples which are pressed into a variety of hard ciders and apple brandy, which you can sample at their tasting room in Madison. A life-long conservationist, Deirdre has worked extensively to add conservation practices to her land, including plantings to benefit pollinators to keep the orchard producing bountiful apples.
Today on our In Her Boots podcast, we’re talking about tools for land conservation with Jennifer Filipiak of the Driftless Area Land Conservancy. A champion for women landowners, Jen explains what a conservation easement is and how this can be an important tool to strategically preserve your land with your conservation goals in mind. Want to keep your farm in agriculture and protect it from development? Listen in for ideas and resources.
Jennifer Filipiak serves as Executive Director of the Driftless Area Land Conservancy, a land trust in Southwest Wisconsin dedicated to protecting the natural and agricultural landscape through permanent land protection and restoration. Jen and her husband, Pete, recently bought a farm in Lafayette County and jumped into the challenges of restoring fencing and old barns.
As part of our special "Women Caring for the Land" series, we're talking today with Thelma Heidel-Baker of Bossie Cow Farm in Wisconsin. Thelma shares how she detoured from an academic career in entomology—she’s actually a bug doctor with her Ph.D.—to return to her family farm to re-craft a livelihood for her young family. Thelma’s passion for conservation shines as she gives us practical advice on setting up conservation strategies, noting that land stewardship is a journey. She encourages us to follow what naturally fascinates us...which, in her case, is insects.
Thelma Heidel-Baker and her husband, Ricky Baker, run Bossie Cow Farm, a small, diversified organic dairy farm amidst the rolling hills of southeastern Wisconsin. Using managed rotational grazing to take care of the land and feed their livestock, Thelma and Ricky also sell organic farm products such as beef, eggs, chicken, and pork direct to local customers.
Dr. Jean Eells talks about women landowners and their historic roles on farms, sharing tips based on her research into the best ways to help these landowners learn about conservation practices they can put into practice on their land. If you're a woman who owns land you farm or rent out or you work in conservation programs, listen in to hear about ways we can encourage conservation practices.
Dr. Jean Eells operates E Resources Group, an evaluation and research business working with private businesses, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations to facilitate and evaluate projects to improve success. She has pioneered a model of outreach to women landowners used by many states and organizations and is a leader in how to best reach and support women in achieving their conservation goals. A landowner in central Iowa, she is working with her family and the tenant farmer to incorporate more conservation practices, like no-till and cover crops.
The In Her Boots podcast now has more than 130 episodes featuring women who are changing the food system for the better. Today, host Lisa Kivirist takes a look at the focus of our In Her Boots programming and offers a glimpse of what to expect on the show in the coming weeks.
We are wrapping up our series with Betty Anderson talking about ways we can take care of themselves. She shares how serving in the military impacts her farming career and how she found healing for PTSD with her hands in the soil.
Betty Anderson and her husband, Dane, are the current stewards at The Old Smith Place outside Brodhead, Wisconsin. Their 40-acre farm is home to goats, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, and a Jersey "house" cow. Betty is a Navy veteran and a beginning farmer who sells her jams and other canned items under Wisconsin’s cottage food law.
Join us today for another conversation with farmer Betty Anderson of The Old Smith Place as she shares how she added an income stream for her farm by selling jams and jellies under Wisconsin’s cottage food law. Her signature creations have unique flavors (Ever try corn cob jelly?) that make good use of the produce she grows on the farm.
Betty Anderson and her husband, Dane, are the current stewards at The Old Smith Place outside Brodhead, Wisconsin. Their 40-acre farm is home to goats, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, and a Jersey “house” cow. Betty is a Navy veteran and a beginning farmer.
"A funny thing happened on my way to the supermarket...I became a farmer." On today’s episode, Wisconsin farmer Betty Anderson shares the role diversification plays in her farm operation. Hear her advice for strategically saying "no" to some things while amplifying what you've said "yes" to and taking care of yourself in the process.
Betty Anderson and her husband, Dane, are the current stewards at The Old Smith Place outside Brodhead, Wisconsin. Their 40-acre farm is home to goats, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, and a Jersey "house" cow. Betty is a Navy veteran and a beginning farmer who sells her jams and other canned items under Wisconsin’s cottage food law.
We kick off a new series with Betty Anderson of The Old Smith Place, a diversified farm in southern Wisconsin. Before starting her farm with her husband, Betty served as a cryptologist in the military and lived all over the world. She talks about the importance of finding your tribe and creating a “no judgment zone" when we connect with other women farmers.
Betty Anderson and her husband, Dane, are the current stewards at The Old Smith Place outside Brodhead, Wisconsin. Their 40-acre farm is home to goats, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, and a Jersey "house" cow. Betty is a Navy veteran and a beginning farmer who sells her jams and other canned items under Wisconsin’s cottage food law.
From the all-new MOSES Organic Farming Podcast, here's an episode with vegetable growers Katie Bishop and Rebecca Henderson on what they're doing in light of coronavirus, as well as online marketing expert Janelle Maiocco on how to quickly get started in online sales.
Like this podcast? Subscribe to the MOSES Organic Farming Podcast wherever you get your podcasts or access it here: https://anchor.fm/moses-podcast
We are wrapping up our series with Inga Witscher of Around the Farm Table, talking today about communications strategies for women farmers to share our stories. Hear her tips and ideas to present your best barn boot forward when the media visit your farm and advice on feeling comfortable on camera from her seasoned experience hosting the TV show Around the Farm Table.
Inga Witscher is a fourth-generation dairy farmer who owns and operates a micro-dairy in western Wisconsin, turning the milk from her 8 grass-fed cows into a raw milk cheddar. She is also the co-creator and host of the PBS series “Around the Farm Table,” highlighting Midwestern farms and artisan food producers.
We’re continuing with Inga Witscher of Around the Farm Table and St. Isidore’s Farmstead Creamery as she shares her personal experience dealing with disaster when her barn and new creamery project burned to the ground. Listen to her inspiring story of resilience, self-care, and the importance of community support to heal and rebuild even stronger.
Inga Witscher is a fourth-generation dairy farmer who owns and operates a micro-dairy in western Wisconsin, turning the milk from her 8 grass-fed cows into a raw milk cheddar. She is also the co-creator and host of the PBS series “Around the Farm Table,” highlighting Midwestern farms and artisan food producers.
Today, we dig into a topic near and dear to Inga Witscher: running a diversified farm business. Hear about enterprises she has tried—like a farmstay B&B and growing garlic—that turned out weren’t right for her but provided good lessons.
Inga Witscher is a fourth-generation dairy farmer who owns and operates a micro-dairy in western Wisconsin, turning the milk from her 8 grass-fed cows into a raw milk cheddar. She is also the co-creator and host of the PBS series “Around the Farm Table,” highlighting Midwestern farms and artisan food producers.
Inga Witcher of the national show "Around the Farm Table" shares her inspiring farm story, which includes family roots in dairy, a few detours, experience getting a beginning farming loan from FSA, and how she's running a small dairy farm today while hosting a national TV show.
Inga Witscher is a fourth-generation dairy farmer who owns and operates a micro-dairy in western Wisconsin, turning the milk from her 8 grass-fed cows into a raw milk cheddar. She is also the co-creator and host of the PBS series “Around the Farm Table,” highlighting Midwestern farms and artisan food producers.
We are wrapping up our series with FL Morris of Grassroots Farm diving into a newer passion of hers: CBD production. Are you curious about growing hemp and need the basics? This is the episode for you as FL navigates us through key terms, things to think about, and future opportunities.
FL Morris is a first-generation farmer, running Grassroots Farm in Monroe, Wisconsin, where she grows certified organic vegetables and raises pastured livestock. FL is a founding member, president and membership director of the South Central Wisconsin Hemp Cooperative, the first organic farmer-led hemp cooperative in the state.
We’re back with FL Morris of Grassroots Farm to talk about an important detour in her farming career: a year-long sabbatical off her farm. Hear about the insights she gained from working on farms on the west coast for a year and how the sabbatical fueled her commitment to her farm. If you're worried about farming burnout, this is the episode for you!
FL Morris is a first-generation farmer, running Grassroots Farm in Monroe, Wisconsin, where she grows certified organic vegetables and raises pastured livestock. FL is a founding member, president and membership director of the South Central Wisconsin Hemp Cooperative, the first organic farmer-led hemp cooperative in the state.
We’re continuing our series with FL Morris of Grassroots Farm as she talks about how to manage risk and make smart decisions in a regional food hub. Embrace the fact that change is constant advises FL, especially embracing that our climate is increasingly changing and unpredictable. Hear her evolution with CSA and how embracing cooperative strategies helps mitigate risk.
FL Morris is a first-generation farmer, running Grassroots Farm in Monroe, Wisconsin, where she grows certified organic vegetables and raises pastured livestock. FL is a founding member, president and membership director of the South Central Wisconsin Hemp Cooperative, the first organic farmer-led hemp cooperative in the state.
We’re starting a new series with FL Morris of Grassroots Farm in Monroe, Wisconsin. Today, she shares how she went from an art degree to a career in organic farming. She offers a dose of inspiration that we don’t need to have our whole farming career figured out, but rather take things step-by-step and follow our hearts.
FL Morris is a first-generation farmer, running Grassroots Farm in Monroe, Wisconsin, where she grows certified organic vegetables and raises pastured livestock. FL is a founding member, president and membership director of the South Central Wisconsin Hemp Cooperative, the first organic farmer-led hemp cooperative in the state.
We are wrapping up our series with Kelly Placke-Raaum of Placke Organic Acres, talking about how she embraces diversity as part of her business plan. Learn how she adds new ideas and creativity into her farm business in between the daily running of the dairy.
Kelly is the herdswoman on her family’s dairy farm outside of Cuba City, Wisconsin. Their farm has been certified organic since 1996. They currently produce small grains, beef, and grassmilk for Organic Valley. Kelly shares how her journey came full circle, from growing up on the first organic farm in her county to earning an art degree and living in the southwest to coming back to join the family dairy.
Join us today for another conversation with farmer Kelly Placke-Raaum of Placke Organic Acres as she shares her passion for soil health—everything depends on healthy soil. Hear how she manages risk by building soil fertility through cover crops and how this works into winter feed for the cows.
Kelly Placke-Raaum is the herdswoman on her family’s dairy farm outside of Cuba City, Wisconsin. Their farm has been certified organic since 1996. They currently produce small grains, beef, and grassmilk for Organic Valley. Kelly shares how her journey came full circle, from growing up on the first organic farm in her county to earning an art degree and living in the southwest to coming back to join the family dairy.
On today’s episode, hear how Kelly Placke-Raaum talks about her farming story and connection to organics in various settings from the media to conversations with conventional ag farmers. Kelly has found anyone can spout facts and figures, but it’s what lights your fire that moves people.
Kelly Placke-Raaum is the herdswoman on her family’s dairy farm outside of Cuba City, Wisconsin. Their farm has been certified organic since 1996. They currently produce small grains, beef, and grassmilk for Organic Valley. Kelly shares how her journey came full circle, from growing up on the first organic farm in her county to earning an art degree and living in the southwest to coming back to join the family dairy.
Kelly Placke-Raaum is the herdswoman on her family’s dairy farm outside of Cuba City, Wisconsin. Their farm has been certified organic since 1996.They currently produce small grains, beef, and grassmilk for Organic Valley. Kelly shares how her journey came full circle, from growing up on the first organic farm in her county to earning an art degree and living in the southwest to coming back to join the family dairy.
We are wrapping up our In Her Boots podcast series with Barb Perkins of Vermont Valley Farm talking about how to keep workers safe on our farms. Barb reflects on things to think about when moving to paid staff and the role worker-shares played on her farm. Listen in for ideas to use on your farm to keep workers safe.
Barb Perkins and her husband, David, ran Vermont Valley Community Farm CSA from 1994 through 2018. The farm, near Madison, Wisconsin, was one of the first CSAs in the state and one of the largest. The farm engaged its members in many ways and became a vibrant community over the years. Barb is an advocate for CSA and an educator for CSA farmers and the community. Barb and David retired the CSA after 24 amazing seasons. Vermont Valley continues to grow and sell certified organic seed potatoes.
In this episode, Barb Perkins of Vermont Valley Community Farm explains how the CSA model manages risk in her regional food hub of Madison. Highlights of today's conversation include making the most of space by succession planting and the all-important “C” in CSA: community. Barb shares ways she involved their CSA members as partners in their farm.
Barb Perkins and her husband, David, ran Vermont Valley Community Farm CSA from 1994 through 2018. The farm, near Madison, Wisconsin, was one of the first CSAs in the state and one of the largest. The farm engaged its members in many ways and became a vibrant community over the years. Barb is an advocate for CSA and an educator for CSA farmers and the community. Barb and David retired the CSA after 24 amazing seasons. Vermont Valley continues to grow and sell certified organic seed potatoes.
We’re back with Barb Perkins of Vermont Valley Community Farm to hear about her next life chapter after the farm’s last growing season in 2018. Barb shares the challenging thought process she went through to define what retirement from farming looks like. She explains how she's had to learn to listen to her body as she grows older and joyfully embrace what’s next after decades of running an intense CSA business.
Barb Perkins and her husband, David, ran Vermont Valley Community Farm CSA from 1994 through 2018. The farm, near Madison, Wisconsin, was one of the first CSAs in the state and one of the largest. The farm engaged its members in many ways and became a vibrant community over the years. Barb is an advocate for CSA and an educator for CSA farmers and the community. Barb and David retired the CSA after 24 amazing seasons. Vermont Valley continues to grow and sell certified organic seed potatoes.
Barb Perkins left the city and her criminal justice degree to start farming with her husband, David, in 1994. The two of them pioneered Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the Midwest. Here, she shares how she got into farming and became enamored of the CSA concept, and how they grew a successful CSA at a time without email, websites, or social media.
Barb Perkins and her husband, David, ran Vermont Valley Community Farm CSA from 1994 through 2018. The farm, near Madison, Wisconsin, was one of the first CSAs in the state and one of the largest. The farm engaged its members in many ways and became a vibrant community over the years. Barb is an advocate for CSA and an educator for CSA farmers and the community. Barb and David retired the CSA after 24 amazing seasons. Vermont Valley continues to grow and sell certified organic seed potatoes.
We are finishing up our series with Jen Riemer of Riemer Family Farm talking about how value-added meat products add to the farm’s business mix and help the family farm manage risk. Jen explains the challenge of finding processors to produce their value-added products, such as sausage sticks and ground turkey, and explores opportunities for more ready-to-eat meat product options for today’s busy consumers.
Jen Riemer and her family have a regenerative and diverse livestock farm selling pastured, farm-fresh meat and eggs directly from Riemer Family Farm in south-central Wisconsin. Jen's family is transitioning the farm from a commodity beef and crop operation to 100% grass-fed beef and lamb as well as pastured poultry and hogs. She focuses on regenerating soil and bringing diverse ecology back to the land.
What can you do now to improve your land for years to come? Listen in as Jen Riemer of Riemer Family Farm in Wisconsin explains her family's systems-based, holistic approach to nurturing the land for the long term. Livestock and cover crops play big roles! We discuss our appreciation for diversity and how our nurturing instincts serve us well in farming.
Jen Riemer and her family have a regenerative and diverse livestock farm selling pastured, farm-fresh meat and eggs directly from Riemer Family Farm in south-central Wisconsin. Jen’s family is transitioning the farm from a commodity beef and crop operation to 100% grass-fed beef and lamb as well as pastured poultry and hogs. She focuses on regenerating soil and bringing diverse ecology back to the land.
We’re back with Jen Riemer to talk about the importance of diversity on the farm. Jen shares how she uses cover crops to build healthy soil, and adds value/fertility by using cover crops as livestock forage—wins all around!
Jen Riemer and her family have a regenerative and diverse livestock farm selling pastured, farm-fresh meat and eggs directly from Riemer Family Farm in south-central Wisconsin. Jen’s family is transitioning the farm from a commodity beef and crop operation to 100% grass-fed beef and lamb as well as pastured poultry and hogs. She focuses on regenerating soil and bringing diverse ecology back to the land.
Today, Jen Riemer shares how she, a former vegetarian, grew into a passionate rancher and steward of the land. Hear her inspiring story of moving from the Chicago suburbs and a regular paycheck to her husband’s family farm 10 years ago, and how her first MOSES Conference gave her the confidence to take that leap.
Jen Riemer and her family have a regenerative and diverse livestock farm selling pastured, farm-fresh meat and eggs directly from Riemer Family Farm in south-central Wisconsin. Jen's family is transitioning the farm from a commodity beef and crop operation to 100% grass-fed beef and lamb as well as pastured poultry and hogs. She focuses on regenerating soil and bringing diverse ecology back to the land.
We wrap up our farm law series with this bonus episode with Rachel Armstrong as she helps us navigate employment rules when we venture outside of farming into value-added products, on-farm food service, offering classes, etc. While this diversification is great for spreading risk over a broad range of enterprises, it changes the rules for paying employees. Hear Rachel's recommendations to help you avoid issues.
Rachel is the founder and Executive Director of Farm Commons, a nonprofit that empowers farmers to understand and create their own solutions to business law challenges in an ecosystem of support. She strives to make farm law approachable and relevant to every farmer.
Today, Rachel Armstrong helps us understand "human risk" on our specialty crop farms. Learn about the different categories of labor, from volunteers to paid staff, and how to navigate legally and safely for everyone.
Rachel is the founder and Executive Director of Farm Commons, a nonprofit that empowers farmers to understand and create their own solutions to business law challenges in an ecosystem of support. She strives to make farm law approachable and relevant to every farmer.
We continue our series with Rachel Armstrong of Farm Commons talking about empowering women farmers to take charge of our businesses and manage risk effectively. Farming is unpredictable with variables we cannot control. Rachel helps us navigate and plan for what we can control, with a particular focus today on direct marketing value-added products.
Rachel is the founder and Executive Director of Farm Commons, a nonprofit organization that exists to empower farmers to understand and create their own solutions to business law challenges, in an ecosystem of support. She strives to make farm law approachable and relevant to every farmer.
We’re back with Rachel Armstrong of Farm Commons to talk about legal issues on the farm and dig into the concept of risk and how to manage that. Rachel explains how marketing through a regional food hub can be "the sweet spot" for farmers, providing the right amount of support so they can hit a home run in the farming business.
Rachel is the founder and Executive Director of Farm Commons, a nonprofit that empowers farmers to understand and create their own solutions to business law challenges in an ecosystem of support. She strives to make farm law approachable and relevant to every farmer.
We kick off a new series with Rachel Armstrong, who grew up on a farm in Minnesota, headed off to law school, then saw the need for legal education for farmers and founded the nonprofit Farm Commons. Rachel’s story reminds us that there are many roles for women in the sustainable agriculture world and to experiment, research and—as she did—create new things that support our good food movement.
Rachel is the founder and Executive Director of Farm Commons, a nonprofit that empowers farmers to understand and create their own solutions to business law challenges in an ecosystem of support. She strives to make farm law approachable and relevant to every farmer.
We are finishing up our In Her Boots series with Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics, talking about the bright future of organic local grains and the role women can play. From planting regional-specific grains to starting a mill, there are lots of business opportunities to think about.
In Her Boots Podcast The In Her Boots Podcast celebrates the collaborative spirit of women farmers, sharing ideas and inspiration with each other, and champions women farmers in the sustainable and organic farming movement. Whether you’re a woman with a dream of starting your own farm or already have your hands deep in the soil, there’s something for you here.
Hosted by Lisa Kivirist, founder and coordinator of the In Her Boots project. A farmer herself, Lisa runs Inn Serendipity Farm and B&B with her family in Wisconsin and is the author of Soil Sisters: A Toolkit for Women Farmers. Audio engineer is Liam Kivirist of Techsocket.net.
Funded initially by NorthCentral SARE.
This podcast is available on iTunes and Stitcher.
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Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics
Episode 108: Halee Wepking on Marketing Local Grains We continue with Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics to talk about how she direct markets organic grains to local bakeries and consumers. There are legalities to navigate, she cautions, as she shares how important it is to educate bakers when you’re trying to sell them on grains that are new to them.
Episode 107: Halee Wepking on Marketing through Local Food Hub to Manage Risk Artisanal bakers and craft brewers have created a demand for local grains. Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics explains how to access these markets and manage risk by marketing through a regional food hub.
Episode 106: My Farm Story with Halee Wepking Today we sit down with Halee Wepking as she shares how a Craigslist ad and a unique land transition plan launched her family’s farm, Meadowlark Organics. From a degree in modern dance to stints as a professional cook, Halee’s inspiring journey reminds us to follow our heart and stay open to opportunities.
Halee Wepking and her husband, John, run Meadowlark Organics, working with Paul Bickford on his 800-acre farm, shifting the focus from organic feed crops to a diversity of food-grade small grains, buckwheat, edible dry beans, and open-pollinated corn. Halee is mom to two young kids, Henry and Lyda, and also manages a grass-fed beef herd.
We continue with Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics to talk about how she direct markets organic grains to local bakeries and consumers. There are legalities to navigate, she cautions, as she shares how important it is to educate bakers when you're trying to sell them on grains that are new to them.
Halee Wepking and her husband, John, run Meadowlark Organics, working with Paul Bickford on his 800-acre farm, shifting the focus from organic feed crops to a diversity of food-grade small grains, buckwheat, edible dry beans, and open-pollinated corn. Halee is mom to two young kids, Henry and Lyda, and also manages a grass-fed beef herd.
Artisanal bakers and craft brewers have created a demand for local grains. Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics explains how to access these markets and manage risk by marketing through a regional food hub.
Halee Wepking and her husband, John, run Meadowlark Organics, working with Paul Bickford on his 800-acre farm, shifting the focus from organic feed crops to a diversity of food-grade small grains, buckwheat, edible dry beans, and open-pollinated corn. Halee is mom to two young kids, Henry and Lyda, and also manages a grass-fed beef herd.
Today we sit down with Halee Wepking as she shares how a Craigslist ad and a unique land transition plan launched her family's farm, Meadowlark Organics. From a degree in modern dance to stints as a professional cook, Halee’s inspiring journey reminds us to follow our heart and stay open to opportunities.
Halee Wepking and her husband, John, run Meadowlark Organics, working with Paul Bickford on his 800-acre farm, shifting the focus from organic feed crops to a diversity of food-grade small grains, buckwheat, edible dry beans, and open-pollinated corn. Halee is mom to two young kids, Henry and Lyda, and also manages a grass-fed beef herd.
For our last episode with Marie Raboin of Brix Cider, we tap into her conservation expertise and learn about smartly using cover crops as livestock forage and how that helps your business bottom line while building soil fertility.
Marie Raboin runs Brix Cider, a hard cider company, farm-to-table restaurant and small orchard with her husband, Matt. They’re also raising two young kids, Teddy and Vera. Marie has worked in conservation agriculture for over 15 years with organizations such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Land Conservation, and UW Extension. She also was the director of agroecology for an NGO in Malawi, Africa. With degrees in soil science and agroecology, Marie has focused her work on supporting farmers that practice conservation agriculture, specifically managed grazing and cover cropping systems.
We are back with Marie Raboin of Brix Cider on how she manages staff in the orchard and the rest of her businesses. Learn how to identify and manage human risks on a specialty crop farm like hers, and, how to retain employees by keeping it all fun in the process.
Marie Raboin runs Brix Cider, a hard cider company, farm-to-table restaurant and small orchard with her husband, Matt. They’re also raising two young kids, Teddy and Vera. Marie has worked in conservation agriculture for over 15 years with organizations such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Land Conservation, and UW Extension. She also was the director of agroecology for an NGO in Malawi, Africa. With degrees in soil science and agroecology, Marie has focused her work on supporting farmers that practice conservation agriculture, specifically managed grazing and cover cropping systems.
Every business, including a farm, has legal risks associated with it. Hear how Marie identifies and manages legal risks in running her farm and cider business. Find and hire the experts, advises Marie. Even if you pay more upfront, it will definitely payback in the long term when direct marketing value-added products.
Marie Raboin runs Brix Cider, a hard cider company, farm-to-table restaurant and small orchard with her husband, Matt. They're also raising two young kids, Teddy and Vera. Marie has worked in conservation agriculture for over 15 years with organizations such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Land Conservation, and UW Extension. She also was the director of agroecology for an NGO in Malawi, Africa. With degrees in soil science and agroecology, Marie has focused her work on supporting farmers that practice conservation agriculture, specifically managed grazing and cover cropping systems.
Get a dose of entrepreneurial inspiration as we hear how Marie Raboin of Brix Cider launched an orchard, hard cider company, and farm-to-table restaurant in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Marie explains how she learned to ask for help, embrace the unknown, and tap into a collaborative women farmer network.
Marie Raboin runs Brix Cider, a hard cider company, farm-to-table restaurant and small orchard with her husband, Matt. They're also raising two young kids, Teddy and Vera. Marie has worked in conservation agriculture for over 15 years with organizations such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Land Conservation, and UW Extension. She also was the director of agroecology for an NGO in Malawi, Africa. With degrees in soil science and agroecology, Marie has focused her work on supporting farmers that practice conservation agriculture, specifically managed grazing and cover cropping systems.
Everyone's talking about cover crops. In this conversation, farmer Clare Hintz of Elsewhere Farm shares how she uses cover crops for livestock forage. Take a “birds-eye” view of her farm and “see” her American Guinea hogs and how she employs them and other means to add soil fertility and control pests in her perennial fruit orchard.
Clare Hintz runs Elsewhere Farm, a production permaculture farm near the south shore of Lake Superior in Herbster, Wisconsin. The solar-powered farm features perennial fruits and nuts interplanted on five acres, intensive market gardens, and rare-breed pigs and chickens. Clare also serves on the MOSES Board.
On today’s episode, Clare Hintz of Elsewhere Farm discusses how she, as a solo woman farmer, manages risk through value-added products, like the pickles she makes for her CSA box, and how to do things safely when farming alone.
Clare Hintz runs Elsewhere Farm, a production permaculture farm near the south shore of Lake Superior in Herbster, Wisconsin. The solar-powered farm features perennial fruits and nuts interplanted on five acres, intensive market gardens, and rare-breed pigs and chickens. Clare also serves on the MOSES Board.
We welcome back farmer Clare Hintz of Elsewhere Farm on the banks of Lake Superior in Wisconsin. Clare shares how she identifies and deals with risks on her specialty crop farm. She explains how you can you work fast but safely, manage labor, and more importantly, take care of your farm’s most important asset: you!
Clare Hintz runs Elsewhere Farm, a production permaculture farm near the south shore of Lake Superior in Herbster, Wisconsin. The solar-powered farm features perennial fruits and nuts interplanted on five acres, intensive market gardens, and rare-breed pigs and chickens. Clare also serves on the MOSES Board.
Note: These are bonus episodes with Clare focusing on risk management topics. Check out podcast episodes 40-43 for more on her farm story.
We wrap up our series with Alicia Razvi of Wooly Thyme Micro Farm with important advice to encourage women in sustainable and organic agriculture to step up to the leadership plate. Hear how she became the first female Muslim to be a chapter president in the National Farmers Union.
Alicia Razvi is the owner and operator of Wooly Thyme Micro Farm in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, a two-acre farm that specializes in CSA, halal butchered poultry, jams and chutneys, and home-baked goods. She is president of the Wood-Portage-Waupaca County Chapter of Wisconsin Farmers Union.
Today we dig deeper with Alicia Razvi of Wooly Thyme Micro Farm to learn how she manages risk through diversification. Not putting all the eggs in one basket is a strategy that has worked well for Alicia, especially during those beginning CSA years. She shares her risk-management strategies from interplanting produce to planning for those “just in case” moments.
Alicia Razvi is the owner and operator of Wooly Thyme Micro Farm in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, a two-acre farm that specializes in CSA, halal butchered poultry, jams and chutneys, and home-baked goods. She is president of the Wood-Portage-Waupaca County Chapter of Wisconsin Farmers Union.
We continue our conversation with farmer and food entrepreneur Alicia Razvi of Wooly Thyme Micro Farm, talking about diversifying by adding a value-added cottage food business. Hear how Alicia manages risk by using abundant fresh produce for canning and also making baked goods--ventures that allow her teen daughter to be involved in the business.
Alicia Razvi is the owner and operator of Wooly Thyme Micro Farm in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, a two-acre farm that specializes in CSA, halal butchered poultry, jams and chutneys, and home-baked goods. She is president of the Wood-Portage-Waupaca County Chapter of Wisconsin Farmers Union.
Today we kick off a fresh series with Alicia Razvi of Wooly Thyme Micro-Farm. Alicia shares her inspiring story of how she turned a family crisis into her farm dream.
Alicia Razvi is the owner and operator of Wooly Thyme Micro-Farm in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, a two-acre farm that specializes in CSA, halal butchered poultry, jams and chutneys, and home-baked goods. She is president of the Wood-Portage-Waupaca County Chapter of Wisconsin Farmers Union.
We're wrapping up with Margaret Krome and focusing on the good things that happen when women have mentors. She shares how her mentoring has had a ripple effect over the years, reaching far beyond the women she has mentored. Her advice to interns could apply to all of us: Don’t take it too personally and surround yourself with good-energy people.
We’re continuing with Margaret Krome, Policy Program Director for the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. Today we're discussing how we as women working in sustainable agriculture can keep up our resilience in advocating for good food. Are you new to policy? This is the episode for you as Margaret gifts us with an accessible navigation of how Farm Bill programs are funded and how we can have our farmer voices heard.
Today we dig in with Margaret Krome discussing her passion to increase stakeholder diversity among those affected by agriculture policy. Stretch outside of your comfort zone, find new partners, and make sure you consider all of your stakeholders. True representation is what real democracy is all about.
Today we sit down with Margaret Krome to hear her inspiring story of how she has become a national leader in sustainable agriculture policy, from her family's citrus farm in Florida to the Peace Corps to eventually rooting in Wisconsin, thanks in part to a night of polka dancing. Listen in and hear why it's so important for farmers to take an active advocacy role.
Margaret Krome is Policy Program Director for the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in East Troy, Wisconsin. She also conducts workshops nationwide on grant writing and using federal programs to support sustainable agriculture. Since October 2018, Margaret has served as Interim Coalition Director for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)She works with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition to support environmentally sound, profitable, and socially responsible agriculture.
For our last episode with Hannah Breckbill of Humble Hands Harvest, we take things back full circle to the core components of her life: social justice, activism, and farming. Hear how Hannah blends her passion for farming with other areas she feels strongly about, from caring for the area immigrant communities to building equity in a local food system for all.
Hannah Breckbill has been farming since 2009 when she interned as a CSA manager at World Hunger Relief outside of Waco, Texas. She was part of Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings and Journeyperson programs where she crafted a vision for Humble Hands Harvest, which launched in 2013 and is now a worker-owned cooperative farm that raises organic vegetables, grass-fed lamb, and pastured pork. She serves on the board of Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center and the Iowa Food Hub, and she hosts an annual Queer Farmer Convergence on her farm.
We are back with Hannah Breckbill of Humble Hands Harvest talking about how she weaves together the different pieces of her farming livelihood in a way that fuels her personal energy and keeps her going. From singing during farm chores to taking on a partner to scheduling time off the farm, Hannah shares how she keeps her key priorities front and center.
Hannah Breckbill has been farming since 2009 when she interned as a CSA manager at World Hunger Relief outside of Waco, Texas. She was part of Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings and Journeyperson programs where she crafted a vision for Humble Hands Harvest, which launched in 2013 and is now a worker-owned cooperative farm that raises organic vegetables, grass-fed lamb, and pastured pork. She serves on the board of Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center and the Iowa Food Hub, and she hosts an annual Queer Farmer Convergence on her farm.
We continue our series with Hannah Breckbill of Humble Hands Harvest as she digs into ways farmers can amplify their missions cooperatively. Hear about her interesting journey to design and legally structure her farm in a cooperative way that is equitable for everyone. Think outside the box and get ideas to farm stronger collaboratively.
Hannah Breckbill has been farming since 2009 when she interned as a CSA manager at World Hunger Relief outside of Waco, Texas. She was part of Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings and Journeyperson programs where she crafted a vision for Humble Hands Harvest, which launched in 2013 and is now a worker-owned cooperative farm that raises organic vegetables, grass-fed lamb, and pastured pork. She serves on the board of Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center and the Iowa Food Hub, and she hosts an annual Queer Farmer Convergence on her farm.
Today we sit down with Hannah Breckbill of Humble Hands Harvest in Decorah, Iowa, as she shares her inspiring journey of launching her farm. Hear the creative and thoughtful story behind the farm's name and learn how a math degree can support the analytical side of farming.
Hannah Breckbill has been farming since 2009 when she interned as a CSA manager at World Hunger Relief outside of Waco, Texas. She was part of Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings and Journeyperson programs where she crafted a vision for Humble Hands Harvest, which launched in 2013 and is now a worker-owned cooperative farm that raises organic vegetables, grass-fed lamb, and pastured pork. She serves on the board of Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center and the Iowa Food Hub, and she hosts an annual Queer Farmer Convergence on her farm.
We are finishing up our series with Annelie Livingston-Anderson of Good Turn Farm in Wisconsin as she offers perspective and advice reflecting on her first couple of years as a beginning farmer. She explains why it’s important to identify what’s important to you, which in her case was prioritizing relationships and the need to get off the farm sometimes.
We continue talking with Annelie Livingston-Anderson of Good Turn Farm in Wisconsin as we explore what it’s like to start both a farm and a family at the same time. It’s all about setting realistic expectations and most importantly, enjoying the ride!
We’re back with Annelie Livingston-Anderson of Good Turn Farm to talk about all things local food system and her leadership of the Lake Pepin Local food group via a North Central SARE Farmer Rancher grant. She shares inspiring ideas on how women can serve as the catalyst to collaboratively bring farmers together to address common barriers like market access.
Annelie grows certified organic vegetables and flowers with her husband, Kevin (and their 3-year-old daughter, Hazel) on Good Turn Farm in Stockholm, Wis. Last fall she started working with the Land Stewardship Project as an organizer for Farm Beginnings, a training program for beginning farmers.
Today, we sit down with Annelie Livingston-Anderson of Good Turn Farm in Wisconsin to learn about her farm story. She and her husband, Kevin, are the 5th generation to farm her husband’s historic family land, now incorporating sustainable and organic practices. Spoiler alert: this is the land Laura Ingalls Wilder’s family was on during Little House in the Big Woods.
Annelie Livingston-Anderson grows certified organic vegetables and cut flowers with her husband, Kevin (and their 3-year-old daughter, Hazel) on Good Turn Farm in Stockholm, Wis. She is also on the steering committee for Lake Pepin Local, a group of local farmers & buyers cooperatively marketing locally grown products. Last fall she started working with the Land Stewardship Project as an organizer for Farm Beginnings, a training program for beginning farmers.
We wrap up our conversation with Farmer Erin Schneider today, talking about "beauty." Erin says beauty drives her farming mission to grow flowers and connects her passion for the earth and people. Listen in to hear how beauty can open conversations and build bridges.
Erin Schneider runs Hilltop Community Farm in LaFarge, Wis., in partnership with her husband, Rob McClure, raising a wide range of vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers. A graduate of the National Farmers Union Beginning Farmers Institute, Erin has volunteered on multiple assignments to increase women’s economic empowerment and food security in Senegal through the Farmer to Farmer Program with USAID. She currently serves on the Administrative Council for North Central SARE.
Today, we're talking about a topic of increasing interest to women farmers: regenerative agriculture. Learn about systems theory and how we are all connected to ecology and our world around us. Channel your inner biologist and learn how our guest, Erin Schneider, successfully integrates this into her farm business.
Today, we dig into how we can encourage and support more women farmers to step up to leadership roles. From skill sharing to supporting women farmers in Africa to volunteering for grant review committees, Erin inspires us to go beyond just participating in something and to take an active leadership role.
Erin Schneider runs Hilltop Community Farm in LaFarge, Wis., in partnership with her husband, Rob McClure, raising a wide range of vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers. A graduate of the National Farmers Union Beginning Farmers Institute, Erin has volunteered on multiple assignments to increase women’s economic empowerment and food security in Senegal through the Farmer to Farmer Program with USAID. She currently serves on the Administrative Council for North Central SARE.
Today we sit down with Erin Schneider of Hilltop Community Farm as she shares her inspiring story of farming just a few miles from where she grew up. Erin has a passion for hardy Midwest perennial fruit and beautiful flowers. She shares how she married someone who was already running a farm business and how she carved out her own niche on the farm.
Erin Schneider runs Hilltop Community Farm in LaFarge, Wis., in partnership with her husband, Rob McClure, raising a wide range of vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers. A graduate of the National Farmers Union Beginning Farmers Institute, Erin has volunteered on multiple assignments to increase women’s economic empowerment and food security in Senegal through the Farmer to Farmer Program with USAID. She currently serves on the Administrative Council for North Central SARE.
We are back and wrapping up with MaryAnn Bellazini of Campo di Bella as we take things back full circle to the core of her business decisions: family. Hear how MaryAnn both involves her two sons in the farm and business process and bottom line, they all enjoy each other’s company.
We are back with MaryAnn Bellazini of Campo di Bella digging deeper into the start-ups of an on-farm commercial kitchen, winery, restaurant and more. It’s all about relationships and getting to know details level by level, from the township to county to state and perhaps even federal level.
MaryAnn and her husband, Marc, run Campo di Bella, a farm-to-table restaurant and winery in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, serving Italian-inspired dining experiences. Self-taught on the farming side, MaryAnn and her family moved from the Chicago scene and for several years ran a vegetable CSA from their abundant garden. Her Italian heritage and love for creating welcoming settings around food inspired the current food service venture.
We continue our series with MaryAnn Bellazini of Campo di Bella as she digs into how she and her husband started their farm-to-table restaurant and winery. She explains the importance of research, persistence, and being open to new ideas. Key tip is strategically testing the idea by first renting a licensed commercial kitchen.
MaryAnn and her husband, Marc, run Campo di Bella, a farm-to-table restaurant and winery in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, serving Italian-inspired dining experiences. Self-taught on the farming side, MaryAnn and her family moved from the Chicago scene and for several years ran a vegetable CSA from their abundant garden. Her Italian heritage and love for creating welcoming settings around food inspired the current food service venture.
Today, we sit down with MaryAnn Bellazzini of Campo di Bella as she shares her story of growing up on the north side of Chicago and evolving from being on the expected track of having suburban careers and the detour she made by moving to rural Wisconsin. Abundant gardens led to a farm enterprise and eventually a farm-to-table enterprise.
MaryAnn and her husband, Marc, run Campo di Bella, a farm-to-table restaurant and winery in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, serving Italian-inspired dining experiences. Self-taught on the farming side, MaryAnn and her family moved from the Chicago scene and for several years ran a vegetable CSA from their abundant garden. Her Italian heritage and love for creating welcoming settings around food inspired the current food service venture.
We are finishing up our series with Jennifer Nelson today, as she offers some perspective and advice on farming with a spouse. Hear how defining of roles and being specific can keep things sane, especially during the busy summer season. Jennifer's advice: Embrace each of your different skill sets and celebrate differences to strengthen your business.
We’re continuing with Jennifer Nelson of Humble Pie Flower Farm, diving into ways to connect and balance a farm business with family life. Spoiler alert: There’s no master secret here and it’s all about keeping communication lines open and enjoying the moment with no regrets.
Jennifer and her husband co-own Humble Pie Flower Farm in Plum City, Wisconsin. She also is as an Organic Specialist with MOSES. She loves a bright, beautiful sunflower, being outside with her young son, and growing, cooking, and eating good food.
We continue with Jennifer Nelson of Humble Pie Flower Farm talking about her passion and a favorite of many women growers: flowers! Hear the pragmatics of how the gross income of flowers can be much higher per acre and the satisfaction from raising something that brings beauty and joy.
Jennifer and her husband co-own Humble Pie Flower Farm in Plum City, Wisconsin. She also is as an Organic Specialist with MOSES. She loves a bright, beautiful sunflower, being outside with her young son, and growing, cooking, and eating good food.
Today, we sit down with Jennifer Nelson of Humble Pie Flower Farm in Wisconsin as she shares her farm story and her journey to growing flowers. Hear how various experiences led her to the land and farming and the importance of having time and place to explore. As Jennifer says, “I used to work to live—jobs that gave paychecks. Now I am so grateful that my work—my farm—is my life and I am really grateful for that.“
Jennifer and her husband co-own Humble Pie Flower Farm in Plum City, Wisconsin. She also is as an Organic Specialist with MOSES. She loves a bright, beautiful sunflower, being outside with her young son, and growing, cooking, and eating good food.
We wrap up our series as Susan shares important advice and ideas on putting all the pieces together in a diversified farm business while fostering balance between work and life. Hear about how using deadlines can help us keep those personal projects moving forward in balance with the farm, how the skills of multi-tasking as a mom can really transfer to farming, and old-school traditions like lists on paper make it all work.
Susan and her husband, Roger Nelson, run Squash Blossom Farm, a 10-acre historic 1910 farmstead where their vision is to combine local food, art, and music. Squash Blossom includes a small vegetable CSA, an on-farm bakery for wholesale and farmers markets, and a pizza night and from their wood-fired oven and on-farm commercial kitchen.
We are back and digging deeper with Susan Waughtal of Squash Blossom Farm in Oronoco, Minn., on the start-up of their pizza farm and on-farm kitchen installation. She provides the inside scoop on building a commercial kitchen and the impact of adding a pizza night to the farm business mix. Persistence sounds like the key ingredient!
Susan and her husband, Roger Nelson, run Squash Blossom Farm, a 10-acre historic 1910 farmstead where their vision is to combine local food, art, and music. Squash Blossom includes a small vegetable CSA, an on-farm bakery for wholesale and farmers markets, and a pizza night and from their wood-fired oven and on-farm commercial kitchen.
We continue our conversation with farmer and food entrepreneur Susan Waughtal of Squash Blossom Farm in Oronoco, Minn., talking about a decision that proved to be life changing: launching the farm mid-life. Susan offers advice on how to parlay your past experiences into new farming ventures, sharing how she found the most important thing is to realize what you don’t know – and that there’s probably a YouTube video to help you out.
Susan and her husband, Roger Nelson, run Squash Blossom Farm, a 10-acre historic 1910 farmstead where their vision is to combine local food, art, and music. Squash Blossom includes a small vegetable CSA, an on-farm bakery for wholesale and farmers markets, and a pizza night and from their wood-fired oven and on-farm commercial kitchen.
Today we kick off a fresh In Her Boots podcast series with Susan Waughtal of Squash Blossom Farm in Oronoco, Minn. Susan shares her inspiring story of the farm dream she had been brewing for over 25 years, which she brought to life right at her 50th birthday.
Susan and her husband, Roger Nelson, run Squash Blossom Farm, a 10-acre historic 1910 farmstead where their vision is to combine local food, art, and music. Squash Blossom includes a small vegetable CSA, an on-farm bakery for wholesale and farmers markets, and a pizza night and from their wood-fired oven and on-farm commercial kitchen.
We are wrapping up our interviews with Lauren Langworthy of Blue Ox Organics and MOSES. From training programs to working with farmers in Africa, Lauren shares how to strategically approach learning opportunities with an open mind and heart.
Lauren and her husband, Caleb, own 153 acres in Wheeler, Wis. Their farm centers on a rotationally-grazed 200-ewe flock of sheep, small beef herd, hay, and wooded wild areas. When she isn’t in the fields, Lauren is the Program Director at MOSES, and District 2 Director for Wisconsin Farmers Union.
In this episode, Lauren talks about a topic near and dear to her hearts: lambs! She shares how she read books and took workshops to prepare. But, eventually she just needed to jump in and learn by doing—something most beginners can relate to.
Lauren and her husband, Caleb, own 153 acres in Wheeler, Wis. Their farm centers on a rotationally-grazed 200-ewe flock of sheep, small beef herd, hay, and wooded wild areas. When she isn’t in the fields, Lauren is the Program Director at MOSES, and District 2 Director for Wisconsin Farmers Union.
Today, we dig into how we can support more women farmers to engage in leadership throughout their community. Listen to Lauren Langworthy of Blue Ox Farm as she shares her story of running for District Director seat within the Wisconsin Farmers Union. We discuss the importance of asking women to run for roles like these and why the potentially uncomfortable nature of a contested elections isn’t inherently a bad thing.
Lauren and her husband, Caleb, own 153 acres in Wheeler, Wis. Their farm centers on a rotationally-grazed 200-ewe flock of sheep, small beef herd, hay, and wooded wild areas. When she isn’t in the fields, Lauren is the Program Director at MOSES--the Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service, and on the executive board of Wisconsin Farmers Union.
Today we sit down with Lauren Langworthy, co-owner of Blue Ox Farm. She shares the story of how she ended up in agriculture and how the concepts of holistic management helped to re-frame the farm from annual vegetables into a grass-fed lamb operation. Learn how trial by fire can help you discover your values and passions.
Lauren and her husband, Caleb, own 153 acres in Wheeler, Wis. Their farm centers on a rotationally-grazed 200-ewe flock of sheep, small beef herd, hay, and wooded wild areas. When she isn’t in the fields, Lauren is the Program Director at MOSES, and District 2 Director for Wisconsin Farmers Union.
We wrap up our series with marketing entrepreneur Diahann Lohr who shares her best marketing dos and don’ts for women farmers. Learn about the importance of using your actual farm name frequently in conversations and how an old-school paper business card can still go a long way.
Diahann is a marketing professional with a love for healthy food who owns and operates Adunate Word & Design (ah-doo-NAH-tay), which specializes in helping food and agricultural organizations grow their business.
Today we dig deeper into how we women farmers can brand our farm businesses. Marketing entrepreneur Diahann Lohr shares four tips to help you define your own unique brand. Remember to always ask the question: How do you want people to feel when they buy your products?
Diahann is a marketing professional with a love for healthy food and owns and operates Adunate Word & Design (ah-doo-NAH-tay), which specializes in helping food and agricultural organizations grow their business.
We continue our conversation with marketing entrepreneur Diahann Lohr as we talk about how simply sharing who you are and telling your authentic story can be the most effective form of marketing, especially for us women farmers. Be yourself, talk about what you are passionate about and sell that garlic along the way. Diahann is a marketing professional with a love for healthy food who owns and operates Adunate Word & Design (ah-doo-NAH-tay), which specializes in helping food and agricultural organizations grow their business.
Today we kick off a special series with marketing entrepreneur Diahann Lohr, an inspiring example of a woman not farming yet still using her skill set to grow organic agriculture. In this episode, Diahann shares her own story and connection to the land and food. Plus, she offers some “Marketing 101” on the importance of strategic communication and how that can really be an advantage for those of us running small farms today. Diahann is a marketing professional with a love for healthy food. She owns and operates Adunate Word & Design (ah-doo-NAH-tay), which specializes in helping food and agricultural organizations grow their business.
If our guest, Bridget Holcomb with the Women, Food and Agriculture Network, could change one thing for women in the sustainable ag community it would be to stop that nagging voice inside our heads that says we are not doing enough. Listen in to hear how lifting the veil on this and embracing our authenticity and vulnerabilities can help us achieve bigger goals.
Bridget received a Master’s of Public Affairs with an emphasis on nonprofit management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has worked in sustainable agriculture advocacy at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. A native of Northern Minnesota, Bridget has focused her work on clean water, soil conservation, and making a sustainable living from the land.
We’re continuing on the women’s leadership front today with Bridget Holcomb, executive director of the Women, Food and Agriculture Network. With a learning model based on empowerment and connections, WFAN and its partners like MOSES support women through social interaction.
Bridget received a Master’s of Public Affairs with an emphasis on nonprofit management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has worked in sustainable agriculture advocacy at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. A native of Northern Minnesota, Bridget has focused her work on clean water, soil conservation, and making a sustainable living from the land.
In today’s episode, Bridget Holcomb shares her journey to her current role leading a nonprofit focused on women in sustainable agriculture. In her case, going to grad school, her commitment to service leadership, and taking advantage of opportunities—and connecting with women along the way—all add up to where she is today.
Bridget received a Master’s of Public Affairs with an emphasis on nonprofit management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has worked in sustainable agriculture advocacy at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. A native of Northern Minnesota, Bridget has focused her work on clean water, soil conservation, and making a sustainable living from the land.
Today we sit down with Bridget Holcomb, head of the Women, Food and Agriculture Network. Bridget shares her journey to her current role running a women-focused nonprofit, and how she took advantage of opportunities along the way. Bridget received a Master’s of Public Affairs with an emphasis on nonprofit management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has worked in sustainable agriculture advocacy at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. A native of Northern Minnesota, Bridget has focused her work on clean water, soil conservation, and making a sustainable living from the land.
Alison and her husband run their farm while also raising two young boys. She reminds us to keep the fun factor in farming, cobble together a patchwork of childcare support, and enjoy those kids, especially while they are little. A self-taught, first-generation farmer, she launched her farm with her husband, Alex Needham, in 2009. It is a certified organic farm located in a Chicago suburb on land accessed through an innovative land trust.
We are back with Alison Parker of Radical Root Organic Farm talking marketing advice and tips. She recommends starting small and growing ideas based on what you're passionate about. For Alison, that meant switching farmers markets to be closer to many of her CSA members, who were wanting to buy additional produce. It also meant following her passion and growing an herbal medicine business. Alison and her husband, Alex Needham, launched Radical Root Organic Farm in 2009. It is a certified organic family farm located in the Chicago suburbs of Libertyville, Illinois, located on land accessed through an innovative land trust partnership.
Alison Parker of Radical Root Organic landed on an interesting way to get into farming. Today, she shares how she and her husband launched the farm by partnering with a land trust and nonprofit in a long-term rental agreement. This opened up more cash flow and gave them an incredibly strategic location in the heart of the Chicago suburbs.
Today we kick off a series of interviews with farmer Alison Parker of Radical Root Organic Farm. Alison shares her farm start-up story and how, not coming from a farming or even an outdoorsy family, she found her love for growing things through literature. A self-taught, first-generation farmer, she launched her farm with her husband, Alex Needham, in 2009. It is a certified organic farm located in a Chicago suburb on land accessed through an innovative land trust where she is reinventing a 150-year-old farm through organic and permaculture principles.
We are back with Sylvia Burgos Toftness today as she shares why education is important not only to grow our organic movement, also as a business strategy. You don’t have to be the ultimate expert to teach, just share from where you are, advises Sylvia. Listen in for sage advice from a former marketer-turned-farmer.
We are talking women’s leadership today today with someone who has worn many hats leading our organic movement: Sylvia Burgos Toftness. Be involved, share your story and take hold of an issue you are passionate about because, as Sylvia has learned, it just might take a long time before things change. A seasoned leader in the organic food movement, Sylvia produces and co-hosts Deep Roots Radio and serves on the board of MOSES. She and her husband, David, raise 100% grass fed beef in Amery, Wisconsin. Her background includes reporting for television reporter and working in public relations, all skills that partner well with her farm life today.
Today, we chat with the inspiring Sylvia Burgos Toftness on ways we as women committed to sustainable an organic agriculture can amplify our voices. It’s all about "lifting the veil" as Sylvia calls it, and owning and using the title of farmer when introducing ourselves. A seasoned leader in the organic food movement, Sylvia produces and co-hosts Deep Roots Radio and serves on the board of MOSES. She and her husband, David, raise 100% grass-fed beef in Amery, Wisconsin. Sylvia has worn many hats before then, including begin a television reporter and working in public relations, all skills that partner well with her farm life today.
Sylvia Burgos Toftness shares her journey from the Puerto Rican community in the South Bronx to farming in the middle of Wisconsin, with sidetracks as a TV reporter and work in public relations—experiences that have helped her be a leader in the organic food movement. Sylvia produces and co-hosts "Deep Roots Radio" and serves on the board of MOSES. She and her husband, David, raise 100% grass-fed beef.
Joyce Ford, a pioneer in the organic movement, shares expert advice and tips particularly for women who are beginning farmers: Experiment small before you go big and take on debt, grow things you are passionate about and sometimes keep some of the best of your harvest for yourself. Today, Joyce runs Blue Fruit Farm with her husband, Jim Riddle, and grows a variety of certified organic berries. She founded the Organic Inspectors Association, served on the MOSES Board, launched farmers markets and has led the establishment of various organic standards, training and policy.
Want to grow and sell fruit? Listen in as we get marketing tips from an expert in her field, Joyce Ford of Blue Fruit Farm, a certified organic berry operation in Winona, Minnesota. Tip #1: teach people why they should eat your fruit. Who knew aronia berries have 4x the antioxidants of blueberries!
A real pioneer in the organic farming movement, Joyce shares her journey from the back-to-the-land movement to today running Blue Fruit Farm with her husband, Jim Riddle. Along the way, Joyce founded the Organic Inspectors Association, served on the MOSES Board of Directors, launched farmers markets, and has led the establishment of various organic standards, training and policy.
Farmer Clare Hintz has earned her PhD in sustainability education as her "fallback" career in case she gets injured or needs to get out of labor-intensive farming at some point. Her dissertation focused on women farmers and permaculture. Clare Hintz runs Elsewhere Farm in Herbster Wisconsin, a 40-acre farm located near the south shore of Lake Superior. Listen in for a smart discussion on realistic planning for women farming solo.
Join us today for a conversation with farmer Clare Hintz of Elsewhere Farm as she shares her insights and inspiration for women running solo operations. Clare's 40-acre farm is located near the south shore of Lake Superior--"If you can farm here you can farm anywhere." She uses organic practices and permaculture design principles and boasts about 700 fruit and nut trees, approximately half of which are in production. She also has a market garden with heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable varieties, and keeps bees and rare breed Icelandic chickens. Lots of work!
Farmer Clare Hintz talks about a topic near and dear to her heart: using ecological design and drawing from a number of traditions to steward our land and produce healthy food to boot. She has a 40-acre farm near the south shore of Lake Superior in Herbster, Wis. She uses organic practices and permaculture design principles and now has about 700 fruit and nut trees, with about half in full production mode. Her intensively planted market garden features heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable varieties, bees, and rare-breed Icelandic chickens.
Today we welcome farmer Clare Hintz of Elsewhere Farm, a 40-acre farm near the south shore of Lake Superior. "If you can farm here, you can farm anywhere," Clare says of the challenging soils. She uses organic practices and permaculture design principles for about 700 fruit and nut trees, approximately half of which are in production on five acres. Her intensively planted market garden features heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable varieties, She also manages bees and rare breed Icelandic chickens.
We wrap up our conversation with Kirsten Jurcek of Brattset Family Farm and get her advice on finding a mentor and harvesting a farming education amidst an abundance of resources. Her top pick? The annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference. Listen in for good advice from this seasoned grazing educator.
Today we continue our conversation with Kirsten as she shares how she returned to her family farm and built on the farming wisdom of her parents while shifting the farm from row crops to a rotational grazing operation for a grass-fed beef herd—in part to create a workspace to accommodate her role as a parent of young kids. Hear her insights on how she integrates 3 generations on her farm.
Get tips from Kirsten Jurcek on the importance of cover crops in all farming systems. She is a farmer champion for the National Wildlife Federation, teaching farmers about cover crops. Hear how cover crops help keep our waterways clean, protect fields from erosion, and build organic matter and fertility in the soil.
Today we welcome farmer Kirsten Jurcek of Bratsett Family Farm in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Kirsten went back to the family farm she grew up on, reinventing the farm in partnership with her family to be an intensive rotational grazing operation and home to a grass-fed beef herd. Kirsten also works as a grazing educator, teaching other farmers to become better graziers through proper management of their soils, forage, and livestock.
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Ali Berlow shares how diversification can grow the financial outlook for our businesses and also give us multiple platforms for education and outreach. Ali is a writer, host of the weekly Local Food Report produced by Atlantic Public Media, co-publisher of Edible Vineyard and author of "The Food Activists Handbook" and "Mobile Poultry Slaughterhouse."
Today we continue our conversation about ways we, as women farmers, can amplify our stories to market and grow our business and also get the story of organic agriculture out there to the media. One idea: organize a farm tour just for media!
The conversation continues with author Ali Berlow as she shares ideas to help us take a leadership role in our local communities to advocate for food-system change.
Ali Berlow is a multifaceted entrepreneur, author, educator, and organizer shaped by her Wisconsin roots, growing up under the Aldo Leopold conservation ethic. She makes her home today on Martha’s Vineyard, bringing her community together around the potluck table for collaboration that yields results.
Today's episode with Kara O'Connor, Government Relations Director for the Wisconsin Farmers Union, digs into the heart of what needs to happen to change our agricultural system: more women in leadership positions, especially elected office!
Join Kara O'Connor (Government Relations Director for the Wisconsin Farmers Union) and continue the policy discussion from our last episode to learn about specific strategies & tactics you can do on your own that will only take minutes but have huge impact.
Join Kara O'Connor, Government Relations Director for the Wisconsin Farmers Union, and learn why policy is important to farmers and especially how we as women farmers running operations that don't always fit the expected agriculture mold need to amplify our voices.
Kara O'Connor, Government Relations Director for the Wisconsin Farmers Union, talks about how she got where she is, from idea seeds planted during travels in France to law school to always having a desire to fight for the underdog. Great tips for anyone looking to chart a career path championing family farms.
Hear how April diversified her farm business plan to include hosting farm-to-table events to showcase her farm’s meat. From getting her catering license to successfully pulling off that first event, April gives insider advice for those who want to add an income stream from on-farm events.
Today we learn about heritage hogs and marketing meat with with April Prusia of Dorothy’s Range in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. April shares insights to help you research and identify what breeds might be best for your farm, successful marketing strategies, and how to increase the population of heritage hogs – and grow your business – through feeder pigs.
Come sit around the kitchen table with April Prusia of Dorothy’s Range in Blanchardville , Wisconsin, as she shares her farm story. She started with vegetables and, thanks to advice from a fellow female farmer and a dash of serendipity, found her niche raising heritage hogs.
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Jane has been raising herbs and crafting various herbal products since 1990. She has blended her passion for herbs with savvy marketing skills to build a successful enterprise. Hear how she has made it all work.
Katy shares how she slowly and steadily built a CSA base in her rural community—it’s all about educating potential members. By sharing information on CSA with her local community, Katy built her business while strengthening other local farms.
Katy Dickson of Christensen Farm offers personal insight into raising a family while growing a CSA farm business. Her older kids are now taking active roles in running their own entrepreneurial ventures from the farm.
Today we’re focusing on cover crops with Katy Dickson of Christensen Farm in Browntown, Wisconsin. Learn about how she worked with her different levels of clay-based soil and rotating different cover crops to enhance fertility.
Katy Dickson of Christensen Farm in Browntown, Wisconsin, came back to the family farm—something as a teen she swore she never would do. After stints in the Peace Corp and living around the country, she was drawn back to her home roots. Now she grows healthy organic produce for her community with her husband, Mark, and her parents.
We’re talking today with Jen Miller of Prairie Wind Family Farm in Grayslake, Illinois, about how she transitioned from a full-time corporate job to full-time farming, and how she uses skills learned on the job to help her farm—think “Excel.”
Jen shares how she integrates parenthood with the farm business (walkie talkies help), and how her children are learning entrepreneurial and life skills helping out at the farmers market and around the farm.
Learn how cover crops serve many purposes on windy land. Jen shares how she experiments to improve soil fertility.
Jen Miller started farming at Sandhill Family Farms and now owns Prairie Wind Family Farm in Grayslake, Illinois. We talk about her farm start-up success strategies, the importance of mentors, networking with other women, and reaching customers through cooking and CSA add-ons. It’s all about building connections and systems thinking, shares Jen.
We’re digging in with Kriss Marion of Circle M Farm in Blanchardville, Wis. as she inspires all of us to take the time to get involved with issues we care about. From running for and winning a seat on County Board to serving as her Wisconsin Farmers Union chapter president, Kriss shares how being a woman from outside the conventional agriculture norm can spark conversations, community and change.
Episode 12: Find Your Tribe – Growing Local Farmer Connections with Kriss Marion by MOSES: Rural Women's Project
Do you have a dream of hosting guests on your farm through running a B&B? That’s exactly what Kriss Marion of Circle M Farm in Blanchardville, Wisconsin successfully did quickly. Hear her marketing strategies and how diversification adds up to a savvy business strategy.
Come sit around the kitchen table with the mighty Kriss Marion of Circle M Farm in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Kriss may have started her farm operation as a new transplant from the urban confines of Chicago over 12 years ago, but she quickly learned the key ingredient to growing a successful farm business: It’s all about community.
Dela Ends of Scotch Hill Farm is a true organic pioneer, starting as one of the first CSAs in Wisconsin. Dela raises more than vegetables on her land: she’s committed to her family and the next generation of eaters, stepping up to the leadership plate to get things done.
We’re digging in with Rachel Hershberger of Clay Bottom Farm in Goshen, Indiana on how she and her husband, Ben Hartman, prioritize creating a balanced life on the farm, from shifting to a three season CSA so they can have some time off in-between to nearby regular camping trips with the kids.
Join Rachel Hershberger of Clay Bottom Farm in Goshen, Indiana as we talk about farming with young kids and how there’s no magic formula or master plan for integrating family, but a lot of adjusting and joy in the process.
Today we’re focusing on cover crops with advice from Rachel Herschberger of Clay Bottom Farm in Goshen, Indiana. Rachel and her family have used a variety of cover crops on their farm to help build the soil from being so dense with clay that her husband could spin a pot to today with soil made up of twelve percent organic matter.
Gather around the kitchen table with Rachel Herschberger of Clay Bottom Farm in Goshen, Indiana, and hear how her market farm and young family are thriving. How does she do it all? Creative frugality, keeping things lean and debt-free. “The slow approach lets you not get in too over your head financially,” advises Rachel.
We’re digging in with Kathy as she imparts insights and wisdom on farming female and how to keep true to one’s values and integrity when you are outside the expected norm. From starting off in her first ag job as a feed rep being the only female in a meeting of 432 to advice on navigating regulations working with agencies, Kathy offers pragmatic advice on being yourself with honesty, integrity and transparency.
Kathy offers personal insight into both the challenges and opportunities of running her operation as a solo woman farmer. Be brutally honest with yourself, know what you are skilled at and admit what you’re not good at or don’t love at and hire that out. Farming solo also gives Kathy the opportunity to learn new things she never would have otherwise. Or as Kathy puts it: “Plumbing is kinda cool.”
Learn about how Kathy is working to continually add fertility to her highly erodible land and her mission to fight thistle with cover crops. Kathy’s advice: “Bare land is bad.” Use those cover crops.
The In Her Boots Podcast celebrates the collaborative spirit of women farmers, sharing ideas and inspiration with each other, championing women farmers cultivating the sustainable and organic agriculture movement. Brought to you by the award-winning Rural Women’s Project, a venture of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).
Some episodes are “main dishes,” slightly longer and digging deeper into these women’s history and start-up stories. Others are “side dishes,” shorter segments that focus on a specific topic from a female farmer lens. These episodes are hosted by Lisa Kivirist, founder and coordinator of the Rural Women’s Project. A farmer herself, Lisa runs Inn Serendipity Farm and B&B with her family in Wisconsin and is the author of Soil Sisters: A Toolkit for Women Farmers. The audio engineer is Liam Kivirist of Techsocket.net.
This podcast was made possible through support from North Central SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education). This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under an On-Farm Research/Partnership Project award number ONC15-006 through the North Central Region SARE program. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.