The Thriving Farmer Podcast: Recent Episodes
Michael Kilpatrick
If you’re looking to build a profitable farm that works, The Thriving Farmer Podcast is for you. Learn the latest tricks and strategies from successful farmers, strategize with in-depth interviews with leaders in the industry, and connect with stories of farmers just like you. With over 15 years of farming background, your host Michael Kilpatrick has the experience and authority to bring you practical advice, ask the hard questions, tease out the gold nuggets, and help share what it’s really like to build a truly profitable, sustainable farm. In the interviews, we focus on building farms that last, setting up your systems, knowing your customers, building your team, and treading that ever-challenging work/family/life balance.
What does it look like to steward a diversified organic farm across six generations?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by John Bell, managing owner of Elmwood Stock Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. John and his wife Melissa are raising the farm’s seventh generation while managing over 400 acres of USDA Certified Organic vegetables, poultry, pork, and grass-fed beef.
Since becoming certified organic in 2000, Elmwood Stock Farm has focused on sustainable rotations of crops and livestock to build soil health, reduce off-farm inputs, and nourish their community with nutrient-dense food.
Tune in to hear how this legacy farm continues to thrive in a modern marketplace.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
- Farm history – When Elmwood Stock Farm was established and how it’s evolved [0:59]
- Animal integration – How and when livestock were added to the operation [8:29]
- Customer base – Who buys their diverse organic products and how they connect with their market [21:17]
- Vision for the future – John’s thoughts on where Elmwood is headed in the coming years [29:49]
- Location advantage – Why their Kentucky location works for organic sales [33:28]
- Team dynamics – What their year-round and seasonal staffing looks like [40:59]
- Favorite tool – The tool John relies on most in his daily work [42:59]
Don’t miss this episode if you’re curious about running a truly diversified, multi-generational organic farm that continues to innovate while staying true to its roots.
About the Guest:
John Bell has spent his life working on Elmwood Stock Farm, a sixth-generation family farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. As a managing owner, John leads organic vegetable production and oversees their pastured pork and grass-fed Wagyu-Angus cattle operations. He’s an active voice in regional agricultural leadership and a past board chair of the Organic Association of Kentucky. Alongside his wife Melissa, John is raising the farm’s next generation while advancing a vision of ecological farming and community nourishment.
Connect with Elmwood Stock Farm: 🌐 Website: Elmwood Stock Farm 📸 Instagram: Follow @elmwoodstockfarm👍🏼 Facebook: Like ElmwoodStockFarm ▶️ YouTube: Subscribe to Elmwood Stock Farm
What does it look like to transform land, community, and food systems—all at once?
This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Zeb Horrell, Chief Regenerative Officer at Mangaroa Farms in Whitemans Valley, New Zealand. Zeb is a third-generation farmer turned regenerative land steward, working to reimagine what farming can be through bioregional resilience, collaborative land models, and deep ecological awareness.
At Mangaroa Farms—a community food hub and living laboratory—they’re transitioning former dairy and pine operations into regenerative agriculture and native forest systems.
Tune in to hear how Zeb is integrating education, community events, and hands-on ecological practices to build a thriving, resilient future from the ground up.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
- Early background – What Zeb was doing before joining Mangaroa Farms [3:22]
- Farm enterprises – The mix of operations they manage, from animals to vegetables [4:46]
- Leadership role – What Zeb’s work as Chief Regenerative Officer involves [8:23]
- Market garden crops – What they grow and how long their season lasts [14:00]
- Volunteer programs – How they’re engaging the community in hands-on learning [18:18]
- Events & outreach – The kinds of educational events they host on the farm [23:15]
- Spreading the word – How Mangaroa Farms gets the word out about their programs [27:01]
- Animal processing – How they manage ethical and localized animal processing [31:02]
- Favorite farm tool – The tool Zeb can’t live without on the farm [36:40]
Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in how regenerative farming can strengthen communities, heal ecosystems, and reconnect people with the land—no matter where in the world you farm.
About the Guest:
Zebulon Horrell is a regenerative land steward and community weaver based in Southland, New Zealand. After transitioning his family’s 1,000-acre sheep farm to more ecological practices, he founded the Future Whenua Collective to support land-based solutions through education, collaboration, and events. Today, Zeb works as the Chief Regenerative Officer at Mangaroa Farms, a resilient community food hub and educational center that integrates market gardening, native forest regeneration, and regenerative grazing practices. His mission is to foster bioregional resilience and ecological awareness for future generations.
Connect with Mangaroa Farms: 🌐 Website: Mangaroa Farms 📸 Instagram: Follow Mangaroa Farms 👍🏼 Facebook: Like Mangaroa Farms
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
What role does security play in building a thriving homestead?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim Eng, a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and real estate expert who now helps families transition into resilient, self-sufficient homesteads. After years in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the U.S., Tim and his family made the leap to homesteading in Tennessee.
With a background in military engineering and a passion for regenerative living, Tim now teaches homesteaders how to build security into their land, homes, and communities—from the ground up.
Tune in to hear how Tim combines military strategy and permaculture to help others protect what matters most.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
- Why security matters: Why should every homesteader take security into account?
- Axis Control: What it means and how it applies to protecting your land [12:05]
- Preparedness Planning: What emergency preparedness really looks like for homesteaders [19:23]
- Smart Land Buying: What to consider when purchasing a homestead property [22:22]
- Lessons from Experience: Tim’s personal examples and the mindset shift behind homestead security [27:25]
Don’t miss this episode if you’re building a homestead and want to ensure your property, family, and food systems are secure and resilient.
About the Guest:
Tim Eng is a West Point graduate and former Army combat engineer who served in Iraq before becoming a top real estate agent in the San Francisco Bay Area. After relocating to Tennessee with his wife and children, Tim answered the "Call to Farms" and now lives a regenerative homesteading lifestyle. Through his platform The Homesteading Agent, he combines military expertise, real estate insight, and a passion for preparedness to help others find and secure land for resilient living.
Connect with Tim Eng: 🌐 Website: The Homesteading Agent 📸 Instragram: Follow on Instagram 👍 Facebook: Like on Facebook 🎧 Podcast: Call to Farms Podcast
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
How can homesteaders empower the next generation through practical, real-world learning?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kody Hanner, a homesteader, author, and educator based in North Idaho. As the founder of The Homestead Education, Kody helps families integrate homesteading and self-sufficiency into their homeschooling journey. What began as a personal health journey turned into a life-changing homestead and a mission to equip children with the tools they need to thrive outside the traditional classroom.
Tune in to hear how Kody’s family healed, homesteaded, and built a thriving educational business to help others do the same.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
Health Journey: What led Kody to rethink her family’s lifestyle and food choices? [1:41] Healing at Home: How the Hanners reversed a terminal diagnosis with food and farming [3:47] Moving Without a Map: What gave Kody the courage to leap into homesteading with no clear plan? [13:33] Hands-On Learning: How Kody’s curriculum brings homestead science into kids’ daily lives [24:28] Raising Show Pigs: What goes into producing high-quality, pasture-raised pork? [27:55] Health Differences: How do naturally raised pigs compare to conventional ones? [33:38] Finding Her Audience: When did Kody realize her work could reach beyond her farm? [37:53] Homestead Topics: What does Kody cover on The Homestead Education Podcast? [45:35] Kid Engagement: How does she keep her kids involved and excited about homesteading? [56:26]
Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about teaching kids where food comes from, living with purpose, and making homesteading part of your family’s education.
About Kody Hanner:
Kody Hanner is a homesteader, proud homeschool mom, and the creator of The Homestead Education; a company that provides educational resources that aim to teach children self-sufficiency through hands-on learning. The Hanner Family runs a direct-to-consumer pork operation in North Idaho and enjoys educating across the country.
Connect with Kody Hanner:
🌐 Website: The Homestead Education 📸 Instagram: Follow @homesteadeducation👍🏼 Facebook: Like @homesteadeducation📺 YouTube: Subscribe to HomesteadEducation 🎧 Podcast: The Homestead Education Podcast
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
How can global trade empower farmers and create a more just food system?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Paul Rice, Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. After spending more than a decade working with coffee farmers in Nicaragua, Paul returned to the U.S. to launch the Fair Trade Certified™ label—transforming the way we think about sourcing coffee, cocoa, produce, apparel, and more.
Since 1998, Paul has partnered with over 1,400 companies, from Whole Foods to Patagonia, helping channel billions of dollars into the hands of farmers and workers worldwide. In this episode, he shares the early days of the movement, what’s changed for farmers globally, and how transparency, sustainability, and equity are shaping the future of food and farming.
Tune in to hear how Paul’s on-the-ground experience shaped a global movement, why Fair Trade still matters today, and what’s next for ethical sourcing and sustainable farming.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
- Origins Abroad: What took Paul to Nicaragua, and what he learned from over a decade working with farmers [1:45]
- Coffee Cycles: What the farming year looks like for a typical smallholder coffee farmer [3:54]
- Market Shifts: How relationships between farmers and buyers are evolving [13:20]
- Starting Fair Trade USA: The leap from on-the-ground work to building a movement [18:16]
- Funding Ethics: How Fair Trade USA sustains its mission and growth [21:09]
- Defining Child Labor: The complexities of global labor standards [28:18]
- The Book: Why Paul decided to document his journey and lessons learned [41:16]
- Tariffs & Trade: Paul’s take on how policy affects global food systems [45:17]
- In the Garden: Paul’s favorite veggie to grow at home [48:31]
Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about fair trade, ethical sourcing, and how food systems can create real change in the world.
About the Guest: Paul Rice is the founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA, the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America. After working with smallholder farmers in Nicaragua for over a decade, Paul returned to the U.S. and launched the Fair Trade Certified™ label in 1998. Under his leadership, the organization has generated more than $1.2 billion in financial impact for over 1 million farmers and workers across 70 countries.
A globally recognized social entrepreneur, Paul has been honored by Fast Company, the Skoll Foundation, and the World Economic Forum for his visionary leadership in sustainable business and ethical trade. Today, he continues to push for greater transparency, justice, and opportunity across global food and apparel supply chains.
Connect with Paul Rice and Fair Trade USA:
🌍 Website: Fair Trade Certified 📘 Book: Every Purchase Matters: How Fair Trade Farmers, Companies, and Consumers Are Changing the World 📸 Instagram: Follow Fair Trade Certified 👍 Facebook: Like Fair Trade USA
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
What does it take to build a thriving farm business while raising a family and stewarding the land for the next generation? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kyle Becker, owner of Becker Farms in Moorland, Indiana. Since 2007, Kyle and his wife, Emily, have grown their farm from a small freezer beef operation into a diversified livestock farm offering beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, and local milk. In addition to running the farm, Kyle works as a food animal veterinarian, serving dairy and beef farms across Indiana and Ohio. With a deep focus on soil health, responsible stewardship, and producing nutrient-dense food, the Beckers are committed to providing safe, high-quality products to their community.
Tune in to hear how Kyle balances farming, veterinary work, and family life — and why soil health is at the root of it all.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
- Farm beginnings: Kyle shares the story behind Becker Farms and their mission to raise safe, healthy meats [1:32]
- Land and livestock: How they manage their acreage and raise multiple animal proteins [11:50]
- USDA challenges: Kyle’s perspective on the regulatory hurdles farmers face [18:53]
- Indiana regulations: The specific rules that impact their farm operations [27:52]
- Bird flu impacts: How Becker Farms navigated the challenges of avian influenza outbreaks [28:38]
- Turkey production: What raising and marketing turkeys looks like on their farm [36:34]
- Marketing strategies: How Becker Farms connects with customers through farmers markets and online sales [39:56]
- Words of wisdom: Kyle’s advice for beginning farmers and lessons learned along the way [49:53]
Don’t miss this episode if you’re curious about building a diversified livestock operation and creating a meaningful connection with your community through high-quality, local food!
Connect with Becker Farms:
🌍 Website: Becker Farms📸 Instagram: Follow Becker Farms📖 Facebook: Like Becker Farms
About the Guest: Kyle Becker is the owner of Becker Farms in northeast Henry County, Indiana, where he and his wife, Emily, raise beef, pork, poultry, and eggs with a focus on soil health and environmental stewardship. Raised on a livestock and grain farm in Wayne County, Kyle developed a love for farming early on and pursued his passion through a B.S. in Animal Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Purdue University. Alongside farming, Kyle serves as a food animal veterinarian for Heritage Vet Partners, working with dairy and beef farms across Indiana and Ohio. Since founding Becker Farms in 2007, Kyle and Emily have expanded their offerings and built a loyal customer base at farmers markets and through local delivery. Their mission is simple but powerful: to grow nutrient-dense, responsibly raised food while improving the land for future generations.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
What does it look like to farm beyond organic on a small scale with big impact?
On this episode, Michael is joined by Taylor Bemis, co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Oregon’s Hood River Valley. Since 2012, Taylor and his wife, cookbook author Andrea Bemis, have been growing vibrant, pesticide-free produce on just over two acres. Together, they run a 160-member CSA and sell at the Hood River Farmers Market.
With a strong focus on educating their community about the nutritional power of fresh, local food, Taylor and Andrea go beyond organic standards—often labeling their vegetables with the health benefits right in the box.
Tune in to hear how they built their farm from scratch, how Taylor approaches efficiency, and what keeps their CSA community coming back year after year.
Episode Highlights: * Tumbleweed’s Story: How Taylor got started farming in the Pacific Northwest [1:42] * Nutritional Value: Why Taylor highlights the health benefits of each veggie in the CSA [9:40] * What Grows Best: The seasonal vegetables that anchor Tumbleweed’s offerings [12:23] * Labor and Logistics: How they staff the farm and balance the busy seasons [17:14] * Climate Challenges: What it’s like to grow in the unique Hood River Valley [28:18] * CSA and Market Strategy: How Taylor manages customer experience and consistency [36:17] * Small Farm Systems: What has helped Tumbleweed Farm become more efficient over time [41:23]
Don’t miss this episode if you’ve ever wondered how to run a thriving small farm while educating your community about the true value of healthy, local food.
About the Guest: Taylor Bemis is the co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Mount Hood, Oregon, where he’s been growing nutrient-dense, pesticide-free vegetables since 2012. Originally from Concord, Massachusetts, Taylor farms alongside his wife, Andrea Bemis, a cookbook author and passionate advocate for real food. Together, they’ve built a highly engaged CSA program and market presence that not only feeds their community but also educates customers on the health benefits of eating locally and seasonally. Their focus on transparency, soil health, and simplicity in farming continues to inspire a loyal following—and a healthier food system.
📲 Connect with Tumbleweed Farm:
🌍 Website: Tumbleweed Farm 📸 Instagram: Follow Tumbleweed Farm📖 Andrea's Recipes & Cookbooks: Dishing up the Dirt
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
What happens when two first-generation farmers decide to team up instead of compete?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jody Prosser and Mady Hastings, co-owners of Urban Roots Collective in Simpsonville, South Carolina. These first-generation female farmers each started out with their own small farms and no prior ag experience—but when they met, they quickly realized they could grow more and serve more together.
Now operating as a team, they’re cultivating vegetables, flowers, and animals on regenerative principles and selling through a unique farmstand model that’s as much about community as it is about food.
Tune in to hear how they built Urban Roots from the ground up, the lessons they’ve learned in soil health, collaboration, and customer engagement, and what’s next for this dynamic duo.
Episode Highlights: * The Origin Story: How did Mady and Jody move from running competing farms to joining forces? [1:45] * Soil Strategies: How they approach soil fertility and composting in a tough growing region [9:00] * Animals on the Farm: The breeds they raise and how they find niche markets for their products [14:21] * Floral Focus: How flowers play into their farm’s identity and offerings [17:11] * Selling Plants: What they’ve learned about marketing and moving plant starts [26:16] * Sales Strategy: Their approach to encouraging customer loyalty and repeat visits [31:52] * The Trading Post: How this farmstand supports both their business and local makers [36:58] * Future Goals: What they’re dreaming up next for Urban Roots Collective [38:50]
Don't miss Mady and Jody’s inspiring story of how teamwork, tenacity, and a shared vision transformed two solo farms into a thriving collaborative rooted in regenerative practices and deep community connection.
About the Guests: Urban Roots Collective is a regenerative farm offering top notch, "beyond organic" flowers, produce, heritage meats, eggs and more. Jody and Mady are competitors turned business partners after a friendship blossomed through shared interests and their "same person, different font" energy. Once their separate businesses collided, Urban Roots Collective was born; expanding their reach, impact, and mission ten fold.
📲 Connect with Urban Roots Collective:
🌍 Website: Urban Roots Collective 📸 Instagram: Follow Urban Roots Collective 👍🏼 Facebook: Like Urban Roots Collective
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
How can agritourism deepen community connections and support a diversified farm?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Maren Beard, co-owner of Luna Valley Farm in Decorah, Iowa. Maren and her husband, Tom, run a certified organic regenerative farm, raising 100% grass-fed cattle and sheep while also serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas to their community.
Tune in to hear how Luna Valley is creating connection through food and what it really takes to run a thriving pizza farm!
Episode Highlights: * Origin Story: How did Maren and Tom get started with Luna Valley Farm? [1:41] * Turning a Barn into a Pizzeria: What inspired the idea for pizza nights, and how did it grow? [6:49] * Day-to-Day Life: What does a typical week look like on Luna Valley? [8:51] * Wood-Fired Pizza: What are the most popular pizza offerings, and what makes them so special? [16:47] * Cattle Farming: How does the grass-fed cattle operation fit into their regenerative practices? [24:45] * Hindsight: What would Maren do differently if she were to start over again? [32:36]
Don’t miss this episode to hear how Maren is blending food, farming, and hospitality to build something truly special in rural Iowa!
📲 Connect with Luna Valley Farm: 🌎 Website: Luna Valley Farm 📸 Instagram: Follow @lunavalleyfarm 👍🏼 Facebook: Like Luna Valley Farm
About the Guest: After a youth spent in rural Wisconsin, Maren studied Environmental Studies and Spanish at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. After earning a M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems she worked on campus sustainability issues in the Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities for nearly a decade. These days she is a full time pizza farmer! When she's not preparing for and hosting pizza nights, she loves taking local adventures with Fritz (3), Otto (1) and her partner Tom.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, Real Organic Project.
Are you an organic farmer looking to communicate the premium quality of your milk, meat, fruits, veggies, or CSA shares to shoppers?
Through a no-cost, add-on certification to USDA certified-organic, Real Organic Project aims to bring organic back to its high-integrity roots, prioritizing healthy soil, humane treatment of animals, labor protections and a more regionally based agriculture for community well-being. The application deadline is coming up on Tuesday, April 15th. Visit https://realorganicproject.org/apply to submit an application and join the movement today!
All applications received by April 15th are guaranteed a 2025 inspection.
👉Visit https://realorganicproject.org/apply to apply today!
How can urban farming transform communities and increase access to fresh, local food?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Devon Wilson, founder and farmer of Sunlight Gardens, a two-acre organic urban farm in Battle Creek, Michigan. Devon started Sunlight Gardens to increase access to fresh, local food and inspire the next generation of farmers through their fresh corner store, community events, and Farm Squad youth program.
Devon’s passion for food justice stems from personal experience—witnessing multiple family members struggle with diet-related illnesses. Now, he’s working toward equitable food systems and sustainable change by bringing fresh produce to his community.
Tune in to hear how Devon and his team built Sunlight Gardens from the ground up and what’s next for this thriving urban farm!
Episode Highlights: * Getting Started: How did Devon get into farming? [1:33] * Land Access: How did Sunlight Gardens acquire its current property? [5:05] * Fresh Corner Store: How did Farmacy come to be, and what do they offer? [14:08] * Global Insights: What did Devon learn from his fellowship in Japan? [27:56] * Farming in Japan: How is agriculture evolving, and what’s changing for the better? [38:45] * Looking Ahead: What’s Devon’s vision for the future of Sunlight Gardens? [42:47] * New Farmers: What advice does Devon have for aspiring farmers? [46:29]
Don’t miss this episode to hear how Devon is building a thriving urban farm and inspiring the next generation of farmers!
About the Guest: Devon Wilson is the founder and CEO of Sunlight Gardens, a two-acre organic urban farm in Battle Creek, Michigan. Sunlight Gardens’ mission is to increase access to local food and inspire future farmers. The farm features a fresh corner store (Farmacy), six hoop houses, a composting area, an event venue, and a fruit orchard. Through partnerships with local businesses and institutions, Devon and his team are making eating locally fun and accessible.
📲 Connect with Sunlight Gardens: 🌎 Website: Sunlight Gardens 📸 Instagram: Follow @farmervon_ 👍🏼 Facebook: Like Sunlight Gardens
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, Real Organic Project.
Are you an organic farmer looking to communicate the premium quality of your milk, meat, fruits, veggies, or CSA shares to shoppers?
Through a no-cost, add-on certification to USDA certified-organic, Real Organic Project aims to bring organic back to its high-integrity roots, prioritizing healthy soil, humane treatment of animals, labor protections and a more regionally based agriculture for community well-being. The application deadline is coming up on Tuesday, April 15th. Visit https://realorganicproject.org/apply to submit an application and join the movement today!
All applications received by April 15th are guaranteed a 2025 inspection.
👉Visit https://realorganicproject.org/apply to apply today!
How does carrot-finished beef set a new standard for flavor and sustainability?
In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Pettit, third-generation rancher and co-founder of Santa Carota Beef—the only grass-fed, carrot-finished beef on the market. By finishing cattle on a 95% carrot-based diet, Justin has crafted a nutrient-rich, flavorful beef that’s earned praise from top chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay.
Tune in to hear how Justin is redefining high-quality beef with a focus on sustainability, nutrition, and exceptional taste!
Episode Highlights: * Ranching Roots: How did Santa Carota Beef get started? [1:45] * Nutrient Profile: What makes carrot-finished beef different? [7:33] * Life Cycle: What is the journey of Santa Carota’s cattle? [9:56] * Availability: How can customers get their hands on this unique beef? [15:05] * Future Plans: What’s next for Santa Carota Beef? [18:14] * Team and Operations: How big is the Santa Carota team? [23:15] * Farm Life: What’s Justin’s favorite part of ranching? [29:02]
Don't miss this episode on how a family ranching tradition evolved into a game-changing approach to beef production!
About the Guest: Justin Pettit is a third-generation cattle rancher and the visionary co-founder of Santa Carota Beef. Raised in a ranching family, Justin has always been passionate about sustainable livestock management and producing the highest-quality beef possible. His innovative carrot-finished beef has earned national recognition in The New York Times and Food & Wine, setting a new standard for flavor, nutrition, and environmental responsibility.
Justin lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and three children, balancing family life with his mission to bring healthier, more sustainable beef to consumers across the country.
📲 Connect with Santa Carota Beef: 🌎 Website: Santa Carota 📷 Instagram: Follow @santacarotabeef 👍 Facebook: Like Santa Carota Beef
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
How can small-scale farmers maximize productivity while staying true to their values?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Sara Krohn and Sam Odin, owners of Village Farmstead, a USDA-Certified Organic farm in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Farming on just one acre, they prioritize human-scale farming, soil health, and a deep connection to their community.
Sara and Sam are also part of a 14-acre housing cooperative, where their farm integrates with a broader vision of sustainable living. They rely on hand tools, minimal soil disturbance, and permanent raised beds to create a financially and ecologically sustainable farm.
Tune in to hear how they make it all work while maintaining a thriving, small-scale operation!
Episode Highlights: * Farming Beginnings: How did Sara and Sam get started in farming? [1:39] * Farm Layout: What is the setup of Village Farmstead? [4:24] * Soil Fertility: How do they build and maintain soil health? [8:22] * Weekly Schedule: What does a typical week look like on their farm? [15:25] * Soil Mix: What do they use for their seed-starting mix? [25:17] * Community Involvement: How does their workshare and communal living model work? [30:53] * Favorite Farm Tool: What tool do they rely on the most? [37:02]
Don't miss this episode on how small-scale farmers can maximize productivity, build soil health, and foster community while staying financially and ecologically sustainable!
About the Guests: Village Farmstead is a small-scale, Certified Organic farm located on the bluffs of Lake Michigan, just south of Milwaukee. They specialize in growing nutrient-dense food while minimizing soil disturbance and using sustainable farming techniques. Through their farm and cooperative housing model, Sara and Sam are building a resilient, community-focused food system.
📲 Connect with Sara and Sam:
🌎 Website: villagefarmstead.com 📷 Instagram: Follow @villagefarmstead 👍 Facebook: Like Village Farmstead
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
How can farmers integrate trees into vegetable production to enhance yield, biodiversity, and resilience?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Raskin and Andy Dibben, co-authors of Silvohorticulture, the first detailed guide on agroforestry for vegetable farms. With extensive experience in commercial horticulture and agroforestry design, Ben and Andy provide practical insights into how farmers can successfully integrate trees into their growing systems.
Tune in to learn how agroforestry can optimize farm productivity, improve soil health, manage pests, and reduce costs—all while fostering biodiversity and resilience in changing climates.
Episode Highlights: * Farming Beginnings: How did Ben and Andy get into agriculture? [1:44] * Origins of Silvohorticulture: What inspired their book and approach? [3:15] * Managing Tree Roots: How do they prevent competition with vegetables? [15:43] * Crop Compatibility: What crops thrive in their agroforestry systems? [19:33] * Lessons from Other Farms: What innovative agroforestry practices have they seen?[28:42] * Sustainable Coppicing: What tree species are ideal for coppicing? [40:16] * Getting Started: What advice do they have for new farmers? [45:34] * Hindsight Lessons: What would they change if they started over? [53:02]
Don't miss this episode on how silvohorticulture can revolutionize farming by integrating trees with vegetable production!
To learn more about Ben and Andy's book, visit Silvohorticulture.
About the Guests: Ben Raskin has 30 years of experience in farming and horticulture. As the agroforestry lead at the Soil Association, he coordinates agroforestry at Eastbrook Farm in Wiltshire, writes books such as The Woodchip Handbook, and serves as an independent consultant.
Andy Dibben is an organic vegetable farmer with over 15 years of experience. As Head Grower at Abbey Home Farm, he advocates for removing harmful agrochemicals from food production and promotes sustainable farming practices.
📲 Connect with Ben and Andy:
- Ben’s Website: www.benraskin.uk
- Andy’s Farm: The Organic Farm Shop
- Ben’s Instagram: Follow @benlraskin
- Ben’s Facebook: Like Ben Raskin
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
How can farmers streamline record-keeping and operations management with technology?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Tracey Wiedmeyer, co-founder of Gripp. Growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, Tracey combined his deep-rooted agricultural knowledge with his expertise in technology to create a platform that simplifies farm operations. Gripp centralizes everything from equipment tracking to team communication, making it easier for farmers to stay organized and efficient.
Tune in to hear how Tracey and his team are transforming record-keeping, winning industry recognition, and shaping the future of agricultural technology.
Episode Highlights: * Farming Beginnings: What was it like for Tracey growing up on a farm? [1:39] * Career Path: How did Tracey’s journey lead him to agricultural technology? [3:38] * The Birth of Gripp: What convinced Tracey to launch Gripp? [8:25] * Organic Farming: Can Gripp be useful for organic record-keeping? [16:50] * Ease of Use: How tech-friendly is Gripp for farmers? [20:24] * Industry Recognition: How did Gripp win the American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge? [25:08] * Future Innovations: What trends is Tracey seeing in AgTech? [27:07] * What’s Next: Where is Gripp headed in the coming years? [30:47]
Don’t miss this episode on how digital tools can revolutionize farm management and streamline operations with Tracey Wiedmeyer of Gripp!
About the Guest: Tracey Wiedmeyer, co-founder of Gripp, combines his farming upbringing in rural Wisconsin with a hands-on, tech-savvy approach to solving agricultural challenges. With a focus on simplifying record-keeping and communication for farmers, Gripp provides user-friendly tools that make managing operations more efficient. Tracey’s expertise in both farming and technology has earned Gripp industry recognition, including a win at the American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
📲 Connect with Tracey:
- Website: www.gripp.ag
- Instagram: Follow Gripp
- Facebook: Like Gripp
- LinkedIn: Get a Gripp
The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.
Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag’s easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what’s most important—growing.
For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25
👉 Try out Gripp today!
How can farmers and chefs work together to strengthen local food systems?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Trisha Bates, founder of Urban American Farmer in Austin, Texas. Trisha’s background in urban planning and the restaurant industry has shaped her mission to bridge the gap between farms, chefs, and consumers.
Tune in to hear how her work in foodscaping, event planning, and farm education has helped to create a more connected and resilient local food system.
Episode Highlights: * Farming Beginnings: How did Trisha get into farming? [1:36] * Scope of Work: What is Trisha’s current role and responsibilities? [8:22] * Crop Selection: What kinds of crops is she growing? [11:20] * Community Engagement: What kinds of festivals and events does Trisha run? [13:19] * Foodscaping Approach: What does Urban American Farmer do with foodscaping? [19:44] * Lessons Learned: What would Trisha change if she could start her farming journey over again? [27:14]
Don't miss this episode on the power of urban agriculture, foodscaping, and building stronger local food systems with Trisha Bates of Urban American Farmer!
About the Guest: Trisha Bates is the founder of Urban American Farmer, a business dedicated to fostering engagement in local food systems through foodscaping, community events, and chef partnerships. In 2021, she co-founded Field Guide Festival, an Austin-based food system festival that brings farmers and chefs together in an interactive experience. Trisha is passionate about sustainable food production, mentorship in agriculture, and helping people reconnect with their food sources.
Connect with Trisha Bates:
- Website: urbanamericanfarmer.com
- Instagram: Follow @urbanamericanfarmer
This episode is brought to you by Farm on Central and Simonian Production Services Looking for high-quality, organic almonds grown with regenerative practices? Farm on Central's online shop has partnered with Simonian Production Services to offer premium, nutrient-dense almonds straight from their farm in California’s San Joaquin Valley. With a focus on soil health and sustainable farming, Jimmy and his team ensure that every almond is packed with flavor and nutrition.
Whether you're a chef, retailer, or just love great almonds, reach out today to learn more about bulk ordering and direct farm-to-consumer sales!
👉 Click here to order bulk almonds!
How can insects transform agriculture and waste management?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Josh Galt, a global nomad turned regenerative agriculture innovator. Now based in Mexico, Josh is pioneering the use of black soldier fly larvae for waste management, animal feed, and organic fertilizer. He also collaborates with smallholder farmers to develop consumer products like coffee, chocolate, and tropical fruits grown in BSFL-enriched soil.
Tune in to hear how black soldier flies are transforming agriculture by turning waste into a sustainable resource for soil health and animal feed!
Episode Highlights: * Josh’s Journey: Where is Josh currently located? [0:53] * Industry Experience: What programs has Josh been involved with? [2:55] * Insect Farming 101: What is the life cycle of black soldier flies? [11:09] * Harvesting Process: How does Josh harvest black soldier flies? [21:35] * Future of Insects in Agriculture: What does Josh see for the future of insect farming? [28:23] * Beekeeping & Innovation: What does Josh do with honey bees? [47:00]
Don’t miss this episode on how black soldier flies are revolutionizing waste management, animal feed, and organic farming through regenerative agriculture!
About the Guest: Josh Galt is a regenerative agriculture innovator who has lived on various types of farms across the world. He specializes in black soldier fly farming for waste management, natural animal feed, and organic fertilizer. Now based in Mexico, he and his wife work with smallholder farmers to develop consumer products like coffee, chocolate, and a new honeybee product called beeghee.
Connect with Josh Galt:
- Website: Josh Galt
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Seedtime! Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com. 👉🏼 Learn more about Seedtime today!
How can homesteaders successfully raise dairy sheep for milk, fiber, and more?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Rachel Hester, sustainable sheep farmer and author of The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep. Rachel and her husband, Kyle, started farming in 2017 after purchasing an abused, foreclosed 8-acre property. Passionate about sustainable farming and inspired by her family’s health journey, Rachel advocates for the benefits of sheep-based products like milk, wool, and heirloom-quality textiles, blending tradition with modern farm life.
Whether you’re considering dairy sheep for your farm or just curious about their role in sustainable agriculture, this episode is packed with insights!
Episode Highlights: * Getting Started: How did Rachel begin her sheep farming journey? [1:00] * Breed Selection: What are the best dairy-specific sheep? [3:10] * Lamb Nutrition: How does Rachel ensure proper nutrition? [11:08] * Mixed Breeds: Why does she maintain a diverse flock? [14:44] * Parasite Management: What strategies help keep her flock healthy? [18:02] * Marketing & Sales: How does she sell sheep products like milk and wool? [23:00] * Challenges & Realities: Who is homestead sheep farming not for? [37:49]
Don’t miss Rachel’s insights on choosing the right dairy sheep breeds, managing parasites in a small flock, and how sheep milk and wool can add value to a homestead farm.
About the Guest: Rachel Hester is the author of The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep, the only book in print dedicated to raising sheep for milk. Based in Central Kentucky, she and her family manage an 8.5-acre homestead with a flock of 20-30 sheep. Passionate about the benefits of sheep milk and wool, Rachel also handspins and knits wool into heirloom-quality textiles.
Connect with Rachel Hester: * Website: Whoopsy Daisy Farm * Her Book: The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep * Instagram: Follow Whoopsy Daisy Farm * Facebook: Like Whoopsy Daisy Farm * YouTube: Subscribe to Whoopsy Daisy Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Seedtime!
Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal.
For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.
👉🏼 Learn more about Seedtime today!
How can regenerative farming practices help address the challenges facing almond farmers in California?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Jimmy Simonian, owner of Simonian Production Services in Fresno, California. Jimmy and his wife, Jennifer, started farming with no prior experience. However, through dedication and a commitment to organic and regenerative practices, they’ve built a thriving almond farm.
From navigating California’s water challenges to improving soil health with innovative techniques, Jimmy shares his insights into the evolving landscape of farming.
Tune in to hear Jimmy’s journey and the challenges and innovations shaping modern almond farming!
Episode Highlights:
- Diverse Crops: What crops does Jimmy grow on his farm? [2:15]
- Optimizing with Bees: How does Jimmy work with bees on the farm? [6:50]
- Cover Crops: How does Jimmy implement cover crops? [10:22]
- Soil Biology: What steps does Jimmy take to enhance soil biology? [12:16]
- Labor on the Farm: How many H2A workers are employed at Simonian Production Services? [21:48]
- Water Management: How does Jimmy manage water on the farm? [24:28]
- Almond Industry Challenges: What’s happening with the California almond industry? [32:43]
- Sap Testing: What is the sap test, and how does it improve almond quality? [39:59]
- Long-Term Goals: What are Jimmy’s long-term goals for Simonian Production Services? [55:20]
Don't miss Jimmy's insights on how sap testing is helping to improve almond quality and why regenerative practices are the future of sustainable farming.
About the Guest: Jimmy Simonian is the owner of Simonian Production Services, located south of Fresno, California. With no prior farming experience, Jimmy and his wife, Jennifer, took on the challenge of organic almond farming, earning their certification after three years of dedication. Today, they focus on regenerative farming techniques that prioritize soil health, microbial activity, and nutrient-dense food production. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture has led them to innovative solutions like sap testing, compost teas, and eliminating fungicides in favor of mineral nutrition. Jimmy is passionate about growing high-quality food and believes that consumers deserve better.
If you'd like to connect with Jimmy, please email him at jimmysimonian@gmail.com.
This episode is brought to you by Farm on Central and Simonian Production Services Looking for high-quality, organic almonds grown with regenerative practices? Farm on Central's online shop has partnered with Simonian Production Services to offer premium, nutrient-dense almonds straight from their farm in California’s San Joaquin Valley. With a focus on soil health and sustainable farming, Jimmy and his team ensure that every almond is packed with flavor and nutrition.
Whether you're a chef, retailer, or just love great almonds, reach out today to learn more about bulk ordering and direct farm-to-consumer sales!
👉 Click here to order bulk almonds!
What innovative strategies help farms thrive as community hubs in urban and tropical settings?
In this episode, Michael chats with Karl Wiegandt, owner of The Berry Farm in Miami, Florida. As a third-generation farmer, Karl has transformed his family’s farm into a vibrant community hub, offering seasonal festivals, u-pick experiences, and family-friendly activities. From strawberries to sunflower fields and even a wedding venue, The Berry Farm is designed to offer something for everyone, blending tradition with innovation to connect visitors with agriculture in a meaningful way.
Tune in as Karl shares how they manage crop rotations, host large-scale events, and create a unique farm experience in an urban, tropical setting. Episode Highlights:
- A Family Legacy: What brought the Wiegandt family to Florida? [1:11]
- Strawberry Seasons: When and how does The Berry Farm grow strawberries? [7:53]
- Crop Rotations: How do they adjust crops according to the weather? [10:39]
- Event Hosting: What kinds of events does The Berry Farm offer? [11:23]
- Biggest Attractions: Which events draw the largest crowds? [17:21]
- Wedding Venue Management: How do they handle their wedding operations? [26:09]
- Top Sellers: What’s the most profitable food offering at the farm? [27:18]
- Lessons Learned: What would Karl do differently if he could start over? [33:03]
Don’t miss Karl’s insights into creating a farm that is as much an experience as it is a thriving business!
About the Guest: Karl Wiegandt is the owner of The Berry Farm, located in Miami’s Redland area. With deep roots in farming, Karl has revitalized his family’s operation into a leading agri-tourism destination. By combining u-pick crops, seasonal festivals, and immersive farm activities, Karl continues to bring "a piece of country to Miami," making The Berry Farm a cherished part of the community.
Connect with Karl: * Website: The Berry Farm * Instagram: Follow The Berry Farms * Facebook: Like The Berry Farms
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Seedtime!
Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal.
For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.
👉🏼 Learn more about Seedtime today!
What does it take to scale a business, streamline operations, and keep your books in check?
In this episode, Michael chats with Nathan Hirsch, a lifelong entrepreneur and co-founder of multiple successful ventures, including FreeUp and EcomBalance. Nathan shares how he went from selling textbooks on Amazon to building systems and processes for hiring remote talent and transitioning into bookkeeping services tailored for entrepreneurs.
Tune in to learn how Nathan’s focus on clean bookkeeping, efficient systems, and virtual assistants can help you make smarter business decisions and reduce stress as you grow your business.
Episode Highlights: * Entrepreneurial Beginnings: How did Nathan get started in business? [1:39] * Building Systems: What systems and processes helped him scale his ventures? [5:51] * From FreeUp to Bookkeeping: Why did Nathan transition into bookkeeping after selling FreeUp? [8:38] * Banking Solutions: Which online banks does Nathan recommend for entrepreneurs? [19:59] * How to Connect: Where can listeners learn more about Nathan’s services? [22:51]
Don’t miss Nathan’s insights into scaling a business, simplifying financial management, and the key role of virtual assistants in entrepreneurial success.
About the Guest: Nathan Hirsch is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for simplifying business operations for entrepreneurs. He is the co-founder of FreeUp, EcomBalance, and Outsource School, where he shares his expertise in remote hiring, bookkeeping, and scaling businesses through streamlined systems and processes.
Connect with Nathan: * Website: EcomBalance * LinkedIn: Nathan Hirsch
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Seedtime!
Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal.
For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.
👉🏼 Learn more about Seedtime today!
What does it take to create a thriving, sustainable farm in an urban environment?
In this episode, Michael talks with Alicia Brown and Ben Stein, co-owners of Edible Uprising Farm in Troy, New York. Since 2019, Alicia and Ben have been transforming their 1.5-acre no-till vegetable farm into a powerhouse of productivity and sustainability, growing over 250 varieties of vegetables and flowers. Guided by their motto, “everything with intention,” they thoughtfully approach each decision to maximize short-term efficiency while safeguarding long-term health for the land, their team, and their community.
Tune in to hear their inspiring journey, from starting a farm from scratch to overcoming challenges like the pandemic and extreme weather, all while building a thriving business and family.
Episode Highlights:
- Starting Fresh: What inspired Alicia and Ben to start Edible Uprising Farm? [3:32]
- Urban Farming: How does their farm operate in the heart of Troy, NY? [5:11]
- Growing with Intention: What crops do they grow, and how do they adapt to challenges? [11:02]
- Creative Sales: How do they tackle selling tricky crops like eggplant? [17:26]
- Balancing Family and Farming: How did they manage parenting while farming? [23:57]
- Building a Team: What have they learned about managing a small, resilient team? [30:50]
- Scaling with Purpose: What lessons did they take from scaling up and scaling back down? [41:31]
- Fertility Focus: What does their soil fertility program look like? [44:29]
Don’t miss this engaging conversation as Alicia and Ben share how they’ve built a thriving farm with sustainability and intention at the forefront.
About the Guest:
Alicia Brown and Ben Stein are the co-owners of Edible Uprising Farm, a 1.5-acre no-till vegetable farm in Troy, New York. Since 2019, they’ve grown over 250 varieties of vegetables and flowers on raised beds, all while adhering to organic techniques and prioritizing sustainable farming practices. Their motto, “everything with intention,” guides every aspect of their work, from soil health to community impact.
Connect with Edible Uprising Farm: * Website: Edible Uprising Farm * Instagram: Follow @edibleuprisingfarm * Facebook: Like Edible Uprising Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts!
Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.
👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!
What does it take to inspire a movement toward homegrown food while mastering digital marketing?
In this episode, Michael chats with Marjory Wildcraft, founder of The Grow Network. Marjory shares her journey from engineering to homesteading, driven by the need for local food production. She discusses the power of backyard food production for financial and nutritional independence, along with key marketing strategies for reaching your audience, understanding customer psychology, and expanding your reach.
Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to gardening, Marjory’s insights are a must-listen!
Episode Highlights: * Backyard Food Production: Why is growing food at home important for self-sufficiency? [9:02] * Digital Marketing for Farmers: How can farmers effectively use online marketing to reach their audience? [14:10] * Understanding Customer Psychology: How does Marjory use customer psychology to improve her marketing? [24:59] * Effective Marketing Strategies: What tips does Marjory have for farmers looking to build a digital presence? [34:05] * Simplifying Food Production: What advice does Marjory have for beginners growing their own food? [49:15] * Building Trust with Your Audience: Why is trust crucial in marketing and growing a food business? [32:36]
Here is the link for the website Marjory and Michael discuss during the episode:
http://www.backyardfoodsystem.com/
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Marjory Wildcraft as she shares her mission to make homegrown food accessible to everyone and how you can be part of the movement.
About the Guest:
Marjory Wildcraft is the founder of The Grow Network and a global advocate for homegrown food. She’s been featured by National Geographic and has inspired hundreds of thousands to embrace self-sufficiency. Marjory’s work has won Reuter’s Food Sustainability Media Award and she is the author of the best-selling book The Grow System: The Essential Guide to Modern Self-Sufficient Living. Through her platform, Marjory teaches people how to grow their own food, make medicine, and live off the land.
Connect with Marjory:
- Website: The Grow Network
- Instagram: Follow MarjoryWildcraft
- Facebook: Like The Grow Network
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts!
Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.
👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!
What does it take to turn a traditional family farm into a thriving hub of agritourism, sustainability, and empowerment?
In this episode, Michael chats with Shelby Watson-Hampton, a passionate advocate for women in agriculture and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland. Shelby shares how her family transitioned their farm from traditional crops to a flourishing vineyard and winery, blending sustainable practices with community-driven events.
Shelby also dives into her advocacy work, her book Grace, Grit & Lipstick, and the importance of celebrating women in agriculture. Tune in to hear insights on everything from the lifecycle of a grape to managing a wedding venue, packed with tips for farmers aiming to diversify and strengthen their community connections.
Episode Highlights: * From Hogs to Grapes: Why did Robin Hill Farm transition to wine grapes? [1:03] * The Vineyard Lifecycle: How long does it take to grow and harvest grapes? [4:13] * Community Harvest Days: How do they involve the community during harvest? [9:31] * Driving Winery Traffic: What strategies bring visitors to the vineyard? [18:18] * Barn Weddings: What does it take to run a successful wedding venue? [25:38] * Overcoming Wedding Challenges: What’s the wildest wedding story Shelby has? [27:50] * Celebrating Women in Ag: What inspired Shelby’s book Grace, Grit & Lipstick? [30:39]
Don’t miss Shelby’s incredible journey, from farming roots to vineyard innovation, and her mission to empower the next generation of women in agriculture.
About the Guest: Shelby Watson-Hampton is a fourth-generation farmer, agricultural journalist, and author of Grace, Grit & Lipstick. She co-owns Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland, where she grows wine grapes, hosts weddings, and creates community-focused events. Shelby is also the creator of The Farmed Life, a platform dedicated to connecting and celebrating women in farming and rural business.
Connect with Shelby: * Website: The Farmed Life * Instagram: Follow @the_farmed_life * Facebook: Like The Farmed Life on Facebook * Farm Website: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Farm Instagram: Follow @robin_hill_farm_vineyards
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Seedtime!
Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal.
For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.
How can a family farm balance tradition, innovation, and community connections?
In this episode, Michael chats with Regan Joehl, owner of Greene Fields Farm in Greenfield, Illinois. Regan, a fourth-generation farmer, has transformed his family’s 30-acre farm into a thriving seasonal destination for thousands of visitors each fall. From pumpkins and gourds to apple picking and premium mums, Greene Fields Farm offers an unforgettable experience while fostering a deeper connection to the land.
Tune in as Regan shares insights on crop management, marketing strategies, and creating a farm environment that keeps customers coming back year after year.
Episode Highlights: * A Family Farm Legacy: How did Greene Fields Farm begin? [1:24] * Diversification Decisions: Why did they start raising pigs? [11:15] * Mum Production Tips: What size pots do they use for their mums? [15:26] * Land Management: What kind of land and acreage are they working with? [21:39] * Marketing Success: How does Greene Fields market their farm? [26:06] * The Farm Team: What does the Greene Fields team look like? [30:56] * Navigating Regulations: What challenges have they faced with government policies? [41:57]
Don’t miss Regan’s expert insights into creating a thriving farm business that combines tradition, family values, and innovative practices.
About the Guest:
Regan Joehl is a fourth-generation farmer and owner of Greene Fields Farm in Greenfield, Illinois. What began as a small pumpkin patch in 2016 has grown into a 30-acre farm that welcomes over 30,000 visitors each fall. Regan, his wife Christie, and their six children grow a variety of pumpkins, gourds, squash, premium mums, and apples, all while running a bustling seasonal farmstand. Dedicated to reconnecting families with the land, Greene Fields Farm has become a beloved destination for those seeking a slice of rural life.
Connect with Green Fields Farm:
- Website:Greene Fields Farm
- Facebook:Like Greene Fields Farm
- Instagram: Follow Greene Fields Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts!
Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.
👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!
How can farmers make seeds a profitable part of their farm business?
In this episode, Michael chats with Dan Brisebois, expert seed farmer, educator, and author of The Seed Farmer. Dan is a founding member of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Les Cèdres, Quebec, where he grows organic seeds and vegetables while sharing his knowledge through his podcast, blog, and Farmer Spreadsheet Academy.
Tune in as Dan discusses the ins and outs of seed farming, germination testing, and his tips for first-time seed growers, plus how he juggles the many hats he wears in the farming world.
Episode Highlights: * A Seed Farmer’s Journey: How did Dan get started with seed farming? [1:37] * Tomato Growing Tips: How does Dan approach growing tomatoes for seed? [10:01] * Challenging Crops: What does Dan consider the hardest vegetables to grow for seed? [14:56] * First-Time Growers: Dan’s advice for those starting with seed production [20:04] * Germination Testing: How does it work, and what should growers pay attention to? [28:35] * Flower Seed Harvesting: Are flowers a viable option for seed production? [34:18]
Don’t miss Dan’s expert insights into seed farming and his mission to help farms diversify and thrive with seed production.
About the Guest:
Dan Brisebois is a farmer, educator, and advocate for seed farming. He is the author of The Seed Farmer and co-author of Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers. As a founding farmer of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Quebec, Dan grows organic seeds for both an online seed store and wholesale rack program while also producing organic vegetables for CSA baskets. He shares his expertise through his blog, podcast (The Seed Growers Podcast), and the Farmer Spreadsheet Academy.
Connect with Dan:
- Website: Dan Brisebois
- Instagram: Follow @danbrisebois.farm
- Dan's new Book: The Seed Farmer
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts!
Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.
👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!
How can farmers thrive in extreme climates while focusing on storage crops and winter sales?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Sam Knapp who is the co-owner and primary farmer at Offbeet Farm in Fairbanks, Alaska. With a master’s degree in plant ecology and years of experience on vegetable farms, Sam built his farm from the ground up to focus entirely on storage crops and winter sales through a winter CSA and local markets.
Tune in to hear how Sam navigates permafrost and water access as well as the unique challenges and rewards of farming in a cold climate.
Episode Highlights: * From Physics to Farming: What led Sam to leave engineering for agriculture? [1:27] * Alaskan Soil Challenges: What has Sam learned about permafrost and soil conditions? [7:50] * Storage Solutions: How does Offbeet Farm design its facilities to optimize crop preservation? [22:02] * Carrot Longevity: What allows carrots to remain fresh for so long in storage? [27:07] * Pest Control Strategies: How does Sam manage vermin on the farm? [30:27] * Writing Beyond the Root Cellar: What inspired Sam to write his book, and what’s inside? [37:17]
Don’t miss Sam’s insights into farming in one of the most extreme climates in the U.S. and his innovative approach to creating a sustainable, hand-powered farm that feeds the Fairbanks community year-round.
About the Guest:
Sam Knapp hails from northern Wisconsin but now lives and farms in Fairbanks, Alaska. After earning his chops working for others in Sweden, Alaska, and Wisconsin, Sam ran a part-time farm in the UP of Michigan for three years before moving to Alaska and building Offbeet Farm from the ground up. Offbeet Farm is a 1-acre veggie farm focus entirely on storage crops and wintertime sales, selling primarily through a winter-CSA but also some winter markets and wholesale.
Connect with Sam Knapp:
- Website: Offbeet Farm
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
- Book: Beyond the Root Cellar
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts!
Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.
👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!
How can collaborative farming efforts transform the CSA experience for farmers and customers alike?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by first-generation farmers Lyndsey Mulherin of Whistlepig Farm and Joe Redden of Black Fox Farm. Although they operate separate farm businesses, Lyndsey and Joe share land in Boise, Idaho, where they have combined efforts on a collaborative CSA, invested in shared infrastructure, and manage joint perennial crops.
Tune in as they share their unique approach to working together while maintaining distinct farm identities.
Episode Highlights:
- Farm Focus: What differentiates Whistlepig Farm from Black Fox Farm? [2:30]
- Boise's Climate: How does the Idaho climate impact their farming operations? [8:44]
- Customer Base: Who are their primary CSA customers? [16:25]
- Coping with Intense Summer Heat: Which crops thrive better in Boise's extreme weather? [22:35]
- Joint CSA Management: How do they collaborate on decisions for the CSA program? [27:27]
- Tips for New Farmers: What advice do Joe and Lyndsey offer to those starting out? [38:20]
About the Guest: Lyndsey Mulherin runs Whistlepig Farm, focusing on mixed vegetables, while Joe Redden operates Black Fox Farm with an emphasis on crop diversity. Both farms share a commitment to sustainable, community-oriented practices and have successfully integrated a collaborative CSA model to meet their community's needs.
Connect with Lyndsey Mulherin and Joe Redden:
- Website: Dry Creek Growers CSA
- Instagram: Whistlepig Farm (Lyndsey) and Black Fox Farm (Joe)
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central!
It may feel early, but spring garden planning season is just around the corner! At The Farm on Central, pre-order your favorite varieties now to ensure they’re ready when planting season arrives.
Explore over a dozen new options this year—including willows, elderberries, blackberries, garlic, and turmeric, with even more added daily! Cuttings ship in February, while rooted plants arrive in mid-spring.
👉🏼 PRE-ORDER NOW!
Get a jump on your dream garden and secure your spring selections now at shop.FarmonCentral.com.
How can traditional organic practices create healthier soils and better-tasting blueberries?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael sits down with Hugh Kent of King Grove Organic Farm in Florida. Alongside his wife, Lisa, he grows certified organic blueberries using an innovative, sustainable growing system. Recently, they’ve shifted from wholesale to direct retail sales, inspired by their experience with buyers and a belief in the potential of direct sales for farmers.
Hugh discusses this plus the benefits of real organic practices, and the challenges they’ve faced, from labor management to irrigation. Tune in to hear about their journey to bring truly organic blueberries to your table and the lessons learned along the way.
Episode Highlights: * Location and Scale: Where is King Grove Organic Farm situated, and how big is it? [1:02] * Vinegar as a Herbicide: How does Hugh use vinegar for weed control and soil health? [10:48] * Labor Challenges: How do they manage labor needs during peak harvest season? [22:01] * Switch to Retail Sales: Why did King Grove shift from wholesale to direct retail? [30:15] * Real Organic Certification: What role does Real Organic certification play in their marketing strategy? [37:49] * Navigating Irrigation Needs: How does King Grove manage irrigation across their 20-acre blueberry field? [45:27] * Consumer Trends: How has the shift to online grocery shopping impacted their sales? [52:10]
Don’t miss this episode as Hugh Kent shares how King Grove Organic Farm is transforming organic blueberry production with a shift from wholesale to direct retail sales!
About the Guest: Hugh Kent is the owner of King Grove Organic Farm in Eustis, Florida. Alongside his wife, Lisa, Hugh grows certified organic blueberries using regenerative practices that enhance soil health and sustainability. The farm is known for its commitment to true organic principles and has recently made the leap from wholesale to direct retail sales, focusing on quality and customer engagement.
Connect with King Grove Organic Farm:
- Website: King Grove Organic Farm
- Instagram: Follow @KingGroveOrganic
- Facebook: Like King Grove Organic Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor, Farm on Central!
It’s time to start planning for your spring garden! Farm on Central offers a wide selection of pre-order options so you can secure your favorite varieties early, from willows and elderberries to blackberries, garlic, and turmeric. Place your pre-order now at shop.FarmonCentral.com and get ready for planting season!
How can drip irrigation help farmers conserve water and improve crop health?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael chats with Anthony Tasselli, the Technical Sales Manager for Toro Ag. With over ten years of experience in irrigation system design and project management, Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge on drip irrigation systems, including the use of filters, valves, and automation products. He is dedicated to helping farmers increase efficiency and reduce water use through sustainable irrigation practices.
Tune in as Anthony shares his insights into the benefits of micro irrigation, the latest innovations in automation, and practical advice for tackling common issues like salt buildup in irrigation systems.
Episode Highlights:
- Irrigation Beginnings: What inspired Anthony to pursue a career in irrigation? [1:02]
- Micro Irrigation Basics: What is micro irrigation, and how can it benefit farmers? [7:16]
- California's Drip Irrigation: What portion of California's agriculture relies on drip irrigation? [12:36]
- Automation Advances: How has Toro innovated in irrigation automation? [17:18]
- Addressing Salt Buildup: What tips does Anthony have for managing salt buildup? [21:53]
- Future of Irrigation: What are the newest developments in sustainable irrigation? [27:58]
- Understanding SDI: What is subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), and why is it important? [33:25]
Don’t miss this episode as Anthony Tasselli dives into the world of drip irrigation and shares strategies for more efficient water management on the farm.
About the Guest: Anthony Tasselli is the Technical Sales Manager at Toro Ag, where he provides essential support to farmers and dealers for drip irrigation solutions. With a background in system design and technical support, Anthony is passionate about empowering farmers with sustainable irrigation practices. When he's not working, Anthony enjoys outdoor adventures with his family in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Connect with Toro Ag:
- Website: Toro Ag
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central!
It may feel early, but spring garden planning season is just around the corner! At The Farm on Central, pre-order your favorite varieties now to ensure they’re ready when planting season arrives.
Explore over a dozen new options this year—including willows, elderberries, blackberries, garlic, and turmeric, with even more added daily! Cuttings ship in February, while rooted plants arrive in mid-spring.
Get a jump on your dream garden and secure your spring selections now at shop.FarmonCentral.com.
What are the biggest obstacles clam farmers face in sustaining their operations after severe storms?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Michael Presley Bobbitt, a part-time clam farmer and novelist from Cedar Key, Florida. Alongside his creative career, Michael is dedicated to protecting Cedar Key’s estuary and the local clam farming industry, especially after recent hurricanes caused millions of dollars in losses for Florida clam farmers.
Tune in as Michael shares his journey of balancing a creative career with clam farming, his passion for preserving Cedar Key’s unique ecosystem, and how clam farming supports both the economy and the environment.
Episode Highlights:
- Hurricane Impact: How did Hurricane Helene affect Cedar Key and local clam farms? [0:59]
- Clam Farming 101: What’s involved in clam farming, and why is Cedar Key ideal for it? [2:30]
- Clam Lifecycle: How do clams grow, and what’s unique about their farming process? [5:56]
- Challenges in Clam Farming: What threats do climate change and competing states pose? [12:29]
- Cedar Key Community: What’s the culture like in this resilient, tight-knit coastal town? [25:20]
Don't miss this episode with Michael Bobbitt as he dives into the unique culture of Cedar Key and his mission to protect fragile estuaries.
About the Guest:
Michael Presley Bobbitt is a novelist, playwright, and part-time clam farmer whose work often spotlights the unique landscapes of Florida. With novels, plays, and environmental advocacy, Michael’s commitment to Cedar Key and its estuary drives his passion for protecting this ecosystem. In his downtime, you’ll find him fishing or caring for his clam beds around Cedar Key, Florida.
Connect with Michael Bobbitt:
- Website: MichaelPresleyBobbitt.com
- Instagram: @MichaelPresleyBobbitt
- Short Film: Rise of the Clambassador
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central!
It may feel early, but spring garden planning season is just around the corner! At The Farm on Central, pre-order your favorite varieties now to ensure they’re ready when planting season arrives.
Explore over a dozen new options this year—including willows, elderberries, blackberries, garlic, and turmeric, with even more added daily! Cuttings ship in February, while rooted plants arrive in mid-spring.
Get a jump on your dream garden and secure your spring selections now at shop.FarmonCentral.com.
How can a community come together to restore its local food system after a devastating storm?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Alyson Wade of The Farm Connection, a plant nursery and garden center in Marshall, North Carolina. Alyson co-founded WNC Grassroots Media in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which left much of Western North Carolina’s farming community in need of support. Through WNC Grassroots Media, Alyson and her team are working to uplift local farmers and the regional food system through impactful storytelling and humanitarian projects.
Tune in as Alyson discusses the aftermath of the storm, the critical importance of community solidarity, and the ongoing efforts to rebuild the local food system.
Episode Highlights:
Storm Impact: How badly did Marshall, NC get impacted by Hurricane Helene’s rains? [1:16] Toxic Aftermath: What were the impacts of substances other than water? [5:51] Relief Efforts: What is being done to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene? [11:06] Navigating Wreckage: How are people getting around logistically through the wreckage? [16:01] Supporting Recovery: What can listeners do to help support the recovery efforts? [18:40] Community Spirit: What is the community like, and how are they banding together? [23:04]
Don’t miss Alyson’s insights on the power of collaboration and the ongoing needs of the farmers and communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
About the Guest:
Alyson Wade is the CEO and Founder of The Farm Connection, an edible, medicinal, and native plant nursery in Marshall, NC. She co-founded WNC Grassroots Media to restore and uplift the Western North Carolina region after Hurricane Helene. Through her work, Alyson focuses on raising awareness and providing support to farmers and local food systems through impactful media and humanitarian projects.
Connect with The Farm Connection:
Website: The Farm Connection Instagram: @thefarmconnectionmadco Facebook: The Farm Connection LLC
Connect with WNC Grassroots Media: Website: WNC Grassroots Media Instagram: @wncgrassrootsmediaGoFundMe: Support Farmers and Grassroots Food System Organizing in WNC
How can first-generation farmers successfully build a thriving community-supported agriculture (CSA) program?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Emma Jagoz, founder and owner of Moon Valley Farm in Woodsboro, Maryland. Moon Valley Farm operates on 70 acres, growing specialty and staple vegetables and herbs for a year-round CSA program and restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Tune in as Emma shares her inspiring journey from a beginner farmer to the leader of a successful organic farm dedicated to supporting local food systems and schools.
Episode Highlights:
- Farming Journey: How did Emma get started in farming? [0:58]
- Market Growth: How did the market for Moon Valley’s products grow? [6:48]
- Food Hub Development: What was the process of building out the food hub? [16:50]
- Production Systems: What is their production system like? [24:49]
- Organic Certification: What went into the decision to go certified organic? [28:58]
- Future Plans: What is in store for the future of Moon Valley Farm? [35:45]
Don’t miss Emma’s valuable insights on the importance of community connection, team dynamics, and sustainable farming practices.
About the Guest:
Emma Jagoz is a first-generation organic vegetable farmer and food hub owner who started Moon Valley Farm in 2012 on borrowed suburban land while raising two young children. Today, the farm serves a customizable, year-round CSA program, over 100 restaurants, and multiple school districts across Maryland. Emma is also the Organic seat for the Maryland Agriculture Commission and was awarded 'Farmer of the Foodshed' in 2024 by Future Harvest. Her mission focuses on responsible land stewardship and improving regional food security through regenerative agriculture.
Connect with Moon Valley Farm:
Website: Moon Valley FarmInstagram: Follow on InstagramFacebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central!
Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden.
We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders.
Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!
How can farmers balance idealism with practicality when starting a farm from scratch?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Noah East, a farmer, writer, and educator from Wild East Farm in Western North Carolina. Along with his wife, Lyric, Noah has dedicated his efforts to building a farm focused on perennial production, agroforestry, and fostering community food security.
Tune in as Noah shares the challenges and successes of accessing land, establishing their farm, and diversifying their enterprises with a mix of vegetables, broilers, and agroforestry systems.
Important Update: After recording this episode, Noah’s farm was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, causing significant damage. We’re including a GoFundMe link below to support food relief efforts through the Mother Earth Food Hub, an Asheville-based farm-to-home delivery service working with local farmers to provide fresh food to the community in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Episode Highlights:
Farming Roots: What led Noah to farming? [0:59] Land Access: How did Wild East Farm secure its unique lease? [9:29] Blueberry Production: How is the farm managing its blueberries? [15:48] Revenue Streams: Where does Wild East Farm generate income? [20:40] Markets: Where are Wild East’s products sold? [23:37] Vegetable Management: How does the farm handle its vegetable production? [29:59] Advice for New Farmers: How to balance idealism with practicality [34:43]
Don’t miss Noah’s valuable advice for new farmers on designing a sustainable farm and balancing big dreams with real-world demands.
Support Wild East Farm & Local Farmers:
Donate to support hurricane recovery and local food relief efforts: [GoFundMe]
About the Guest: Noah East is a farmer, writer, and educator based at Wild East Farm in Western North Carolina. Passionate about community and the environment, Noah's work is centered on building relationships and fostering resilience through sustainable agriculture. His farm focuses on agroforestry, perennial production, and providing fresh food to local communities.
Connect with Wild East Farm: Website: Wild East Farm Instagram: Follow on Instagram YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central!
Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden.
We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders.
Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!
How can strawberry growers improve soil health and prevent crop diseases for more sustainable production?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by J.R. Odom, a seasoned strawberry grower from Goldsboro, North Carolina, and the president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association. J.R. has been growing strawberries since 2010 and is committed to improving his farm's soil health using practices such as crop rotation, compost application, and planting summer cover crops. He shares his insights on disease prevention and what’s coming up for the industry.
Tune in to learn more about how J.R. and other growers are innovating to improve strawberry production while safeguarding their crops against emerging threats!
Episode Highlights:
Crop Diseases: What upcoming disease could potentially be damaging to crops? [1:08] Prevention: Recommended methods for disease prevention [6:44] Cutoffs vs. Plugs: What are the differences between these two planting methods? [9:42] Challenges: How dieback on the plugs presents challenges to growers [14:39] Conference: Details on the upcoming NC Strawberry Association conference [20:03]
Resources mentioned in the episode: Takeaways for Cutoff Strawberry Plantings from NC State Extension Recommendations for Fall season treatments for Neo-P
About the Guest:
J.R. Odom has been growing strawberries in Goldsboro, NC, since 2010. As president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association, J.R. focuses on improving soil health and crop resilience through innovative farming practices like crop rotation, compost application, and the use of summer cover crops. He is dedicated to supporting strawberry growers across the state and advocating for sustainable farming techniques.
Connect with JR Odom or the NC Strawberry Association:
- Website: Odom Farming Company
- Strawberry Website: NC Strawberry Association
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central!
Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden.
We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders.
Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!
How can urban farming not only feed a community but also foster connection and education?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Anna Withers and Kevin Prather from Springfield Community Gardens. Together, they dive into the organization’s mission to promote healthy local food access and support aspiring farmers. Learn how Springfield Community Gardens has grown to manage 16 gardens across the city, offering educational programs and farmer incubator opportunities, all while practicing regenerative agriculture and fostering community involvement.
Tune in to discover how urban farming initiatives like Springfield Community Gardens are shaping the future of local food systems and inspiring others to connect with the land!
Episode Highlights:
- Beginnings: Anna and Kevin’s journey into farming [1:03]
- Mission: What Springfield Community Gardens is all about [4:36]
- Education: Focus of their farmer incubator program [13:18]
- Season Extension: Tunnels and hoop houses on the farm [18:04]
- Land Access: Leasing agreement for state hospital land [20:44]
- Soil Health: Fertility programs and resolving lead issues [25:55]
- Support: Where SCG’s funding and support come from [30:46]
- Youth Program: How SCG engages the next generation [33:51]
About the Guest:
Anna Withers is the Farmer and Resource Development Manager for Springfield Community Gardens. She uses her business degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management to help farmers grow and expand their businesses, while also teaching youth about their roles in the food system. Anna is a proud consumer of local food and aims to make it easier for everyday people to access farm fresh goods.
After starting as an apprentice at a small farm in Springfield, MO, Kevin Prather has spent the last decade immersed in regenerative ag at multiple farms, teaching what he's learned along the way. He's the founding farmer of Amanda Belle's Hospital Farm, which partners with our city's largest hospital system. Now SCG's farmer educator, he runs the on-site internship program with funding from the EPA environmental justice grant.
Connect with Springfield Community Gardens:
- Website: Springfield Community Gardens
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central!
Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden.
We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders.
Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!
Could mastering freeze drying be the next step in enhancing your farm's profitability and sustainability?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Don Adams who, along with his wife Kathy, produce 80 percent of their own food on their farmstead, Jazzberry Farm in Taft, Tennessee.
They practice permaculture and organic farming, cultivating a variety of crops, raising goats for milk and cheese, and preserving their harvests through freeze-drying.
Don't miss this episode on transforming fresh produce into long-lasting, high-flavor products with the power of freeze drying.
Episode Highlights:
- Getting Started: Don’s journey into farming [1:44]
- Range of Operations: What Don does on Jazzberry Farm [9:20]
- Product Pricing: The price range for Jazzberry’s products [34:43]
- Marketing and Sales: Where and how Don markets and sells their products [41:59]
- Goats on the Farm: The purpose of goats at Jazzberry [48:58]
- Freeze Dryer Tips: More tips from Don on using the freeze dryer [54:17]
About the Guest:
Don is a retired band director/musician who has moved back to the land to feed himself and his community at Jazzberry Farm in Tennessee. He and Kathy produce 70-80 percent of their own food. He discovered freeze drying as a way to preserve his own food and add value to his produce.
Learn More About Don:
- Website: Jazzberry Farm
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden.
We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders.
Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!
How can a small farm thrive with minimal off-farm inputs, using only what nature provides to create a sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystem?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Shawn and Beth Dougherty, who have mastered the art of farming by relying on natural systems and resources to sustain their diverse, thriving farm.
Using intensive grazing as their primary source of food energy, Shawn and Beth raise a diverse range of livestock producing most of the food, and feed, on their farm.
Don't miss this episode where they share valuable insights on regenerative farming, adaptive genetics, and making economically sound decisions for long-term sustainability.
Episode Highlights:
- Fertility Program: What constitutes the fertility program on the property [1:48]
- Pig Feed: What do they feed their pigs? [7:58]
- Adaptive Genetics: What they know about adaptive genetics in farm animals [21:04]
- Pig Breeds: Which breeds of pigs do better than others? [30:33]
- Book Rationale: The rationale behind writing their book [35:46]
- Farm Setup: How their farm is currently set up [51:16]
- Economic Decisions: How Shawn and Beth make the most economically sound decisions on the farm [1:05:14]
- Trades: How all 8 of Shawn and Beth’s children got into their trades [1:26:45]
300th Episode GIVEAWAY!
Enter for a chance to win Shawn and Beth's book, The Independent Farmstead, along with a $100 credit to our store Farm on Central.
About the Guest:
Shawn and Beth Dougherty have been farming together since the 1980’s, and for the last twenty years in eastern Ohio, where their 27-acre home farm was designated by the state as ‘not suitable for agriculture’. Using intensive grazing as the primary source of food energy, they raise dairy and beef cows, sheep, farm-fed hogs, and a variety of poultry, producing most of the food, and feed, on the farm.
Concerned that farming is so often dependent upon multiple off-farm resources, from feed, fuel and fertilizer to water and electricity, their ongoing project is to identify and test the means by which farming was done for centuries with a minimum of off-farm inputs. Their research has led them to identify grass conversion, especially the daily conversion of grass into milk by dairy ruminants, as a key to whole-farm sustainability, combined with the integrated nutrient feed-backs that are possible with a community of diverse animal and plant species, domestic and native. They are the authors of The Independent Farmstead, Chelsea Green Press 2016.
Learn More About Shawn and Beth:
- Website: One Cow Revolution
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
- Their Book: The Independent Farmstead - On Amazon
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden.
We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders.
Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!
How can no-till farming and a focus on soil health create a successful farm that serves top restaurants and local markets?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Luke Sheldrick, Owner of Terramor Farm in Burnstown, Ontario. With a background in the restaurant industry, Luke and his partner Dana Moores have combined their passion for high-quality food and sustainable farming to create a thriving farm that serves top restaurants, markets, and a growing CSA program in the Ottawa Valley.
Don’t miss this episode to hear how Luke and Dana use no-till methods, natural amendments, and maintain their focus on soil health to produce 30+ varieties of delicious, nutrient-rich vegetables.
Episode Highlights:
- Beginnings: How Luke started his journey in farming [1:18]
- Property Search: Key characteristics Luke sought in a property [6:44]
- Season Extension: Tunnels used at Terramor [19:18]
- Greenhouse Management: Watering schedule managed by Orisha [30:09]
- Sales and Distribution: How Terramor sells and delivers its products [35:28]
- Team Building: Finding and retaining good help [40:46]
- Weekly Routine: A typical week on the farm [45:09]
- Future Vision: Luke’s plans for the farm's future [50:39]
About the Guest:
Luke Sheldrick is the Owner of Terramor Farm. With a rich background in the restaurant industry, Luke and his partner Dana Moores have blended their passion for high quality food and entrepreneurship with sustainable farming practices to create a thriving farming business.
Their journey began working within some of the finest restaurants in Ottawa, where they developed a deep appreciation for the relationship between sustainable food and dining culture. This background fuels the innovative approach at Terramor Farm, located in Burnstown, ON where they cultivate a diverse range of high quality vegetables and cut-flowers sold directly to consumers.
As an engaging speaker, Luke shares his experiences of starting a profitable small scale farm that has grown quickly through expanding sales avenues, developing systems and building a strong farm team.
Learn More About Luke and Terramor Farm:
- Website: Terramor Farm
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Do you have more tasks on your farm than you have time? Stop interruptions and focus on what matters most. Delegate repetitive duties in your tunnel to Orisha. Sleep better, knowing that they’ll call you if anything goes wrong in your greenhouse.
Be sure to check out their ebook with helpful tips to reduce your workload and simplify your days on the farm. Download the ebook here.
Learn more about Orisha, including their popular leasing options with no upfront costs on orisha.io
How can you use email to build customer relationships and get more sales as a small farmer?
In today’s episode, Erika Tebbens returns to the show to talk to us about email marketing. Erika is passionate about relationship-driven, connection-centered sales and marketing practices; and loves being a catalyst for micro enterprises to thrive. She has been running & supporting businesses of all kinds and sizes for 20 years now, from solo-operations to multimillion-dollar companies with teams. Over those two decades she has served hundreds of clients, helping them develop business strategies in alignment with their values. Today you’ll learn how Erika tackles email marketing for farm businesses!
FREE DOWNLOAD:"4 Ways to Gain Email Subscribers and Grow Your Audience"
Episode Highlights:
- Strategy: Why would farmers want to do email marketing? [3:28]
- Starting Out: How would you go about getting folks on your email marketing list? [8:39]
- Choosing Platforms: What platforms does Erika use for hosting emails? [16:18]
- Frequency: How should you approach email scheduling? [19:53]
- Writing: How can you craft compelling content for your emails? [30:21]
- Outcome: How can you construct a clear CTA? [38:22]
About the Guest:
Erika Tebbens is the Director of Impact at Taste the Local Difference. Taste the Local Difference is a woman-owned and woman-led local food marketing agency for purpose-driven food and farm businesses.
While businesses can hire Taste the Local Difference directly, one thing that sets them apart are their Impact Partnerships, which Erika oversees. By partnering with economic development agencies, nonprofits, schools, health departments, farmers markets, food-system support organizations, state agencies, federal programs, and more across the U.S., they help expand the impact local food can have both for producers and consumers. Before joining TLD, Erika spent a decade working with entrepreneurs on their sales and growth strategy, and she used to have a very small farm and apiary in upstate New York.
Learn More About Taste the Local Difference:
Website: localfoodmarketing.com
Instagram: @localfoodmarketing
Facebook: @localdifference
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Do you have more tasks on your farm than you have time? Stop interruptions and focus on what matters most. Delegate repetitive duties in your tunnel to Orisha. Sleep better, knowing that they’ll call you if anything goes wrong in your greenhouse.
Be sure to check out their ebook with helpful tips to reduce your workload and simplify your days on the farm. Download the ebook here.
Learn more about Orisha, including their popular leasing options with no upfront costs on orisha.io
Join the upcoming event:
This year's Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day, organized by Sam Tilton, is September 11th in Lafayette Indiana at Purdue University! Listen to the episode for more details. This is THE event to see weeding tools and machinery for farms of all sizes for vegetables and row crops (hand tools, two-wheel tractors, up to camera-guided row crop cultivators). The event includes a trade show, educational sessions, and field demonstrations.
Click here to register!
How does a family farm in alpine New Zealand use a diverse range of income streams to thrive?
On this episode we’re joined by Lisa Johnston, operator of Frog Song Farm, located in Wanaka, New Zealand. Lisa is a farmer who wears many hats, juggling both an organic market garden and orchard pruning business. She also roasts and sells chestnuts at events and markets through her side business Village Nuts.
Frog Song Farm’s mission is one of regeneration and revegetation. For years Lisa and her family have studied and explored natural farming, permaculture, terraquaculture and traditional farming of the Asia Pacific. They are convinced that the farming systems of New Zealand need to undergo a paradigm shift from farming dehydrated grassed landscapes to farming diverse polycultures in hydrated, treed landscapes. From industrial farming to artisan farming. Growing better, not bigger.
As the farm emerges from this phase of intensive development, Frog Song is looking forward to welcoming more people to the land, as WWOOFers, interns, guests and visitors. Because, ultimately, it's all about the people and creating great things together. Take a vicarious tour of farming in New Zealand on this episode!
Episode Highlights:
- Alpine Farming: What is farming in Wanaka, New Zealand like? [2:40]
- Diversifying Income: How is the space on the farm split into their enterprises? [6:00]
- Orchard Care: What is Frog Song doing with orchards? [11:25]
- Veggie Crops: What does Frog Song’s season look like for the market garden? [29:14]
- Economic Challenges: What have been the biggest challenges running a market garden in New Zealand? [34:36]
- Sustainability Challenges: What is the New Zealander’s chemical bias? [38:18]
- Building a Team: How is the Frog Song team managed? [45:26]
- Takeaways: What is Lisa’s advice for someone looking to get started in market farming? [49:39]
About the Guest:
Lisa, her partner Greg and daughter Awa are the family behind Frog Song Farm, a 20-acre farm near the alpine township of Wanaka, New Zealand. The farm has an organic artisan market garden serving veggies and herbs to local restaurants and specialty shops, and has young orchards, nut groves, woodlots, and an apiary under development. The family also runs a successful side hustle harvesting, and selling roasted chestnuts, walnuts and hazelnuts as Village Nuts. The couple has honed their entrepreneurial and horticultural skills over the years, providing professional services in orchard care (pruning), landscaping, and compost toilet education. The family's mission is to change the farming paradigm in their community by creating a living example of regenerative rural livelihood.
Connect Online!
Website: https://www.frogsongfarm.co.nz/
Facebook: @frongsongfarmnz
Instagram: @frongsongfarmer
Village Nuts:
Facebook: @VillageNuts
Instagram: @villagenutslisa
Join the upcoming event:
This year's Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day, organized by Sam Tilton, is September 11th in Lafayette Indiana at Purdue University! Listen to the episode for more details. This is THE event to see weeding tools and machinery for farms of all sizes for vegetables and row crops (hand tools, two-wheel tractors, up to camera-guided row crop cultivators). The event includes a trade show, educational sessions, and field demonstrations.
Click here to register!
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Do you have more tasks on your farm than you have time? Stop interruptions and focus on what matters most. Delegate repetitive duties in your tunnel to Orisha. Sleep better, knowing that they’ll call you if anything goes wrong in your greenhouse.
Be sure to check out their ebook with helpful tips to reduce your workload and simplify your days on the farm. Download the ebook here.
Learn more about Orisha, including their popular leasing options with no upfront costs on orisha.io
What goes into cultivating healthy, high-yield transplants that take off instead of struggling when transferred to the field?
Find out from Sam Tilton, the organizer of the annual Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day. After earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, Sam has worked many roles in vegetable farming from tool development to teaching on sustainable horticulture. Earlier in the year, he joined the Growing Farmers 2024 Vegetable Summit as one of our guest speakers on weed control.
Tune in to hear why Sam recommends transplants over direct seeding, and what methods he uses to ensure that transplants are healthy and strong before moving to the field.
Episode Highlights:
- Why Transplants?: What are transplants and why would a farmer want them over direct seeding? [3:39]
- Scheduling: What should a transplant schedule look like? [9:54]
- Seed Preservation: How are seeds handled in the process? [13:08]
- Germ Testing: Does Sam do any individual germ testing? [16:36]
- Seed Mix: What is Sam’s advice for seed starting mix? [18:29]
- Trays: What does Sam use to contain the seeds? [26:31]
- Germination: What is Sam’s approach to germination conditions? [32:39]
- Airflow: What is the importance of airflow and how can you optimize it? [41:38]
- Field Prep: What are Sam’s thoughts on field prep and transplanting techniques? [55:57]
Join the upcoming event:
This year's Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day, organized by Sam Tilton, is September 11th in Lafayette Indiana at Purdue University! Listen to the episode for more details. This is THE event to see weeding tools and machinery for farms of all sizes for vegetables and row crops (hand tools, two-wheel tractors, up to camera-guided row crop cultivators). The event includes a trade show, educational sessions, and field demonstrations.
Click here to register!
About the Guest:
Sam Oschwald Tilton helps farmers improve their weed management and works with technical support groups to give hands-on trainings and develop educational resources, through his business Glacial Drift Enterprises. Sam lives in Minneapolis and enjoys gardening with the neighborhood. If you want to talk to Sam about farm systems, please email him - glacialdrift@protonmail.com.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Do you have more tasks on your farm than you have time? Stop interruptions and focus on what matters most. Delegate repetitive duties in your tunnel to Orisha. Sleep better, knowing that they’ll call you if anything goes wrong in your greenhouse.
Be sure to check out their ebook with helpful tips to reduce your workload and simplify your days on the farm. Download the ebook here.
Learn more about Orisha, including their popular leasing options with no upfront costs on orisha.io
How can a small farm near downtown Orlando implement bio-intensive and regenerative practices to thrive year-round?
Find out in this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Mike Garcia of Everoak Farm in Orlando, FL. Together with his wife Nikki, Mike runs a small, bio-intensive, and regenerative family farm where they grow Certified Naturally Grown fruits and vegetables, raise pastured poultry, and maintain a thriving apiary.
Tune in to hear Mike Garcia's insights on creating a diverse and sustainable agroecology at Ever Oak Farm in the heart of central Florida.
Episode Highlights:
- Agroforestry: Types of plants grown at Everoak [3:22]
- Composting: How compost is made at Everoak [12:59]
- Application: Spraying compost methods [16:26]
- Market Garden: Crops grown in the market garden [18:05]
- Pest Management: Strategies for keeping insects at bay [26:30]
- Succession Planning: Winter planning techniques [27:59]
- Farm Interest: Methods to bring interest to the farm [36:01]
Don't miss this episode on how Mike Garcia transforms a small urban farm into a thriving, sustainable oasis in central Florida. About the Guest:
Mike Garcia, owner/operator of Everoak Farm in Orlando, is a self-taught first-generation farmer with a deep-rooted passion for sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming practices. After a career in the culinary world, Mike transitioned from the kitchen to the fields, driven by a desire to reconnect with the land and foster a more sustainable food system. Embracing a holistic approach rooted in agroecology, he integrates bio-intensive market gardening, agroforestry, pasture poultry, and composting to cultivate healthy, nutrient-rich soil and promote biodiversity on his farm.
Connect with Mike:
- Website: Everoak Farm
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor, Orisha!
Do you have more tasks on your farm than you have time? Stop interruptions and focus on what matters most. Delegate repetitive duties in your tunnel to Orisha. Sleep better, knowing that they’ll call you if anything goes wrong in your greenhouse.
Be sure to check out their ebook with helpful tips to reduce your workload and simplify your days on the farm. Download the ebook here.
Learn more about Orisha, including their popular leasing options with no upfront costs on orisha.io
How can small-scale farmers balance sustainability and profitability while building strong community connections?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kat and Kolin who own and operate Starry Ridge Farm, a regenerative hillside farm in Northern New York. In addition to producing vegetables, flowers, maple syrup, and pastured livestock, they are dedicated to building community through events and their soon-to-open farm store.
Tune in to hear how Kat and Kolin run their farm business together while creating a local culture and community around organic farming and food.
Episode Highlights:
- Development: How Starry Ridge Farms started [1:41]
- Division of Labor: How are responsibilities divided out [3:55]
- Tunnel Size: Season Extension and Farm Store Construction [15:45]
- Customer Demographics: Customer Base and Marketing [21:03]
- Soil Health Improvement: Low-Till and No-Till Methods [26:04]
- Future Plans: Expansion and Increasing Community Involvement [29:19]
Don't miss this episode to hear Kat and Kolin share their journey of building Starry Ridge Farm, their innovative farming practices, and their vision for creating a vibrant, sustainable community through small-scale agriculture. About the Guest:
Kat & Kolin own and operate Starry Ridge Farm, a diversified regenerative hillside farm in Northern NY focusing on vegetables, flowers, maple syrup, and pastured livestock including cows, pigs, sheep & laying hens. Their farm is located on 125 acres, and they grow on 1 1/4 acres with 45ft 30” permanent beds which they have terraced out of the hillside.
Kat & Kolin are in their 5th growing season and primarily sell to their CSA, farmers market, local restaurants, online retail orders, and are working on renovating an old barn for a farm store. They have a very tight knit wonderful CSA community and are so excited to bring more people together with their new farm store.
Connect with Kat and Kolin:
- Website: Starry Ridge Farm
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor Growing Farmers!
Are you tired of guessing how to price your farm-fresh vegetables? Stop second-guessing and start maximizing your profits with our Vegetable Pricing Guide and Calculator.
Whether you sell at farmers markets, a farm store, or anywhere else, our resources and tutorials will help you set prices based on your production costs and desired profit margins.
Don’t let uncertainty dictate your pricing strategy. Join countless farmers who’ve transformed their pricing game with the Vegetable Pricing Guide.
Visit us now at growingfarmers.com/veggieguide and take control of your profitability!
Why has hemp, with its vast potential and numerous sustainable uses, faced so many challenges and misconceptions?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Shawn Patrick House, CEO of Lancaster Trading House and creator of Hempzels, the original hemp pretzel. With over 30 years in the hemp industry, Shawn has pioneered innovative hemp products, from pretzels to dairy-free ice cream, and is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and industrial hemp.
Tune in to hear about Shawn Patrick House's journey in the hemp industry.
Episode Highlights:
- Introductions: Why Hemp? [0:54]
- Full Potential: The History of Hemp [2:56]
- Multi-use: Different Types of Hemp and Their Uses [8:01]
- Road Blocks: Challenges Faced in the Hemp Industry [11:48]
- Polyculture: Hemp as a Rotation Crop [28:18]
- Sustainability: The Versatility of Hemp as a Sustainable Resource [34:23]
- Products and Distribution: How to find Lancaster products [43:42]
Don't miss this episode on the exciting developments in the hemp industry and the future of hemp-based products with Shawn Patrick House. About the Guest:
Shawn Patrick House is an old school hempentrepreneur and might be the Forest Gump of hemp. A political activist who ran for Congress in 2016, he's been advocating for true cannabis hemp almost half of his life. He has survived the government hemp food ban from 2000-2004 and he has quite an interesting story and angle when it comes to the future of hemp.
Connect with Shawn:
- Website: Hempzels
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor Growing Farmers!
Are you tired of guessing how to price your farm-fresh vegetables? Stop second-guessing and start maximizing your profits with our Vegetable Pricing Guide and Calculator.
Whether you sell at farmers markets, a farm store, or anywhere else, our resources and tutorials will help you set prices based on your production costs and desired profit margins.
Don’t let uncertainty dictate your pricing strategy. Join countless farmers who’ve transformed their pricing game with the Vegetable Pricing Guide.
Visit us now at growingfarmers.com/veggieguide and take control of your profitability!
How can diversifying a farm business lead to greater resilience and sustainability?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Garrett Miller who is the owner behind Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm. Garrett is dedicated to organic practices, offering visitors artisan ciders, locally-sourced meals, and u-pick experiences in a vibrant, musical setting amidst New York’s beautiful apple country.
Tune in to hear Garrett share his journey in organic apple farming, the challenges he faces, and how he diversifies his farm business to create a thriving community hub.
Episode Highlights: * Farming Beginnings: How Garrett got started in farming [2:48] * Toughest Tasks: Starting with Bare Land and Building Infrastructure [12:17] * Team Selection: Onboarding and Managing Employees [29:18] * Funding Methods: Financing and Borrowing for Farm Projects [35:05] * Visitor Numbers: Managing Visitor Traffic and Seasonal Variations [37:13] * Advice for Aspiring Farmers: Garrett’s advice for starting a small farm [49:22]
Don't miss this episode on the successes and challenges of apple cider farming with Garrett Miller, as he shares valuable insights into organic practices and building a diverse farm business! About the Guest:
Garrett Miller is the owner and operator of the Good Life Farm and Finger Lakes Cider House in New York. He describes the farm and cider house as the sum total of his life’s work. He started the farm at 22 without much of a plan, with less experience than was responsible and basically no money. These initial challenges turned out to be some of their greatest strengths. With any luck, he hopes to leave this piece of land a little better than when he found it.
Connect with Garrett:
- Website: Finger Lakes Cider House
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor Growing Farmers!
Are you tired of guessing how to price your farm-fresh vegetables? Stop second-guessing and start maximizing your profits with our Vegetable Pricing Guide and Calculator.
Whether you sell at farmers markets, a farm store, or anywhere else, our resources and tutorials will help you set prices based on your production costs and desired profit margins.
Don’t let uncertainty dictate your pricing strategy. Join countless farmers who’ve transformed their pricing game with the Vegetable Pricing Guide.
Visit us now at growingfarmers.com/veggieguide and take control of your profitability!
How can homesteading and food sovereignty reshape our approach to personal and community resilience?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Lucy Brenton who is an activist dedicated to promoting freedom over our bodies and the food we eat. After running twice for the US Senate in Indiana, Lucy is now transforming 6 acres into a self-sufficient homestead and building a community of like-minded homesteaders focused on independence and sustainability.
Tune in to learn how Lucy Brenton combines homesteading and political advocacy to promote personal freedom and sustainability.
Episode Highlights: * Homesteading Movement: How Lucy got into the homesteading movement [0:57] * Political Aspect: What got Lucy into the political aspect of food [4:45] * Private Land Contracts: How a private land contract operates [9:10] * Land Search: What Lucy was looking for in terms of land [15:47] * Homestead Network: What is the Homestead Network [30:05]
Don't miss this episode where Lucy Brenton shares her journey into homesteading and political advocacy for food and body freedom.
About the Guest:
Lucy Brenton is an activist working for freedom in the areas it matters most... over our own bodies and the food we eat. Lucy ran for US Senate in 2016 and 2018, campaigning for medical and agricultural freedom, advocating for the right to grow and use hemp and cannabis products on the individual level. She moved her family from the 'burbs to the country and is transforming 6 acres into a self supporting homestead. Currently she is growing and selling edible, medicinal and culinary plants, building a community of homesteaders that want to be self-sufficient and independent of the system.
Connect with Lucy Brenton:
- Lucy’s Website: Lucy Brenton
- Homestead Network: Homestead Network
- LinkedIn: Follow Lucy
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
How can engaging the community through farming transform lives?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Gabe Madison who is the President of Bonton Farms, a transformative urban farm in South Dallas. Gabe provides strategic oversight for the farm's expanding operations and community programs, leveraging over two decades of corporate leadership experience to disrupt inequitable systems and foster community growth. Tune in to hear how Gabe Madison leverages her corporate leadership experience to guide Bonton Farms' transformative urban farming initiatives and community programs in South Dallas.
Episode Highlights: * Corporate Background: Gabe’s role before joining Bonton Farms [1:09] * Farm Overview: What Bonton Farms does [5:03] * The “Barndominium”: Its purpose and use [9:56] * Recent Changes: Updates on the farm since Gabe's arrival [13:17] * Staff Size: How big the Bonton Farms staff is [22:55] * Apprenticeships: How apprenticeships work at Bonton Farms [27:00] * Farmer’s Market: What’s happening with Bonton Farms’ farmer’s market [34:20]
Don’t miss this episode on the transformative power of community engagement through farming!
About the Guest:
Gabe Madison is the President of Bonton Farms, a South Dallas farm and community resource dedicated to disrupting inequitable systems. With over two decades of corporate leadership experience, Gabe provides strategic oversight to the farm's expanding operations and community initiatives. Prior to this role, she served as Director of Community Relations and HR Manager at Thomson Reuters. Gabe graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, and currently lives in Frisco with her wonderful family.
Connect with Bonton Farms:
- Website: Bonton Farms
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
What advice would a seasoned farmer give to those aspiring to start their own farm?
Find out in this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast where Michael is joined by Julie Rawson who is co-owner of Many Hands Organic Farm in Barre, Massachusetts. After growing up on a conventional farm in Illinois, Julie, along with her husband Jack, transitioned to organic farming in 1982, where she has become a pioneer in soil fertility and carbon sequestration.
Tune in to hear Julie Rawson's journey from conventional to organic farming and her insights on sustainable practices.
Episode Highlights: * Conventional Farming: Julie’s journey from conventional to organic [1:04] * Farm Goals: Julie’s objectives with her Massachusetts farm [4:28] * Orchard Details: More about her farm's orchards [13:14] * Tree Mulching: Learn about how Julie mulches her fruit trees [20:44] * Medicinal Plants: Hear about the medicinal plants Julie grows [25:29] * Tomato Varieties: Julie’s favorite tomatoes [30:20] * Educational Offerings: The types of education offered at Julie's farm [45:26] * Advice for New Farmers: Julie’s advice for newer farmers [50:39]
Don't miss this episode about the journey from conventional to organic farming, where Julie Rawson shares her insights on soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and sustainable farming practices.
About the Guest:
Julie has been farming at Many Hands Organic Farm since 1982 with her husband, Jack, her kids, many employees, apprentices, volunteers and working shareholders over the years. Their farm is certified organic, no-till, run a CSA since 1992, and also raises chicken, turkey and pork.
Connect with Julie’s Farm:
- Website: Many Hands Organic Farm
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
- YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
Has the homesteading movement finally peaked?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael explores this question and more with Melissa K. Norris who is a fifth-generation homesteader, author and educator in Washington state. Melissa inspires and guides thousands of fellow homesteaders through her website, podcast, and books on creating a self-sustaining home and kitchen to help further preserve the old ways of farm-to-table living.
Tune in to hear about the transformational power of sustainable living and the value of a supportive homesteading community.
Episode Highlights:
- Five Generations: More on Melissa’s family history in homesteading [1:05]
- Health Challenges: The Impact of Food Choices on Health and Holistic Living [7:59]
- Sharing with Others: About Melissa’s journey to educating others [15:21]
- Homestead Living: Learn about the magazine Melissa co-founded [17:45]
- Community Sufficiency: Melissa’s take on the importance of community [21:14]
- Spousal Support: Getting the Spouse on Board with Homesteading [32:38]
- Inspiring Others: Melissa’s advice to a new or aspiring homesteaders [42:16]
About the Guest:
Melissa K. Norris helps hundreds of thousands of people each month raise their own food and create a homemade and homegrown kitchen, home, garden and barnyard through her website, popular Pioneering Today Podcast, the Pioneering Today Academy and her books. She is a co-founder of the Modern Homesteading Conference as well as owner of Norris Farmstead.
Melissa is a 5th generation homesteader and lives with her husband and two kids in their own little house in the big woods in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains.
Connect with Melissa:
- Website: Melissa K. Norris
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
- YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
Why is it important to share the stories of small-scale farmers?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Olivia Schoentrup, a sixth-generation farmer who has transitioned from traditional farming to RV living and farm touring. Olivia shares her unique journey, shedding light on the challenges of scaling up a small farm and the critical importance of sharing the stories of small farmers.
Tune in to learn more about Olivia's transformative journey and the innovative practices shaping the future of farming.
Episode Highlights:
- Olivia’s Farming Journey: How Olivia’s farming endeavors came to be [1:02]
- Market Insights: What were the markets for Schoentrup Farms [7:14]
- Influential Farmers: Learn about some innovative farmers [15:46]
- Farm Visits: Hear about the smaller farms that Olivia has visited [20:21]
- Lessons Learned: Hear about what Olivia has learned through her journeys [27:21]
- Connect with Olivia: Follow Olivia on their travels [31:21]
About the Guest:
Olivia Schoentrup is a 6th generation farmer from Indiana. She and her husband, Paul, farmed together on 5 acres raising beef, pork, and chicken to sell directly to consumers. After farming for 6 years, they sold everything, moved into a 5th wheel camper, and are now traveling the country visiting small farms and homesteads to share their story on our YouTube Channel, Breaking New Roots.
Connect with Breaking New Roots:
Instagram: Follow on Instagram Facebook: Like on Facebook YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube
Don't miss this episode on Olivia’s experiences and perspectives on modern agricultural practices and the evolving landscape of small-scale farming across the US.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
Have you ever wondered how traditional oxen power can transform modern farming?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Melanie Cunningham of Shakefork Community Farm in Northern California. Along with her husband, Kevin, they grow a variety of vegetables, strawberries, and pasture-raised livestock using permanent raised beds, low-till methods, and draft oxen power.
Tune in to hear about this oxen-powered and diversified regenerative market & CSA farm!
Episode Highlights:
- Melanie's Farming Journey: Hear how Melanie found her passion for farming [1:36]
- Shakefork Farm: How they run the farm [8:22]
- Draft oxen power: Learn more about how they incorporated oxen [11:04]
- No-till: More about their bed preparation process [15:04]
- Sales Outlets: Some of the places that Shakefork markets their products [23:17]
- Strawberry Success: Learn more about their growing strawberry process [27:30]
- Tips for New Farmers: Hear Melanie’s advice for new farmers [35:47]
- Tool Time: Melanie’s favorite tool on the farm [36:37]
About the Guest:
Melanie Cunningham farms 85 acres in the Van Duzen River floodplain in far Northern California with her husband, Kevin, 10 year old son, Clyde and a crew of committed farmhands. Shakefork Community Farm is a highly diversified CSA and market garden AND pasture based operation, growing a variety of vegetables and strawberries, pasture raised eggs, chicken and turkey, grass-fed beef and a home dairy.
Melanie moved to Humboldt County in 2004 to learn to farm, and within a week landed her first farm job. Shakefork was launched in 2008 and has become an anchor of their thriving rural farming community.
Connect with Shakefork Community Farm:
- Website: Visit Shakefork Community Farm
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
- YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube
Don't miss this episode on the innovative practices and inspiring journey of Melanie Cunningham and Shakefork Community Farm, from using draft oxen power to achieving strawberry success.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farmhand!
When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management?
In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms.
The best part? Farmhand’s ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.
How do you successfully balance family and farm life?
Find out in this episode of the podcast with Ray Tyler! Ray has previously been on the podcast and he also participated in our Thriving Farmer Vegetable Summit this past January. Ray is an inspiring figure in the world of sustainable agriculture and is a dedicated family man, self-made farmer, and innovative educator at Rose Creek Farms.
Tune in to learn how to balance farming with family life and make a meaningful impact.
Episode Highlights:
- All about Ray: Ray Tyler's start into farming [1:13]
- Essential elements: Basic principles to apply on your farm [6:27]
- It’s All in the Family: Practical Applications and Family Integration on the Farm [23:26]
- Sustainability: Transitioning to a Sustainable Farming Lifestyle [32:03]
- Q&A: Implementing Family-Friendly Farming Practices [36:59]
About the Guest:
Ray Tyler, along with his wife Ashley, embarked on a farming journey fueled by passion and determination. Despite starting with zero savings and facing numerous challenges, including navigating stringent regulations and their daughter's battle with cancer, they persevered. By transitioning to focus solely on produce and refining their farming practices, they tripled their income while working fewer hours.
Today, they operate a successful, near weed-free farm with year-round production, emphasizing quality and sustainability. Ray's story underscores the transformative power of resilience, innovation, and prioritizing what truly matters in life: love, family, and contentment.
Connect with Rose Creek Farm:
- Website: Visit Rose Creek Farm
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
Don't miss this episode on the importance of disconnecting farm problems from family life, engaging children without forcing them to work, and still increasing farm profitability.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farmhand!
When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management?
In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms.
The best part? Farmhand’s ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.
How can shifting from profit-driven farming to a nonprofit model enhance food production and community well-being?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Jim Sander of Wildflower Lane Farm in North Carolina. After a successful career selling to local markets and CSAs, Jim shifted his farm’s focus to growing produce exclusively for local food relief groups using regenerative techniques, increasing both food production and personal fulfillment.
Tune in to hear how Jim has transformed his passion for farming into a powerful force for community good.
Episode Highlights:
- Jim's Farming Journey: Discover how Jim’s farming journey began. [1:40]
- Challenging Beginnings: Hear about Jim’s first year of growing. [4:11]
- Evolution of Wildflower Lane: Learn how his farm evolved into what it is today. [9:02]
- Crop Planning Challenges: Discover the difficulties of crop planning at Wildflower Lane. [23:02]
- Soil Fertility Program: Understand how the soil fertility program works. [24:38] Starting a Nonprofit Model Farm: Get Jim’s advice for starting a nonprofit model farm operation. [29:33] Advice for Aspiring Farmers: Hear Jim’s advice for those looking to get into farming. [35:24] Favorite Farming Tool: Find out what Jim’s favorite farming tool is. [38:15]
About the Guest:
Jim began farming at Wildflower Lane Farm in 2010 after attending an introductory farming course at the Breeze Farm in Hillsborough. After successfully farming there for a year, Jim converted 3/4 acre of pasture land at his 24 acre farm into a small organic farm.
For the first 7 years, Jim grew organically-certified produce and sold it to local markets, including Whole Foods, Weaver Street Market, Eastern Carolina Organics and numerous restaurants and CSA's.
At the end of year 7, Jim decided to partner with Table to feed local kids who are food insecure. Jim now volunteers 20 hours each week supervising Table volunteers and couldn’t be more fulfilled doing just what he loves, farming and providing fresh produce to locals.
Connect with Wildflower Lane Farm:
- Website: Visit Wildflower Lane Farm
Don't miss this episode on how Jim Sander's innovative approach is transforming farming and making a significant impact on local food relief efforts.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farmhand!
When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management?
In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms.
The best part? Farmhand’s ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.
How can a zero-waste ecosystem benefit both the environment and the local community?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Will Harris, a fourth-generation farmer and the owner of White Oak Pastures. His regenerative farm maintains a zero-waste ecosystem that supports 10 species of animals and produces everything from high-quality meats to organic fertilizers, demonstrating their commitment to land, livestock, and community. Tune in to hear about Will’s journey from an industrial cattle operation to a zero-waste regenerative farm.
Episode Highlights:
- Will's Farming Journey: Discover how Will’s farming journey began. [2:56]
- Joining Whole Foods: Explore how Will began his journey with Whole Foods. [6:56]
- On-Farm Processing: Discover the premise behind White Oak Pastures' on-farm processing [11:24]
- Their Commitment: Learn how White Oak Pastures implements its zero-waste policy. [21:01]
- The White Oak Team: Get insights into the size and structure of the White Oak team. [30:01]
- A Bold Return to Giving a Damn: Understand what inspired Will to write his book. [37:40]
- The Joe Rogan Experience: Explore how Will ended up on the Joe Rogan podcast. [39:12]
- Future of White Oak: Discover Will's vision for the future of White Oak Pastures. [44:36]
About the Guest:
Will Harris is a fourth-generation cattleman, who tends the same land that his great-grandfather settled in 1866. Born and raised at White Oak Pastures, Will left home to attend the University of Georgia's School of Agriculture, where he was trained in the industrial farming methods that had taken hold after World War II. Will graduated in 1976 and returned to Bluffton where he and his father continued to raise cattle using pesticides, herbicides, hormones, and antibiotics. In 1995, Will made the audacious decision to return to the farming methods his great-grandfather had used 130 years before.
Since Will has successfully implemented these changes, he has been recognized all over the world as a leader in humane animal husbandry and environmental sustainability.
Connect with White Oak Pastures:
- Website: Visit White Oak Pastures
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
- Will's Book: A Bold Return to Giving a Damn
Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion about the amazing transformation of White Oak Pastures!
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farmhand!
When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management?
In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms.
The best part? Farmhand’s ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.
What could you achieve with an extra 10 hours each week on your farm?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Ari Memar, the founder and CEO of Farmhand. Ari combines his tech expertise with a passion for sustainable agriculture to help local farmers boost their profits and cut down their workload, all through innovative technology.
Tune in to discover how this unique service can help you save time and money!
Episode Highlights:
- Ari's Farming Journey: Discover how Ari transitioned from tech enthusiast to farming innovator. [1:41]
- Exploring Farmhand: Learn how Farmhand supports farmers and enhances agricultural practices. [5:53]
- Farmhand in Action: Hear how farmers use Farmhand to streamline their operations and boost business. [16:17]
- Simplicity and Accessibility: Find out what makes Farmhand a user-friendly solution for modern farmers. [18:57]
- Custom Solutions: Dive into the customization options Farmhand offers to meet diverse farming needs. [21:25]
- Website Building: Explore Farmhand’s approach to creating effective, farm-focused websites. [27:22]
About the Guest:
Ari Memar is not just the mind behind Farmhand; he's also a hobby farmer in Sebastopol, California. There, he cultivates a variety of fruits and vegetables, applying his tech background to foster a sustainable local food ecosystem.
Connect with Farmhand:
- Website: Visit Farmhand
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion about blending technology with traditional farming to create a thriving agricultural business!
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farmhand!
When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management?
In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms.
The best part? Farmhand’s ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.
How can suburban spaces transform into sustainable farming hubs?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Bri Bosch who runs Blossom & Branch Farm in Colorado. On 1.7 acres in the suburbs of Denver, Briana and her husband have been blending budget-friendly farming with environmental stewardship, and offering educational classes and sustainable wedding florals.
Listen in to hear how Bri incorporates cover crops, plastic-free practices, and holistic animal grazing to produce healthy soil and beautiful flowers.
You’ll hear:
- What it’s like to farm in the suburbs 1:39
- Why and how Bri’s farm has gone plastic-free 14:34
- About the mulch they use on their garden 17:23
- More about their unique seed starting process using wool 21:44
- What the current main focuses are on the farm right now 29:53
- About the types of classes they offer 32:22
- More about how Briana manages the farm’s social media 58:04
About the Guest:
Briana is a fifth generation farmer running her own regenerative flower farm Blossom and Branch Farm near Denver, Colorado. She emphasizes cost saving practices that also consider the health of the planet and soil as top priorities.
Resources:
Website - www.blossomandbranchfarm.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blossomandbranchfarm YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@blossomandbranch TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/blossom-and-branch-farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, FarmHand!
When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management?
In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms.
The best part? Farmhand’s ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.
Does a farm run by its workers affect its success and how it operates?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Hannah Breckbill, who helped start Humble Hands Harvest. This organic farm in Northeast Iowa is run by its workers. Now in her 12th year, Hannah and her team practice no-till farming, showing their dedication to sustainable food and supporting the local community.
Listen in to find out how Hannah runs this community-focused, worker-owned farm.
You’ll hear:
- How Hannah got started in sustainable agriculture 1:00
- About Humble Hands’ journey to owning land 5:01
- What Certified Organic means to Hannah 8:51
- About what the help on the farm is like as a worker-owned farm 11:06
- More about the biggest challenges Humble Hands faces with their business model 18:37
- About what kind of education/encouragement they offer the queer farming community 29:38
- What Hannah’s advice is for beginning farmers 31:43
About the Guest:
Hannah is starting her 12th season with Humble Hands Harvest, a worker-owned vegetable farm growing food for the people of Decorah, Iowa. She holds a vision of a cooperative food web that regenerates rural livelihood as well as soil and ecosystems. She launched the Queer Farmer Convergence in 2018 and loves to be gathered on the land with fellow farmers and land stewards.
Resources:
Website - https://humblehandsharvest.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/humblehandsharvest Facebook - facebook.com/humblehandsharvest
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At our Growing Farmers store, planting season is in full swing! A treasure trove of plant starts and cuttings await. Our team is shipping everything from elderberry and willow cuttings to strawberry starts and potato slips.
So if you’ve been eyeing that sunny spot by the fence or considering how to fill that quiet corner of your yard, look not further. Visit shop.growingfarmers.com today for the first step towards a greener, more fruitful farmstead or garden.
What are the key benefits of integrating advanced technology into greenhouse construction?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Josh Holleb who is the Systems Integration Specialist at Ceres Greenhouse Solutions. Josh combines his construction and farming expertise to help create sustainable growing spaces that blend technology with smart design.
Tune in to hear about sustainable greenhouses that blend technology with smart design.
You’ll hear:
- How Josh got into greenhouses 0:51
- More about the types of greenhouses they build 2:29
- About the estimated costs for Ceres’ greenhouse designs 13:07
- What are the biggest principles Josh has learned while working with Ceres 17:44
- About the new markets Ceres has been exploring 22:17
- More about The Vesta 23:46
- How Ceres’ practices integrate with permaculture 30:12
About the Guest:
Josh Holleb has been working at the intersection of construction and agriculture for over 15 years. From running organic farms to building permaculture sites to growing Ceres greenhouse Solutions as a business, he tries to combine good design with smart farming techniques to help people and businesses succeed in creating efficient growing environments.
Resources:
Website - www.ceresgs.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/CerescannGreenhouse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CeresgreenhousesFacebook - Ceres Greenhouse Solutions
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At our Growing Farmers store, planting season is in full swing! A treasure trove of plant starts and cuttings await. Our team is shipping everything from elderberry and willow cuttings to strawberry starts and potato slips.
So if you’ve been eyeing that sunny spot by the fence or considering how to fill that quiet corner of your yard, look not further. Visit shop.growingfarmers.com today for the first step towards a greener, more fruitful farmstead or garden.
What are the biggest challenges in fruit farming?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Bryce Loewen of Blossom Bluff Orchards as he shares his journey in agriculture and the challenges of organic fruit farming in California's Central Valley. He discusses the life cycle of orchards, the yield per acre of stone fruits, and the importance of diversity in fruit varieties.
Tune in to hear about this inspirational, multigenerational farm.
You’ll hear:
- About Bryce’s journey into agriculture 0:56
- More on Blossom Bluff’s average stone fruit yield per acre 9:06
- What some of the growing challenges are 13:19
- About how the seasons go on the farm 15:22
- More about Blossom Bluff’s sales venues 21:06
- What Bryce’s intentions are for the farm’s future 33:37
- Bryce’s advice for people thinking of starting a farm 39:24
About the Guest: Bryce is a fourth generation farmer at Blossom Bluff Orchards. He and his sister Renata grew up in a house on the bluff of the Kings River that their parents (Fran and Ted) still live in today. Bryce and Renata also live on the farm in houses that were acquired from neighbors as the farm grew, and all four work together in various roles and share ownership of Blossom Bluff Orchards. Their farming strategy involves finding niches to fill, developing a brand and a reputation for quality, and selling directly to stores, restaurants and consumers.
Resources:
Website - https://blossombluff.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blossomblufforchardsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/blossombluff
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At our Growing Farmers store, planting season is in full swing! A treasure trove of plant starts and cuttings await. Our team is shipping everything from elderberry and willow cuttings to strawberry starts and potato slips.
So if you’ve been eyeing that sunny spot by the fence or considering how to fill that quiet corner of your yard, look not further. Visit shop.growingfarmers.com today for the first step towards a greener, more fruitful farmstead or garden.
How has organic farming evolved over the years and what might the future hold?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Paul Muller who is a part of the pioneering force at Full Belly Farm, a 450-acre certified organic farm in North Central California. For over four decades, the farm has championed economic stability, year-round employment, and a strong community connection, ensuring nourishment for this generation and those to come.
Tune in to hear all about how Paul ensures that this large organic farm continues to thrive!
You’ll hear:
- How Paul got started in farming 0:59
- About the Full Belly team 10:20
- More on the history of organic farming and the Real Organic Project 15:48
- About Paul’s take about soil science 22:28
- How Full Belly uses cover crops 34:39
- What Paul is doing to bring up the next generation of farmers at Full Belly 46:15
- About Paul’s advice for new farmers 56:15
About the Guest: Paul Muller farms with family and partners at Full Belly farm, a diversified 450 acre organic farm in North Central California's Capay Valley. For more than 40 years, Full Belly has been seeking to evolve a model farm that is economically stable, honors employees with a business design that creates year round employment, strives to grow more layers of life on a farm for environmental complexity, and seeks to connect with a community of farm supporters for a broader social impact.
Resources:
Website - fullbellyfarm.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/full_belly_farm/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FullBellyFarm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At our Growing Farmers store, planting season is in full swing! A treasure trove of plant starts and cuttings await. Our team is shipping everything from elderberry and willow cuttings to strawberry starts and potato slips.
So if you’ve been eyeing that sunny spot by the fence or considering how to fill that quiet corner of your yard, look not further. Visit shop.growingfarmers.com today for the first step towards a greener, more fruitful farmstead or garden.
How does the health of soil directly impact global hunger solutions?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Abram J. Bicksler, Ph.D., who is President and CEO of ECHO, a global Christian organization focused on empowering the undernourished through sustainable hunger solutions. With over 15 years of international experience, Abram leads the charge to help foster sustainable agricultural practices and holistic missions worldwide.
Tune in to hear how Abram leads ECHO to help small farmers thrive around the world!
You’ll hear:
- How Abram got started in his career 1:02
- More about Abram’s time working with government agencies 3:49
- About some of the problems facing small farmers around the world 13:02
- How ECHO helps farmers maintain organic matter in their soil 23:53
- More about how ECHO provides pertinent information to people regarding conventional fertilizers 35:02
About the Guest: Abram J. Bicksler, Ph.D., is the President/CEO of ECHO, a global Christian technical resourcing and networking organization based in Fort Myers, Florida. He is responsible for leading the overall global programs and operations of the organization in order to help it achieve its vision of honoring God by empowering the undernourished with sustainable hunger solutions.
With more than 15 years of international experience, including five years as Director of ECHO’s Asia Regional Impact Center from 2013-2018, Bicksler most recently served as an Agricultural Officer in the agroecology team at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy. He is passionate about holistic mission and empowering people to use their gifts, skills, education and experiences to bring healing to people and the creation.
Resources:
Website - www.echonet.org Website - www.echocommunity.org Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/echofightshunger/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ECHOFightsHunger
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At our Growing Farmers store, planting season is in full swing! A treasure trove of plant starts and cuttings await. Our team is shipping everything from elderberry and willow cuttings to strawberry starts and potato slips.
So if you’ve been eyeing that sunny spot by the fence or considering how to fill that quiet corner of your yard, look not further. Visit shop.growingfarmers.com today for the first step towards a greener, more fruitful farmstead or garden.
How can SEO transform your farm's online visibility?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Julia Bocchese, a SEO Consultant for agriculture and horticulture businesses and founder of Homegrown Reach. With a deep passion for supporting local agriculture, Julia focuses on making businesses easily discoverable to their ideal customers through tailored optimization strategies.
Tune in to hear how you can utilize SEO to reach more farm customers.
You’ll hear:
- About what SEO is 2:19
- How you should showcase your images 8:46
- Whether people should use AI to generate their ad copy 13:34
- More on what platforms Julia recommends 14:35
- What specific SEO services Julia offers 19:12
- What Julia’s advice is for someone who wants to dive into SEO 22:38
About the Guest: Julia Bocchese is an SEO Consultant for agriculture and horticulture businesses at Homegrown Reach and is the first SEO professor at Drexel University. Her goal is to make SEO strategies approachable and easy to implement for all small businesses so they can reach their customers organically and help their business bloom.
She lives in Philadelphia with her family and, on the side, she's working on revitalizing their previously neglected garden, runs a travel photography site, and experiments with spicy recipes in the kitchen.
Resources:
Website - https://homegrownreach.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/homegrownreach
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At our Growing Farmers store, planting season is in full swing! A treasure trove of plant starts and cuttings await. Our team is shipping everything from elderberry and willow cuttings to strawberry starts and potato slips.
So if you’ve been eyeing that sunny spot by the fence or considering how to fill that quiet corner of your yard, look not further. Visit shop.growingfarmers.com today for the first step towards a greener, more fruitful farmstead or garden.
How can small farms compete in a wholesale market dominated by large agricultural businesses?
On this episode, Michael is joined by Cole Mazariegos-Anastassiou who co-runs Brisa Ranch in California's Pescadero area. Together with his farm partners, their farm offers a variety of crops grown regeneratively on ecologically rich farmland for mainly local wholesale distribution.
Tune in to hear how Cole’s farm is successfully geared to wholesalers than direct to consumer.
You’ll hear:
- About where Brisa Ranch is located 0:56
- More about how they make their deliveries 3:16
- What a typical week on the farm is like 5:22
- About the soil fertility on the farm 8:35
- More about their two irrigation systems they have 16:13
- About the other owners and the kind of crew they maintain 24:50
- What the biggest challenge has been since Brisa Ranch started 35:37
About the Guest: Cole Mazariegos-Anastassiou, along with Cristóbal Cruz Hernández and Verónica Mazariegos-Anastassiou, co-own Brisa Ranch which grows a diverse range of crops (nearly 40 different crops) on over 30 acres. About 95% of their sales are B2B, selling directly to a range of grocery stores, school districts, universities, hospitals, corporate kitchens, food banks, etc. Beyond being certified organic, they are certified with Real Organic Project to differentiate their soil-focused growing practices.
Resources:
Website - www.brisaranch.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brisaranch Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/brisaranch
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Unlock the potential of elderberry farming with Growing Farmers! Elderberries, thriving even on marginal land, offer a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Not just the berries, but also sticks, flowers, and leaves are in demand, diversifying income streams.
With initial investments as low as $12.75 for cuttings, the path to a profitable agribusiness is within reach. This resilient crop can be your gateway to tapping into a growing market for health-conscious consumers.
Start your elderberry venture today and cultivate success. For more details, visit shop.growingfarmers.com.
How many plants does it take to get a pound of tomato seeds?
On this episode we’re joined by Theresa Podoll from Prairie Road Organic Seed in Fullerton, North Dakota. Since 1997, Theresa and her husband, Dan, have been passionate about providing resilient, organic seed varieties with a focus on taste and abundance for their customers.
Tune in to hear about the important need for regional seed supplies and the role of seed companies in providing resources and support to gardeners.
You’ll hear:
- How Theresa got started in farming and seed production 0:50
- What Real Certified Organic means to Theresa 7:53
- More about which seed crops use the most nutrients 13:48
- About the methods they used to harvest their seeds 17:08
- What is the hardest part of seed production, according to Theresa 26:54
- What advice Theresa would give someone starting in seed production 35:09
- About how many plants does it typically take to get a pound of tomato seed 41:17
- More about their biggest challenges 42:31
About the Guest:
Along with her husband, Dan, Theresa Podoll runs Prairie Road Organic Seed in Fullerton, ND where they focus on providing their customers with strong, resilient seeds of 'work-horse' varieties. They’ve been seed producers and contract growers for other garden seed companies since 1997 and all of Prairie Road’s seed is grown on their farm which has been certified organic since 1977.
Resources:
Website - https://www.prairieroadorganic.co/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PrairieRoadOrganicSeed Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theresa_at_prairie_road/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Unlock the potential of elderberry farming with Growing Farmers! Elderberries, thriving even on marginal land, offer a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Not just the berries, but also sticks, flowers, and leaves are in demand, diversifying income streams.
With initial investments as low as $12.75 for cuttings, the path to a profitable agribusiness is within reach. This resilient crop can be your gateway to tapping into a growing market for health-conscious consumers.
Start your elderberry venture today and cultivate success. For more details, visit shop.growingfarmers.com.
Can agroforestry boost farm profitability?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jeremy Kaufman who is Chief of Operations at Propagate, a leader in Agroforestry. Along with his team, Jeremy is fully committed to integrating agroforestry into farming to increase farm profits, decrease erosion and nutrient loss, and promote the broad use of sustainable farming methods.
Tune in to hear how integrating agroforestry into traditional farming practices can transform the agricultural landscape.
You’ll hear:
- How Propagate Ag got started 1:03
- About some of the large projects Propagate is currently working on 4:20
- More about the motivation behind moving entirely to agroforestry 15:17
- How Propagate aims to create a domestic wholesale market for chestnuts 18:42
- About Propagate’s partnership with Rodale Institute 20:51
- How Propagate handles marketing and buyer engagement 36:38
- What Jeremy’s favorite tool is on the farm 44:43
About the Guest:
Jeremy is an entrepreneur, designer and operations executive who previously designed digital products for a range of companies from startups to Fortune 500. At Propagate, Jeremy leads technology development & operations. Jeremy holds a B.A. in Entrepreneurship from Miami University. Having worked on organic farms, and being a part of a 3rd generation family timber products business, he is focused on the systemic interplay between agricultural, economic, and cultural paradigms.
Resources:
Website - propagateag.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/propagateag/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/propagate_ag/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/propagateag/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Unlock the potential of elderberry farming with Growing Farmers! Elderberries, thriving even on marginal land, offer a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Not just the berries, but also sticks, flowers, and leaves are in demand, diversifying income streams.
With initial investments as low as $12.75 for cuttings, the path to a profitable agribusiness is within reach. This resilient crop can be your gateway to tapping into a growing market for health-conscious consumers.
Start your elderberry venture today and cultivate success. For more details, visit shop.growingfarmers.com.
Are you looking for more community and education on homesteading?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Amy Fewell, who is the visionary behind Homesteaders of America. As a published author, herbalist, and modern-day milkmaid, Amy nurtures her passion for self-sufficiency on her family’s farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Tune in to hear more about herbalism and community cultivation from this inspiring homesteader.
You’ll hear:
- When Amy got into homesteading 1:24
- Some of Amy’s suggestions for getting kids to eat healthier 4:59
- How Homesteaders of America creates a sense of community 15:39
- About Amy’s favorite herbs 20:33
- What Amy’s advice is for someone just getting into homesteading 25:45
- More on the future plan for Homesteaders of America 42:07
- What Amy’s favorite homesteading tool is 44:24
About the Guest:
Amy Fewell is the author of two published books, and runs a homestead alongside her husband and three children in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She is an herbalist, avid gardener, and modern day milkmaid as well as the founder of Homesteaders of America.
Resources: Website - https://thefewellhomestead.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amy.fewell Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thefewellhomestead
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Explore new revenue opportunities with Harvest Hosts! List your farm and connect with a community of more than 250,000 RVers eager to support small businesses! You only need to provide space for at least one RVer to stay overnight. In exchange, the RVers will patronize your farm. No hook-ups or RV services required! Ready to add 15K+ in extra revenue with minimal time investment? Visit us at HarvestHosts.com today!
How long do you think it takes to get a cow from grain fed to fully grass-fed?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim Joseph, the pioneering founder of Maple Hill Creamery, the largest 100% regenerative, grass-fed organic dairy farm in the U.S. After leaving his corporate job, Tim positioned Maple Hill at the forefront of the dairy industry, championing grass-fed organic dairy and regenerative farming practices.
Tune in to hear all about Tim and Maple Hill’s dairy farming journey.
You’ll hear:
- How Tim got started in farming 1:26
- Where all the milk went after the first 60 cows 5:12
- About the decision on whether they needed a second farm 16:37
- What allowed Maple Hill to scale so smoothly 20:43
- More about when Tim knew he needed an experienced management team 26:12
- Why don’t they make chocolate milk anymore (everybody loves it, nobody buys it!) 39:11
- What Tim’s advice is for someone considering getting into dairy farming 40:49
About the Guest:
In a world dominated by corporate conventional farming, Tim Joseph, Founder of Maple Hill Creamery, chose a different path. He made the decision to leave his corporate job and embark on a journey of owning a farm and raising his four young boys. That same year, Maple Hill Creamery's mission, focusing on "better for the cows, consumers, land, and farmers," began to resonate with a wider audience across the U.S., with this vision going beyond profit margins, seeing dairy farming as a lifestyle to him and hundreds of family farms they work with.
Resources:
Website - https://www.maplehill.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maplehillcreamery/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MapleHillCreamery/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Unlock the potential of elderberry farming with Growing Farmers! Elderberries, thriving even on marginal land, offer a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Not just the berries, but also sticks, flowers, and leaves are in demand, diversifying income streams.
With initial investments as low as $12.75 for cuttings, the path to a profitable agribusiness is within reach. This resilient crop can be your gateway to tapping into a growing market for health-conscious consumers.
Start your elderberry venture today and cultivate success. For more details, visit shop.growingfarmers.com.
What are the unique challenges of growing and milling your own grains?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Alexis Dragovich, co-operator of Mud Run Farms in northeast Ohio. What started out as a 1st generation dairy farm has turned into a father daughter team working hard to make certified organic grains and fresh stone-ground flours more commonplace.
Tune in to hear about Alexis’ passion for healthy grains, small business and their local community.
You’ll hear:
- How Mud Run Farm got started in growing grains 1:21
- About the kind of mill Mud Run uses 3:11
- What the difference is between hard red wheat and soft red wheat 6:38
- More about how Mud Run Farm markets their products 12:07
- What Alexis’ advise would be to herself at the start of her journey 18:37
About the Guest:
Alexis Dragovich is co-operating Mud Run Farm, a small, certified organic farm in Northeast Ohio. What started out as a 1st generation 6-head family dairy farm has turned into a certified organic, diverse small grain farm, mill and business. Along with her father, Alex, Alexis is now focused mainly on producing and milling small grains to produce something that was really lacking in their region and community. This father-daughter team shares a strong passion for organics, the environment, and small businesses.
Resources:
Website - https://www.mudrunfarmorganics.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mudrunfarmorganicsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mudrunfarmorganics
Resource mentioned: Artisan Grain Collaborative
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Explore new revenue opportunities with Harvest Hosts! List your farm and connect with a community of more than 250,000 RVers eager to support small businesses! You only need to provide space for at least one RVer to stay overnight. In exchange, the RVers will patronize your farm. No hook-ups or RV services required! Ready to add 15K+ in extra revenue with minimal time investment? Visit us at HarvestHosts.com today!
How does your local climate influence your agricultural decisions?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jodi Roebuck who is the trailblazing market gardener and mentor at Roebuck Farm in Taranaki, New Zealand.
With over two decades of experience, Jodi guides fellow growers toward more economically viable farming practices, embodying his belief that when environmental and financial health go hand in hand, true sustainability is achieved.
Tune in to hear all about farming in windy and wet New Zealand!
You’ll hear:
- What farming is like in New Zealand 1:55
- How Jodi got started in farming 3:43
- What a high-wind hoop house/greenhouse looks like 12:02
- About what a typical day looks like on Jodi’s farm 20:53
- What Jodi’s thought process was leading up to the big greenhouse project 28:29
- What key principles Roebuck Farm follows to sustain their success 39:17
- More on what the next years hold for Roebuck Farm 45:19
- What would Jodi do differently given the opportunity to start over 47:50
About the Guest:
Jodi Roebuck is a world-renowned contemporary market gardener with 20+ years experience in sustainable growing and coaches the essentials of a profitable market garden business. Jodi’s philosophy is clear: true sustainability must also be profitable. He firmly believes that being “green” is only achievable if you’re not “in the red,” emphasizing the importance of economic viability in sustainable agriculture.
Resources:
Website - https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jodiroebuck/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RoebuckFarmPodcast Mentioned: The Profitable Mini Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.
You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.
What unique challenges and rewards come with chestnut farming?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Brad Russell of Chestnuts in the Ozarks in Omaha, Arkansas. Brad’s lifelong respect for nature along with his dedication to sustainable agriculture has guided him and his wife, Sandy, to revive and sustain the long-forgotten legacy of chestnut farming in the United States.
Tune in to hear all about Chestnuts in the Ozarks and the world of chestnut farming!
You’ll hear:
- How Brad got started in chestnuts 0:49
- What varieties of chestnuts does Brad’s farm work with 8:13
- About the care methods for chestnut trees 12:29
- How someone who wants to plant chestnut trees would need to plan 14:03
- About which insects people should watch out for 18:19
- About what bare roots trees typically cost 22:31
- How you can learn more about Chestnuts in the Ozarks 27:37
About the Guest:
In the picturesque countryside of the Ozarks in Omaha, Arkansas, Brad and Sandy Russell discovered their farm’s purpose in the age-old tradition of chestnut farming where Chestnuts in the Ozarks was born. Brad grew up with a profound respect for nature and an unwavering passion for sustainable agriculture. Brad and Sandy’s journey in the world of chestnut farming would become a testament to their love for each other, the earth, and their deep connection to their farm. It has become their determination to sustain an age-old legacy that has been long forgotten here in the United States.
Resources:
Website - https://www.chestnutsintheozarks.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chestnutsozark/ Facebook - Chestnuts in the Ozarks
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.
You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.
How do you take your homestead from beginner to profitable?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Ann Accetta-Scott, a dedicated first-generation homesteader and the author behind "The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest." While managing her family farm in Middle Tennessee, Ann shares her journey from self-taught beginnings to becoming a community cultivator and advocate for a simpler, more sustainable way of life.
Tune in to hear how Ann teaches others how to establish a life centered around clean eating, food ownership, and homesteading skills.
You’ll hear:
- About why Ann got started in farming 0:47
- What their biggest challenge was when increasing their farm’s acreage 2:18
- What Ann’s goal was when she started the garden 12:04
- What challenges Ann experienced when moving cross country 14:44
- How Ann designed her garden for preservation 20:08
- Ann’s tips for making a homestead profitable 39:03
- What is covered in The Farm Girl’s Guide to Preserving the Harvest 54:19
About the Guest:
Ann is a first-generation homesteader who manages her small family farm in southern Middle Tennessee. She is the author of The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest and the content curator for her website, A Farm Girl in the Making. Ann is a teacher by trade but has left the school system to teach individuals how to achieve a simpler and more traditional way of life.
Resources:
Website - https://afarmgirlinthemaking.com/ Facebook - A Farm Girl in the Making Instagram - A Farm Girl in the Making Her Book The Farm Girl’s Guide to Preserving the Harvest
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
The 2024 Thriving Farmer Vegetable Summit is in the books. Did you miss it? No worries! You still have the chance to catch all the invaluable insights and expert advice. Grab your All-Access Pass today and learn at your own pace about innovative farming techniques, effective marketing strategies, and how to maximize yields and profits on your farm or homestead. Visit farmsummits.com now to get your All-Access Pass and start your journey to a more successful and sustainable farming future!
Are you ready to take your vegetable farming to the next level?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael shares about this year’s Thriving Farmer Summit and this year is all about Vegetables. The Summit is a free event happening January 12-14th and features a lineup of expert speakers covering topics from fertilizer-free farming methods and winter production to balancing family and farming, soil tests, compost and much more.
Tune in to hear about how this year’s Summit offers valuable insights and practical tips for farmers to improve their farming practices and grow better quality vegetables.
Click here to register for the Vegetable Summit.
You’ll hear:
- About what the Thriving Farmer Vegetable Summit is all about
- Some details about each of this year’s Session Speakers
- What some of Michael’s biggest takeaways were from his interviews
- How to register for the Vegetable Summit
About the Guest:
Michael Kilpatrick is a farmer and educator in Carlisle, Ohio. Along with his wife, Savannah, they run the Farm on Central, where they pursue their passion of providing fresh and local food to the community.
In addition to co-running the farm, Savannah teaches cooking, canning, and baking classes from her kitchen. Meanwhile, Michael is also the founder of Growing Farmers and the Thriving Farmer Online Summits and is dedicated to providing educational resources for farmers.
Together, they reach a community of over 60,000 farmers, homesteaders, and families!
Resources:
Website - Register here for the Vegetable Summit
And if you want to keep the conversation going, join us in our Facebook Group to connect with us and other farmers looking to grow their business!
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Explore new revenue opportunities with Harvest Hosts! List your farm and connect with a community of more than 250,000 RVers eager to support small businesses! You only need to provide space for at least one RVer to stay overnight. In exchange, the RVers will patronize your farm. No hook-ups or RV services required! Ready to add 15K+ in extra revenue with minimal time investment? Visit us at Harvest Hosts.com today!
Do you take the time to reflect on the past year of your farm?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by his wife, Savannah. Together, they chat about how this past year went at their farm in Ohio called The Farm on Central. From building a farm store to strawberries and sourdough, they share the up's and down's of 2023.
Tune in to hear about this Year in Review and how they are taking the lessons they learned into the New Year.
You’ll hear:
- Why they started The Farm on Central 1:01
- About what all has changed with their store this year 5:19
- What they’ve been doing with sourdough bread 11:35
- About how they did their hiring and team management 15:17
- An update on their farm’s soil and water 24:47
- What is currently going on with their wellness line 29:52
- An update on some new land they recently leased 39:35
About the Guest:
Michael & Savannah Kilpatrick are farmers and educators in Carlisle, Ohio. Together they run The Farm on Central, where they pursue their passion of providing fresh and local food to the community.
In addition to co-running the farm, Savannah teaches cooking, canning, and baking classes from her kitchen. Meanwhile, Michael is also the founder of Growing Farmers and the Thriving Farmer Online Summits and is dedicated to providing educational resources for farmers.
Together, they reach a community of over 60,000 farmers, homesteaders, and families!
Resources:
Website - https://farmoncentral.com/ Crowdfunding Page - https://farmoncentral.com/crowdfunding/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/farmoncentral/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/farmoncentral
And if you want to keep the conversation going, join us in our Facebook Group to connect with us and other farmers looking to grow their business!
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Explore new revenue opportunities with Harvest Hosts! List your farm and connect with a community of more than 250,000 RVers eager to support small businesses! You only need to provide space for at least one RVer to stay overnight. In exchange, the RVers will patronize your farm. No hook-ups or RV services required! Ready to add 15K+ in extra revenue with minimal time investment? Visit us at Harvest Hosts.com today!
What lessons can Southern gardeners learn from Melissa Smith's experience with dahlias?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Melissa Smith of Fraylick Farm who is a passionate gardener, dahlia enthusiast, and experienced flower farmer. As a Clemson certified Master Gardener and a self-taught expert in the art of cut flower cultivation, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for nurturing beauty in every bloom.
Tune in to hear how Melissa markets her flower farm and her passion for dahlias.
You’ll hear:
- How Melissa got started with growing flowers 0:56
- What Fraylick Farm’s marketing looks like 7:30
- How does their wholesale model work 11:30
- About Melissa’s criteria for covering versus not covering the flower buds 32:36
- How much fertilizer farmers should use on dahlias 43:06
- What Melissa’s advice is for someone looking to get started in flower farming 49:47
- About Melissa’s favorite farming tool 54:01
About the Guest:
Melissa Smith is a seasoned gardener and farmer, renowned for her deep love for dahlias and an impressive array of cut flowers. With a gardening journey rooted in the South, Melissa has honed her skills to navigate the challenges of Southern horticulture, turning her dreams of lush, bountiful gardens into a vibrant reality. A Clemson certified Master Gardener, she embodies a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach to flower farming, dedicating her time to thinking, planning, and growing an extensive variety of blooms.
Resources:
Website - www.fraylick.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/FraylickFarmsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/flwrtherapy/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.
She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.
Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast
What can you learn from a food hub model of connecting local producers with chefs and consumers?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jeff Bednar, the innovative force behind Profound Foods in North Texas. Since 2014, Jeff and his wife, Lee, have been revolutionizing local food systems and specializing in hydroponic produce. Jeff connects consumers directly to locally-grown food through his online marketplace, all while fostering community education and supporting future food entrepreneurs.
Tune in to hear all about how Jeff built a farm and food hub with a solid reputation for quality, consistency and education.
You’ll hear:
- About how Jeff got started in farming 0:58
- How they started selling to chefs and restaurants 6:05
- About how the food hub pricing model works 10:20
- What their marketing looks like 14:28
- How Jeff has assembled the Profound Foods team 18:10
- About how the Profound Foods dinners work 23:06
- What Jeff would do differently if he could start over again 33:08
- How Jeff and Lee keep their whole family involved 37:31
- About Jeff’s favorite product in the food hub 41:07
- What the future holds for Profound Foods 42:52
About the Guest: Jeff Bednar founded Profound Microfarms in 2014. They specialize in growing over 150 varieties of high-quality hydroponic lettuces, rare culinary herbs, and microgreens on 10 acres just north of Dallas, Texas, using sustainable agricultural practices in controlled environments.
In 2018, Jeff founded Profound Foods which is a North Texas food hub dedicated to providing locally grown and sustainably produced food to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Their mission is to build and support a sustainable food system by connecting local farmers and consumers through their online marketplace.
In addition to providing fresh, local food, Profound Foods and Profound Microfarms are committed to educating the community about the importance of sustainable agriculture and supporting local farmers. They offer educational workshops, farm tours, a food entrepreneur incubator kitchen and intern opportunities to connect people with their food sources and promote a more sustainable food system.
Resources:
Website - www.profoundfoods.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/profoundfoodsFacebook - www.facebook.com/profoundfoods
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.
She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.
Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast
In what ways can transforming our front yards into edible landscapes impact our local food systems and communities?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Laura Fernandez who is the visionary behind Front Yard Foods in South Carolina. Laura's journey began with a simple garden at the age of 12 and has blossomed into a mission to reconnect people with their food through personalized garden designs, educational courses, and a passion for community-driven sustainability.
Tune in to hear all about how Laura built this thriving garden operation from the ground up!
You’ll hear:
- How Laura started getting interested in plants 0:59
- How Front Yard Foods got started 5:09
- About Laura’s biggest surprise in how the business has grown 7:54
- What Laura does for marketing 13:25
- How Laura runs the books 19:30
- About what Laura would change if she could start again 29:06
- What Laura’s advice is for new gardeners 36:09
About the Guest: Laura Fernandez founded Front Yard Foods in 2022 in order to help people develop uniquely designed gardens and edible landscapes. Laura’s passion for food first sprouted when she built her first garden with her grandfather at the age of 12.
Food, farming and community are of the greatest importance to her. Through Front Yard Foods, she hopes to inspire others to find their own connection to the earth and its value. Laura uses custom designs, individualized consultation and personalized education to build the confidence of each gardener and equip them with knowledge to accomplish their unique goals.
Resources:
Website - frontyardfoods.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/FrontYardFoodsSC Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frontyard_foods/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.
She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.
Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast
Ever thought about shifting your farm to a U-Pick model?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is diving into the world of agritourism with Megan Neubauer of Pure Land Farm located in McKinney, Texas. Megan literally wrote the book on pick-your-own farming and her farming journey offers invaluable insights into transforming local agriculture into a profitable, community-driven experience.
Tune in to hear about Megan’s thriving U-Pick operation and her new book!
You’ll hear:
- How Megan got into farming 0:52
- What led Megan to shift her farm to Upick 4:52
- What the average customer expects when participating in U-pick 10:37
- How their crops are priced 11:42
- About how they package their berries for U-Pick customers 15:08
- What software Megan uses for booking 21:23
- About how they deal with “problem people” 25:00
- About their marketing focus 30:19
- What Megan’s advice is for newer farmers or farmers looking to change things up 38:04
About the Guest: Megan Neubauer is a farmer in North Texas. She graduated with a BS in Biology from Boston University in 2004 and after several years working in biotech and scientific research, Megan and her father created Pure Land Farm in McKinney, TX in 2012. Pure Land Farm uses regenerative growing methods on three acres of thornless blackberries and two acres of diversified fruits and vegetables, exclusively marketing their products using agritourism.
Her new book on Pick-Your-Own-Farming releases December 4th, 2023.
Resources:
Website - www.purelandorganic.com Megan’s Book - Pick-Your-Own Farming - available NOW Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PureLandFarm Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/purelandfarm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@purelandfarm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.
She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.
Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast
How does the concept of value-added thinking apply to both farming and our daily lives? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Billy Bond, owner of Perma Pastures Farm, located in North Carolina. From hands-on workshops to online education, Billy and his family share their knowledge and love for permaculture. When he’s not on their farm, he is helping transform damaged and destroyed landscapes into abundant permaculture farms.
Tune in to hear about permaculture and value-added thinking for your farm!
You’ll hear:
- How Billy got started in farming 0:50
- About the kind of property Perma Pastures Farm is 7:29
- What new homesteaders should focus on first 12:01
- About what Billy’s Bone Sauce is 25:10
- What Billy would do differently given the ability to start from the beginning 31:14
About the Guest: Billy was a city kid. He went to college for a short while before joining the US Army to become an Airborne Sapper. After military service, Billy became an IBEW electrician and completed degrees in biology and business administration. He moonlighted as a part-time talk radio host and learned the craft of fine butchery at The Local Pig in Kansas City, Mo.
Billy was bitten by the permaculture bug and life was never the same. He earned his permaculture design certificate and has since designed several homesteads in several states…and has even installed a permaculture orchard (with chickens) on an active construction site. He loves experimenting and learning!
Resources:
Website - https://permapasturesfarm.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/permapasturesfarm/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/@PermaPasturesFarm21
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.
She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.
Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast
What challenges and opportunities arise when starting a farm and retail venture from scratch? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jacob Towe of Jubilee Farms in Pauline, South Carolina. After helping with his family’s Christmas tree farm from an early age, Jacob launched his own regenerative farm as well as a local grocery store focused on real food and farm-to-table connections.
Tune in to hear how Jacob boot-strapped his way into a successful farm life!
In this episode, you’ll hear…
- How Jacob got started in regenerative farming 0:55
- What his biggest takeaways were from his time at Polyface Farm 3:11
- What kind of farmland Jubilee Farm has 9:16
- More about the farm’s grocery store 10:45
- What Jacob would do differently given the opportunity to start over 24:21
- About their store’s customers and what they purchase most 31:08
- What Jacob’s advice is for newer farmers 32:45
About the Guest: Jacob Towe is the owner of Jubilee Farms and co-owner of Farmfare Grocery in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. He has been involved in agriculture from an early age helping with his grandfather's Christmas tree farm and later getting his own chickens. After a summer at Polyface in 2017 he launched Jubilee Farms as a first generation livestock farmer. Recently he opened his first retail location named Farmfare in partnership with his mother Paula.
Resources:
Website - Jubileefarmssc.comFarm’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jubileefarmssc/ Store’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FarmfareLocalGrocery/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jubilee_farms_sc/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.
She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.
Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast
Is it the grass or the genetics that helps most with grass-fed dairy farming? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Suzanne Karreman of Reverence Farms in North Carolina. Along with her veterinarian husband, Dr. Hubert, they run a 400-acre, 80-cow grass-fed dairy. Their farm is a thriving polyculture where animals are ‘passionately pastured’ and the land benefits from careful, healing stewardship.
Tune in today to hear about Suzanne’s passion and knowledge about grass-fed dairy cows.
In this episode, you’ll hear…
- How Suzanne got into farming 0:59
- How long it took for Suzanne and her husband to go commercial 8:20
- What Suzanne’s stance is on whether or not going grass-fed is worth it 15:42
- About where the milk from the current herd is going 26:48
- What the Reverence Farm team looks like 33:02
- What a typical year looks like at Reverence Farms 39:12
- About the other enterprises they work on 46:45
- What Suzanne’s advice for newer farmers is 49:32
About the Guest: Suzanne and her vet husband, Hubert, run a 400-acre, 80-cow grass-fed dairy in the North Carolina Piedmont. Suzanne’s passion project is breeding Jersey cows to thrive on a pasture-only diet, while also building pastures of sufficient energy to allow the cows to thrive. Pigs, chickens, horses and sheep also graze their pastures, and the farm is also home to 20-40 Jersey bulls that are sent all over the U.S. and into Canada to sire cows that can convert sunshine into butter.
Resources:
Website - www.reverencefarms.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/reverencefarmsnc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reverence.farms/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.
She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.
Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast
Do you know what all goes into garlic growing?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Julie Olberding of Rustic Roots Farm in Alexandria, Minnesota. Their farm balances natural resources with a blend of innovative techniques and traditional methods to produce the highest quality products for their customers. They specialize in hardneck garlic, maple syrup, asparagus and more using these natural and regenerative methods.
Tune in to hear about Julie’s award-winning garlic and her advice for new farmers.
You’ll hear:
- How Julie and Chad got started in farming 1:35
- Why Rustic Roots choose garlic to start with 5:07
- Why Rustic Roots does farmers markets 9:35
- About Rustic Roots’ marketing 14:03
- More on the other garlic products they offer 16:57
- How many varieties of garlic they grow 20:30
- What Rustic Roots offers in terms of education 27:01
- About their fertility program 33:53
- What other enterprises and products their farm offers 42:41
- What Julie’s advice is for newer farmers 45:03
- About what Julie would change if she could go back and start over 48:38
About the Guest: Julie Olberding and her family started Rustic Roots Farm near Alexandria, Minnesota. They are first generation farmers now entering their 5th year of farming. They raise specialty crops (hardneck garlic, maple syrup, asparagus and small square bales of hay) using natural, sustainable and regenerative methods.
They started Rustic Roots Farm to teach their kids the values of independence, hard work, self-reliance, perseverance and creative thinking and they are involved in the day-to-day operations of the farm. In 2022, their farm was honored to be selected as a featured grower at the Minnesota Garlic Festival.
Resources:
Website - https://rusticrootsfarm.eatfromfarms.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rusticrootsfarmmnFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/rusticrootsfarmmn
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.
Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.
You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org.
What are ways you can get involved in your local community? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim and Sophia Eng who are both first-generation Asian American farmers who left their Silicon Valley careers to start a 5-acre micro farm in northeast Tennessee. Tim is a homestead-focused realtor and Sophia is the author of The Nourishing Asian Kitchen cookbook.
Tune in to hear how they are cultivating a community and the next generation.
In this episode, you’ll hear… * About Tim and Sophia got started in their real food journey 1:41 * What is typical of Asian American food offerings 4:03 * More on Sophia’s biggest learning experiences while writing her cookbook 8:31 * About their move from California to Tennessee 11:20 * What the word “community” means to Tim and Sophia and what kind of community they aim to build in Tennessee 21:29 * All about the different enterprises that Sophia and Tim are involved in 27:02 * How the cookbook has become a lead qualifier for their real estate business 30:44 * About what’s next for Sophia and Tim 38:07
About the Guest: Tim and Sophia Eng, author of The Nourishing Asian Kitchen, is a first-generation Asian American and first-generation farmer who left a successful Silicon Valley career to start a 5-acre micro farm in the Appalachian Mountains. Sophia is the founder of the website Sprinkle With Soil, and a Weston A. Price chapter leader. With her husband, Tim, they raise grass-fed dairy cows and beef cattle, laying hens, broilers, ducks, sheep, goats, turkeys, and grow a variety of produce for her family and local community.
Resources: Website - https://www.sprinklewithsoil.com Preorder the cookbook! Tim Eng, Homesteading Agent - https://homesteadingrealtor.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sprinklewithsoilFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/sprinklewithsoilblog
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.
Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.
You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org.
https://bit.ly/farmlandlease
Can going back to more sustainable ways be the key to modern beekeeping success? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Adam Martin of Bee Kept Farm in middle Tennessee. Along with his wife, Leslie, Adam got into beekeeping using commonly taught methods. After an unsuccessful first year, they decided to think “outside the bee box” and shifted their beekeeping to more natural and sustainable methods.
Tune in to hear how Adam has gone back to more traditional methods to allow the bees to be bees.
In this episode, you’ll hear… * About how Adam got started in beekeeping 1:33 * How feral swarms tend to behave 7:35 * What Adam does to ensure that his bees thrive 10:38 * How Adam harvests honey in a horizontal hive 14:36 * What they do to handle pests 18:51 * How Adam makes money with his Bee Kept Farm 23:25 * What other animals Adam has on his farm 30:52 * About the biggest question people have during Bee Kept classes 41:17 * What bee species Adam recommends for late crops 44:17
About the Guest: Adam and Leslie Martin are the proud owners of Bee Kept which is located on their homestead in Southern Middle Tennessee. Starting their homestead in January 2019, bees were one of the first things on the to-do list because they love honey!
Their bee adventure, like most others, started out using all of the common methods taught and promoted by beekeepers and bee clubs all over America and the Western world. After failing miserably in their first season of beekeeping, they used these failures as opportunities to learn outside-of-the-bee-box thinking with their beekeeping methods. Adam also teaches how to trap feral bees, keep them in a low to no maintenance method, and manage the colonies in horizontal hives that are better for the bees and the beekeeper!
Resources: Website - www.beekept.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beeingkept/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Beekept2019
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.
She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.
Subscribe to her show at https://bit.ly/mydigitalfarmer.
Can “regenerative filmmaking” help with our current agricultural challenges? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Josh and Rebecca Tickell who are the filmmakers of the recently released documentary Common Ground. This highly anticipated follow-up to their first film Kiss the Ground is an urgent call to action and offers a plan for how we can save the future, heal our climate, and fix our broken food system – all through regenerative agriculture.
Tune in to hear about their journey with “regenerative filmmaking”.
In this episode, you’ll hear… * What got Rebecca and Josh into “regenerative filmmaking” 1:14 * How they realized Kiss the Ground had become such a hit 3:22 * About the impacts conventional farming has made on the earth and our health 14:35 * How they refused to have the movie censored in any way 21:15 * About the project called 100 Million Acres 27:46 * What did they learn the most from the making of Common Ground 31:42
About the Guest: Josh and Rebecca Tickell are Sundance Award-Winning filmmakers of the recent documentary Common Ground, a follow-up to their highly acclaimed documentary Kiss the Ground. Their production company, Big Picture Ranch, creates content that changes the global narrative around important environmental issues.
They’ve won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival with their first film FUEL, premiered their oil spill documentary THE BIG FIX as an official selection at Cannes, and are launching their first scripted feature film, HEARTLAND soon.
Resources: Film Website - https://commongroundfilm.org/Host a Screening on your Farm! 100 Million Acres: A Common Ground Project Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/commongroundfilm/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/commongroundthefilm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.
She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.
Subscribe to her show at https://bit.ly/mydigitalfarmer.
How do you keep productivity up on your farm? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by John Arbuckle of Singing Pastures Farm. Along with a network of farm partners, John and his family raise heritage breed pigs in the grassy fields of coastal Maine. Hear more about the day-to-day operations and decisions behind this sustainable farm and the uniqueness of their Roam Sticks..
Tune in as we explore their shift from traditional pork production to a product-centric system.
In this episode, you’ll hear… * What John’s farming journey was like growing up 2:34 * About the transition from pork to snack sticks 9:26 * How they set their farm up to be a product-centric system 13:26 * About the big system farm changes to help alleviate John’s workload 17:26 * More on where the pork get processed 23:23 * What a typical day on the farm is like for John 25:15 * John’s advice for new farmers 34:24 * About the farm’s distribution 41:43 * What makes Singing Pastures’ Roam Sticks different from other meat sticks 42:44 * What is John’s favorite tool on the farm? 48:09
About the Guest: John Arbuckle, of Singing Pastures Farm is a 9th generation farmer. Along with a network of farm partners, John and his family raise heritage breed pigs in the grassy fields of coastal Maine where they are changing the food system from the ground up.
Singing Pastures is a 9th generation farm family focusing on creating the mostly unique and delicious snacks out there! We raise pigs on pasture in ways that create nutrient dense meat, heal ecosystems and nurture wildlife.
Resources: Website - https://singingpastures.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/singingpastures/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/singingpastures/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.
Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.
You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org.
What are the challenges and rewards of transitioning a hobby into a thriving business?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Craig Odem who runs a retail nursery in northwest Alabama. Starting with just a few dozen plants six years ago, Craig and his family have taken their business to a full-scale production and propagation nursery without any background in the industry. He also shares about their nursery growth on YouTube as the Savvy Dirt Farmer.
Tune in to hear how Craig documents their growth and teaches others how to start their own thriving nurseries.
In this episode, you’ll hear… * How Craig got interested in plants 1:43 * About the process of taking cuttings and making new plants with them 9:13 * Why Craig recently moved 18:44 * What a typical year in a nursery looks like 20:10 * How Craig runs his clearance sales 28:32 * What specific nursery mix does Craig prefer, if any 40:29 * Where Craig expects his business to look like in 2 years 43:08 * About his nursery’s checkout system on the farm 47:04 * What Craig’s favorite tool on the farm is 47:46
About the Guest: Craig Odem runs a retail nursery in northwest Alabama with his family. The most unique part of their story is that they started their nursery and Youtube with no experience in either field. What began as a backyard hobby turned into a full-time career, and they share the ups and downs, successes and failures as they learn on YouTube as the Savvy Dirt Farmer.
Resources: His YouTube Channel: Savvy Dirt FarmerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_dirt_farmer/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.
Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.
You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org
Could you embrace the "Reverse Pioneer" Lifestyle?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jill Winger, The Homestead Mentor of The Prairie Homestead. Jill has taught thousands of people how to cook nourishing homemade meals, grow food in their backyards, and find joy in a simpler, slower life. Her new book Old Fashioned on Purpose releases today and is a rallying cry for a less industrial, more intentional life.
Tune in to hear how Jill sees herself as a Reverse Pioneer and how you also could start to return to your roots.
In this episode, you’ll hear… * Why Jill sees herself as a “Reverse Pioneer” 1:32 * About what the homesteading movement is like right now 2:55 * What it looks like to “return to our roots” 5:04 * How consumer culture is harming society 10:18 * About what the human zoo is 14:36 * How the Chugwater Soda Fountain got started 17:03 * What the biggest lessons and takeaways were from starting that business 19:48 * About their beef business 25:25 * More about her blog and new book 29:08 * About what topics people are interested in right now 30:47 * About the next frontier 40:03
About the Guest: Jill Winger is the founder of The Prairie Homestead, one of the foremost homesteading websites since 2010. She is dedicated to helping others learn how to grow their own food and live a more fulfilling, old-fashioned life. Her new book, Old Fashioned on Purpose, is a rallying cry for a less industrial, more intentional life.
Her practical and authentic style of teaching and storytelling has won the hearts of hundreds of thousands of homesteaders across social media and through the top-ranked Old Fashioned on Purpose podcast and the best-selling Prairie Homestead Cookbook.
Resources: Website: www.theprairiehomestead.com Her new book: Old Fashioned on PurposeTheir grass-fed & finished Beef Business - Genuine Beef Co (They ship nationwide!)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Instagram: http://instagram.com/jill.winger
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.
Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.
You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org
Has the quality of food you’ve consumed ever affected your health?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Taylor Ayers, co-owner of Ayers Valley Farm located in Russellville, OH. After experiencing health issues that no doctor could pinpoint, Taylor, and her husband Josh, started digging deeper into how their food was raised. Seven years later, they are running their own regenerative farm offering a range of high quality meats to loyal customers all around the country.
Tune in to hear how this health scare prompted a return to the farm and how they manage a thriving operation.
You’ll hear:
- What Taylor and Josh’s course of action was when their health issues got out of control 1:45
- What they feed to their pigs and chickens 6:42
- How they process their animals 11:45
- What Taylor expects the future of the farm to look like 21:36
- How does Ayers Valley communicate the necessary cost of good food to their customers 28:08
- What Taylor’s favorite farming tool is 38:26
About the Guest: Taylor Ayers is co-owner and operator of Ayers Valley Farm located in Southern Ohio. In 2016, Taylor started experiencing health issues that no doctor could really pinpoint. Frustrated with the lack of answers, Taylor and her husband took matters into their own hands and started digging deeper into how their food was raised.
After learning more about regenerative methods, they decided to return to the land and raise their own food by finishing cattle on grass and rotating the animals to also feed the soil microbes. Seven years later, they are running their own regenerative farm offering a range of high quality meats to loyal customers all around the country.
Resources: Website - https://ayersvalleyfarmmeats.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/AyersValleyFarm/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ayersvalleyfarm
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
Want more access to local meat? We need your help!
On this special time-sensitive episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Pete Kennedy of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Pete is sharing about the Prime Act which is an important piece of legislation that will empower states to decide their meat inspection protocols. The ultimate aim? Making local meat procurement simpler and cost-effective.
Tune in today to hear how you can help small farmers to push this PRIME Act through with this year's Farm Bill.
We’re encouraging all of our US listeners to make three calls - one to your Representative and a call to each of your Senators. Mention your support for H.R. 2814 and Senate bill is S.907 respectively.
In this episode, you’ll hear… * About Pete’s background with Weston A Price Foundation 1:23 * What the state of meat processing is like right now in the US 2:12 * More about what the Prime Act is 10:38 * How you can help make this Prime Act pass 12:45
Resources: Call today! The deadline to add this to the farm bill is soon and we need your voice to push for more co-sponsors to get this added to the 2023 Farm Bill. The U.S. food system needs reform, and while no solution is perfect, the Prime Act takes a significant step forward. Carve out a few minutes, connect with your elected officials, and champion the cause of affordable local meat.
Tell Congressmen to Cosponsor the PRIME Act
Find your Representative and urge them to co-sponsor the bill! The bill number is H.R. 2814.
Find your Senator and press for their support. The bill number is S.907.
About the Guest: Pete Kennedy is an attorney and served as president of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. He has assisted and represented dairy farmers facing possible enforcement action in various states as well as helped others to get started in the business of distributing raw dairy products. Pete compiled the state raw milk law summaries posted at www.realmilk.com and has since written articles for Wise Traditions on raw milk distribution.
Is there really a way to make sourdough simple?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by his wife, Savannah, to talk all about sourdough at The Farm on Central. The Farm on Central is a small family farm located in Carlisle, Ohio and provides the community with a wide array of vegetables, meats, and horticultural products.
Join us today to hear how Michael and Savannah incorporate sourdough bread into their home life and as an income stream for their farm.
In this episode, you’ll hear… * About Savannah’s main roles on the Farm 1:59 * Why they love sourdough 3:56 * About Savannah's sourdough-making process 4:43 * About the advantages of a stiff sourdough starter 11:25 * How long should a sourdough loaf rest between making and baking 16:29 * Why Savannah decided to offer Sourdough classes 26:33 * On why sourdough can be a grounding experience 32:01
About the Guests: Michael & Savannah Kilpatrick are farmers and educators in Carlisle, Ohio. Together they run the Farm on Central, where they pursue their passion of providing fresh and local food to the community.
In addition to co-running the farm, Savannah teaches cooking, canning, and baking classes from her kitchen. Meanwhile, Michael is also the founder of Growing Farmers and is dedicated to providing educational resources for farmers.
Together, they reach a community of over 60,000 farmers, homesteaders, and families!
Resources: Upcoming Sourdough Startup Workshop: http://sourdoughstartup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.
Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.
You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org
How can land trusts support the next generation of farmers?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Susan Koehler and Nathan Boone. Susan is the Farmland Preservation Program Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. She is working alongside Nathan who is a seasoned organic farmer and agricultural consultant. Together, with the help of the NWA Food System Initiative, they are providing support to new and beginner farmers through the preservation and enhancement of wild and farmed land.
Tune in to hear about their mission to preserve and enhance the land and farming community in Northwest Arkansas through the permanent protection of land.
You’ll hear:
- What the NWA Land Trust does 1:52
- About Nathan’s background and more about his involvement in the project 5:12
- What their long-term intentions for the property are 9:58
- About the types of farmers they are looking for 18:10
About the Guests: Susan Koehler is the Farmland Preservation Program Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust located in Fayetteville AR. Susan works to help farmers who want to voluntarily protect their operations with agricultural focused conservation easements. In addition, her programs are geared to provide support to new and beginning farmers trying to access farmland. Susan works with a number of farms and local food advocates in her community through the NWA Food System Initiative.
Nathan Boone is a seasoned organic farmer with more than 20 years of experience in specialty vegetable, flower and grain production in New Mexico, California, Indiana and Southern Turkey. He also works as an agricultural consultant in beginning farm business planning and financial management, food safety training and transitioning to organic production.
Resources: Website - The Farmland Lease Program Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nwalandtrust/
This week’s podcast episode is sponsored by Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.
Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.
Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.
You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org
*How much do you know about mechanical weeding?*
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Sam Oschwald Tilton who is the organizer of the upcoming Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day in Ohio. After earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, Sam has worked many roles in vegetable farming from tool development to teaching on sustainable horticulture. He currently serves as a Direct Market Vegetable Educator offering education and support to Milwaukee-area vegetable growers.
Tune in to hear all about the latest in weeds and cultivation.
You’ll hear:
- About Sam’s inspiration to get started in farming 1:40
- How a farmer would get started in mechanizing their farm work 4:03
- What is in Sam’s weed seed bank 8:56
- About the roles of extension offices in farming 23:24
- All about the upcoming Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day 30:22
- About the many different weed control vendors that are attending the Field Day 35:09
About the Guest: Sam Oschwald Tilton serves in a shared position between FairShare and UW-Madison Extension as a Direct Market Vegetable Educator offering education and support to Milwaukee-area vegetable growers. He also organizes the annual Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day.
Sam has worked in many roles on vegetable farms in Wisconsin – as a field hand, running his own CSA, and managing an educational farm in Sheboygan. He has a Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, where he researched organic weed control. And for three years, he was an instructor of Sustainable Landscape Horticulture at Lakeshore Technical College. Sam especially appreciates sharing his love of plants with children in his community.
Resources: Field Day Website - 2023 Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day
FairShare CSA Coalition - https://www.csacoalition.org/about-us
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
How do business acumen and regenerative farming practices shape tomorrow's agriculture?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Miller who is the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Lick Skillet Farm in East Tennessee. Alex is a seventh-generation farmer and a chaired professor of Business at the University of Tennessee. Along with his children and grandchildren, he farms a 104-year old family farm using regenerative practices and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of farmers on business and sustainable agriculture.
Tune in to hear how Alex merges business lessons and his farming experience to mentor tomorrow's farmers.
You’ll hear:
- About how their family farm got the name Lick Skillet 1:39
- Alex’s unique farming journey 4:00
- Why there is such a sustained loss of farms in the USA 6:23
- About the products Lick Skillet Farm sells 16:07
- How Alex sets up the different enterprises and crews on the farm 18:43
- What Alex thinks are the most important parts of farming 33:47
- If Alex could go back and change something about when he started in farming 44:20
- What Alex’s favorite farming tool is 47:53
About the Guest: Alex Miller, PhD, is a seventh-generation farmer and a chaired professor of business at the University of Tennessee. He farms a 104-yr old family farm with his children and grandchildren using regenerative practices and sells pasture-raised proteins direct to the public. If he’s not on the farm, he can usually be found at the University of Tennessee where he is a chaired professor in the Haslam College of Business. He holds degrees from Tennessee Tech, Dartmouth, and the University of Washington. He has been recognized as an outstanding conservationist and is a former Tennessee Cattleman of the Year.
Resources: Website - https://lickskillet.farm/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lickskilletfarm/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lickskilletfarmtn
What layers of history unfurled in the restoration of Monticello's gardens? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Peter Hatch who has served as the Director of Gardens and Grounds at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. During his 35 years there, he managed 2,500 acres and the restoration of Jefferson's Grove and Monticello's 8 acre fruit and vegetable garden.
He also developed many educational programs on the practice of historic garden preservation and has written four books, including A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson's Revolutionary Garden at Monticello.
Tune in today to hear about Peter’s dedication to Monticello and the history of Thomas Jefferson’s love for gardening.
You’ll hear:
- About what work Peter did that led to his role at Monticello 1:47
- What the condition of Monticello was when Peter first arrived 5:40
- How extensive was the garden restoration Peter undertook 13:57
- About Jeffersom’s process of restoring the soil 21:53
- How Peter’s book was researched 27:52
- About Thomas Jefferson’s true stance on slavery 43:45
- How the Monticello gardens today compare to Jefferson’s day 50:38
- What Peter would change (if anything) given the opportunity to restart his career 53:46
About the Guest:
Peter J. Hatch served as Director of Gardens and Grounds at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello for 35 years. He was responsible for the care of 2,500 acres owned by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, managed the restoration of Jefferson's Grove and Monticello's 8 acre fruit and vegetable garden, and Hatch has lectured in 38 states on the gardens of Monticello and the history of garden plants, and he has written four books, including A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson's Revolutionary Garden at Monticello, the Book of the Year of the American Horticultural Society, 2012.
Resources: Website: https://www.peterjhatch.com/
His book: A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary Garden at Monticello
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
What does it take to run a successful flower farm?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Jessica Hall who is the Owner, Visionary, and Weeder-in-Chief at Harmony Harvest Farm. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, her farm is known for pioneering nationwide direct-to-consumer bouquet shipping. With over 15 years in the industry, Jessica is driven by the belief that #FreshFlowersRule and everyone can live a better life through flowers.
Tune in today to hear all about the evolution of Harmony Harvest Farm and how they enhance their community and thrive as a result!
You’ll hear:
- How Jessica discovered her calling to be a flower farmer 2:20
- When Jessica knew she wanted to switch gears from weddings 13:06
- About the Harmony Harvest Victory Garden and how it’s doing today 27:30
- More about The Mum Project 49:55
- How Jessica keeps track of all their inventory and production 58:44
- How Harmony Harvest keeps their mother plants in their greenhouse 1:05:40
- What gives their farm true business freedom 1:08:02
About the Guest: Jessica is the Owner, Visionary, and Weeder-in-Chief of Harmony Harvest Farm. Harmony Harvest Farm is known for pioneering nationwide direct-to-consumer bouquet shipping and its impressive collection of heirloom chrysanthemums. This year, Jessica and her team launched The Mum Project, a collaborative initiative to revitalize American agriculture through heirloom mums. With over 15 years in the industry, Jessica is driven by the belief that #FreshFlowersRule and everyone can live a better life through flowers.
Resources: Website - https://www.hhfshop.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harmonyhrvst/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/harmonyhrvst
GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.
GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.
As a cooperative, farmer success is their #1 priority. They are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions, and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.
Startup is free, and pricing is transparent and affordable. The cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.
Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% off their first three months on GrownBy. Just email Grow@farmgenerations.coop to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.
Do you have dreams of going from city life to farm life?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Contreras of Sow the Land homestead and Youtube channel. In 2016, Jason and his family left their 9-5 work life in LA to start a small homestead in the mountains of North Carolina. Now in remission from cancer, Jason is on a journey to grow his family’s food, create an efficient homestead and share the whole process in the hopes of inspiring others.
Tune in today to hear about Jason and his journey in sowing the land!
You’ll hear:
- What life was like for Jason back in LA 1:59
- About their first crops in their California garden 17:52
- What their farm looks like today 22:10
- How Jason handles butchering their animals 24:30
- What farmers should consider before offering educational workshops 32:20
- About the expectations Jason sets for people attending their workshops 39:38
- The biggest thing Jason has learned in his homesteading journey 40:52
- What he would change given the chance to start over 42:55
- About what a typical day looks like for Jason 44:28
- The drive behind his Youtube channel 47:38
About the Guest: In 2016 Jason and his family sold most of their belongings, left his office job and left the city in Los Angeles to start a small homestead in the mountains of North Carolina. They became passionate about growing their own food and knowing what exactly was in their food after Jason became diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Now in remission, they are on a journey to grow their own food and be healthy and happy. As they grow and learn new things they enjoy sharing the journey in hopes to inspire others.
Besides filming and editing for their Youtube channel Jason enjoys creating and making things in his wood shop. Jason is the jack of all trades taking care of the farm animals, building structures and striving to create the most efficient homestead.
Resources: Website - https://sowtheland.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sowtheland/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sowtheland/
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.
GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.
As a cooperative, farmer success is their #1 priority. They are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions, and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.
Startup is free, and pricing is transparent and affordable. The cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.
Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% off their first three months on GrownBy. Just email Grow@farmgenerations.coop to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.
What's holding you back from full-time farming?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Jill Ragan, Owner of Whispering Willow Farm, located in Central Arkansas. Along with her husband, Nathan, Jill’s mission is to create an environment where people come together, foster sustainable practices, and build a resilient local food system. Jill teaches others how to plan and steward their own farms through her social media, online courses and her recently released book The Tiny But Mighty Farm.
Tune in today to hear all about Jill’s journey from working a 9-5 job to full-time farming!
You’ll hear:
- How Jill got into farming 2:00
- How Jill sources the farm’s soil 11:50
- About what tools they use for production 15:06
- What the Whispering Willow team looks like 18:06
- What Jill would change if she could start the farm over again 21:52
- About Jill’s motivation to write her book The Tiny But Mighty Farm 24:20
- What the most common questions are that Jill has received 29:49
- About Jill’s experience with selling to restaurants and breweries 32:20
- Jill’s advice for an aspiring farmer 39:48
About the Guest: Jill Ragan, along with her husband Nathan, are the owners of Whispering Willow Farm in central Arkansas. Along with their three daughters, their family is striving to stay connected to their local community by sharing food and flowers with those around them. Through various outlets like her growing YouTube channel and her new book The Tiny But Mighty Farm, Jill teaches about gardening and, most importantly, flourishing on your home farm no matter the size.
Resources: Jill's book - The Tiny But Mighty Farm
Website - www.thewhisperingwillowfarm.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/whisperingwillowfrm/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whisperingwillowfarm15 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@WhisperingWillowFarm
GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.
GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.
As a cooperative, farmer success is their #1 priority. They are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions, and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.
Startup is free, and pricing is transparent and affordable. The cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.
Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% off their first three months on GrownBy. Just email Grow@farmgenerations.coop to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.
Do you have backyard chickens?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Dalia Monterroso who is the self-appointed President of Chickenlandia. She is a backyard chicken educator, entertainer, and first-time author of the recently released book Let’s All Keep Chickens. In this beginner and intermediate guide, Dalia aims to not only share the ins and outs of chicken keeping but also to bring people together through an age-old practice common to almost all of our ancestry.
Tune in today and hear all about Dalia’s poultry journey!
In this episode, you’ll hear::
- When Dalia discovered her interest in chickens 1:30
- About Dalia’s book and what it covers 6:10
- Dalia’s advice for farmers who want to help people keep chickens 14:26
- Dalia’s advice for those who are thinking about getting chickens for the first time 23:26
- Where can you find out more about Dalia and Chickenlandia 25:30
About the Guest:
Dalia Monterroso, also known as The President of Chickenlandia, is a backyard chicken educator, entertainer, and author. Some years ago, Dalia decided to bring home ten little chicks and start a hobby. That hobby quickly grew into a full-feathered passion that she couldn’t stop talking about. Before long, she was part-owner of a farm store, teaching beginner chicken-keeping classes, and delivering seminars across Northwest Washington.
When she’s not teaching in-person classes or doing seminars, you can find her on the popular YouTube Channel Welcome to Chickenlandia, her top-rated podcast Bawk Tawk, or her online course "Backyard Chickens 101: A Chicken Course for Everyone." This year, Dalia published her first book Let’s All Keep Chickens!. In this beginner and intermediate guide, Dalia aims to not only share the ins and outs of chicken keeping but also to bring people together through an age-old practice common to almost all of our ancestry.
Resources: Website : https://welcometochickenlandia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welcometochickenlandia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WelcomeToChickenlandia
Welcome to Chickenlandia YouTube channel
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
How much do you know about growing almonds?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Benina Montes of Burroughs Family Farms in the California Central Valley. Benina has worked tirelessly to help their multi-generational family orchard become the first Certified Regenerative Organic Almond Farm in the world.
Their farm’s focus continues to be bringing regeneratively-grown products like organic almonds, olive oil, cheeses and more directly to their customers while protecting the soil and water for generations to come.
Tune in to hear all about this Certified Regenerative Organic Almond Farm!
You’ll hear:
- How Benina got into agriculture 2:00
- About how almonds became a part of the farm 4:23
- What it took for the Burroughs Family to become a Certified Regenerative Organic farm 10:59
- About how their olive tree hedge rows work 14:20
- More on how they produce and sell all of their products 15:10
- About the different roles of the family on the farm 21:35
- How all of the work gets done 25:45
About the Guest: Benina Burroughs Montes was born and raised on the farm and knew in 6th grade that she wanted to come back to the family farming operation. She helped with the beef cattle and the dairy and was very active in both 4-H and Future Farmers of America.
Benina attended California Polytechnic State University and graduated with a Bachelors in Ag Business in 2001. Upon returning to the family farm, she started managing the 647 acres of almonds. In 2006, Burroughs Family Farms started the transition to organic production and by 2015 the entire farm was certified Organic. Benina met her husband Heriberto on the farm and the two were married in May of 2009. The commitment and dedication of Benina and Heriberto to soil health and regenerative farming practices has been further solidified and deepened with the addition of their four children, as they strive to leave a better world for future generations.
Resources: Website - www.burroughsfamilyfarms.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/burroughs.family.farms/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/burroughsfamilyfarms
GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.
GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.
As a cooperative, farmer success is their #1 priority. They are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions, and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.
Startup is free, and pricing is transparent and affordable. The cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.
Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% off their first three months on GrownBy. Just email Grow@farmgenerations.coop to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.
How can regenerative agriculture put carbon back into the soil?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Pamela Tanner Boll who is the director of the regenerative-focused documentary To Which We Belong. This film highlights farmers and ranchers leaving behind conventional practices that are no longer profitable or sustainable. These unsung heroes are improving the health of our soil and sea to save their livelihoods — and our planet.
Tune in to hear about Pamela’s journey in making this award-winning film!
In this episode, you’ll hear: * What inspired Pamela to film To Which We Belong 1:39 * More on the best practices to keep CO2 levels under control 4:22 * About Pamela’s visits to farms and regenerative learning centers 10:58 * Which nonprofits Pamela has done research with 14:24 * What happens when you use cover crops to feed the carbon sugars 28:15 * What Pamela’s advice is for a farmer who is unsure of where to start 36:17 * How you can find out more about To Which We Belong 41:32 * About what Pamela is working on next 43:48
About the Guest: Pamela Tanner Boll is the Founder/CEO of Mystic Artists Film Productions. Her most recent film, To Which We Belong, highlights farmers and ranchers who are improving the health of their land with regenerative practices and helping to reverse climate change.
Pamela grew up in Parkersburg, WV and received a BA in English from Middlebury College and a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies from Lesley University. She raised her three sons in Winchester, Massachusetts and now lives in Boulder, Colorado.
Resources: Website: https://www.towhichwebelong.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/towhichwebelong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towhichwebelongdoc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToWhichWeBelong
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
How much do you know about Silvopasture?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Jake Puckett of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC. His farm is a first-generation regenerative farm that raises 100% grass-fed and finished cattle and sheep (a.k.a. a “flerd”) as well as 100% Soy-Free Organic forest-raised hogs.
Hear more about how they sell their meat in bundles instead of individual cuts and how he’s transitioning his property into Silvopasture.
Tune in to hear about Jake’s dedication to the improvement of his land and the environment as a result.
In this episode, you’ll hear: * How Jake got started in farming 1:59 * How Crow Fly got access to land as a first-generation farm 6:28 * More about his market and how they sell 18:05 * How they sell their meat in bundles instead of individual cuts 22:27 * How they are converting their property to Silvopasture 30:32 * More on how Jake runs his animals as a “flerd” 36:41 * What Jake would change if he could start all over again 40:15 * Who makes up the team at his farm 42:31 * About the future of Crow Fly Farms 44:28
About the Guest: Jake Puckett and his wife, Luna Mikos, of Crow Fly Farms run a diversified livestock operation in Marion, NC raising cattle, sheep, and hogs. His cattle and sheep are 100% grass fed and finished and his hogs are raised entirely in the forest and fed a soy-free organic feed. Jake is an Accredited Professional with the Savory Institute and is the Lead Ecological Monitor for the Robinia Institute. Their farm’s motto is Happy Animals, Healthy Ecosystem, Clean Meat.
Resources: Website: www.crowflyfarms.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowflyfarms/
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
How do you know when you are ready to diversify?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Shane and Elizabeth Stuart of Crossing Creeks Farm. Situated on 125 acres in Shelbyville, TN, they have been practicing regenerative and holistic farming since 2012 with a focus on providing a diversified offering to their customers. From grass-fed meat and eggs to traditional foods like bone broth from their on-site commercial kitchen, they also host numerous guests through their RV sites and private open air cabins. Their farm even offers horseback riding lessons, a dog park, hiking trails and a seasonal cafe.
Join us today to hear all about this thriving generational farm!
In this episode, you’ll hear: * How Elizabeth and Shane got started in farming 1:51 * Why they don’t believe beef is a good fit for their farm 5:03 * What they do with RV’s and cabins 9:03 * About who their customer base is 11:56 * How their on-farm store started out 14:50 * What their social media management looks like 21:58 * How they source and manage vendors 27:15 * What they would do differently if they had a do-over 28:42 * About their farm team and their process for finding helpers 33:38 * Their advice for aspiring farmers 39:50
About the Guest: Shane and Elizabeth Stuart are passionate about producing great food for their family’s table and yours. With a commitment to producing pasture raised, organic fed and soy & corn free everything through regenerative farming practices, their first passion and focus is grass-fed meats and eggs. Their second passion is hosting guests on the farm with unique farm stays through our RV sites and private open air cabins.
Sharing the experience of really great food through our on-site commercial kitchen is their third passion. From ancestral, traditional foods like bone broth and lard to exceptional treats like Einkorn cinnamon rolls made with organic ingredients-eating nutrient rich foods doesn't have to be tasteless, boring or inconvenient and they hope to show you that through their kitchen offerings.
Resources: Website: www.crossingcreeks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossingcreekstn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossingcreeksfarm/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crossingcreeksfarm
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
Are you running your farm like the financial asset that it is?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Ryan Tansom who is the founder of Arkona and the Intentional Growth Podcast. He teaches business owners how to view and run their company like a financial asset through The Intentional Growth Framework, fractional CFO services and strategic planning. His mission is to help entrepreneurs enjoy their work, create wealth and make an impact.
Tune in to hear all about Ryan’s amazing entrepreneurial journey, how he accomplished what he’s accomplished, and where he’s growing next!
In this episode, you’ll hear: * The story behind his business name Arkona 1:35 * How Ryan got started in entrepreneurship 3:30 * About what Arkona provides 11:47 * How Ryan goes about team building 21:00 * How Ryan manages to get a team to be on the same page 25:22 * What Ryan’s advice is for someone in a family business that is dealing with strife 30:03 * What Ryan means by “equity growth” 41:23 * Where you can find out more about Ryan and his work 46:54
About the Guest: Ryan Tansom started his entrepreneurial career at his family business where he was the Executive VP and responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial strategy of the $21 Million company. By the age of 27, Ryan helped turn the company around and bring intentional focus to the right strategies which enabled it to be sold for 8 figures in 2014 to a local competitor.
Ryan took his experience and founded Arkona to create the Intentional Growth™ Framework which helps owners view – and run – their company like a financial asset through educational training and fractional CFO services. Ryan’s mission is to help entrepreneurs enjoy work, create wealth, and make an impact to make the journey “worth it”.
Ryan has personally guided over 400 entrepreneurs and leaders through the Intentional Growth™ Academy and also hosts the popular Intentional Growth™ podcast.
Resources: Business Website: Arkona
Podcast: Intentional Growth Podcast
Ryan’s LinkedIn Profile
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
Have you ever gone the extra step beyond soil tests and done plant sap analysis?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Shelley Katz, founder of Heart of Palms Ranch and Eco-Farm in Fort Myers, Florida. Shelley is a fruit and vegetable grower who has been dedicated to growing food ecologically since 2013 and started managing mixed vegetable farms in 2017. She also serves as a Regenerative Agriculture Consultant for Advancing Eco Agriculture which works with growers to create customized crop programs combining biological and mineral nutrition products with regenerative practices to improve crop quality.
Tune in to hear about Shelley’s unique farming journey!
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- How Shelley got into agriculture 1:43
- About what kinds of crops Shelley worked on during her time in Hawaii 3:00
- What the initial perennial cropping looked like after her move to Florida 9:43
- How sap analysis works 14:38
- How degraded the soils of the world are 24:00
- What she’s learned while working with AEA 27:05
- What the different enterprises are at Heart of Palms Ranch 32:44
- What Shelley would’ve done differently if she were to restart her career 37:55
- Where you can learn more about Heart of Palms Ranch and Eco-Farm 40:46
Previous episode mentioned in the show: * John Kempf on Advanced Biological Farming
About the Guest: Shelley Katz is a Regenerative Agriculture Consultant for Advancing Eco Agriculture and the founder of Heart of Palms Ranch and Eco-Farm. She started this journey through conservation internships on farms in Hawaii which then led to a career in vegetable farm management. She earned a Bachelor in Agriculture Science from Oregon State University, and has completed two Permaculture Design Certificates at OSU. In 2020, she founded Heart of Palms Ranch and Eco-Farm in Fort Myers, Florida. Heart of Palms grows perennial and subtropical produce using regenerative practices, grazes horses and cattle, and offers agritourism activities such as farmstays, camping, and tours.
She also serves as a Regenerative Agriculture Consultant for Advancing Eco Agriculture helping farmers improve crop quality, yields, and disease and insect resistance.
Resources: Farm Website: www.heartofpalmsranch.com
Advancing Eco Ag Website: https://www.advancingecoag.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelleyplants/
Facebook: Heart of Palms Ranch and Eco-Farm
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
Can you imagine growing a beyond-organic garden?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, our guest is Helen Atthowe, who is a farmer, researcher, and celebrated pioneer in eco-organic methods. She is an advocate for minimizing and, yes, even stopping the use of certified-organic pest control materials and is encouraging farmers to rely on natural nutrient cycling for natural biological control.
Helen has a Masters in Horticulture and currently farms and does soil-building research on her new 5-acre farm in Western Montana. Her new book The Ecological Farm releases in June.
Tune in to hear all about these eco-organic methods, her new book, and more!
In this episode, you’ll hear: * How Helen got into farming 2:10 * What kind of fruits Helen grew on the Oregon farm 5:13 * How Helen successfully farms without pesticides 7:58 * About how she handles the Plum Curculio Beetle 13:41 * How Helen’s thinking on pest management has changed over the years 21:53 * The downsides of even organic pest control methods and materials 23:07 * Why Helen decided to write a book 27:28 * About Helen’s experiences with Cucumber Beetles 33:18 * More about the different topics of her new book 37:08 * What type of habitat Helen recommends people start with 40:52
About the Guest: Helen Atthowe is a farmer, researcher, and celebrated pioneer in eco-organic methods. Helen has a M.S. in Horticulture from Rutgers University and has worked in education and research at Rutgers, the University of Arkansas, and Oregon State University.
Helen and her late husband farmed a 211-acre organic farm in Eastern Oregon doing mainly orchard and vegetable production while also creating educational videos about their ecological farming methods. In 2012, Woodleaf Farm was recognized with a Steward of Sustainable Agriculture Award at the 32nd Annual EcoFarm Conference.
Since then, Helen has developed an almost closed loop farming system using chopped hay from some fields to fertilize vegetable and fruit fields. Helen is passionate about minimizing or stopping use of even certified-organic pest control materials, relying on natural nutrient cycling and on natural biological control.
Her new book on these eco-organic methods entitled The Ecological Farm releases on June 22nd.
Resources: Website: http://woodleaffarm.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AgrarianDreams/videos
Helen’s new book: The Ecological Farm: A Minimalist No-Till, No-Spray, Selective-Weeding, Grow-Your-Own-Fertilizer System for Organic Agriculture
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
Has rural farming and small town America changed where you live?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, our guest is Chris Jones who has recently served as a Research Engineer at the University of Iowa.
While there, he studied and wrote about the declining quality of water as a result of the changes in agriculture and the environment over the past century. He shares those thoughts and critiques through his blog which was released as a book entitled The Swine Republic on May 19th. Through authoring books, advocacy and research, few have attracted more attention to the causes and sources of farm-related pollution than Chris Jones.
Tune in to hear about Chris’ thoughts on how we can protect our environment and the future of rural America.
In this episode, you’ll hear: * How Chris got started in water quality research 1:51 * About the water quality of the places Chris has researched 5:12 * More on what happens when nitrate gets into the water 9:39 * About Chris’ role throughout the majority of his career 13:11 * How people in Iowa can give political pushback in support of cleaner water 21:00 * What Chris’ new book is about and the future state of rural America 26:17
Products mentioned in the show: * Chris’ book The Swine Republic (or pre-order via Amazon)
About the Guest: Chris Jones is a Research Engineer with IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering at the University of Iowa. He holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Montana State University and a BA in chemistry and biology from Simpson College. Previous career stops include the Des Moines Water Works and the Iowa Soybean Association. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoys fishing, bird watching, gardening, and mushroom hunting in both Iowa and Wisconsin. While he spends most of his time in Iowa City, he is especially fond of the Upper Mississippi River and the Driftless Area.
Resources: Blog: https://riverraccoon.blogspot.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RiverRaccoon Substack: https://riverraccoon.substack.com/
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
How can you create a purposeful farm culture in the middle of a city?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Evan Marks is joining us from Orange County, California. He is the Founder and Executive Director of The Ecology Center, which is not only a farm but a nonprofit education center that is passionate about putting the culture back into agriculture.
Located on a historic agricultural property that is today surrounded by urban sprawl, The Ecology Center is a 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm and education center that serves as a hub for southern California’s ecological movement. With over 100,000 visitors a year, their farm produces everything from CSA boxes, flowers, and ferments to farm experiences, including educational classes and camps, an apprenticeship program, and weekly community dinners with world-class chefs.
Tune in to this episode to hear all about how this thriving non-profit farm and education center conducts business!
In this episode, you’ll hear: * How Evan ended up back in Orange County 1:48 * The history of the property where The Ecology Center is located 4:08 * About the soil type and fertility on the farm 9:32 * More about the different teams and roles at the center 14:12 * About their Regenerative Organic Certification 17:33 * How they grew from 1 acre to 28 acres 25:29 * More about their educational programs 32:32 * Evan’s advice for a beginner farmer 33:33 * The importance of pivoting your farm plans when things aren’t working 37:00 * What Evan’s favorite tool is 47:05 * About the Four Core Principles of The Ecology Center 50:55
About the Guest: From studying Agroecology to working in Indigenous and traditional agricultural systems around the world to founding The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano in 2008, Evan Marks has dedicated his life to finding creative solutions for the most urgent problems facing our food system.
Resources: Website: https://theecologycenter.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theecologycenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theecologycenter/
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit: GrowingFarmers.com today!
How much do you know about the Census of Agriculture? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re hosting King Whetstone who is the Regional Director of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Northeastern Region. In his role, he is committed to providing timely, accurate, and useful statistics that will help those working in U.S. agriculture.
King will share about the Census of Agriculture which occurs every five years. The census provides the only source of consistent, comparable, and detailed agricultural data for every county in America. Prior to becoming the Regional Director, he served as the Director for the New York Field Office and the Deputy Director in the Hawaii Field Office.
Tune in to hear all about the importance of the Census of Agriculture and how you can contribute.
In this episode, you’ll hear: * About what the census of agriculture is 1:52 * Who primarily uses the kind of confidential data that’s produced by the USDA 3:39 * The average age of farmers 5:07 * Why some people get multiple surveys 5:35 * About how a farmer would take a USDA farmer survey if they’ve ever received one 8:17 * What actions are needed if you aren’t actively farming your land, but you have CRP land 12:44 * About how the data is processed 17:16
Websites mentioned in the episode: USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Quick Stats database
About the Guest: King Whetstone is the Director for USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Northeastern Region. He received his B.S. from Prairie View A&M University in Agricultural Economics in 1998. Prior to becoming the Regional Director, he served as the Director for the New York Field Office and the Deputy Director in the Hawaii Field Office.
In addition to leading the Northeastern Region, Mr. Whetstone is a regular contributor to Lancaster Farm News and officiates Division I college basketball. He currently resides in Mechanicsburg, PA with his wife April and daughter Shalyn.
Resources:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/usda_nass
This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.
Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.
To learn more, visit GrowingFarmers today!
Have you ever thought about selling it all and traveling the country? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are hosting Jon and Bre Taylor, a pair of digital nomads who are traveling the country in search of their future farm. They, along with their three kids, have visited many national parks and historical sites as they “roadschool” their children. However, their main goal has been to visit farms, attend hands-on homesteading conferences and ultimately search for the place they'll call home.
Tune in to hear about their journey from suburbia to full-time RV life and how their farm search has changed as a result of visiting various farms around the country.
In this episode, you’ll hear… * How Jon and Bre started their “digital nomad” life 2:31 * Details about where they plan to start their farm 12:48 * About what kind of animals they hope to get for their farm 18:25 * What was the most surprising thing they discovered on their farm tours 23:18 * More on their feelings about the various historical sites they visited along the way 31:11 * About some of the homesteading festivals they’ve attended 33:45 * Their goals for their future homestead 35:02 * About their experiences with Harvest Hosts 36:20 * Their advice for people looking to start on a similar journey 38:45
Places mentioned in the show:
- The Farm at Mount Vernon
- Frontier Culture Museum in Virginia
- Whippoorwill Farm in South Carolina
About the Guest: Jon and Bre Taylor have been traveling the country with their three kids in a 44' 5th wheel camper for over two years. Jon works remotely as an IT Director while Bre works for Growing Farmers and "roadschools" their kids (a.k.a homeschooling on the road).
They learn about history and geography as they travel to many national parks and sites but their main goal has been to determine where they ultimately want to live and start their own homestead. As they travel, they go on farm tours and attend hands-on homesteading conferences to learn more about what kind of small farm they will eventually have. They share about these travels on their Instagram.
Resources: Instagram: http://instagram.com/letsliveupstream
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.
You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.
How are you cultivating connections in your community? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are hosting Christine and Steven Bailey, founders of The Kindred Farm, in Santa Fe, TN. Together, Christine, an author and podcast host and Chef Steven a.k.a “The Korean Farmer”, are growing vibrant produce, flowers, and bees in a sustainable way that heals the land and grows into beautiful food.
They also offer sold-out farm-to-table dinners under the stars at their seasonal Kindred Dinners along with monthly Market Days and hands-on classes like Artisan Pizza for Beginners.
Shortly after seeing the documentary, Food, Inc. in 2009, Steven and Christine were inspired by farmer and author Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms in Virginia and began supporting the local farms movement. At the end of 2015, they sold their business, dismantled their lives of over a decade in urban Dallas and decided to move to middle Tennessee, just south of Nashville.
Tune in to hear the fine details about how they do popular farm table dinners that sell out in a day and get the word out to more kindred spirits in their area!
You’ll hear: * How Steven and Christine got started in farming 2:02 * The different enterprises on The Kindred Farm 4:26 * The staff and management at The Kindred Farm 14.28 * Their philosophy on marketing their farm 16:23 * The story behind Christine's book The Kindred Life 26:10 * How they know when it's time to shift their focus 35:54 * The "fun" endeavor they tried that actually turned highly profitable 38:41 * Steven and Christine's advice for someone just getting started in farming 46:06 * Their favorite farming tool 53:58
Products mentioned in the show: * Tater Tats * Christine’s book The Kindred Life * The Homi tool
About the Guest: At Kindred Farm, cultivating connection is the heart of everything they do. They are Christine and Steven Bailey - an author/podcaster and a chef. On their 17 acres in Santa Fe, Tennessee, they are raising vibrant produce, flowers, and bees in a sustainable way that heals the land and grows into beautiful food.
They also gather the community at long farm tables under the stars at their seasonal Kindred Dinners. They believe life is meant to be shared in community, and they create unique, handmade artisan goods for The Kindred Farm Store with that in mind.
Kindred Farm is a place where you can come and be nourished: find connection in the land, in community, and around the table. Slow down, exhale, and then take some “kindred” home with you, wherever you go.
Resources:
Website: https://www.thekindredfarm.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thekindredfarm Instagram: http://instagram.com/thekindredfarm Sign up for their newsletter here.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.
You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.
Curious about how to go electric with your farm equipment?
On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Reid Allaway is joining us from Quebec, Canada. He is the Director of Infrastructure and Machinery at Ferme Coopérative Tourne-Sol which has 9 members and about 15 employees who are all passionate about healthy food, gardening, seed production, and ecology.
You’ll want to hear how Reid has converted many of the machines on their farm to electric while also spearheading their Elec-truck conversion campaign.
By working together and following agro-ecological principles, the team has succeeded in creating a democratic, diverse, and sustainable company. Their mission is to generate agricultural products of the highest quality that respect the standards of organic farming and the principles of agro-ecology; to build strong community ties in their region; and promote organic agriculture as a viable food production system.
Tune in today to hear all about this French Canadian farmer’s unique approach to his profession!
You’ll hear:
- How Reid got into farming 2:38
- How Reid got into the tooling and electrification aspect of farming 9:56
- Why rear-mount cultivation is not as effective 16:49
- When electric equipment stops being practical 34:16
- The challenging aspects of putting together electric wheel drive devices 45:09
- The crops they are growing with walk-behind cultivation 47:18
- Reid’s favorite farming tool 1.02:47
About the Guest: Reid Allaway is a farmer, tinkerer and dad working at Tourne-Sol Co-operative Farm in les Cèdres QC with his wife and a multitude of co-workers and friends. Being part of a coop farm has allowed Reid to pursue his interests in appropriate technology for farmers and farming down the avenues of collaborative design and tool building and also the electrification of tools and machines for small farms. Reid also works with Thiessen Tillage Equipment on tool design and distribution of appropriate tools for small farms.
Resources: Website: https://www.fermetournesol.qc.ca/en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reid.allaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reid_in_qc/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fermetournesol/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.
You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.
How can farmers serve their communities in unique ways?
In this podcast, we’re hosting Reese Jones, Co-owner and Manager of Jones Family Farm, located in Edgewood, Maryland. As far back as the 1950s, the Jones Family has been growing award-winning fruits and vegetables for both Baltimore and Harford County.
They have remained the first choice grower for those who wish to buy directly from the farmer. Today, the farming operation has grown extensively to accommodate greater retail selections and services, with numerous retail greenhouses for plants and flowers, two farm markets, pick your own strawberries, and Christmas trees and wreaths.
Tune in to hear about the Jones Family Farm and Reese’s continued work as a social entrepreneur for Victory Gardens to promote the need for cultural individuality and a life centralized on Faith, Family, and Plants!
You’ll hear: * What is social enterprise 1:54 * The history behind Jones Family Farm 3:36 * The kind of experiences they provide on their school tours 9:28 * When does the farming season typically start on their farm 14:02 * How their CSA works 17:56 * A look at their farm team 29:52 * The beginning of Victory Gardens 31:55 * Reese’s involvement with the Farm Bureau 36:29 * Reese’s favorite farming tool 39:40
About the Guest: Growing up on a retail oriented vegetable farm in southern Harford County, Reese Jones is currently a co-owner and manager of Jones Family Farm, as well as president of Victory Gardens, which is a social enterprise aimed at growing culturally relevant food for populations in the Baltimore/Harford vicinity.
Resources: Website: https://jonesfamilyfarmmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonesfamilyfarmmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jones_produce_md/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.
You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.
Do you have farming questions?
This podcast will make you want to pull up a chair and take notes. It is a conversation between two experienced farmers about greenhouses (including climate battery greenhouses), creating a holistic farm model and how greens play an important role, dealing with water and soil issues, and taking a CSA from a picnic in the park to farmers market levels of volume for a profitable mid-week retail store.
Michael Kilpatrick is joined by David Greenberg, owner of Abundant Acres Farm, located in Hants County, Nova Scotia. Abundant Acres is an organic farming operation situated on the tidal Cogmagun River. It consists of a periodically flooded salt marsh, upland fields, and woodlands.
Abundant Acres’ first priority is to grow the best tasting and most healthy food for their own table and for their customers. They are also developing, testing, and sharing designs for machinery and techniques that make farming more efficient and profitable.
Tune in to hear how a field trip at the age of 7 instilled a life-long passion in David for farming. Join us today to hear all about it!
You’ll hear:
- How David got started in farming 3:22
- David’s farming education 10:57
- Staff on Abundant Acres Farm 16:54
- How they keep the soil fertilized 34:34
- The scoop with their climate battery 42:07
- Overview of the farm’s retail store 49:46
About the Guest: David farms with his wife, Jen, and many wonderful employees at Abundant Acres in Centre Burlington, Nova Scotia.
Growing on six acres, with half an acre under cover, they supply fresh vegetables year round from their two Climate Battery greenhouses.
Their produce is sold at their Halifax store, The Warehouse Market.
Resources: Website: https://abundant-acres.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantacresns/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.
You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.
How do you manage through a crisis and what lessons come from such a time?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Ian and Rachel Harding of Wet Knot Farms, located in Marietta, South Carolina. Ian and Rachel started their farm to get back to nature, and to raise their three boys playing in the dirt and eating healthy, tasty food.
Now their mission is to cultivate community by bettering health through sustainable agricultural practices. Folks love how long Wet Knot’s salads last in the fridge and how some veggies never even make it out of the car before the kids gobble them up.
Join us today to hear all about their unique journey in the farming world!
You’ll hear:
- What is the location of Wet Knot Farms and what is the historical significance behind it? 2:04
- What kinds of flowers and vegetables do they grow? 5:58
- What are their favorite flowers to grow? 8:16
- Where do they sell their products? 10:54
- How has their flower bar worked out for them so far? 17:31
- What are yearly cycles on the farm like? 23:24
- Why did Ian have brain surgery, and how did it impact their farm and family? 29:16
- What would they say the most impactful outcome of this situation has been? 41:56
About the Guests: Ian and Rachel Harding started Wet Knot Farms to get back to nature and raise their boys on a farm where they could play in the dirt that also supplied them with healthy, tasty foods. While farming came with many lessons, a sudden need for brain surgery taught them even more. Ian says, “Each day is a gift, and I hope I’m ready to receive each one as such. I hope to savor the joy and to grow from the pain that comes each new day.”
Resources: Website: https://www.wetknotfarms.com/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.
You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
What ways can your farm bring more value to your community?
In this week’s podcast, we’re hosting Kelly Shepherd, Co-Owner of What the Farm, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. What the Farm is focusing on the health and vitality of the land through regenerative farming, and their mission is simple: serve the soil, serve the animals, and serve the community.
They recently expanded their operations and opened What The Farm Store so they can share farm to table with others. What the Farm aims to provide local families with an affordable way to bring home food free of chemicals and hormones, and they do so swimmingly!
Come hear all about how they do it in this episode.
You’ll hear: * What prompted Kelly to shift from business coaching to farming 2:03 * The first sales outlets for the farm 6:05 * Classes the farm offers to homeschoolers 10:09 * How Kelly handles the farm’s meat CSA 17:39 * What What the Farm does with the Savory Institute 21:20 * What Kelly would do differently if she could go back to the beginning of her farm 31:56 * Kelly’s favorite farming tool 33:30
About the Guest: Kelly Shepherd is the co-owner of What The Farm, a regenerative farm that specializes in chicken, pork, lamb, and beef in Virginia Beach, VA. With a background in business coaching, her primary focus is helping farmers achieve profitability through agritourism, education, and subscription-based sales. Kelly believes that the only way to grow the sustainable farm movement is to make it a win/win for both farmers and consumers.
Resources: Website: https://whatthefarmlife.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatTheFarmVa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefarmva/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.
GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.
As a cooperative, farmer success is their #1 priority. They are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions, and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.
Startup is free, and pricing is transparent and affordable. The cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.
Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% off their first three months on GrownBy. Just email Grow@farmgenerations.coop to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.
Do you know what it takes to grow specialty apples to make organic apple cider and brandy?
In this Thriving Farmer podcast, we’re joined by Deirdre Birmingham, Co-Founder of The Cider Farm, located in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Cider Farm grows true cider apples organically for the purposes of making The Cider Farm brand of (hard) ciders and apple brandy. They are arguably the only orchard in the US that started for this purpose.
The Cider Farm’s products are not intended to compete with the mass-market ciders or brandies. Rather, they use special ingredients, small batch attention, and handcrafting to provide a complex and unique flavor experience. Their standards are inspired by European and American traditions. The Cider Farm staff is dedicated to their art and to providing folks with something special.
Tune in today to hear how this fascinating apple farm operates!
You’ll hear: * How Deirdre got into farming 2:03 * The struggles and things Deidre has learned from producing quality apples 8:54 * How different apple varieties are harvested differently 16:45 * How long apples are fermented for 26:32 * Size of the current Cider Farm team 29:32 * Percentage of the farm’s products sold in their tasting room as opposed to what they ship across the nation 35:13 * How the business is managed, and what Deirdre would change as the business was being built 37:44 * How The Cider Farm has driven traffic into their tasting room 45:19 * Deirdre’s favorite farming tool 48:27
About the Guest: Deirdre Birmingham co-owns the business with her husband, John Biondi, and she manages The Cider Farm in Wisconsin. They are a 166-acre farm, including an 18-acre certified organic cider apple orchard. Deirdre and John started the orchard in 2003 by taking a class on grafting. They wanted to get the English and French tannic apple varieties for the purpose of fermenting their apple juice to ciders and apple brandy. While Deirdre has three degrees in agriculture, she never took a class on horticulture, nor did she grow up on a farm. But she and John have learned from hands-on experience and research how to build and run a successful cider farm business.
Resources: Website: https://www.theciderfarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theciderfarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cider_farm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.
You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.
How has your farm evolved and what changes have you made to scale your business?
On this week’s Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Carr, Owner of Linden Lane Farms, a family operated farm located in Krestova, Canada. Linden Lane Farms has been in operation since 1978.
The farm started as five acres of land used to produce food for the Carr family. Eventually, the farm grew onto a new 150-acre property primarily used for raising and processing livestock.
In the early 2000s, new meat regulations and policies severely limited the productivity of the farm and pushed them out of the local niche, leading to many tough years.
Around 2010, grandson Matt became seriously interested in horticulture, growing a garden and propagating ornamental plants at the farm. Matt currently manages the daily operations of the farm, as well as the weekly farmer’s markets.
Join us to hear all about this Canadian farm’s unique approach to their generational farm!
You’ll hear: * What Linden Lane Farms was like in the beginning 3:00 * What initially got Matt into farming 5:53 * The farm’s sales model 8:34 * Products are they shipping nationwide 13:18 * The story behind the farm’s name 18:47 * Systems and equipment used on the farm 25:01 * Matt’s other business 36:41 * Matt’s favorite farming tool 45:59
About the Guest: Matt is the owner and production manager of Linden Lane Farms, a diversified organic market garden and nursery that focuses on production, research, and education. Along with managing the farm’s day to day operations in Krestova, Matt is the lead agrologist for Cultivate Horticulture, which provides innovative tools, technology, and equipment, as well as horticultural agronomy consultation, for both hobbyists and commercial producers. He has a passion for farming and innovation, and is on a mission to inspire the next generation of growers faced with the future challenges of food production.
Resources: Website: www.lindenlanefarms.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindenlanefarms and www.facebook.com/cultivatehort.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lindenlanefarms
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.
GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.
As a cooperative, farmer success is their #1 priority. They are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions, and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.
Startup is free, and pricing is transparent and affordable. The cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.
Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% off their first three months on GrownBy. Just email Grow@farmgenerations.coop to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.
What Sasha Learned Implementing Permaculture and Starting a Farm Store
In this Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Sasha Miller, Co-Founder of Purplebrown Farmstead. Sasha and her husband, Jimmy, started Purplebrown Farmstead with their two kids, Ohlen & Ivan, in 2016. Sasha is the full-time farmer, but everyone has their integral role.
Purplebrown applied the permaculture design process to make choices for what, how, when, and why they grow and do what they do. They are growing a very diversified bunch of perennial goodies in their orchard, like mushrooms, perennial vegetables, berries, flowers, and herbs. They also raise poultry for meat and eggs, and pork, as essential parts of this resilient system.
Tune in to hear about Sasha’s unique journey into the farming universe!
You’ll hear: How Sasha got started in farming 1:36
Changes at Purplebrown Farmstead as the farm has progressed 3:59
How Sasha was introduced to Purplebrown’s vendors 8:27
How Sasha goes about staffing for the farm and the store 11:16
Marketing at Purplebrown 14:18
What the farm produces 15:34
How Sasha set up the farm’s orchard 24:47
The types of ducks Purplebrown uses 28:54
The breeds of pigs that have been working well at Purplebrown 34:01
About the Guest: Sasha started Purplebrown Farmstead with her husband in 2016, as part of the Countryside Initiative Program, in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is a 12-acre, certified organic, diversified farm, designed and managed using permaculture principles. Main products include pork, mushrooms, perennial vegetables, fruit, eggs, and more.
Resources: Website: www.purplebrownfarmstead.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purplebrownfarmstead
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplebrownohio/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
What tools do you use to reach more customers?
In this Thriving Farmer podcast, we’re joined by Lindsey Lusher Shute: farmer, co-founder and former executive director of the National Young Farmers Coalition, and co-owner of Hearty Roots Community Farm.
An Ohio native, Lindsey first developed her love of farming on her grandfather’s land in the rolling hills of Appalachia. As executive director of Young Farmers, Lindsey grew the organization from a few volunteer farmers to a nationwide network with 40 chapters in 39 states and a grassroots base of over 120,000.
Lindsey edited and authored nine reports for the coalition, including Building a Future with Farmers: Challenges Faced by Young, American Farmers and a Strategy to Help Them Succeed.
Lindsey is the co-founder of Farm Generations Cooperative, the makers of GrownBy, the Farmer-Owned Marketplace.
Tune in to hear all about Lindsey’s remarkable and unique journey in the farming world!
You’ll hear: * How Lindsey got started in farming 2:16 * How she got the idea to start the business 8:08 * Overview of Hearty Roots Community Farm 13:16 * What it was like for Lindsey to create a software product 25:19 * New features in GrownBy 3.0 31:54 * Next steps for GrownBy 39:46
About the Guest: Lindsey Lusher Shute is the co-founder of Farm Generations Cooperative, the makers of GrownBy. GrownBy is the first cooperatively-owned sales app for farms. Before co-founding Farm Generations Cooperative, Lindsey co-founded the National Young Farmers Coalition and led the organization as Executive Director for a decade. Under her leadership, Young Farmers influenced two farm bills and won change for farmers on the state and federal levels. Lindsey and her husband Ben are the owners of Hearty Roots Community Farm, an organic vegetable farm and CSA, in the Hudson Valley of New York.
Resources: Website: https://grownby.app/ and https://www.farmgenerations.coop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmgenerationscoop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmgenerationscoop/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.
GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.
As a cooperative, farmer success is their #1 priority. They are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions, and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.
Startup is free, and pricing is transparent and affordable. The cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.
Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% off their first three months on GrownBy. Just email Grow@farmgenerations.coop to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.
What Should a Small Farmer Know When Starting with Hops?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Eric Sannerud, Hop Evangelist and Farm Advocate from Minnesota. Eric was co-founder and CEO of Mighty Axe Hops, Minnesota's largest hop farm. Eric started Mighty Axe Hops in 2013 and has since grown the farm from .25 acre to 80 acres of production. Mighty Axe was the industry leader in Minnesota hops working with commercial brewers, USDA programs, local government and economic development, and University researchers to develop hops as a viable local crop. Mighty Axe closed in 2020 due to tremendous storm damage. Eric is currently a hop consultant, a farm advocate, and a speaker.
Tune in to our show today to listen to the fascinating details surrounding Eric’s hop journey!
You’ll hear: * What led Eric to becoming a hop expert 2:39 * What makes the hop plant special 4:05 * What the average hop plant can produce for you 11:58 * Eric’s sales outlets while growing hops 17:12 * What a small farmer should do when starting with hops 19:06 * The weather event that set Eric substantially back 22:15 * The size of Eric’s team on the farm 34:58 * Eric’s role at GrownBy 43:53
About the Guest: Eric R. Sannerud is a hop evangelist. Eric first fell in love with hops as co-founder and farmer-CEO of Mighty Axe Hops, a fully integrated hop farm and marketing company which grew and sold 80 acres of hops in Minnesota. He then went on to be the Hop Brand Manager for Brewers Supply Group. He is now a freelance hop consultant for brewers, farmers, and marketers across the United States.
Resources: Website: https://www.ericrsannerud.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric.sannerud/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.
GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.
As a cooperative, farmer success is their #1 priority. They are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions, and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.
Startup is free, and pricing is transparent and affordable. The cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.
Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% off their first three months on GrownBy. Just email Grow@farmgenerations.coop to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
In this episode, we’re tuning in to Thriving Farmer Value-Added Summit speaker Anne-Marie Bilella, aka the Forager Chick, of Bella Vista Farm, located in Monroe, Georgia. Bella Vista is a local, private farm that specializes in herbal products and remedies and homemade breads.
Anne-Marie is the farmer, baker, and medicine maker of the farm. Anne-Marie helps homesteaders and preppers identify and use wild plants and mushrooms for food and medicine.
She spent most of her career as a self-taught professional, until 2014, when she attended a 10-month intensive herbal studies course at the BotanoLogos School of Herbal Studies. Additionally, she is the author of Wild Eating With The Forager Chicks.
We’ll discuss her work with herbs, mushrooms, berries, and more in this segment of the Value-Added Summit!
You’ll hear: How Anne-Marie got into the herbal world 3:53
What Goldenrod flowers are used for 11:03
The kinds of oils used to infuse Goldenrod 11:49
Cost of getting to the end product 14:00
What Anne-Marie is doing with Hawthorn berries/sumac 15:58
What she’s doing with mushrooms 19:06
How Anne-Marie implements seasonings 25:05
The inspiration that led Anne-Marie to write her books 33:21
How she preserves excess stock 36:52
The first thing someone getting started in foraging needs to learn 37:58
Anne-Marie’s biggest surprise in her foraging journey 39:53
About the Guest: Anne-Marie is the farmer, the baker and the medicine-maker at Bella Vista Farm in Georgia. She is skilled in herbal medicine, wild weeds, mushrooms, and products made from herbs and mushrooms. Anne-Marie was self-taught in her herbal studies until 2014 when she completed a 10-month hands-on intensive herbal course with Patricia Kyritsi Howell of BotanoLogos School of Herbal Studies. She is certified as a Wild Mushroom Forager and Seller as well as an instructor for the Wild Mushroom Safety Course with Mushroom Mountain.
Currently, Anne-Marie creates her own herbal products with her Forager Chick line and teaches homesteaders and preppers about herbal medicine, medicinal mushrooms, and wild plant identification. She is a homesteader, book author, and writer for her own blog and has written articles for other blogs.
Resources:
Value Added Summit: https://www.farmsummits.com/ Website: https://www.foragerchick.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellaVistaFarmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foragerchick/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.
GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.
As a cooperative, farmer success is our #1 priority. We are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.
Startup is free, and our pricing is transparent and affordable. Our cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.
Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% their first three months on GrownBy. Just email us at Grow@farmgenerations.coop to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by fermentation expert and best-selling author, Sandor Katz. Sandor is the author of popular books such as The Art of Fermentation, Wild Fermentation, Fermentation Journeys, and more.
Sandor’s interest in fermentation grew out of his overlapping interests in cooking, nutrition, and gardening. Since 2003, Sandor has taught hundreds of workshops demystifying fermentation and empowering people to reclaim this important transformational process in their kitchens. The New York Times calls him “one of the unlikely rock stars of the American food scene.”
Take a front row seat to this value-packed interview from the Thriving Farmer Value-Added Summit today!
You’ll hear:
- How Sandor got started in fermentation 2.31
- What can realistically be fermented 5:26
- What are some unusual foods for fermentation Sandor has seen being fermented that actually turned out well 19:07
- What prompted Sandor to write Fermentation Journeys 26:28
- Sandor’s favorite ferment 32:32
- Sandor’s favorite fermenting tool 33:39
About the Guest:
Sandor's interest in fermentation grew out of his overlapping interests in cooking, nutrition and gardening. It started with sauerkraut. He found an old crock buried in the barn, harvested cabbage from their garden, chopped it up, salted it, and waited. He says, "That first kraut tasted so alive and powerfully nutritious! Its sharp flavor sent my salivary glands into a frenzy and got me hooked on fermentation."
Since 2003 when his book, Wild Fermentation, was published, Sandor has taught hundreds of workshops demystifying fermentation and empowering people to reclaim this important transformational process in their kitchens. The Art of Fermentation (2012), received a James Beard award and was a finalist at the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
Resources:
Value Added Summit: https://www.farmsummits.com/ Website: https://www.wildfermentation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandor.katz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandorkraut/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Harvest Hosts provides a cost-free opportunity for small businesses and farms to increase revenue simply by inviting self-contained RV members to stay one night on their property. In return, Members patronize or donate to the business.
The program is free for farms to join and to share their offerings. There is no requirement to have hook-ups or services, just a place to park one RV.In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Hosts Members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. Based on a recent survey, Harvest Hosts Members spend an average of $50 per night at each host location they visit. Well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $15,000 in additional annual revenue.
Become a Host
For more information on how you can become a Host, contact Harvest Hosts at sales@harvesthosts.com Be sure to mention the Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
Become a Member
If you have an RV and are interested in joining as a Member, visit HarvestHosts.com today.
In this podcast, we’re sharing one of our amazing guests from the Value-Added Summit, Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm, located in Swoope, Virginia. Joel talks to us about the benefits of and techniques involved with an effective, game-changing implementation of a value-added strategy on farms. Joel Salatin is an American farmer, lecturer, and author.
He raises livestock at Polyface. Joel’s philosophy of farming emphasizes healthy grass on which animals can thrive in a symbiotic cycle of feeding. He has authored twelve books including Folks, This Ain't Normal, You Can Farm, Salad Bar Beef, and Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal.
Join us to hear this riveting conversation with Michael and Joel from the Value-Added Summit!
You’ll hear:
- What “Value-Added” means to Joel 2:18
- Why farmers start practicing value-added 6:01
- Mindset shifts that are necessary to start going forward with effective marketing 13:37
- Agriculture entertainment, or “agritainment” Polyface does 34:08
- What ended up being a value-added dud that Joel anticipated being a big success 41:33
- Great value-added experiences and/or products Joel has come across in his travels 46:51
- What the future holds for value-added, and what farmers should be focusing on 1.05:42
- Advice Joel has for farmers who are wanting to take their farm to the next level but find it difficult taking the next step 1.09:33
About the Guest:
Joel Salatin calls himself a Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic farmer. Others who like him call him the most famous farmer in the world, the high priest of the pasture, and the most eclectic thinker from Virginia since Thomas Jefferson. Those who don’t like him call him a bio-terrorist, Typhoid Mary, charlatan, and starvation advocate.
With a room full of debate trophies from high school and college days, 12 published books, and a thriving multi-generational family farm, he draws on a lifetime of food, farming, and fantasy to entertain and inspire audiences around the world. He’s as comfortable moving cows in a pasture as addressing CEOs in a Wall Street business conference.
His wide-ranging topics include nitty-gritty how-to for profitable regenerative farming as well as cultural philosophy like orthodoxy vs. heresy. A wordsmith and master communicator, he moves audiences from laughs one minute to tears the next, from frustration to hopefulness. Often receiving standing ovations, he prefers the word performance rather than presentation to describe his lectures. His favorite activity?–Q&A. “I love the interaction,” he says.
He co-owns, with his family, Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia. Featured in the New York Times bestseller Omnivore’s Dilemma and award-winning documentary Food Inc., the farm services more than 5,000 families, 50 restaurants, 10 retail outlets, and a farmers’ market with salad bar beef, pigaerator pork, pastured poultry, and forestry products. When he’s not on the road speaking, he’s at home on the farm, keeping the callouses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails, mentoring young people, inspiring visitors, and promoting local, regenerative food and farming systems.
Salatin is the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer, granddaddy catalyst for the grass farming movement. He writes the “Pitchfork Pulpit” column for Mother Earth News, as well as numerous guest articles for ACRES USA and other publications. A frequent guest on radio programs and podcasts targeting preppers, homesteaders, and foodies, Salatin’s practical, can-do solutions tied to passionate soliloquies for sustainability offer everyone food for thought and plans for action.
Mixing mischievous humor with hard-hitting information, Salatin both entertains and moves people. Seldom using a PowerPoint and often speaking from an outline scribbled in a yellow legal pad, he depends on theatrics, style, and compelling content to hold attention and defend innovative positions. The rare combination of prophet and practitioner makes him both a must-read and must-hear in a time desperate for integrity. leadership, and example.
Resources:
Website: https://polyfacefarms.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Polyfacefarm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyfacefarm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Harvest Hosts provides a cost-free opportunity for small businesses and farms to increase revenue simply by inviting self-contained RV members to stay one night on their property. In return, Members patronize or donate to the business.
The program is free for farms to join and to share their offerings. There is no requirement to have hook-ups or services, just a place to park one RV.In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Hosts Members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit.
Based on a recent survey, Harvest Hosts Members spend an average of $50 per night at each host location they visit. Well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $15,000 in additional annual revenue.
Become a Host
For more information on how you can become a Host, contact Harvest Hosts at sales@harvesthosts.com Be sure to mention the Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
Become a Member
If you have an RV and are interested in joining as a Member, visit HarvestHosts.com today.
Do you farm with livestock? There may be a more humane way to harvest these animals. Tune in to hear about Riffle Farms’ holistic approach to managing and processing their bison.
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re joined by Liz Riffle, Owner and Operator of Riffle Farms, located in Terra Alta, West Virginia. Riffle Farms raises grass-fed and finished bison tucked in the hills of Preston County, where the grasses are cool and the snow is heavy.
Liz is a U.S Navy Nurse Corps veteran. She runs the farm as her husband, Jimmie, is currently still serving on active-duty as a Navy Nurse Corps Nurse Practitioner.
Riffle Farms is part of a growing movement to facilitate the large-scale regeneration of the world’s grasslands and the livelihoods of their inhabitants, through holistic management led by The Savory Institute. Riffle Farms works closely with a local Savory Hub, The Robinia Institute, to support the movement, achieve the same mission, and help educate others. Join us to hear how Riffle Farms helps feed our nation with their holistic, humane, and regenerative approach!
You’ll hear:
- How Liz went from Navy veteran to farmer 1:48
- Why Riffle Farms started with bison 4:43
- How Riffle Farms does their field harvesting 10:24
- Where and how Riffle Farms sells their meat 13:38
- How Liz found out about and started working with Steward 20:42
- How Liz decides when and how to buy into a bison herd 29:22
- Systems that have been particularly effective (from a business perspective) to set up on the farm 35:51
- Systems Liz would set up sooner given the opportunity for a do-over 37:32
- What Liz anticipates for the farm’s future 44:09
About the Guest:U.S. Navy veteran Liz Riffle raises grass-fed and finished bison in West Virginia. Riffle Farms was the first commercial bison operation in the state, and also the first to field harvest animals for state certified commercial sale. Liz is passionate about meat transparency and humane practices.
Resources:
Website: www.rifflefarms.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rifflefarms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rifflefarmsbison/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
Are you looking to increase your income and take your business to the next level? If so, you will want to listen in to today’s guest, who is an expert in affiliate marketing and a successful coach for small business owners.
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re taking a bit of a different approach with Matt the Affiliate Guy (Matt McWilliams), author of Internet Business Insights: Lessons Learned and Strategies Used by 101 Successful Internet-Based Entrepreneurs, and his new book, Turn Your Passions into Profits.
Matt started his first online business in 2001 at the age of 22 and today is one of the leading online business teachers. In the 19 years between his first venture and living out his passion and purpose, he’s worked with more than 300,000 online business owners while running affiliate programs and consulting on product launches and book launches for world renowned entrepreneurs.
Today, he coaches other small business owners, solopreneurs, and wantrepreneurs on how to start the right online business, scale it, and eventually go full-time with it.
Join us to hear how Matt accomplished all that he has, and how you can employ affiliate marketing to boost your business to the next level!
You’ll hear:
- What affiliate marketing is and opportunities farmers have with affiliate marketing 2:06
- The Halo Effect and how you can use it to your advantage 10:55
- How to stand out in your market 15:39
- How to ensure you get paid what you’re worth 24:48
- How you can claim the leadership aspect of your niche 36:53
About the Guest:
If you want to grow your influence, have a bigger impact, and make more money in the process, this guest is your go-to guy.
Entrepreneurs and companies such as Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi, Shark Tank's Kevin Harrington, Stu McLaren, Adidas, Ryan Levesque, Brian Tracy, Lewis Howes, Rich Schefren, Shutterfly, Michael Hyatt, and Jeff Walker have trusted Matt McWilliams to run their affiliate programs and coach their affiliate teams.
Today he helps online business owners and brands, small and large, to leverage the power of partners to grow their businesses. He teaches you how to make money as an affiliate and how to work better with affiliates.
Resources:
Website: https://www.mattmcwilliams.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MATTMCWILLIAMSCONSULTING/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMcWilliams2
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Real Organic Project invites you to join 12 incredible organic farmers along with keynote speaker Paul Hawken for a day of Ted-style talks on January 17, 2023 at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. Farmers will share their experiences of trying to survive within a dysfunctional, ever-consolidating organic marketplace, and the solutions that Real Organic Project brings. You can find your in-person or virtual livestream ticket at RealOrganicSymposium.org/ecofarm
Do you feel burned out? Could you benefit from having more balance and less stress and overwhelm in your life? If so, you will want to listen to this episode to learn the tools to have a more meaningful life, with more time and energy.
In this week’s Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is hosting Rob Dube, Co-founder and Co-CEO of imageOne, an award-winning, people-focused company whose purpose is to provide genuine care to everyone, every day, every time.
imageOne specializes in managed print, document automation, and other office workflow services.
Rob is a mindful business leader whose first venture was selling blow pops out of his high school locker.
He has been a daily meditator for over 15 years and is the author of best-selling book, donothing: The most rewarding leadership challenge you'll ever take, the host of the Leading with Genuine Care podcast, and founder of the Leading with Genuine Care Leadership Retreat. He is a Senior Contributing writer for Forbes and has also written for EO Octane and Thrive Global.
Join us to hear all about how Rob juggles all of these ventures.
You’ll hear:
- How nutrition factors into Rob’s day-to- day life 1:56
- Rob’s favorite favorite entrepreneurial venture from his early years 5:13
- How the book Small Giants influenced Rob’s own approach to business ownership 8:25
- How Rob initially started working with Gino 14:51
- Rob’s 10 disciplines 16:08
- Rob’s method for planning his to-dos for the next day 39:01
- Rob’s advice for the farmer who isn’t sure if they’ve chosen the right path 45:36
- Where you can learn more about Rob and what he can do to help 51:16
About the Guest:
Rob Dube is the Co-founder, Owner, and Board Chair of imageOne. He is the Visionary/CEO of The 10 Disciplines for Managing and Maximizing Your Energy.
From Blow Pops to Forbes Best Small Companies! Rob started his first business in high school selling Blow Pops out of his locker. In 1991, he founded imageOne with his best friend, Joel Pearlman.
Rob helped guide the company with a focus on their purpose: to deliver genuine care that consistently drives extraordinary energy, actions, and experiences to every one, every day, every time. It is a unique approach to business that has driven the company to success in its industry. imageOne is simply the best at helping clients with technology solutions to optimize and manage print, automate business processes, secure documents, and help ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Rob is the Visionary/CEO of The 10 Disciplines for Managing and Maximizing Your Energy, a video-based journey that teaches people 10 fast, simple, powerful, and fully customizable disciplines to manage and maximize their energy and live an optimal life. He is the author of the best-selling book, donothing,™ the most rewarding leadership challenge you will ever take and the host of the Leading with Genuine Care retreat and podcast. Rob challenges business leaders and entrepreneurs to look inward with mindfulness and meditation by sharing his own mindful leadership journey.
Resources:
Website: www.the10disciplines.com and https://www.donothingbook.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rob.dube.1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/robddube
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
Do you grow medicinal herbs? Which ones, and what do you create with them?
On this week’s podcast, we’re proud to host Crystal Stevens: author, herbalist, educator, and co-owner of Flourish Farmstead and Flourish Folk School, from Godfrey, Illinois.
Crystal was born in Colorado, partly raised in California, and then transplanted to St. Louis, Missouri, where she spent her formative years as an activist and gardener in her community. She is the author of three successful books: Grow, Create, Inspire: Crafting a Joyful Life; Worms at Work: Harnessing the Awesome Power of Worms; and Your Edible Yard: Landscaping with Fruits and Vegetables.
Crystal has been teaching a Resilient Living workshop series for over a decade. She organized the Confluence Herbal Summit, the first small herbal conference of its kind in western Illinois. Crystal and her husband, Eric, have an intrinsic passion for growing food and medicinal herbs, growing native plants, cooking healthy meals, planting trees, foraging for wild food and medicine, creating art, spending time with their children in the fields and forests, and offering workshops through the Flourish Folk School.Tune in to hear about everything Crystal and her family are doing at their thriving farmstead!
You’ll hear:
- How Crystal got into the regenerative herbal field 1:42
- What the farm property and farming operation currently looks like 4:49
- How Crystal does her marketing for all of her different ventures 7:45
- Crystal’s inspiration to write Worms at Work 14:15
- How Crystal and her husband decide who does what tasks 16:02
- Crystal’s advice for someone looking to get into herbalism 26:51
- Crystal’s favorite herb 32:44
- The oil Crystal uses for extraction 33:27
About the Guest:
Crystal Stevens co-owns Flourish Farmstead and Flourish Folk School with her husband and two children in Godfrey, IL.
She is an author, folk herbalist, educator, artist, and a regenerative farmer. Crystal has written three books published by New Society Publishers. She speaks at conferences and Mother Earth News Fairs across the U.S. She has been teaching a Resilient Living workshop series as well as herbal education for nearly 15 years. Crystal co-founded Tend & Flourish School of Botanicals.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
Are you open to new ideas and technology when it comes to the younger generations on your family farm? What do you keep from the older generation and incorporate from the newer one?
Today’s guests on the Thriving Farmer Podcast are Darcie and Darbie Zirkle, the twins of Zirkle Farms, located in Champaign County, Ohio. Zirkle Farms became a Century Farm in 2005. The family has multiple generations, all working together to make the farm evolve and thrive.Join us to hear all about the Zirkle’s family business and how they have evolved over the years on their Century Farm.
You’ll hear:
- What it was like for Darcie and Darbie growing up on the farm 1:38
- Seed variations 5:46
- How Zirkle Farms has implemented technology 7:16
- The biggest challenges facing family farms today, according to Darcie and Darbie 12:36
- The farm’s process of passing ownership down to the next generation 15:54
- Changes they would they like to see in their business 21:49
- Darcie and Darbie’s stance on the general demonization of American farmers 28:27
- What they see for the future of the farm 30:11
- Their advice for someone thinking about getting into family farming 36:08
About the Guest:
Darcie and Darbie Zirkle were born and raised in Champaign County, OH where they now raise row crops and beef cattle on their family farm. Zirkle Farms is a Century Farm with 1500 acres of crops and 60 head of cattle.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Harvest Hosts provides a cost-free opportunity for small businesses and farms to increase revenue simply by inviting self-contained RV members to stay one night on their property. In return, Members patronize or donate to the business.
The program is free for farms to join and to share their offerings. There is no requirement to have hook-ups or services, just a place to park one RV.In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Hosts Members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit.
Based on a recent survey, Harvest Hosts Members spend an average of $50 per night at each host location they visit. Well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $15,000 in additional annual revenue.
Become a Host
For more information on how you can become a Host, contact Harvest Hosts at sales@harvesthosts.com Be sure to mention the Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
Become a Member
If you have an RV and are interested in joining as a Member, visit HarvestHosts.com today.
What can you learn from a biologist about microgreens?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we have Michael Torbett of Terra Vita Farm, located in Castle Hayne, NC. Terra Vita Farm is the only completely no-spray farm in Wilmington NC and practices no-till farming while building soils and ecosystems. Their nutrient dense produce includes: microgreens/shoots, edible flowers, herbs, seasonal produce, hemp, gourmet mushrooms, cut flowers, and honey. Join us to hear how Michael and the rest of the team at Terra Vita run their thriving microgreens farm!
You’ll hear:
- What got Michael into farming 1:42
- What the first year of farming was like for Michael 4:01
- The crops Terra Vita is focusing on 7:58
- Their compost source 10:02
- Putting potatoes on landscape fabric 16:31
- How value added works on Terra Vita 19:40
- What kinds of flowers they’re working with 22:31
- What the Terra Vita CSA looks like 32:56
- The kinds of beneficial insects they are using 38:58
- Michael’s advice for new farmers 40:49
About the Guest:
Michael Torbett is a first generation farmer, who built his farm operation from the ground up, starting with two vertical microgreen racks. Equipped with a degree in biology and a farm that is very biologically minded, Michael sets up ecosystems and habitats, along high rotation farm operations. Terra Vita Farm grows Certified Naturally Grown seasonal produce, microgreens, edible flowers, mushrooms, herbs, hemp, and honey.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
What can you do on your land to add more income? What is value-added to you?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael dives into why you need to attend this weekend’s Thriving Farmer Summit! It combines everything he’s passionate about: farmers loving what they do, while spending time with their families, and being justly compensated.
In this episode, you’ll hear…
- Why innovation in products, not more production, is the biggest opportunity for farmers to work less and make more
- What the term “value-added” really means - and it’s not quite what you think
- Joel Salatin’s bullish prediction about repercussions from the pandemic and why farmers need to cash in now
- Why the numbers are in your favor when you decide to start owning your own processing, marketing, and distribution
- Why companies like Driscoll, that we equate with strawberries, don't grow a single one
- How a wide variety of products are challenging to produce, but why the variety is needed to attract customers
- How the market is changing, and why we need to adapt so we can thrive
- The three areas that will hold any farm attempting value-added back and how to address them
- Joel’s parting advice to those who are ready to get started, and his warning to those who don’t want to innovate
If you haven’t signed up for the summit yet, here’s the link. You don’t want to miss this one…it may be our most important summit yet.
- We have 37+ speakers on all aspects of growing and profiting in agriculture
- There are some amazing and generous giveaways
- Live Q+A sessions
- And so much more!
If you can’t catch the daily sessions or want to have a replay, we do offer an All Access Pass that gives you lifetime access to all the presentations. This is optional, but available for those who need it. Learn more here
Join us to learn more about the upcoming Value-Added Summit and how you can create additional income!
About the Guest:
Growing Farmers is led by Michael Kilpatrick, a farmer, educator, and inventor who lives in Ohio. He is the host of the top-rated Thriving Farmer Podcast and Thriving Farmer Summit series, which has been viewed by over 50,000 farmers. He has managed large farms and businesses, consulted for industry experts around the world, and spoken at dozens of conferences. Michael believes that anyone can farm by following the simple business and management skills that he teaches in Small Farm University, a community he founded for thriving farmers. Together with his wife, Savannah, they are raising their three children at The Farm on Central.
Resources:
Website: farmsummits.com/valueadded
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael
Instagram: @growingfarmers
Do you want to learn how to properly grow potatoes and increase your yields with this superfood?
In this week’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re hosting Jeff Bragg, owner and sole proprietor of Superfood Consulting, operating out of New Mexico. Superfood Consulting is dedicated to taking the soils of Mother Earth to broaden the role of health worldwide, through food production.
It is about soil health to gut health.
Jeff enjoys perfecting processes and educating regarding agriculture needs as they relate to soils and plant development. The complete chain includes production to the consumer’s palate. Organic production and systems are the main focus as well.
Join us to hear the tricks of the trade from this experienced veteran in regenerative agriculture!
You’ll hear:
- What got Jeff started in farming 3:05
- How the furrow irrigation system is set up 6:02
- How the farm changed as Jeff was growing up 9:20
- The moment Jeff realized he needed to make a change to regenerative agriculture 16:33
- What kind of work Jeff is doing with potatoes now 24:52
- Why potatoes have the superfood status 29:50
- Why there could be a potato shortage 45:43
- Potato varieties Jeff recommends 49:17
- Key factors you should look at to maximize potential when growing potatoes 51:02
- Fertility levels Jeff recommends for soils, and how one could accurately gauge that 1.01:23
About the Guest:
Jeff is a life-long agriculturist, from hand artist (furrow irrigation expert) to Consulting Agronomist to Product Development in Chemical Inputs to VP of a large multinational corporation; as a product developer of potatoes and alliums.
A change in health led Jeff and his wife to leave corporate agriculture and get into regenerative, organic-only product development.
He works with the Lords method of photosynthesis, and rotational, regenerative agriculture.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms and food systems with the capital they need to grow. As a mission-driven financial partner, Steward works closely with agricultural businesses to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands and waters, and bolster local-to-regional food systems. To date, Steward has provided over $15M in business loans to fund 75 unique projects, backed by more than 1,500 participating lenders. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Seek financing or support a loan campaign at gosteward.com
In this week’s podcast, we are joined by Julie Guthman, geographer and professor of social sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has taken particular interest in California agriculture and in the evolving character of the alternative food movement as it confronts race, class, and bodily difference.
More recently, she has explored the intersection of knowledge practices and political economy in the construction of healthy food and bodies, especially in light of emergent science on non-nutritional pathways to metabolic illness.
She retains an abiding interest in the history and geography of California agriculture. These themes converged in her recent research on the California strawberry industry, first inspired by a contentious fight over the soil fumigant methyl iodide, which is a replacement for ozone-depleting methyl bromide and has possible epigenetic effects.
Tune in to hear all about Julie’s research and what she has uncovered about food production country wide!
About the Guest:
Julie Guthman is a geographer and professor of sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she conducts research on the conditions of possibility for food system transformation in the US. Her most recent book, Wilted: Pathogens, Chemicals, and the Fragile Future of the Strawberry Industry, was the recipient of the 2020 American Association of Geographers Meridian Award for outstanding scholarly work in geography. Her prior publications include two multi-award winning monographs, an edited collection, about fifty peer-reviewed journal articles and dozens of other book chapters, book reviews, commentaries, and public-facing pieces. Currently, she is the principal investigator of the UC-AFTeR Project, a multi-campus collaboration exploring Silicon Valley’s recent forays into food and agriculture.
Resources:
Website - https://communitystudies.ucsc.edu/faculty1/cmmu-faculty.php?uid=jguthman
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Harvest Hosts provides a cost-free opportunity for small businesses and farms to increase revenue simply by inviting self-contained RV members to stay one night on their property. In return, Members patronize or donate to the business.
The program is free for farms to join and to share their offerings. There is no requirement to have hook-ups or services, just a place to park one RV.
In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Hosts Members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit.
Based on a recent survey, Harvest Hosts Members spend an average of $50 per night at each host location they visit. Well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $15,000 in additional annual revenue.
Become a Host
For more information on how you can become a Host, contact Harvest Hosts at sales@harvesthosts.com Be sure to mention the Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
Become a Member
If you have an RV and are interested in joining as a Member, visit HarvestHosts.com today.
What measures are you taking to care for and improve your soil?
In this podcast, we’re joined for a second time by Andre Cantelmo, Co-Founder of Heron Pond Farm, located in South Hampton, New Hampshire. At Heron Pond Farm, Andre and his partner, Greg, strive to be biological farmers.
Heron Pond fertilizes almost all of their crops with composted chicken manure and just like many organic farms, they use biologically based pesticides. They use certified organic products, including fertilizer, for 90% of their crops. They don't spray any leafy greens or berries with anything, certified organic or not. They never use GMOs. Yes, even certified organic farms use pesticides.
Heron Pond is lucky to have a farm that has many fields far away from one another, which helps with pest control because it allows them to rotate crops out of the range of a particular insect or disease. The vast majority of their weed control is done with a flame weeder and cultivators.
Join us to hear in detail the story of this large thriving farming operation!
You’ll hear:
- An overview of Heron Pond Farm 2:32
- The regenerative practices they work with 14:14
- The crop they grow that helps the soil the most 27:47
- How Heron Pond Farm reacted to the pandemic 34:22
About the Guest:
In 1998, Heron Pond Farm began on a small two-acre rented plot of land at David Bachelder’s farm. The farm has been growing and changing ever since, with the goal of becoming a permanent part of the landscape in southern Rockingham County. Through the very generous help of James and Jocelyn VanBokkelen, a more permanent home was found in South Hampton the following year.
Then in 2000, the farm came into its current form when Walter and Blanche Syvinki retired from Valley Acres Farm and turned operations over to Greg Balog and Andre Cantelmo. The VanBokkelen's commitment to open space has kept the land available, while the Syvinskis have been valued mentors in New England small farm practices. It has taken a mix of all these folks to make Heron Pond Farm what it is today.
Heron Pond Farm is owned and operated by Greg Balog and Andre Cantelmo. Friends from college where they studied soil science, they have been a team for twenty years. Heron Pond is a four-season farm that grows over 250 varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Farming year-round has allowed them to grow and maintain an incredibly skilled and experienced staff, whose passion brings higher yields, quality, and flavor to the food all year long.
Resources:
Website - https://www.heronpondfarm.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heronpondfarm/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/heronpondfarm/
Is your farm a family project?
In this week’s Thriving Farmer Podcast we are joined by Natasha McCrary, Founder of 1818 Farms, located in Mooresville, Alabama. The idea for this family project originated with Natasha’s eight-year-old child who fell in love with the Babydoll Southdown Sheep that he met at a petting farm in October 2011.
Owning a Babydoll was all he could talk about; so, thinking this would be fun and educational for her family to do together, Natasha began researching where to buy a few lambs to raise as a family project on their land in Mooresville.
Gamble, the 8 year-old entrepreneur began to plan what he was going to do with his sheep: sell the wool, sell the manure to garden shops, charge for photographs, and even stage a Nativity scene at the church if he could find a baby.
Natasha also began to dream about her own plans for a small profitable farm where they could teach children to appreciate the land and animals and to be good conservationists. They also wanted to teach them the importance of being self-sustaining, thus 1818 Farms was born.
The happy animal residents on the farm include Babydoll Southdown sheep, a Nubian goat, cats, hens, mini pigs, and Great Pyrenees guardian dogs. In an adjacent field, over 14,000 flowers show off their best colors and blooms, having been lovingly and carefully tended to, bringing beauty today and providing seeds for future seasons.
At 1818 Farms, it’s about a story and making a good first impression. Natasha McCrary says, “You don’t get many second chances in business. If this is our first impression, how are we going to make it the best it can be?”
Tune in today to hear about Natasha and her childrens’ unique farming journey!
You’ll hear:
How 1818 Farms got started 2:21
How Natasha goes about naming the farm’s products 10:28
How Natasha develops the products 14:29
1818 Farms’ on-farm events 23:00
What 1818 Farms offers in the pressed flowers categories 32:22
How Natasha built an effective team for her unique farming approach 42:54
How Natasha came up with the idea for her flower truck 47:35
Natasha’s advice for someone looking to get into value-added offerings 51:54
How Natasha focuses on building an email list 55:41
About the Guest:
Located on three acres in the northwest corner of the historic village of Mooresville, AL (pop. 58), 1818 Farms is named for the year Mooresville was incorporated, one year before Alabama became a state. The happy animal residents on our little farm include Babydoll Southdown sheep, a Nubian goat, cats, hens, mini pigs, and Great Pyrenees guardian dogs. In an adjacent field, over 14,000 flowers show off their best colors and blooms, having been lovingly and carefully tended to, bringing beauty today and providing seeds for future seasons.
Events of all types are hosted in the garden, under the pavilions and in the adjacent Garden House. The Bloom Stroll and Bouquet Workshops are a beautiful way to enjoy 1818 Farms while learning more about locally grown flower varieties. The Garden House is also home to a series of classes including seed starting, raising backyard chickens, wreath making, and flower preparation and arranging. Additionally, the landscape of our historic farm makes a beautiful backdrop for special event photo shoots.
1818 Farms' bath and beauty products have grown from our commitment to the farm and the need for simple products that really work. Featured on the labels are some of the more popular farm animals, from Farrah Fawcett's Bath Tea and Clover's Lip Smack to Sweet Pea and her scented Shea Creme. These products are all handmade, hand-packaged and include therapeutic grade ingredients. You can find our products in stores throughout the United States and on our online site. Despite our growth over the years, we continue to use original small batch recipes to make simple and effective bath and body favorites, providing the consistent quality you have come to expect from 1818 Farms.
Our Seed to Vase initiative continues to strengthen the education component of our mission as we share information on ways to identify, grow, harvest, and arrange seasonally grown flowers. Through our Seed to Vase initiative, we are sharing our gardening knowledge, as well as the beautiful flowers growing on our farm. We use heirloom and saved flower seeds whenever possible and have found many varieties that thrive in our area. We also love to share this knowledge and experience with others when we are out and about with the 1818 Farms Flower Truck. You can learn more about our Farm, our handcrafted products, and the 1818 Farms Flower Truck at 1818farms.com.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
Harvest Hosts provides a cost-free opportunity for small businesses and farms to increase revenue simply by inviting self-contained RV members to stay one night on their property. In return, Members patronize or donate to the business.
The program is free for farms to join and to share their offerings. There is no requirement to have hook-ups or services, just a place to park one RV.
In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Hosts Members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit.
Based on a recent survey, Harvest Hosts Members spend an average of $50 per night at each host location they visit. Well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $15,000 in additional annual revenue.
For more information on how you can become a Host, contact Harvest Hosts at sales@harvesthosts.com Be sure to mention the Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
If you have an RV and are interested in joining as a Member, visit HarvestHosts.com today.
What does regenerative mean to you?
In this episode, we’re joined by regenerative farming aficionado DeAnna Lozensky of Guardian Grains, located in South Prairie, North Dakota.
Guardian Grains is a husband and wife team working to help their fourth generation farm thrive.
The health of the soil is at the heart of every decision they make on their regenerative farm. Their soil health is reliant upon a rich blend of biodiversity in their farming practices.
DeAnna got into regenerative farming because she was tired of being a "doctor" to sick "patients" in the field. Her aim is to not only repair the soil through farming practices, but allow the soil to THRIVE, without too much interference.
Join us to hear how DeAnna and her husband accomplish this regenerative feat!
You’ll hear:
How long Guardian Grains has been farming 1:24
What regenerative means to DeAnna 8:18
How Guardian Grains processes their grains 42:09
Why they chose the name “Guardian Grains” 1.02:32
About the Guest:
DeAnna is a regenerative grain farmer in central ND. She and her husband, Kelly, grew spring wheat, heritage wheats, Egyptian Hulless Barley, malting barley, and milling oats on their farm this year. They formed their company, Guardian Grains, in 2020 to offer whole grains direct to consumers. This year, they expanded their offerings to consumers to add stone-milled flours and heritage artisan pasta that they ship all over the US.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Have you ever considered how all of your life experiences have led you to the point where you are at this very moment? For Brian Thomas, those experiences led to a thriving mushroom business.
In this podcast, we are joined by mushroom farmer and mycologist Brian Thomas of MYCA Farms, located in Fort Langley, British Columbia. MYCA Farms is a Gourmet Mushroom Farm located in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. You can find them at the Fort Langley farmers markets year round.
In this episode, Brian talks about his life experiences leading up to the decision to start a mushroom business and what has made them so successful so quickly.
Join us to hear all about how Brian and the MYCA team run their thriving fungal farm!
You’ll hear:
How Brian got started with mushroom farming 2:27
How MYCA goes about the mushroom process 8:50
What Brian has learned in the last couple of months participating in farmers markets 11:34
What the business side of the farm currently looks like 23:21
Brian’s advice for someone just getting started in mushroom farming 47:00
Brian’s favorite farming tool 56:29
What made Brian decide to clean up his act and fly straight 1:05:58
About the Guest:
Brian is a retired mental health and addictions therapist from Vancouver BC who changed careers to grow gourmet mushrooms to feed the community. He is passionate about permaculture and farm-to-table with little to no waste.
Resources:
Website: https://www.mycafarms.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myca.farms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycafarms/?hl=en
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
What are some things you can do to create the most efficient and highest quality products and team?
In this episode, we’re hosting Dave Munson, Founder of Saddleback Leather Company, a premium leather product company run out of Azle, Texas.
Dave got his inspiration to work in leather when he was an English teacher in Southern Mexico. He told the leather worker in a local leather shop that he wanted a bag so durable he could pass it down to his grandkids to fight over. He loved that bag, and when he got back to the states, he found that a lot of other people did, too. People asked him all the time where he found it and where they could get one.
Although talented, the leather worker who crafted Dave’s amazing first bag wasn’t particularly trustworthy, so Dave went on to find another extremely talented craftsman in Mexico’s leather town, Leon.
Thus started the long journey to becoming one of the most premium and prized leather companies in the Americas!
Join us today to hear Dave’s amazing story and how he operates this wildly successful business!
You’ll hear:
How Saddleback Leather can charge a higher price than competitors and thrive 3:46
Where Dave got the inspiration for his unique advertising approach 7:00
Size of the Saddleback team 15:00
How Dave establishes trust with his team members 18:21
Top things the Saddleback team does to increase productivity 31:12
How Dave ensures he has time for his family 37:35
How a Core Values Index (CVI) test helped Dave be a better leader 42:16
About the Guest:
Dave and his black lab, Blue, started Saddleback Leather living in Juarez, Mexico sleeping on the floor of a $100 apartment with no hot water for three years. He fought a bull in a Mexican Bullfight and had a Federale sent to kill him while trying to get the company going. In 2006, he met his wife on Myspace and in 2008 they started a leather factory in central Mexico. They currently live in 2000 square feet of safari tents outside of Fort Worth, Texas with their two kids and 3 labs.
Resources:
Website: www.saddlebackleather.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddlebackleather
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saddlebackbags/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
How can we make more and better farming resources available to everyone?
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele, Founder of the National Women in Agriculture Association and a fourth-generation black woman farmer. For over 13 years, Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele has been seeking to have legislation passed that will re-distribute the balance of power and funding to achieve substantive change in the agricultural sector.
NWIAA’s mission is to engage minority youth and female farmers to reach their fullest potential, while advancing in the field of agriculture - providing life skills, career opportunities, and the mentorship needed to become prosperous citizens.
Listen in to today’s episode to hear all about what Tammy does and how she’s bringing equality to this age-old profession.
You’ll hear:
What led Tammy to agriculture 1:15
Tammy’s work on the USDA advisory council 7:12
Challenges women face in agriculture 8:25
Minority Women Farmers Equality Inclusion Act 20:00
The most rewarding part of the job, according to Tammy 23:39
What people can do to get involved 33:28
What the Soil Sisters project is 35:01
About the Guest:
Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele is the Founder/CEO of National Women In Agriculture Association, the largest non-profit Women In Agriculture Organization in the World.
Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele AGRICULTURIST. ENTREPRENEUR. STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPER. EDUCATOR. CIVIL RIGHTS WOMEN & CHILDREN ADVOCATE.
Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele is the first American agricultural specialist, agripreneur, educator, and women and children advocate. Born and raised on a farm, she received her secondary education in the rustic and rural community of Wewoka, Oklahoma. Upon graduating high school, Dr. Steele left Oklahoma to pursue a dual educational and business career in New York City. Armed with the legal degree she obtained from New York University Law School, and the requisite legal business experience she acquired on Manhattan's Wall Street, she returned home to her family farm, and started to give back to the Oklahoma rural communities, in the process working full-time in the Oklahoma Corporate legal arena, and devoting time to study for a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Horticulture and Childcare Development Certifications.
On the broader national turf, Dr. Steele is a former USDA-SARE Advisory Main Council Member. Additionally, she had the rare honor of being appointed by President Barack Obama's administration as a distinguished USDA-NASS Advisory Councilwoman, served on USDA Grant Panels and a USDA Strategic Action Team Leader. Dr. Steele serves on various scholarship committees that were instituted for the educational empowerment of the youth. In addition, she offers invaluable support to the Oklahoma City Black Chamber of Commerce, apart from volunteering on various rural Chamber of Commerce boards.
Deploying uncommon intellectual energy and superlative personal industry to achieve exemplary and duly-acknowledged results-oriented performance in both individual and team activities, Dr. Steele has demonstrated unrivaled commitment in assisting counties in the State of Oklahoma with expert knowledge in healthy food production at a level that matches any known empirical and international standards. In the process, she has managed to build for herself an unassailable reputation, and a formidable pedigree, as a widely-sought after agricultural expert who is never short of strategic, innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to challenges in the agricultural sector of the economy.
Sincerely motivated by an altruistic desire to empower the socially and economically disadvantaged, and to deliver timely awareness and education to those who truly desire a sustainably healthier lifestyle, Dr. Steele established National Women In Agriculture Association in 2008. Since then, she has employed the powerful and influential instrumentality of NWIAA to pursue her agenda of sustainable development in America's agricultural sector. To this end, in January 2014, Dr. Steele opened NWIAA’s first Sustainable Agriculture Academy in the United States, located on the Eastside of the Oklahoma City Metro Area, and in close proximity to the city's largest African American population. It was in the light of this that Dr. Steele was recognized at the White House in February 2014, for leading the country in efforts to save and educate America's youth using environmental and innovative agriculture-based sustainable best practices, and in the spring of 2013, she was awarded a humanitarian honorary doctorate for exemplary performance as one of the most influential agro-business community developers amongst her generation in the United States.
Dr. Steele can be reached at womeninag@gmail.com or (405) 424-4623 for speaking engagements, and for teaching sustainable business techniques that can rapidly develop communities.
Resources:
Website: www.nwiaa.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalwomeninag
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nwiaa_2008/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriG
In this episode, we’re hosting Tom Ruggieri & Rebecca Graff, founders of Fair Share Farm, an organic farm located in Clay County, Missouri. Both Rebecca and Tom left their white-collar jobs in 2000 to find a way to promote community, sustainable agriculture, and healthy eating habits as their livelihood. Fair Share Farm is now operating on land that has been in Rebecca's family for four generations.
Organic farming methods replaced conventional agriculture in the Fall of 2002. Soil health is their top priority. To grow the best tasting produce they can, they add organic fertilizer, grow cover crops, balance minerals and spread compost. When dealing with disease and pest pressure, they use products approved for organic production. To limit these pressures, they keep the plants as healthy as possible with daily attention.
Join us today to hear about how they have built and perpetuated this thriving organic farm from the ground up!
You’ll hear:
Tom and Rebecca’s background before becoming farmers 1:49
When the fermentation facility came on board 9:37
What they prepare with their stoveless kitchen 12:06
Fare Share’s philosophy around crop production 18:19
How many of their crops go into a ferment compared to those that go to market 23:54
Size of the Fair Share team 27:19
How Tom and Rebecca manage tasks to ensure everything gets done 36:56
How Fair Share Farm goes about marketing 40:47
What they would change about how they started the farm, given the chance for a do-over 42:11
Rebecca and Tom’s advice they would give their past selves at the start of their farming journey 48:19
What brings Tom and Rebecca joy on the farm 57:53
Their favorite farming tools 59:58
About the Guests
Fair Share Farm is a diversified vegetable farm located in rural Clay County, Missouri that supplies vegetables for a live-culture fermentation facility on the farm, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables for market sale. Rebecca Graff and Tom Ruggieri farm 20 acres using sustainable practices within the 260-acre Graff family farm.
Crops include annual vegetables, strawberries, asparagus, herbs, a flock of 75 laying hens and a small flock of sheep. In 2020 we reconfigured the farm by constructing over 7,000 linear feet of berms and swales to better manage water on the farm and improve our resiliency. Hundreds of chestnuts, persimmons, hazelnuts, paw paws and elderberries were planted as a part of this project.
Resources:
Website: http://fairsharefarm.com/wp2/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairShareFarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairsharefarm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Have you considered the connection between environmental degradation and rural poverty? What can be done about it?
Today on the show we’re hosting Elliott Powell, Executive Director and Indira Patt, Field Trainer of Sustainable Harvest International, an environmental nonprofit with 25 years of experience partnering with smallholder farmers to adopt regenerative practices that nourish people and the planet.
As SHI’s Executive Director, Elliott Powell leads their operations and facilitates learning across the entire organization. Based in the US office, Elliott travels throughout the year, serving as a bridge between the field and SHI’s headquarters.
Indira was raised by her grandmother in San Narciso village in the district of Corozal. In addition to working as an SHI Field Trainer, she will soon graduate with a degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Tune in to this special episode to hear how this impactful organization boosts farmer production across the globe!
You’ll hear:
The foundations of Sustainable Harvest International and where they operate 2:37
The principles of regenerative, according to Elliott and Indira 15:13
The kind of farmers they typically work with 17:35
What the small business development and microfinance aspects of SHI are all about 23:45
Interesting developments on working methods that have been discovered and honed over the years at SHI 35:34
What’s next for indigenous farmers who have completed field training 45:33
What kind of business training they do for farmers 52:51
Indira and Elliott’s favorite farming tools 1.01:00
About the Guest:
Elliott Powell holds the Executive Director role at Sustainable Harvest International (SHI), whose focus promotes working in partnership to create a just and sustainable world through transformative farmer training that nourishes communities and the earth. Elliott leads the organization's operations, administration, and implementation of its multi-year, multi-phase agroforestry-focused extension program. He works directly with the board of directors and staff to set strategic plans and shape SHI's future work. Elliott holds a B.S. in Environmental Management from Indiana University and an M.A in Latin American Studies from Tulane University.
Resources:
Website: https://www.sustainableharvest.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SustainableHarvestInternational
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainable.harvest.intl/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
What are the preferred tools you use on your farm?
In this episode, Michael deep dives into discussion with Will Staufer on using Planet Jr. farm tools. Planet Jr. created tractors, seeding, fertilizing, and cultivating equipment for small farms from the 1870’s through the 1960’s. Although this company is no longer in business, people like Will Staufer appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of this equipment and are still using them today!
Tune in to hear all about the Planet Jr. tools Will is collecting and using and how you can benefit from using them, too!
You’ll hear:
Will’s background in farming 1:16
A good way to get started with mechanical cultivation 5:16
The first tools Will uses for smaller crops 11:02
Where Will uses beet knives on the farm 16:18
How people should go about procuring tractors 20:33
What Will would say to a farmer just getting started with these tools 26:47
Types of crops Will grows on his farm 30:22
The most effective tools and methods for managing weeds 34:51
Will’s favorite Planet Jr. cultivator 46:02
About the Guest:
Will is a 36-year-old born and raised in Northeast Ohio actively using and collecting Planet Jr. seeders, cultivators, tractors, and tooling for nine years. He has sold hundreds of Planet Jr. tractors and seeders to farmers all over the country and in Canada.
Resources:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_pTfB6NeEqwx7cDCGyrOsQ
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Join Mark Kastel, nationally prominent industry watchdog with OrganicEye, with thoughts on what we can do to protect the organic farming movement.
OrganicEye is an organic farming watchdog organization located in Lafarge, Washington. The organic movement started as a call to bring our food system back to focusing on healing communities and soil through regenerative growing practices. It was built on a collaborative relationship between family-scale farmers and shoppers willing to pay for food produced based on superior environmental stewardship, humane animal husbandry, and economic justice for the people who produce our food.
OrganicEye’s mission is ensuring these values and commitments are not compromised in the modern food system.
Mark lives on a 160-acre organically managed farm in the rugged hills of southwestern Wisconsin, near the tiny burg of Rockton, where, as executive director of OrganicEye, he continues to advocate for economic justice for family farmers and to preserve the foundational precepts of organic farming.
Tune in to hear all about how Mark and his organization make an impact on organic farming today!
You’ll hear:
- How Mark got interested in agriculture 1:34
- Mark’s first introduction to organics 4:18
- Why we need a watchdog when working with organics 11:39
- Mark’s view on the overarching principles of organic 29:25
- How we can get people to switch their focus back from healthcare to healthy food 35:52
- The challenges and problems with faux milks 51:31
- How Mark advises families to differentiate authentic organics from "factory farm", corporate agribusinesses organic 55:25
- What Mark has to say about buying from a grocery store versus a local farmer 59:45
- Mark’s favorite farming tool 1.07:25
About the Guest:
Mark Kastel is Executive Director of OrganicEye, a prominent organic industry watchdog.
Making the paradigm shift to organic agriculture after beginning his career with International Harvester, JI Case, and the FMC Corporation, he’s been a certified organic farmer, a consultant to farmer co-ops, a lobbyist with the Farmers Union, and, since founding The Cornucopia Institute almost 20 years ago and then OrganicEye in 2019, has been recognized as the country’s preeminent corporate and governmental watchdog in organics.
After OrganicEye relocated from Washington DC earlier this year, he once again maintains an office on his 160-acre farm near La Farge, Wisconsin.
Resources:
Website: https://organiceye.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organiceye.org
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
How do you measure success on your farm?
Today’s guest focuses on quality of life, building relationships, and efficiency in their farm business.
Today on the podcast, we are hosting Aaron Bradley, Co-owner and Operator of Colfax Creek Farm, located in Bostic, North Carolina. Colfax Creek Farm was founded in 1901, and is currently comprised of fifth generation farmers. The farm’s mission is to raise the finest 100% grass-fed beef, pastured pork, and pasture raised poultry all while focusing on producing healthy foods, raising happy animals, and caring for the land.
Listen to how Aaron and his wife keep this historic enterprise thriving!
You’ll hear:
Aaron’s farming background 1:16
The characteristics Aaron looks for in a farm 15:06
The first changes Aaron made to the farm 17:56
The different enterprises Colfax Creek has on the farm 21:17
How Aaron built and maintains a good team 32:36
How Aaron unifies the team behind the vision of the farm 37:54
The profit share methods Colfax Creek is working on 41:25
How Aaron goes about marketing for the farm 45:19
Aaron’s favorite farming tool 55:02
Aaron’s advice for a new farmer 1.01:33
About the Guest:
Aaron Bradley is a fifth generation farmer and the co-owner of Colfax Creek Farm and Colfax Creek Meat Co. He is passionate about making meaningful change in both our food and farming systems by learning beside, and educating both consumers and farmers.
Resources:
Website: www.colfaxcreekfarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colfaxcreekfarm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colfaxcreekfarm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are hosting Micha Ide, Founder of Bright Ide Acres, located in Orting, Washington.
Micha and her husband, Andrew, are a couple of California transplants who fell in love with farming in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
As both animal lovers and meat lovers, they decided to raise animals with compassionate care so they could enjoy the finest quality meat without guilt.
The ethics of Bright Ide Acres are threefold - to give animals a high quality of life and humane death, to provide employees with a living wage and exceptional working environment, and to steward the land and protect the natural resources. They achieve this by rotating their animals on their pastures, providing them with fresh clean living space, nutritious greens and insects for their enjoyment, and allowing them to engage in their natural behaviors.
Tune in today to hear all about how Micha and Andrew have built and operate their thriving ethical meat farm!
You’ll hear:
- How Micha got involved with farming 1:23
- Micha’s advice on an appropriate amount of time in an internship/training program before delving into a farming business 4:07
- What the farm looked like in the first years 5:27
- What the marketing looks like for Bright Ide Acres 10:00
- Experience new hires have with animals 21:26
- What the farm’s production systems are like 24:16
- The kind of pens they use 28:57
- Bright Ide’s composting system 29:59
- The kinds of value adding they do 35:43
- The kinds of halal meats they work with 40:02
- Micha’s advice for a new or aspiring farmer 48:37
About the Guest:
We're a couple of California transplants who fell in love with farming in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. As both animal lovers and meat lovers, we decided to raise animals with compassionate care so we could enjoy the finest quality meat without guilt.
In 2017, we purchased 30 beautiful acres in the quaint town of Orting, WA near the base of Mt. Rainier. Our farm is on the traditional land of the Puyallup Tribe, and we recognize their continued presence and community in our region.
We also acknowledge our roles as temporary stewards of this space. We are honored that our farm has been conserved by Washington Farmland Trust, and we strive to work in a way that will benefit and enhance the health of this land for generations to come.
Resources:
Website: www.brightideacres.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightideacres
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightideacres/?hl=en
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that, in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life.
When you look for ways to add life, it is sustainable and makes everything work better. As a result, you will experience enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil and the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
What do you do when you don’t have a tractor, your van lights on fire, and it rains 68 inches a year?!
You can learn from today’s guests how to find the humor in it all and persevere!
Today, we’re happy to be hosting Ellen Scheffer and Ashley Wilson, Founders of Frisky Girl Farm, located in North Bend, Washington.
Ellen and Ashley joined forces in 2016 to run City Grown Seattle, and now these two are growing big with Frisky Girl Farm.
Frisky Girl Farm believes in growing healthy food to build healthy bodies. They strive to bring the freshest sustainable produce to all of their members and want everyone to enjoy eating tasty food grown with the earth in mind.
Join us today to hear all about how Ellen and Ashley run a thriving farm and have a great time doing it!
You’ll hear:
- How Ashley and Ellen get started in farming 1:42
- How they come up with the name for the farm 4:58
- How Frisky Girl Farm goes about marketing 5:45
- What they do to ensure the survival of the farm’s tunnels 18:14
- How they found the property to farm on 23:49
- Frisky Girl Farm salad fest 28:47
- Growing and selling flowers at Frisky Girl Farm 38:31
- How Ellen and Ashley divide roles on the farm 42:12
- Why 2020 was a rough start for Frisky Girl 50:19
- Ellen and Ashley’s favorite farming tools 52:35
- Ashley and Ellen’s advice to aspiring or newer farmers 54:51
About the Guests:
Frisky Girl Farm is an 8-acre, woman owned/operated vegetable and flower farm in North Bend, WA entering its 4th growing season. They use sustainable growing practices to grow fresh, healthy food for their community. Farmers Ellen and Ashley, along with a small but mighty team, grow over 40 varieties of vegetables and 20 varieties of flowers for their 200-member CSA, restaurants, the North Bend Farmers Market and their roadside farm stand. They believe in growing food that is good for people and the planet; never use any synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and practice organic techniques such as composting, crop rotation and cover cropping. This season, they are adding an additional three acres of growing space where they plan to operate a U-Pick sunflower patch and pumpkin patch.
Resources:
Website: https://www.friskygirlfarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriskyGirlFarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friskygirlfarm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that, in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life.
When you look for ways to add life, it is sustainable and makes everything work better. As a result, you will experience enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil and the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Do you practice land stewardship and respect and care for your livestock?
Today on the show, we’re hosting Esther Stewart, Co-founder of Prairie Companion Company, located on the north coast of California. Prairie Companion Company grows nutrient dense microgreens and raises Angus cattle. They raise their cattle without antibiotics or hormones, and they forage on natural grasses. As a husband and wife duo, Prairie Companion Company has been farming collectively for over a decade. They began their farm from scratch and without investors. Today they are proud to be able to work for themselves, tending to their animals and crops.
Prairie Companion Company takes pride in being stewards of their land, and Esther is happy to share their story with you all today!
You’ll hear:
- What got Esther interested in agriculture 1:01
- The beef breed Prairie Company Company works with 6:17
- How many acres they’re managing and the size of their herd 10:24
- How Prairie Companion Company got their operation started 11:33
- Esther’s vision moving forward with the farm 13:56
- Their process for online shipping 16:45
- How they produce their microgreens 23:49
- The type of soil they prefer for growing microgreens 28:15
- Prairie Companion Company’s target customer base 36:39
- Esther’s advice for aspiring farmers 43:20
- Esther’s favorite farming tools 46:24
About the Guest:
Prairie Companion Company is a family ranch based in Northern California, bringing humanely & ethically raised grass fed grass finished Angus Highland beef to families throughout North America. They ship their beef nationally overnight via UPS and love bringing nutrient dense food to families across America.
Resources:
Website: www.prairiecompanioncompany.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prairiecompanioncompany/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that, in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life.
When you look for ways to add life, it is sustainable and makes everything work better. As a result, you will experience enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil and the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Have you considered applying for organic certification?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re hosting Chris Sermons, Founder of Bio-Way Farm, located in Ware Shoals, South Carolina. Bio-Way Farm is a Certified Organic farm with a focus on sustainable agriculture and permaculture design principles.
Their 120 acres offers a mix of cultivated fields with row crops, hardwood forests and an edible forest garden featuring many native plants. They are located 30 miles south of Greenville, SC and serve the greater Greenville area. Chris is the winner of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's 2016 Farmer of the Year award.
Tune in to this info-packed episode all about how Chris and his team run a thriving Organic farming venture!
You’ll hear:
- How Chris got started in farming 1:54
- What the first years on Bio-Way Farm property were like 3:35
- What the cropping and permaculture currently looks like on the farm 8:02
- Why Chris decided to make the farm Certified Organic 16:07
- What goes into the Real Organic certification 20:24
- How Chris runs an Airbnb on the farm 31:53
- What Hipcamp is 34:39
- What the future holds for Bio-Way Farm 37:58
- Chris’s advice for beginning farmers 48:01
- Chris’s favorite farming tools 49:07
About the Guest:
Chris Sermons is a naturalist and biological farmer. In 2004, he started Bio-Way Farm in Upstate South Carolina where they grow organic produce and foster biodiversity. He’s held leadership roles with the Sierra Club, Wild South and Slow Food. The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association recognized Chris as the Farmer of the Year in 2016. His approach to managing the farm is guided by a land ethic and his background in permaculture.
Resources:
Website: https://www.biowayfarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biowayfarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biowayfarm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that, in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life.
When you look for ways to add life, it is sustainable and makes everything work better. As a result, you will experience enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil and the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Do you feel like you’re always pushing and fighting with what nature wants to do on your farm? Have you considered a slower, more integrated approach where everything works together to support the whole?
Today we’re joined by Evan Ryan, Founder of Pono Grown Farm Center, hailing all the way from Makawao, Hawai’i. Pono Grown Farm Center is a 15-acre diverse farm that offers fruits, vegetables, honey, eggs, plants, land design and educational workshops. They are all about growing in harmony with the land and their community in a way that supports all individuals feeling nourished in every way. Pono Grown Farm Center loves clean water, fresh air, nourishing food, and vibrant community and makes all of their decisions in a way that best offers these to all life.
After two years of designing and another two years of infrastructure improvements, they are now planting food for the community. They also offer a community honey processing facility for backyard beekeepers and are home to Maui Seed Savers that is working to build a healthy culture of seed saving and breeding using mother nature's natural techniques to create locally adapted plant varieties.
Tune in today to hear all about the inner (and outer) workings of this diverse, exotic farm!
You’ll hear:
- What brought Evan to Maui 1:58
- What Pono Grown looked like the first few years 4:20
- The biggest mistakes people getting into permaculture make 6:35
- The types of energy the farm runs on 8:37
- How Pono Grown goes about marketing 12:51
- What the Hawai’i Seed Growers Network is 18:25
- Hawai’i Home Gardens 20:19
- Evan’s favorite crop to grow 24:50
- How Evan goes about hiring the right help 27:39
- What the bed preparation is like on Pono Grown 33:56
- Pono Grown pest management protocol 35:51
- The challenges of farming in Maui 43:18
- How Evan manages a work/life balance 46:11
About the Guest:
Evan Ryan is a Maui farmer, seed saver, educator and author using holistic agricultural practices combined with a diversified business model. With a background in indigenous agroforestry and permaculture, he started Pono Grown Farm in 2012, both a production farm and education center. In addition to 2.5 acres of vegetables, over 400 fruit trees, chickens and bees, the 13-acre landscape is home to a farm-based preschool and kindergarten, a thriving internship program, a nature connection summer camp and is a campus for farm apprentice programs, University of Hawai'i ag classes, and residential courses on earth stewardship. Evan lives on the farm with his wife, Danielle, and 7-year-old son, Bija.
Resources:
Website: www.ponogrown.org and www.hawaiihomegardens.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/evnryan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ponogrownfarm/?hl=en
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro®, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life…Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Do your kids want to be a part of your farm? How can you best integrate them into the farming lifestyle?
In today’s episode we’re hosting Jordan Green, lifelong farmer, owner of FarmBuilder LLC, and co-owner of J & L Green Farm, located in Edinburg, Virginia. FarmBuilder LLC is a consultancy that works with property owners and aspiring farmers to develop farms that sustain communities. J & L Green Farm is a pasture-based, direct-to-retail farm.
Managing 500 acres of beautiful farmland, Jordan and his wife, Laura, started the farm in 2009 and have been steadily growing since then. They raise animals ethically with regenerative/sustainable practices and in harmony with nature. They currently offer grass-fed and grass-finished beef, pasture-raised poultry, and forest-raised pork products. They also collaborate with local farms with the same philosophy to provide farm-fresh eggs, raw milk cheeses, honey, organically grown vegetables, and other farm foods.
In addition to selling through various retail outlets in the greater Virginia area, J & L Green Farm offers nationwide shipping, home delivery, and delivery to drop-sites all over the Northern Virginia area.
Tune in to hear all about how Jordan and his wife manage this thriving farm enterprise!
You’ll hear:
- What J&L Farm is all about 1:40
- How Covid impacted the farm’s operations 2:29
- What prompted Jordan’s viral Facebook post about kids on the farm 8:54
- The family business Jordan grew up with 13:32
- What farmers should do to get their kids involved in the farm but not end up hating it 20:49
- How farmers can show their kids a good work/life balance 29:41
- How you can teach kids a good work ethic without scaring them off 36:54
- How Jordan teaches his kids about what success is 40:17
- Jordan’s thoughts on microenterprises for kids surrounding the farm 44:02
- What Jordan does to ensure he enjoys life on the farm with the kids 45:26
About the Guest:
Jordan Green is the founder of FarmBuilder (2017 – current), co-owner of J & L Green Farm in Edinburg, Virginia (2009 – current), a United States Marine Corps veteran (2004-2009), and graduate of the apprentice program at Polyface Inc. (2001-2002). Prior to that, he grew up on his family’s homestead in Virginia and had several successful small farm enterprises.
Resources:
Website: www.jlgreenfarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlgreenfarm/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/jlgreenfarm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro®, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life…Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Do you have a passion for education and for farming? Can you live your dream and combine the two?
Today we’re joined by Kelly Clark, Founder of Kelly’s Working Well Farm, located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Kelly’s Working Well Farm is an educational permaculture farm dedicated to the community. Take one piece of abandoned property at the edge of town, add a handful of sheep and goats, plus chickens and a couple of dogs, invite the community, and you have the long and short of the farm’s origin story!
As a teacher, Kelly spent her career seeking ways to cultivate authentic and lasting learning in her students, focusing not on external validation or evaluation, but rather on meaningful engagement with the material at hand.
Kelly’s Working Well Farm was created to provide an environment in which individuals could learn, grow, and explore through freely chosen, authentic, and meaningful activities. In such an environment, the boundary between work and play dissolves, and community bonds are formed via mutual interest and endeavors.
Join us to hear all about Kelly’s unique thriving farmer journey!
You’ll hear:
What brought Kelly over from the teaching world to the farming world 1:27
The process of bringing the educational programs into the farm 6:31
How Kelly educates the children when they come to her farm 12:29
What different enterprises Kelly’s Working Well Farm is involved in 14:23
What kind of dehydrator they use 17:00
How Kelly uses sheep on the farm 21:51
Some of the struggles Kelly faced with the farm 26:32
People involved in Kelly’s legal case with the local township 30:52
What the future holds for Kelly’s Working Well Farm 33:49
What the marketing looks like for Kelly’s farm 41:02
Kelly’s favorite farming tool 46:03
About the Guest:
Kelly was inspired to start Kelly's Working Well Farm in order to create a place for members of the community to learn about permaculture and how to grow food and practice ways of living that benefit the Earth, each other, and the other beings with which we share this planet, our home. She grew up in northeast Ohio and has returned to stay there. Kelly is grateful to have the opportunity to nurture this land and observe as it becomes more productive with each passing year and also how it in turn nurtures the spirits of those who spend time there.
Resources:
Website: https://morethanafarm.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellysWorkingWellFarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanafarm.kwwf/?hl=en#
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro®, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life…Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
How can you create added value to your farm using your skills and interests?
Today on the show we’re hosting John Barker, Director of Agriculture and co-owner of Forts Ferry Farm, located in Latham, New York. Forts Ferry Farm is a collective of innovators, farmers, and food lovers. Their farm is a year-round hive of activity that is continuously expanding and evolving—a living component of the region’s unique climate and rich soils. Their seasonally-focused, hyper farm-to-table kitchen crafts flavor from the ground up.
John has been running the farm operations here ever since their very humble beginning in 2015. Join us to hear about the operations behind Forts Ferry and what it’s like to farm in New York!
You’ll hear:
What Forts Ferry Farm produces 2:14
The climate/growing conditions in Latham, NY 3:14
How Forts Ferry goes about marketing 6:53
What the soil is like on the farm 16:46
John’s favorite peppers to grow 19:58
How Forts Ferry uses photography for marketing 26:55
How Forts Ferry offers their prepared foods 30:26
How they built a great team 32:31
What it was like to start the farm 38:37
Types of fertilizer they use on the farm 45:57
About the Guest:
At Forts Ferry Farm, John spearheads the leadership and strategic planning of the agriculture department. During the week, you can find him helping the field team with planting, weeding, and harvests, selling fresh produce at the local farmers’ market or coordinating and facilitating educational opportunities for youths in the community through tours, demonstrations, and workshops. John has been working on his family's farm from a young age and also as a professional chef for much of his adult life, which gives him a unique perspective on how to grow and prepare food.
Having worked on his family’s 1,500-plus-acre commodity crop farm, John brought his technical know-how to the business since its inception, and has since been in charge of administering all tractor-related tasks and maintaining all of the farm tools and equipment. His daily responsibilities also include livestock care, from feeding and caring for the cattle, to collecting and washing eggs laid by their heritage hens.
As a Culinary Institute of America alumnus with 15 years of experience working as a professional chef prior to starting the farm, John believes that patience and simple techniques are key when preparing food with fresh, quality ingredients.
Resources:
Website: https://www.fortsferryfarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortsferryfarm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortsferryfarm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro®, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life…Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
What is farm life like in the tropics?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Michael and Lauren Marchand, co-founders of Lapa'au Farm, located in Maui, Hawaii. Lapa’au Farm is a two-acre, bio-intensive farming operation. Michael and Lauren practice “beyond organic” methods, which means they forgo modern organic methods that allow a long list of pesticides to still be used. Instead, they focus on biodiversity and seasonal crops, with a strong focus on building organic matter in their soil. Tune in as they give us a behind-the-scenes look at running a business, what it's like to be entrepreneurs, and how to navigate having a significant other as your thriving farm business partner!
You’ll hear:
What Lapa'au Farm uses for substrate on their mushrooms 1:52
What Lapa'au Farm is all about 4:20
What their tunnel production is like 12:22
How their CSAs coincide with the seasons in Hawaii 22:25
The various ways Lauren and Michael use mushroom substrate 25:39
Marketing channels Lapa'au uses to get the word out 29:39
Size of the Lapa'au team 36:05
Equipment they use 44:00
What they use for microbes 54:15
Lauren and Michael’s words of encouragement for newer or aspiring farmers 56:44
Why beginning farmers should start small 1.09:38
About the Guest:
Michael and Lauren Marchand are the co-owners of Lapa’au Farm, a two-acre bio-intensive farm located in Maui, Hawaii utilizing organic and regenerative practices. Lauren and Michael moved to Maui in 2015 after graduating from Chapman University. Since 2017, the mission of Lapa’au Farm has been to create a bio-intensive and regenerative approach with the goal of creating a closed-loop system for increased sustainability. Michael began experimenting with growing oyster mushrooms early on in the business and quickly discovered that expanding this area of production was something worth investing in. Lapa’au farm now produces around 500 lbs. of oyster mushrooms per week, in addition to a variety of other seasonal vegetables, including root crops, salad greens, and brassicas.
Resources:
Website: https://www.lapaau.farm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lapaaufarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapaau_farm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro®, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life…Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
What are some of the challenges of organic farming, and how can you overcome them?
Today, we’re joined by Ryan Lichttenegger, co-founder of Steel Wheel Farm, located in Fall City, Washington.
Steel Wheel Farm is a small, first-generation family farm with one goal in mind: To improve the way in which produce is grown, harvested, and distributed. They believe that quality food begins with the farmer, and because of that, they provide only fresh, local, and naturally-grown items.
Ryan was raised in rural Minnesota next to a seasoned, well-educated dairy farmer. He brings his midwestern roots and passion for the land to the Northwest. A creative thinker, Ryan received his degree in digital animation before returning to his roots in farming.
Tune in to hear about their unique farming journey!
You’ll hear:
What Steel Wheel Farm is all about 1:17
How Steel Wheel grows, harvests, and sells grains 4:21
What the seeding process and weed control is like at Steel Wheel 7:14
What their procedure is for grain rotation 11:44
How big the Steel Wheel team is 16:21
How conducive to farming the weather in Fall City, Washington is 21:19
Which greenhouse Ryan prefers 26:26
Farmers markets Steel Wheel attends 27:31
What Ryan enjoys most about farming 32:48
What Ryan would change about his approach to the farm if he could go back in time 33:33
The biggest mistake Ryan sees newer farmers making 34:55
How Steel Wheel manages fertility 37:12
Ryan’s favorite farming tool 44:50
About the Guest:
Ryan Lichttenegger of Steel Wheel Farm. Steel Wheel Farm is a first-generation farm in the Snoqualmie Valley growing food to feed humans better. Ryan believes that growing good food begins with the farmer and strives to grow the healthiest foods using natural, regenerative, and organic growing practices.
Resources:
Website: www.steelwheelfarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteelWheelFarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelwheel.farm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At AgriGro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life…Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast Michael is joined by his wife, Savannah, to discuss their first season of offering u-pick strawberries at The Farm on Central. The Farm on Central is a small family farm located in Carlisle, Ohio and provides the community with a wide array of vegetables, mushrooms, and horticultural products.
In this episode, Michael and Savannah talk about the benefits of offering a premium product and running a profitable value-added program. They also go over how they manage their fields of annual bed strawberries, their ticket system for scheduling u-pick, things that worked well, and lessons learned for next season.
Join us today to hear how Michael and the team ran a successful first year of u-pick strawberries!
You’ll hear:
How many strawberry plants they planted this year 1:50
How their strawberry growing system differs from others 2:09
What type of ticketing system they used to sell slots for u-pick 5:24
The options people had at u-pick 6:49
How they created a buzz 11:28
U-pick management and organization 14:02
The rules they set for customers 17:16
Learning opportunities from the season 23:51, 26:26
Field Management 27:13
Products used: 28:29
How they spaced their sections 29:39
A huge takeaway 31:48
How many people came to the farm for u-pick in just three weeks 34:15
About the Guest:
Growing Farmers is led by Michael Kilpatrick, a farmer, educator, and inventor who lives in Ohio. He is the host of the top-rated Thriving Farmer Podcast and Thriving Farmer Summit series, which has been viewed by over 50,000 farmers. He has managed large farms and businesses, consulted for industry experts around the world, and spoken at dozens of conferences. Michael believes that anyone can farm by following the simple business and management skills that he teaches in Small Farm University, a community he founded for thriving farmers. Together with his wife, Savannah, they are raising their three young children at The Farm on Central.
Resources:
Website: https://www.growingfarmers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life…Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Have you considered the opportunities that livestock may bring to your farm? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re joined by Mary Bowen, president of Prosperity Acres Farm, located in Sunderland, Maryland. Prosperity Acres is a small farm that offers high quality Hereford beef and goat meat for sale by the cut or as custom orders. Mary has farming in her genes tracing all the way back to Ireland with her great-great-grandparents. Mary began raising food for her family as a means to eat nutrient dense foods. She quickly realized others wanted to provide the same for their family. Mary enjoys helping families reduce the stress of putting meals on their table that support a healthy lifestyle. Join us today to hear about Mary’s long handed-down farming passion and thriving farming operation! You’ll hear:
When Mary began her farming journey 1:27
How many acres Mary farms on Prosperity Acres 3:11
How many people work with Mary in her farming operation 6:08
What types of people contract with Mary 7:36
The system used for keeping the goats and sheep fed and watered 15:27
The number of goats ‘employed’ on Prosperity Acres 17:01
How often Prosperity Acres does farmers markets 21:17
What months Prosperity Acres runs their goat operation 22:34
How Prosperity Acres conducts their marketing 27:48
Mary’s advice for someone who has a good product but has thus far been unable to make it work in the market 32:55
Mary’s favorite farming tool 38:28
About the Guest:
Farming is in my genes six generations back from County Kerry, Ireland. My family were crop farmers before coming to America to become farmers. I am entrusted by God to be the steward of his livestock and environment. I enjoy serving God’s community. I raise beef cattle, meat goats, and dairy goats. In addition, I use my goats to eat unwanted vegetation which saves the environment and people from toxic chemicals.
Resources:
Website: www.prosperityacres.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prosperityacresbowen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prosperityacresfarm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project, visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life…Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
How many “hats” do you wear as a business owner? Today on the show we’ve got Daniel Firth Griffith, storyteller, entrepreneur, regenerative agriculturist, lover of wild woods and much more. He is the Founder of Timshel Wildland, a 400-acre regenerative, process-led, and emergent conservation wildland located south of Charlottesville, Virginia and in the heart of Central Virginia. Daniel is also the Director and Lead Educator of the Robina Institute, whose mission is to facilitate the large-scale regeneration of the world’s grasslands and the livelihoods of their inhabitants, through holistic management. He is the author of two critically acclaimed books: Wild Like Flowers: The Restoration of Relationship Through Regeneration and Boone: An Unfinished Portrait. Join us today to hear all about how Daniel achieves all these remarkable feats and still finds the time to spend time with his family and get a good night’s sleep!
You’ll hear:
How Daniel keeps up with everything he does 2:11
How Daniel got started with regenerative agriculture 3:10
An overview of Timshel Wildland 13:12
Daniel’s insights on community 23:11
How Daniel manages the operation to be financially sustainable 38:11
How Daniel finds time to spend with his family, and how he spends that time 1.05:48
About the Guest:
Daniel Firth Griffith is a storyteller, entrepreneur, and a lover of the wildwoods. He is an undeserving father to three wonderful children and an unworthy husband to the best partner this world has to give.
He is the lead fellow at Timshel Wildland, a 400-acre, verified regenerative, process-led, and emergent conservation wildland in Virginia; the Co-Founder of the Robinia Institute, the Mid-Atlantic Hub of the Savory Institute; and the Founder of Commons Provisions, a local food hub serving the Eastern Region of the United States that is scaling regeneration by keeping it small.
Resources:
Website: https://wildtimshel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timshelwildland/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project, visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Today we’re hosting a special guest: Tom Ziglar, CEO of the Zig Ziglar corporation. Tom is the author of two best selling books, Choose to Win, 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times and Born to Win. Tom Ziglar is the proud son of Zig Ziglar and the CEO of Ziglar, Inc. He joined the Zig Ziglar Corporation in 1987 and climbed from working in the warehouse to sales, to management, and then on to leadership. Today, he speaks around the world; hosts The Ziglar Show, one of the top-ranked business podcasts; and carries on the Ziglar philosophy: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” He and his wife, Chachis, have one daughter and reside in Plano, Texas. Glean from Tom’s invaluable experience getting ahead by helping others get ahead today!
You’ll hear:
What made Tom choose to continue his father’s legacy 1:24
What Tom means when he talks about maximizing each day 11:34
What “The Big Rocks Principle” is 15:32
What the premise of Tom’s book, Choose to win is 27:58
What motivated Tom to write 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times 33:32
What the event at Polyface Farm that Tom is attending is all about 50:45
About The Guest
Tom is the CEO of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, founded by his father, Zig Ziglar. Tom has written two books: Choose to Win and 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times.
He travels the world on Zoom, and sometimes on airplanes, giving speeches on leadership and achieving balanced success.
Resources:
Website: https://www.ziglar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigZiglar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezigziglar/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project, visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Have you ever left farm life, only to find yourself drawn back to it?
Today on the show we’re pleased to be hosting Paul Dorrance, author, public speaker, consultant, and regenerative agriculture advocate. Paul was raised close to the land, growing up on a small self-sufficient homestead in upstate New York. After a career in the Air Force as a pilot, Paul’s journey back to farming started in 2013 when he started Pastured Providence Farmstead - a successful pasture-based livestock operation marketing 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, as well as pastured non-GMO pork, poultry, and eggs directly to consumers in southern and central Ohio. Join us today to hear all about the unique, eclectic career of this regenerative agriculture expert!
You’ll hear:
Paul’s experience growing up in a self-sufficient homestead in New York 1:37
Paul’s initial career 3:32
What brought Paul back to farming 5:21
What truths writing his book dredged up for Paul 16:37
The major decision at the beginning that set Paul’s farm up for success 20:38
What Paul considers the biggest mistakes new business owners can make 29:25
Where Paul plans to take his career next 34:04
How Paul markets and sells his products 38:12
Where you can find out more about Paul and his work 40:50
About the Guest
Paul Dorrance is an author, speaker, consultant and regenerative agriculture advocate. He was raised close to the land, growing up on a small self-sufficient homestead in upstate New York. His journey back to farming started in 2013 when he started Pastured Providence Farmstead – a successful pasture-based livestock operation, marketing 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, as well as pastured non-GMO pork, poultry, and eggs directly to consumers in southern and central Ohio. Paul now writes for Acres U.S.A., speaks at agricultural conferences around the country, and provides consulting services for dreaming, beginning, and transitioning farmers.
Resources
Website: www.pasturedprovidence.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PasturedProvidence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pasturedprovidence/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project, visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re happy to be hosting Aubrey and Ben Thompson, owners of Fair Curve Farm, a thriving family farm located in Ferndale, California. Ben and Aubrey’s story began amongst standing rows of beets and kale in Ferndale during the summer of 2015. Aubrey had just moved up from the California central coast and found herself on a vegetable farm where she met Ben, a dedicated employee skilled in quick harvesting. It was there that they discovered their love and appreciation for organic, local food as well as each other. In 2017, they started Fair Curve Farm, transforming their newly-acquired 4 acres from perennial pasture to a sustainably-grown vegetable farm that was ready for production in 2018. They are committed to always striving to do better for their family, community, as well as their local ecosystem and the planet. Tune in to hear their story and practices!
You’ll hear:
When Ben and Aubrey got into agriculture 1:40
What the distance between Fair Curve’s land and the markets which they sell to is 7:53
What they offer as far as flowers 13:00
How Aubrey and Ben delegate tasks to their team 18:49
What kinds of equipment they use and what their bed prep process looks like 21:01
What their harvesting process looks like 24:54
What crops they are growing in the field 26:08
What crops they are wholesaling 34:17
Who the average consumers of their products are 42:16
What Ben and Aubry’s favorite tools are 43:55
About the Guests
We are a 4 acre, family-owned, certified organic farm growing a diverse selection of vegetables, herbs, and flowers on the coast of Humboldt County in Ferndale, California. We market our produce through a free-choice, market-style CSA as well as to local grocery stores and low-income food distribution programs. We operate a bustling weekend farmstand that serves our local community and have recently shifted our marketing strategy away from farmers markets to focus on grocery store sales. We are first-generation farmers who learned to farm by working for other local, organic growers on varying scales of production.
Resources
Website: www.faircurvefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairCurveFarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faircurvefarm/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project, visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Have you explored the options offered by email marketing for your farm?
Today we’re doing something a little different with our guest, Bobby Klinck, email marketing extraordinaire and author of Email Marketing That Doesn't Suck: Have Fun Writing Emails Your Subscribers Will Want to Read (and That Will Actually Make You Money!). Based in Washington DC., Bobby is not willing to be boring to fit the status quo. The fun readability of his templates comes from his need to reach beyond the standard, boring norm, and as he borrows from the famous Saturday Night Live skit, add “more cowbell.” Join us today to learn all about how you can add more cowbell to your marketing!
You’ll hear:
How Bobby got started in email marketing 2:13
What gave Bobby the idea to write a book about email marketing strategy 6:20
What the “proper” amount of emails really is 15:34
Why headlines are important, and why you should think about it differently 21:51
What the connection between telling stories and sales is 34:33
What’s the best way for a new farmer to get started with an email list 45:54
How you can construct an effective welcome sequence 49:44
What tips Bobby has for those looking to start an email newsletter 52:40
About the Guest
Bobby is a Harvard Law Grad turned entrepreneur who built a thriving multiple six-figure business selling the most boring thing ever (legal templates) primarily through email. In the process, his emails have built a cult following because they're actually fun to read.
People have compared his sales sequences to "murder mysteries" that you just can't put down... and people actually email him concerned that they've missed something awesome on the rare weeks that he doesn't email his list.
Bobby has distilled his email wisdom into a snark-filled book titled Email Marketing That Doesn't Suck: Have Fun Writing Emails Your Subscribers Will Want To Read (And That Will Actually Make You Money!)"
Resources:
Website: https://bobbyklinck.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyKlinckPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyklinck/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project, visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
What are the benefits and nuances of running a pasture grazed farm?
Today on the show we are hosting Juliann Janies, scientist turned sustainable farmer and Co-Founder of Red-Tailed Farm, located in Burgaw, North Carolina. After an extensive search for affordable and usable land, Juliann and her partner Gregory, settled on a 14-acre lot with a nearly 100 year old transplanted beach house. They started the farm business by first producing eggs from hens out on pasture, and began rotating them around the property in order to fertilize the soil. Soon they had quite the customer demand for their eggs, and were able to use the profits to buy their first piglets. Things grew naturally from there, and before long, they also had a flock of sheep and goats, rabbits, turkeys, ducks and a market garden. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Michigan State University, Juliann worked in scientific research for nearly a decade developing new vaccines. In 2013 she left that career behind to pursue her true passion. Tune in to hear all about Juliann’s journey into pasture grazed farming!
You’ll hear:
Juliann’s decision to work with science and animals 1:24
What kind of vaccines Juliann worked with 3:20
What caused her to change fields 5:39
What Juliann believes would improve the way typical farms do their internship programs 13:04
What was behind the choice to make a pasture-grazed farm 14:53
Red-Tailed’s enterprises ranked in order of size 23:24
How Juliann and Gregory found the property for the farm 25:25
Why so much cleanup necessary when the farmland was initially purchased 31:48
How long it took to get the desired infrastructure in place 34:40
What type of marketing works for Red-Tailed Farm 35:33
What kinds of events they host 39:28
How Juliann handled the fears of leaving her lucrative career and going into farming 45:22
What advice Juliann has for those looking to start a farm 46:55
About the Guest
Juliann Janies is a former research scientist who quit her career 9 years ago to pursue her lifelong dream to become a farmer. She’s always been obsessed with animals of all kinds, and her goal is to better understand them so that she can help everyone improve the way we coexist with other species. In 2015 Juliann founded Red-Tailed Farm, a diverse, pasture-based livestock farm with a focus on sheep and goats.
Resources
Website: www.redtailedfarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedTailedFarm
Instagram: https://instagram.com/redtailedfarm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project, visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
Where and how did you receive your education as a farmer? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re joined by Blair Thompson, Farm Manager and agriculture expert at Warren Wilson College, located in Asheville, North Carolina. Blair spent over 15 years in a diversity of agricultural operations around the country before landing at Warren Wilson. He strives to help students become leaders who have an ecosystems-approach to agriculture that focuses on building farming enterprises suited to each landscape and community. Blair is committed to bringing the classroom into the field, so crew members are able ground their thoughts in the act of work and are prepared to take the lessons of the college farm into the broader world of food and agriculture. Check out today’s episode if you’re interested in how future farmers of America are learning to hit the field!
You’ll hear:
Types of farms Blair has dealt with throughout his agriculture career 1:38
Types of education offered at Warren Wilson College 3:54
Warren Wilson College’s work requirement 9:33
The different enterprises on the farm 11:34
How Warren Wilson conducts marketing? 18:59
What aspect of his position Blair most passionate about 26:01
What Blair’s views are for the future of the farm 33:48
What Blair sees as the future of agriculture 37:28
What Blair’s favorite farming tool is 39:44
About the Guest
Blair spent over 15 years in a diversity of agricultural operations around the country before landing at Warren Wilson College. It was while working on these farms that he encountered Warren Wilson graduates and knew the college farm was turning out skilled and passionate land managers. He strives to build students into leaders who have an ecosystems-approach to agriculture that focuses on building farming enterprises suited to each landscape and community. Blair is committed to bringing the classroom into the field, so crew members are able ground their thoughts in the act of work and are prepared to take the lessons of the college farm into the broader world of food and agriculture.
Resources
Website: https://www.warren-wilson.edu/about/land-innovation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warrenwilsoncollege
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warrenwilsoncollege/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project, visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
What is regenerative agriculture, and what are your options to becoming regenerative as a farmer?
On today’s episode we’re featuring Jesse McDougall of Studio Hill Farm, located in southern Vermont. Studio Hill Farm’s primary goal is to strengthen the land's natural water, carbon, and nutrient cycles so that they may restore the abundant ecosystem of their 5th-generation family farm. To achieve this goal they: raise livestock on pasture using holistic land management practices, use no-till gardens for their annual vegetable and flower production, are in the process of building a 4-acre perennial food forest, and keep bees. Jesse is an accredited professional with the Savory Institute, serves on the advisory board for Soil4Climate, and was the author of the first regenerative agriculture legislation. Join us today to hear all about how Jesse, his wife and their team accomplishes all of this and thrives while doing it!
You’ll hear:
How Jesse became attracted to farming 1:07
What the different enterprises on Studio Hill Farm are 7:49
What major changes Jesse and his wife have made to the farm since taking over 12:15
How Studio Hill monetizes their sheep 18:52
How Jesse authored the first regenerative agriculture legislation 23:05
How Studio Hill implements their education programs 43:34
What’s going on with Studio Hill’s funding campaign right now 53:29
About the Guest
Jesse McDougall is a farmer at Studio Hill--a 4th-generation family farm in Vermont and Savory Influencer Hub. He is also co-founder of Regenerative Food Network, Inc., and CEO of Southshire Meats.
Resources
Website: https://studiohill.farm
Instagram: https://instagram.com/studiohillvt
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
As a farmer, how much care do you put into making certain your crops have a healthy, bounty-producing foundation?
Today we’re joined by Brad Morgan, Founder and Owner of Morgan Composting and Dairy Doo, located in Sears, Michigan. Morgan Composting Inc is a family business that was started in 1996. The Morgans began composting as a solution to a manure problem on their dairy farm. Morgan Composting’s goal is to be a driving force in Agribusiness that promotes sustainable practices, and to be an innovative provider of economical soil health products. Their mission is to strive for excellence in their service to customers, their community, and the environment. Tune in today to hear all about the fine art of composting from a seasoned compost master!
You’ll hear:
Brad’s method of disposing of manure on the farm 1:25
What’s offered in Brad’s product line expansion 7:19
How the greenhouse products are different 17:06
How the flower mix differs from the Seed Starter 101 19:40
What Brad’s desire for growth (if any) is with Dairy Doo 25:32
Where they source from 31:07
What Brad’s advice is for composting/fertility for a newer farmer 38:43
About the Guest:
Morgan Composting is a family business that was started in 1996, by Brad Morgan and his father, Dale. Brad began composting as a solution to a manure management problem on his 200-head dairy operation. Now the cows have been sold and Morgan Composting designs, manufactures, and distributes powerful and organic soil amendments, fertilizers, and potting soil mixes for the homeowner and agriculture sectors under the DAIRY DOO brand.
Resources:
Website: https://dairydoo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DairyDoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairy_doo/
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsors!
Rimol Greenhouse Systems has been supporting local growers since 1994. Rimol Greenhouse offers superior strength and craftsmanship with their structures and product lines. We offer multiple sizes of gothic high tunnels, gutter-connected and free-standing greenhouses. Rimol Greenhouse manufactures their diverse product line in New Hampshire, using American Steel and Aluminum.
Our knowledgeable sales staff specialize in the technology you need and are located throughout the country to better serve you. Whether you are just getting started as a Greenhouse Grower, or looking to expand your operation, Rimol Greenhouse is your industry partner. To learn more and to get a quote on your next project visit Rimol.com
At Agrigro, we know that in today’s modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it’s sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife.
Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro’s® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment.
Through these environmentally sound technologies, we’re adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don’t have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.
What has Africa brought to the United States in terms of produce and farming knowledge?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re proud to be hosting Karen Washington, Founder of Rise & Root Farm, located in The Bronx, New York. Rise & Root Farm is a women owned and collectively run farm. They grow top notch vegetables, flowers, herbs & seedlings. Since 1985 Karen has been a community activist, striving to make New York City a better place to live. As a community gardener and board member of the New York Botanical Gardens, Karen worked with Bronx neighborhoods to turn empty lots into community gardens. She also co-founded Black Urban Growers (BUGS), an organization of volunteers committed to building networks and community support for growers in both urban and rural settings. Join us today to hear about Karen’s long journey improving her community with pure, nutrient rich produce!
You’ll hear:
How Karen got into agriculture 1:44
What prompted Karen to start Rise & Root Farm 2:55
What food insecurity looks like in the Bronx neighborhood 5:36
How American history has impacted the African American community’s role in farming 14:07
What crops were brought to America from Africa 18:06
What plants Rise & Root Farm raises 30:51
What marketing strategies does Rise & Root employ 38:55
What Black Urban Growers is all about 45:25
What advice Karen has for newer farmers 55:40
What Karen does in addition to farming 56:34
About the Guest:
Karen is a farmer and activist. She is Co-owner/Farmer at Rise & Root Farm in Chester New York. An activist, food advocate; in 2010, Co- Founded Black Urban Growers (BUGS) an organization supporting growers in both urban and rural settings. In 2012, Ebony magazine voted her one of their 100 most influential African Americans in the country and in 2014 was the recipient of the James Beard Leadership Award. Karen serves on the boards of the New York Botanical Gardens, Mary Mitchell Center, SoulFire Farm and Black Famer Fund.
Resources:
Website: www.riseandrootfarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karwasher
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karwasher/
What is a pragmatic farming approach in a high precipitation climate?
Today on the show we’re hosting David Haakenson, 2nd generation owner of Jubilee Farm, located in Carnation, Washington. Jubilee Farm is proud to provide the greater Seattle area with a diverse selection of nutritious vegetables, fruits, meat, & flour, all of which are cultivated using organic farming practices. Jubilee’s produce is available through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription program, in which members of the public support the farm by committing to purchase shares of its produce for a season. About half of Jubilee Farm previously had been conserved by the King County Farmland Preservation Program. When there was an opportunity to partner with King County to preserve the remaining half through the County’s Transfer of Development Rights Program, PCC Farmland Trust jumped at the chance. Tune in today to hear about Jubilee’s interesting history in the particularly wet Washington climate!
You’ll hear:
What David does on Jubilee Farm 1:08
How many acres of cropping takes place on Jubilee 6:08
How Jubilee Farm manages the high precipitation Northwestern climate 12:27
What kind of on-farm commerce is facilitated by Jubilee 36:37
How David structures his team to ensure all integral tasks get completed 38:32
Jubilee’s spring plant sale 50:40
What David would change if he could return to the beginning of his farming journey 57:09
About the Guest
David Haakenson (pronounced “Hawkinson”) is a second generation farmer in Carnation, WA. He and his family run and live on the farm his parents started when David was a child, with no experience in farming! After spending time learning what didn’t work, David’s father learned about the CSA model and soon became the second CSA in the region and is still successfully operating today.
Resources:
Website: https://jubileefarm.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jubileefarmcarnation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jubilee_farm/
Today on the show we’re joined by Seth Shaffer of Red Clay Farm, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Red Clay Farm is a 24.5 acre farm dedicated to certified organic farming methods and growing without any traces of GMO seeds. Their crops rotate with luscious strawberries, lovely arugula, mixed salad greens, kale, lettuce, broccoli, swiss chard, potatoes, green beans, a variety of organic micro-greens and more. Join us to learn more about Seth’s journey to becoming a farmer!
You’ll hear:
How Seth got interested in agriculture 1:37
What the current setup of Red Clay Farm looks like 12:00
How the grains on Red Clay Farm are cultivated 17:54
What is happening with their sorghum production 20:41
Why sorghum syrup fell out of favor 22:58
How Red Clay Farm sells their grains 30:54
What kind of education services Seth offers 34:35
How Seth manages his time between teaching and farming 42:03
What Red Clay Farm is doing with turmeric and ginger 45:05
What Seth’s advice for someone thinking about getting into agriculture is 53:41
About the Guest
Seth Shaffer is a farmer from Southeast TN where he and his family own and operate Red Clay Farm, a certified organic farm. Seth obtained his master’s degree from Green Mountain College in Sustainable Food Systems. For the past 7 years he has taught the Sustainable Agriculture class at Southern Adventist University.
Resources
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Red-Clay-Farm-152851461506253/
Where do you turn for the comprehensive permaculture information you need as a farmer?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re happy to have Nick Ritar, Cofounder of Milkwood, located all the way down in Tasmania, Australia. Milkwood is dedicated to sharing permaculture skills for living like it matters. Online, in print, via their renowned courses, whatever it takes to get you inspired, Milkwood is here to help people learn. They acknowledge that permaculture owes the roots of its theory and practice to traditional and Indigenous knowledge from all over the world. The education offered by Milkwood covers everything from permaculture design to market gardening, natural building and mushroom cultivation, to help create resilient and abundant households and communities. Are you ready to boost your farming and permaculture know-how? Stick with us!
You’ll hear:
How long Nick has practiced permaculture 2:27
What drove Nick to write his book, Milkwood: Real Skills for Down-to-Earth Living 7:52
How Milkwood operates their education courses 19:16
What is covered in Milkwood’s Permaculture Living Course 22:35
Why we need to respect indiginous knowledge when it comes to permaculture 30:54
How Milkwood came to be the trove of information that it is 39:15
What Nick does with waste mushroom cultivation 44:58
How Nick describes the lifestyle promoted by Milkwood to someone with an outside perspective 50:23
About the Guest:
Nick Ritar is co-director of Milkwood - an education enterprise dedicated to teaching skills to regenerate the earth. Since 2007 Ritar, with his partner Kirsten Bradley, have given over 15,000 students the opportunity to learn from the world's best sustainable farmers, market gardeners & permaculturists. Their first book ‘Milkwood - real skills for down to earth living’ was released in Sept 2018. In 2019 Milkwood launched their first online course 'Permaculture Living' a 12 week intensive course with the co-originator of Permaculture David Holmgren and they have recently launched their second online course on Home Mushroom Cultivation.
Resources:
Website: https://www.milkwood.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Milkwood
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkwood/
What opportunities does the digital world offer your farming business?
Today we’re joined by Margie Paskert, a market gardener, online produce e-commerce specialist, and owner of Lazy Ox Farm, a small family farm operating out of Olathe, Colorado. Margie has been growing and selling sustainably raised plants and veggies for more than 22 years, first in northern Idaho, then for 10 years in southern Missouri. She is now operating on the beautiful west slope of Colorado, and has been since 2019. Focusing primarily on online sales, Margie says that Etsy has allowed her farming operation to be what it is today. Her business has well exceeded her expectations, and even desires. You know if you have grown beyond what you even wanted, you’ve done something right! Join us today to hear all about how Margie and her team have achieved this huge level of productivity!
You’ll hear:
What business model works best for Margie 1:18
The size of Margie’s team 4:35
What products Margie ships 7:34
How Margie manages pests in the greenhouse 8:59
The benefits and challenges of growing and producing in Colorado 16:29
How Margie finds help willing to work the necessary schedule 19:56
How her business outgrew her expectations and desires 23:34
What Margie would change in the business, given the opportunity 30:50
What platforms Margie uses to achieve the desired volume of sales 33:49
What advice Margie would give to a new farmer to have a good and productive first year 36:52
What words of encouragement Margie would give herself as a new farmer 38:31
Margie’s favorite farming tool 38:44
What Margie thinks about the prospect of starting a farm now 41:40
About the Guest:
Margie started in market gardening 25 years ago in Northern Idaho, doing mixed veggies and a few plant starts that she sold through a CSA and at Kootenai County Farmers Market. Margie moved to rural Missouri in 2006 and tried to do the same thing, but the business model did not work there so she switched to online sales of plants only, and her business has grown steadily since then, and rapidly since covid. Margie moved to Colorado 3 1/2 years ago because, why not? This business model is location independent!
Resources:
Website: www.lazyoxfarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lazy-Ox-Farm-250334001645386
On this final episode in the Elderberry Workshop Series, we’re joined by Andrew Thomas, Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Missouri, Master of Science in Agronomy from Iowa State University, and Director of Ozark Regional Land Trust. Andrew enjoys conducting research on a wide variety of horticultural and agroforestry crops and crop production techniques. His main research interests include the development of overlooked native fruit and nut crops with commercial potential, but he also studies aspects of mainstream horticultural crop production. Andrew has built a 24 year (and running strong) knowledge of the elderberry, so if you’re looking to delve a bit deeper into the elderberry rabbithole then look no further!
You’ll hear:
When Andrew first learned about elderberries 2:10
About the process for Andrew to get his latest elderberry grant 6:28
The differences between the impact of elderberry juice vs. elderberry syrup 17:29
How Andrew approaches pollination of elderberry crops 19:22
Why European elderberries are more difficult to mechanically harvest 23:21
The use cases of elderberry skins and/or seeds 26:28
Where you can learn more about Andrew and his work with elderberries 31:59
Resources:
Sign up for our free Elderberry workshop series - https://www.elderberryworkshop.com
What type(s) of elderberries are right for your farm?
Today on the third part of our special elderberry-centric miniseries, we’re hosting Terry Durham of River Hills Harvest. Located in the Hills of Hartsburg, Missouri, River Hills Harvest supports local farmers and processors. Their growers have committed to the health and wellbeing of their produce, their farms, and their communities. Every berry that is processed has reached peak ripeness to assure the highest delivery of the health promoting qualities for which elderberries have a historical reputation. Terry has been thriving in this business for quite some time, so if you’re interested in entering the elderberry market, or advancing your elderberry game, this is not one to skip!
You’ll hear:
How Terry first got involved in the elderberry business 2:03
What the elderberry growing and harvesting process look like 3:59
The differences in process and results between European and American elderberries 7:24
What types of elderberry varieties exist and how to determine which to grow 10:30
The varieties that typically do well in the southern states 21:17
About the education River Hills Harvest offers 23:49
Resources:
Sign up for our free Elderberry workshop series - https://www.elderberryworkshop.com
River Hills Harvest website - https://www.riverhillsharvest.com/
River Hills Harvest Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RiverHillsHarvest
River Hills Harvest Instagram - http://instagram.com/riverhillsharvest
Today we are joined by Dax Funderburk, owner of Beets Workin’ Farm. Beets Workin’ Farm is a small family farm located in beautiful Northeastern Vermont, where they focus on growing dozens of unique varieties of garlic, available online at HardneckGarlic.com and numerous festivals throughout the Northeast USA.
After years of growing garlic and four season produce in Southeastern PA, they purchased 250 acres on the Lamoille River in Greensboro Bend, Vermont in 2017 with the intent of relocating the garlic farm. After several years of focusing on improving soil fertility and health, their entire garlic crop is now Vermont grown on the banks of the Lamoille. Tune in today to hear all about Dax’s journey from business to garlic!
You’ll hear:
How Dax got into farming 1:20
How many times a year Dax moves the tunnels on the farm 8:42
What prompted Dax’s transition to garlic 19:12
What the current business model is at Beets Workin’ Farm 21:48
How Beets Workin’ has acquired over 75 varieties of garlic 31:44
What a typical year on a garlic farm entails 42:01
What Dax has brought to farming from his background in business 1.00:36
About the future of Beets Workin’ 1.21:12
Dax’s favorite farming tool 1.24:52
Where you can learn more about Dax and Beets Workin’ Farm 1.26:03
About the Guest:
Dax Funderburk, Owner & Operator of Beets Workin Farm & HardneckGarlic.com, now located in the beautiful Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, focuses exclusively on growing 90+ varieties of hardneck garlic, available online and at numerous festivals throughout the Northeast. Beets Workin Farm was founded in 2010, growing year round produce in SE Pennsylvania, after spending 20+ years in the cable & satellite industry. After almost a decade of growing produce, the farm transitioned to only garlic in 2019 and relocated to Greensboro Bend, Vermont.
Resources:
Website: https://www.beetsworkinfarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardneckgarlic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardneckgarlic
Have you prepared your land for a bountiful elderberry harvest? What are your elderberry options if you haven’t?
For the second installment of our special Elderberry Workshop Series we’re hosting Taylor Clark of Boulder Berry Farms, located in southwest Ohio. Boulder Berry Farms offers USDA Certified Organic elderberries; fresh, frozen, dried, and freeze dried. They also have a herd of purebred KuneKune pigs, a docile grazing farm animal perfect for smaller homesteads. In late 2019, they cut their first rows of elderberries and purchased hundreds of cuttings. From there, the rest is history…which you can hear in this episode!
You’ll hear:
Who Taylor is and how he got into elderberries 1:12
What role water plays in the farming of elderberries 3:31
About land preparation for Boulder Berry Farms 6:24
How you can grow elderberries if you don’t have your land prepped in time 10:12
The typical yield per acre on Boulder Berry 17:00
How Boulder Berry has refined their practices over time 23:25
The vision for the near future of Boulder Berry Farms 28:41
Where you can find out more about Taylor and Boulder Berry Farms 31:00
Resources:
Sign up for our free Elderberry workshop series - https://www.elderberryworkshop.com
Boulder Berry Farms website - https://www.boulderberry.com
Boulder Berry Farms Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/boulderberry
What opportunities does a farmer have today in the elderberry market?
On this first episode of our Elderberry Workshop Series, we’re excited to have with us Trisha Jackson of Trisha’s Elderberries. Hailing from Ohio, Trisha’s Elderberries is an artisanal, upscale online wellness boutique focused on crafting the very best natural wellness remedies. Their elderberry products are handmade and use only the best of organic ingredients. Their elderberry syrup is renowned for it’s Christmas-like flavors and unparalleled effectiveness. Trisha’s Elderberries is recognized as the #1 elderberry syrup brand in Ohio by integrative wellness practitioners, functional MDs, chiropractors, pediatricians, and pharmacists too. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a proven elderberry master!
You’ll hear:
Who Trisha Jackson is and what she does 1:35
How Trisha got into the Elderberry business 2:03
About Trisha’s wholesale partners 5:59
The typical shelf life of these products 9:15
About overall opportunities to sell in the elderberry business 10:43
About retail opportunities for elderberry farmers 14:20
What Trisha offers with her Grow Your Elderberries Products Business Group 20:25
Where you can find out more about this group 21:52
Resources:
Sign up for our free Elderberry workshop series - https://www.elderberryworkshop.com
Trisha’s Elderberries website - https://trishaselderberries.com/
Trisha’s Elderberries Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/trishaselderberries
Trisha’s Elderberries Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/trishaselderberries/
Today we’re lucky to be hosting Stephen Smith, President of AgriGro, and Luke Hammond, VP of small farms and home and garden product lines at AgriGro. The mission of AgriGro is to provide sustainable, environmentally sound technologies that maximize biological performance, return a profit to the user, and improve the world in which we live. For nearly 40 years, AgriGro has established a tradition of excellence, manufacturing an ever-growing line of innovative technologies that offer superior performance and unmatched value in the global marketplace. Grounded in humble beginnings, their family-owned biotechnology company seeks to build upon those principles, and expand the tradition of excellence beyond the scope of business. Stephen and Luke are both dedicated and passionate about AgriGro’s vision, principles, and processes, and thus have become masters of the craft. Listen in today to hear about their journeys! You’ll hear: What Agrigro does 2:03
What products Agrigro offers 13:15
What prebiotics are 18:49
Agrigro’s mission, in Luke’s words 23:52
Some common myths about soil that Stephen and Luke can debunk 43:17
How prebiotics can help build organic matter 53:19
What a farmer should think about before getting started with the AgriGro program 56:18
What kind of ratio of their product a typical market gardener would apply to their crops 1.02:56
Some different ways Stephen and Luke apply the prebiotic 1.10:00
How Stephen envisions the future of agriculture 1.19:11
Where you can learn more about Stephen, Luke, and AgriGro 1.22:03
About the Guests:
Luke Hammond
Luke is a farmer, a father and a guy that loves food about as much as the ground that it grows on. It doesn’t take long for anyone who meets him to know that he is deeply passionate about all things farming. Small-scale regenerative agriculture consumes his waking hours and has for the past 7 years. Luke is on a mission to come alongside other farmers to learn together from other's farming experiences. Together, they can focus on the restoration of our communities, save our planet, and make a profit one location at a time.
Stephen Smith
Stephen has been employed with AgriGro since 1988 and has served as President of the Company since 2005. He is now a 2nd generation owner of the company in partnership with his brother, Shannon.
Growing up on the family farm, Stephen began his career working beside his father who founded the company in 1980 and has been part and witness to the growth and transformation that has taken place since its beginning.
Stephen has helped lead the expansion of AgriGro from its humble beginnings and focussed his career on branding and building a prebiotic line of products that work in harmony with nature to improve the world we live in for generations to come. As a result of his efforts, AgriGro has grown from a single product offering to a growing line of Nutritional and Prebiotic technologies. Today these products are distributed around the globe to improve Soil Health, Crop Production, Livestock Nutrition, Wildlife management, Home and Garden plant care and Commercial Waste Management.
Resources:
Website: https://agrigro.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agrigroinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agrigrocrops/
What was your reason for going organic? We’re joined today by Andrew Couzens from Terra Flora Organics, located in Chilliwack, Canada. Terra Flora Organics specializes in producing fungal dominant composts and worm castings and microbial inoculants to growers. They also produce and provide regenerative agricultural educational and consulting services to conventional and organic growers. Starting out as a software engineer, Andrew discovered he had an extreme sensitivity to Roundup, which kicked him off on a unique journey to the world of organic farming. Join us today to hear all about what Andrew and Terra Flora Organics have accomplished and where they’re headed!
You’ll hear:
Why Andrew transitioned from software engineering to organic farming 1:37
What Terra Flora Organics grows and sells 8:47
What options farmers have when using vermicompost 16:36
What compost worms like to eat 28:57
What systems Terra Flora Organics has in place for removing worm castings 34:48
What else worm castings can be used for 38:32
Why Andrew is supplying worms and worm castings to a wine vineyard 53:55
Where you can find out more about Andrew and Terra Flora Organics 1.00:50
About the Guest:
After spending two decades in software engineering, Andrew Couzens eventually arrived at the conclusion that his talents would be better spent working with nature in the physical, real world, than furthering the development of the digital one which has been demonstrated to disconnect individuals from nature in spite of never being more connected.
There's never been a greater need for people to produce sustainable solutions to manage our footprint on this planet, and the need to re-localize food production has reached a climax.
Resources:
Website - https://terrafloraorganics.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/terrafloraorganics/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/terrafloraorganics
What’s it like building a farm from the ground up in a foreign country? Today we’re hosting Tim Livingstone, Owner of Strawberry Hill Farm and President of Atlantic Certified Organic. Strawberry Hill Farm is an organic family farm serving the New Brunswick community with weekly boxes, online orders, and a small store on the farm. Raised in New Hampshire, Tim moved to New Brunswick in 1997, purchased a dilapidated farm in 2011, and has since transformed it into one of the largest organic farms in eastern Canada. They now grow over 60 types of vegetables and berries plus livestock on pasture. They believe that growing food without the use of chemicals is best, from the point of view of the health of their family, their team, the environment, and for the sake of the many customers who enjoy the fresh organic products they sell. Hear how Tim and his wife accomplished this feat!
You’ll hear:
What motivated Tim to move to Canada 1:46
What happened directly after purchasing the farm 4:06
About Strawberry Hill’s fertility program 13:51
What a typical week looks like for Tim 16:54
What the scale of the farm is 27:14
How Tim ensures that all the most vital tasks on the farm get completed 36:13
Who Tim’s mentors have been throughout his farming journey 41:22
What systems Tim would’ve put in place sooner given a magic reset button 45:33
Where Tim looks to find help for the farm 51:19
How Tim allocates tasks for his workers 53:55
How Tim makes sure the farm’s products get sold 1.06:13
What demographics typically buy from Strawberry Hill the most 1.10:13
What Tim sees as the biggest mistake newer farmers make 1.12:46
What encouraging piece of wisdom Tim would give to himself in the past when he was a new farmer 1.16:25
Tim’s favorite farming tool 1.17:04
Where you can learn more about Tim and Strawberry Hill Farm 1.19:28
About the Guest:
Tim Livingstone owns Strawberry Hill Farm in New Brunswick, Canada along with his wife Kirsten. Tim grew up in New Hampshire and moved to Canada in 1997. He's spent most of his life in agriculture and around greenhouses and he’s studied compost, compost teas, and the Soil Foodweb in the early 2000s. He also worked in sales and consulting for biological agriculture for everything from tree care, to turf, to large scale agriculture.
In 2011, Tim and his wife bought a run down farm and have since turned it into one of the largest organic farms in Eastern Canada - raising over 50 crops, plus pasture raised beef, pork, chicken, and eggs. Tim and his wife were the recipients of the Gerrit Loo Memorial Achievement Award in 2013, and the Agricultural Leadership Award from the New Brunswick Institute of Agrologists in 2018. Tim currently sits on the board of the directors of the Organic Federation of Canada and is president of Atlantic Certified Organic. Tim loves growing things but also loves spending time near the ocean at their island camp in the Bay of Fundy.
Resources:
Website - www.strawberryhillfarm.ca
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StrawberryHillNB
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/strawberry_hill_farm/
Is your farming passion so red hot that you would start a farm for the sole purpose of living the farm life?
That’s what Ian Graham of Old 99 Farm did. Located in Dunda, Ontario, Old 99 Farm is a small organic farm, a permaculture demonstration site, and market garden. They deal in top notch organic greens and crops: tomatoes, eggplant, peppers. They also raise heritage Canadian Lineback cattle, Tamworth pigs, and commercial breeds of chickens. Ian didn’t start Old 99 to get rich, make a living, or as a business venture, but as a lifestyle choice instead! Tune in today to hear why he did this and how it’s working out so far!
You’ll hear:
What got Ian interested in permaculture 1:52
What kind of improvements were made on the land since purchase 6:00
Why Old 99 placed an orchard on the north slope of the north slope 16:59
How the hoop houses are designed 18:44
What Old 99’s primary sales outlets are 28:09
What Ian would change about the farm’s structure given the opportunity for a do-over
How Ian gets the word out about the farm 33:19
Ian’s favorite (and least favorite) part of the farm 35:49
About the Guest:
Ian started farming as a whole new career and lifestyle in 2007. He’s been a permaculture student since 2000, when he retired from the business world at age 47. A climate emergency advocate since 2014, he calls himself a farmer-postdoomer-boomer, downwardly mobile neo-peasant cognescente.
Old 99 is a 29 acre permaculture demonstration site and livestock-based mixed farm 5 minutes from the city lights of Hamilton Ontario. They see themselves as getting ready for the climate emergency by growing local food and farmers, teaching about food security, self-reliance, soil fertility, and ecosystem stewardship.
Resources:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/old99farm/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/grahamia2/
On today’s episode we’re hosting Andy Borak, Owner and Operator at Red Fern Farm, situated along the banks of Bold Beaver Creek in Floyd County, Virginia. Red Fern Farm is a small family micro farm - keeping their farm small ensures their ability to use bio-intensive practices and beyond organic methods to manage all of their ventures. As a Certified Naturally Grown producer, Red Fern Farm is dedicated to the use of sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices in their efforts to steward the land. They pride themselves on offering the highest quality natural eggs, honey, and vegetables. Join us today to hear about how Andy and his team keep this small farm thriving!
You’ll hear:
How Andy got interested in farming at a young age 1:13
About the overall setup of Andy’s farming operation 5:37
About the main crops Red Fern grows in their tunnels 8:00
How Andy ensures important tasks are accomplished on the farm 13:04
How Andy would change the setup of his farm if he could go back in time 17:28
How Andy gets his kids involved with the farm 18:51
How Andy markets the farm 21:56
The most common mistakes Andy sees newer farmers making 27:41
Andy’s favorite farming tool 30:22
The best time to start farming, according to Andy 31:45
About the Guest:
Andy is a farmer, educator, outdoor professional, husband, and father. He wanted to be a farmer all of his life and with the establishment of Red Fern Farm in 2019, that dream became a reality. Red Fern is a bio-intensive micro-farm dedicated to environmental and land stewardship with an emphasis on no-till, no spray, and human powered techniques. By focusing on high rotation crops, Andy is able to make a small amount of growing space profitable. Small-scale ecological farms can change the world!
Resources:
Website - https://www.redfernfarmva.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RedFernFarmVA/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/redfernfarmva/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCighrOGMfr3Lt17-k1p35dw
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re speaking with John Dindia from Lakeview Hill Farm, located in Traverse City, MI. Lakeview Hill Farm is a certified organic produce farm specializing in hoophouse and greenhouse production. They grow a variety of vegetables with a focus on greenhouse heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, salad greens, and microgreens. Lakeview Hill Farm has made a commitment to utilize renewable energy. With agriculture being one of the largest consumers of fossil fuels, it’s extremely important to lead the way with practices that sustain the environment and are financially beneficial to the business. And Lakeview Hill Farm is indeed leading the way with a 100% solar powered farm! Hear how they achieve this on today’s episode.
You’ll hear:
What Lakeview Hill Farm grows in their tunnels 2:17
What varieties of cucumbers they grow 4:56
What time of year they harvest 9:23
What they grow in caterpillar tunnels during the Summer 10:11
How they got started 14:37
How they approach micrograin production 18:10
What kind of solar setup they have 22:17
What prompted the switch to greenhouses 30:56
Where Lakeview Hill Farm buys their certified organic ginger seed 32:56
About the layout of the buildings on the farm 47:11
John’s favorite farming tool 51:50
John’s advice for someone just getting into farming 52:58
About the Guest:
Lakeview Hill Farm is a certified organic produce farm located in Traverse City, MI -- owned and operated by John Dindia and Bailey Samp. The farm started in 2017, has experienced rapid growth, and reached over $500,000 in gross sales in 2021. Currently employing 4 full-time year around employees and 2 additional seasonal employees, the farm primarily focuses on early season Summer fruit greenhouse production and year-round baby leaf salad greens and microgreens. 75% of the farm's revenue comes from four 5,000 sq. ft. heated greenhouses and four 150 ft. long caterpillar tunnels.
The farm sells 95% of its produce within a 15 mile radius, primarily to local grocery stores and co-ops, restaurants, farmers markets, an on-farm store, and a multi-farm CSA program.
Resources:
Website - https://www.lakeviewhillfarm.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lakeviewhillorganics
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lakeviewhillfarm/
Today we’ve got Hanna Eisloeffel, Founder and Owner of Table Bluff Farm. Table Bluff Farm is a first-generation, woman-owned microfarm situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and nestled between the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the mouth of the Eel River in Loleta, California. Table Bluff Farm follows regenerative agriculture principles to create a farm focused on preserving and enhancing our natural ecosystem while keeping the “low cost/true cost” affordability of biodynamically grown, chemical-free, nutrient-dense vegetables, flowers, eggs, and meat. Join us today to hear about how Hannah’s farm stays on top of their tasks and provides locals with premium farm products!
You’ll hear:
What type of farm Table Bluff is 1:07
How amenable the weather is to farming in Loleta, California 4:36
The integral role pigs play on the farm 8:39
How Table Bluff’s CSA model is atypical 12:29
The demographic that typically joins the CSA 19:51
How Table Bluff manages disease and pests in their pumpkin patch 29:44
How Table Bluff approaches marketing 37:55
How Hannah went about getting government grants 42:06
About Hannah’s hiring process 53:40
Hannah’s favorite farming tool 1.01:41
Hannah’s advice for new farmers 1.03: 44
About the Guest:
Hannah Eisloeffel owns and runs Table Bluff Farm, a first-generation, woman-owned microfarm practicing regenerative agriculture on the coast of Northern California. Her goal is to provide local, barrier-free vegetables, eggs, meats, and cut flowers to the underserved rural community members through her year-round, weekly CSA and farmstand. The farm enables her to incorporate her passions for helping create a sustainable, local food system with providing opportunities for other local women, BIPOC, & LGBTQIA entrepreneurs to offer their own goods to the community. When she's not farming, Hannah can be found reading, enjoying the rivers, beaches, and redwoods in her backyard, and finding humor in her farm animal friends. She lives and works with her partner on the farm.
Resources:
Website - https://www.tableblufffarm.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TableBluffFarm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/table_bluff_farm/
What is community-centered agriculture and how does one thrive within this structure?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re happy to host MOSES Farmer of the Year, Liz Graznak, owner and operator of Happy Hollow Farm located in Jamestown, Missouri, right along the Missouri River. Liz has made farming her primary focus in life. Feeding people in her community healthy nutrient dense food is the reason she gets out of bed every day! The easiest way to describe what she does is Community Supported Agriculture. Honestly, though, CSA doesn’t quite capture it. A better description is community-centered agriculture. Happy Hollow Farm is a USDA certified organic farm that uses a combination of highly managed cover cropping techniques, crop rotations, compost applications, and hay mulch to add minerals and nutrients. They aim to give more back to the soil than they take. Tune in for the historic and current methods Liz and her crew employ to accomplish their goals!
You’ll hear:
What sales channels Happy Hollow uses the most 2:41
How Liz entered the farming world 10:54
What a typical Summer week looks like on the farm 14:26
How Liz manages time to ensure all primary tasks get completed 17:53
What Happy Hollow’s tunnel setup is like 20:26
The hardest thing Liz has done as a farmer 28:08
About Liz’ mentors throughout her farming journey 36:12
What systems Liz would’ve put in place sooner given the opportunity to do over 38:11
How the Happy Hollow team assigns tasks 41:14
About the Happy Hollow interview process 43:14
How Happy Hollow handles marketing, and how much of their revenue comes from farmers markets 51:41
What kinds of customers Happy Hollow’s online store attracts 58:39
The biggest mistake Liz sees newer farmers making 1.02:56
How Liz managed the early days/years when income was slower 1.09:04
Liz’ favorite farming tool 1.12:49
How Liz feels about the prospect of starting a farm today 1.14:18
About the Guest:
In November 2007 Liz & her wife Katie purchased Happy Hollow Farm. CSA farming has provided the opportunity to fulfill Liz’s long anticipated goal of growing beautiful, healthy food and sharing it with a community of people that share her enthusiasm and commitment to a local food system. With a nine year old and two and a half year old daughters, Liz has just wrapped up her 11th year of USDA certified organic production and has expanded to nearly 11 acres of veggies, fruit, eggs & flowers. Happy Hollow Farm sells through a 85 member CSA 32 Weeks a year, 50 Saturdays a year at the Columbia Farmers Market and to a number of local Columbia restaurants and grocery stores. Winter production has become a key component to the viability and financial success of Happy Hollow Farm.
Resources:
Website - https://www.happyhollowfarm-mo.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HappyHollowFarmMissouri
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/happyhollowfarm/
What is foodscaping and is it something you can do with your farm?
Today on the show we’re hosting Matt Lebon, Founder and CEO of Custom Foodscaping, a full-service edible landscaping company located in Saint Louis, Missouri. Custom Foodscaping provides consultation, design, and installation services to help you achieve your edible landscaping, farm and garden or permaculture goals. They specialize in raised bed vegetable gardens, food forests, orchards, herb gardens, culinary gardens, and profitable vegetable farms. They love to work with residential clients as well as institutions including schools, universities, hospitals, community centers, and restaurants. Matt is a proud St. Louis native with over ten years of farming and gardening experience. He got his start with farming as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay. He went on to study permaculture and work on several farms in Israel and Brooklyn, NY. Tune in to hear all about how Matt conceived and built this thriving business!
You’ll hear:
About Matt’s experience in the Peace Corps and how it led him to foodscaping 2:37
How Custom Foodscaping cultivates sugar cane 4:42
When and how Matt got into permaculture 8:22
About Matt’s favorite Custom Foodscaping projects 13:49
What techniques they use for rainwater management 18:53
What kind of opportunities the typical farmer has for foodscaping 24:08
How Custom Foodscaping communicates sustainability 34:42
What excites Matt the most about The Foodscaper Summit 39:24
About the Guest:
Matt Lebon is the owner and founder of Custom Foodscaping, a full service edible landscaping company in St. Louis, Missouri. Matt got his start with farming as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay. He went on to study permaculture and work on several farms in Israel and Brooklyn, NY. In 2017, Custom Foodscaping was born out of a dream of utilizing more of St. Louis’s urban and suburban spaces for gardens that produce an abundance of food. Matt is most passionate about creating magical food moments in the everyday places we work, learn, and play.
In 2020, the team at Custom Foodscaping launched The Foodscaper, a new online publication for edible landscaping hobbyists and professionals. The Foodscaper will host its inaugural virtual educational summit - The Foodscaper Summit - on January 20-21, 2022 for anyone who wants to learn to grow ecological edible landscapes for clients. Learn more at: thefoodscapersummit.com
Resources:
Website - https://www.thefoodscaper.com, https://www.customfoodscaping.com, https://www.thefoodscaper.com/summit
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/customfoodscaping
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/customfoodscaping/, https://www.instagram.com/thefoodscaperhq/
What options are available to farmers who want to optimize their farmers market presence?
Today we’re going with a bit of a different approach to the podcast. I had the honor of presenting at the Great Lakes Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I covered topics revolving around farmers markets and how to thrive in that environment. I take a deep dive into attracting the right customers, crafting an engaging experience that creates long term customer relationships, knowing your numbers, what Michigan’s current markets are like, 4 social network platforms you should be aware of, 7 ways to double your income and much more. If you’re looking to maximize your farm’s income this is the episode for you!
You’ll hear:
What we do at Growing Farmers 3:05
Attracting the right customer 4:52
Targeting your demographics 10:24
4 social marketing platforms you need to utilize 13:47
Crafting the right experience 18:31
Knowing your numbers 40:52
Summary and closing thoughts 57:04
About the Guest:
Michael Kilpatrick is the owner of Growing Farmers/In the Field Media, LLC and a farmer (The Farm on Central), educator, and inventor who lives in Ohio. He’s the host of the top rated Thriving Farmer Podcast as well as the Thriving Farmer Summit series, which has been viewed by over a quarter million farmers. He’s managed large farms and businesses, consulted for industry experts around the world, and spoken at dozens of conferences. Michael believes that anyone can build a profitable farm by following the simple business and management skills that he teaches in the Small Farm University, his company's educational platform and community for thriving farmers.
Resources:
Websites - https://www.growingfarmers.com/, https://www.thrivingfarmerpodcast.com/, https://www.farmoncentral.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael, https://www.facebook.com/farmoncentral, https://www.facebook.com/groups/507985609714417
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers/, https://www.instagram.com/farmoncentral/
How does an international food to table operation actually get food to tables?
Today we have Sarela Herrada, co-founder of Simpli, on the show. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Sarela grew up around farmers; her parents ran an organic chicken coop. She moved to the US at the age of 14, and later studied and gained relevant experience in food supply chains. In 2019, she co-founded Simpli. Simpli works directly with international farming communities to streamline the traditionally complicated supply chain process and create a true farm to table model. Their process allows for 100% traceability and serves people with products of integrity. With Sarela’s experience building and leading the supply chain for a national food brand, and her partner’s finance and business background, the adventurous pair is on a mission to connect people around the world through food. Join us to learn all about how Sarela runs this thriving supply chain operation!
You’ll hear:
About Sarela’s background 1:05
The problem with the supply chain today 4:17
How Simpli negotiates contracts 10:17
How Simpli finds the right people to work with 14:41
About the training process for regenerative organic 16:27
What a farmer interested in selling wholesale needs to think about 20:21
What quantities are typically seen coming from an individual farm 22:29
How Simpli’s prices compare to the competition 28:13
About the Guest:
Sarela Herrada is the co-founder of SIMPLi, an ethically-sourced ingredients company with a larger mission of transforming a fraudulent international supply chain. Sarela focuses on domestic and international operations, marketing and sales, and has contracted over $150M+ in purchasing spend and developed relationships with more than 200 suppliers.
Born and raised in Peru, Sarela’s family owned and operated a chicken coop in the outskirts of Lima, where she experienced at a young age the hard work and unfairness in the farming industry. In 2006, her move to the US sparked her passion for fighting food fraud and helping farming communities, leading her to eventually co-create SIMPLi.
With over a decade of experience in the food industry, she most recently led the Food & Beverage and Supply Chain Team for CAVA, the largest US Mediterranean restaurant group. Previously, she held roles at Mayorga Organics and Manhattan Associates. Sarela is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering.
Resources:
Website - https://eatsimpli.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simpligood/
Michael discusses how he faced off with the many challenges presented to him within his local government to ensure a positive change for the future and farming.
You’ll hear:
Why many farmers feel like the government is not our friend 2:17
About the many regulations placed on small farms 4:04
Why we don’t trust the government with the task of preserving the best interests of our farm, human health, and the environment at large 4:46
Why the government can’t be as efficient as private industry 8:44
What you can do to make things more efficient for your farm and your elected officials 11:34
About the Guest:
Michael Kilpatrick is the owner of Growing Farmers/In the Field Media, LLC and a farmer (The Farm on Central), educator, and inventor who lives in Ohio. He’s the host of the top rated Thriving Farmer Podcast as well as the Thriving Farmer Summit series, which has been viewed by over a quarter million farmers. He’s managed large farms and businesses, consulted for industry experts around the world, and spoken at dozens of conferences. Michael believes that anyone can build a profitable farm by following the simple business and management skills that he teaches in the Small Farm University, his company's educational platform and community for thriving farmers.
Resources:
Websites - https://www.growingfarmers.com/, https://www.thrivingfarmerpodcast.com/, https://www.farmoncentral.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael, https://www.facebook.com/farmoncentral
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers/, https://www.instagram.com/farmoncentral/
Today we are joined by Maud Kelley, Principal and Owner of Greenlands Farm. Greenlands Farm is a small, three generational sustainable modern homestead farm located in rural Bolivia, NC. The Greenlands team is a true reflection of the homestead farm life: growing organic produce, baking in the farm kitchen with farm grown ingredients, and composting. This farm family certainly lives the sustainable lifestyle they teach others about! They’re open by appointment for educational group tours, as a wedding/special occasion venue, and sometimes for fundraiser events for the Helpers Of Our Farm (HOOF) Educational Farm Animal Sanctuary. Greenlands also breeds exotic birds, all researched and carefully selected for beauty and gentleness. Tune in today to hear all about how this eclectic and versatile farming operation runs the day to day!
You’ll hear:
About Maud’s experience growing up on a homestead 1:14
Which enterprise Greenlands Farm began with 6:06
What kind of events Greenlands Farm hosts 8:20
How they got started breeding rare chickens 14:32
About their process for raising peacocks 18:28
How Maud assigns roles for the family on the farm 21:26
How Greenlands Farm markets all of their separate enterprises 24:39
What the Helpers Of Our Farm (HOOF) program is and how it works 28:51
Where you can find out more about Maud and Greenlands Farm 31:41
About the Guest:
Maud grew up in the 80’s on a 2 acre homestead farm her parents developed and designed, then they created Greenlands Farm in 2004. They began to share their roots with the community in 2010 when Greenlands Farm became an agritourism farm. As their three generational family grew and aged, Greenlands Farm went through some changes since 2010. They’re now an events venue, breeders of rare poultry, organic farmers of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and offer educational programs.
Resources:
Website - https://greenlandsfarm.org/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreenlandsFarm/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenlandsfarm/, https://www.instagram.com/hoof.nc/
Have you considered making your farm a versatile year-round operation?
We’re joined today by Katherine Nietmann of Moose Meadow Farm. Moose Meadow Farm is a CSA, grocery store, and winter online market based near Standpoint, Idaho. The goal of Moose Meadow is to make it easy for consumers to eat well every day, by providing the highest quality organic produce that’s squeaky clean, thoughtfully packaged, and conveniently delivered. Their systems are always evolving to be the most efficient and effective so that they’re able to produce more food on less space and with less effort, thereby providing customers a better service and allowing them to enjoy their chosen lifestyle more fully. They make sure to grow and sell the tastiest, healthiest, freshest produce money can buy all year long. Katherine is deeply passionate about their farming operation from the ground up, all while maintaining a clean and tidy farm that is welcoming and a pleasant place to work. Tune in today to hear how this thriving year-round farm stays on top of its operations!
You’ll hear:
Why Katherine got started farming 1:17
What a typical week looks like on Moose Meadow Farm 4:53
About their sales strategies 7:23
What’s different about their production systems 11:08
What challenges Katherine and Spencer faced in the beginning phases of the farm 17:40
What they grow in their winter tunnels 19:38
What Katherine’s learned while year-round farming with a young child 22:45
Katherine’s favorite crop to grow 25:31
What tips Katherine has for people getting into farming 27:33
About the Guest:
Katherine and Spencer moved to Spencer's family's land in North Idaho in 2016, built a house and started Moose Meadow Farm. They thought they might be a tractor-based farm selling year-round retail, but it turns out they don't like tractors! Instead they grow an acre of no-till vegetables and flowers for retail and wholesale and sell within a 100 mile radius of the farm, making sales of fresh (not storage) crops 52 weeks per year.
Resources:
Website - https://www.moosemeadoworganic.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/moosemeadoworganicfarm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/moosemeadowfarm/
Do you know all the ins and outs when it comes to keeping your farm’s foundation primed to thrive?
Today, we are delighted to host Dr. Elaine Ingham on the Thriving Farmer Podcast. Dr. Ingham is an American microbiologist and soil biology researcher. She’s also the Founder of Soil Foodweb Inc. The mission of Soil Foodweb Inc is to empower individuals and organizations to regenerate the soils in their communities. Dr. Ingham has advanced our knowledge about the soil food web for over 4 decades. Widely recognized as the world’s foremost soil biologist, she’s passionate about empowering ordinary people to bring the soils in their community back to life. Dr. Elaine’s ™ Soil Food Web Approach has been used to successfully restore the ecological functions of soils on six continents. If you feel your farm’s soil has room for improvement, this episode is absolutely crucial!
You’ll hear:
What made Dr. Elaine passionate about soil 1:49
How farmers have handled smaller crops using Dr. Elaine’s systems 9:55
What Dr. Elaine has found to be the optimal method for applying compost 14:51
What Dr. Elaine recommends to newer farmers beginning with their compost 23:06
If Dr. Elaine recommends inoculating the new compost pile with the previous one 36:43
The difference between compost tea and compost extract 38:1
Dr. Elaine’s source for nematodes 43:03
About the long term impacts on a farm when proper care is given to the soil 46:23
How Dr. Elaine delineates the differences between soil grown and hydroponic food 1.04:03
Dr. Elaine’s stance on the efficacy of soil repair 1.09:24
What Dr. Elaine’s educational courses offer and who the target audience is 1.12:52
About the Guest:
Dr. Ingham uncovered the Soil Food Web nearly 4 decades ago and has been pioneering research about Soil Food Web ever since. Widely recognized as the world’s foremost soil biologist, she’s passionate about empowering ordinary people to bring the soils in their communities back to life.
Dr Elaine’s™ Soil Food Web Approach has been used to successfully restore the ecological functions of soils on more than five million acres of farmland all over the world.
Resources:
Website - https://www.soilfoodweb.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OfficialpageSFWcourses/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.elaines.soil.foodweb.school/
Do you trust the mainstream conception of “healthy”?
Today we are proud to host Brian Sanders, health coach, filmmaker and Co-Founder of the health, media and technology company Sapien. Sapien’s mission is to provide information and services to promote healthy living. They are fighting the good fight against the modern norms that lead to chronic disease, weight gain, and poor health. Through education and tools they are helping people to eat better, live better, and thrive instead of just survive. Additionally, Brian is the host of the Peak Human Podcast, which is less of a podcast, and more of a free audio lecture series with world-renowned doctors, scientists, and researchers. Join us to hear all about Brian’s journey to health!
You’ll hear:
What inspired Brian to create the Food Lies documentary, and the premise behind it 1:15
How Brian’s degree in Mechanical Engineering played a part in the path that he chose 10:41
Where the newest research regarding the ideal human diet is headed 14:37
What went wrong with the food pyramid 20:07
What “regenerative” means to Brian 23:59
The meaning of “nose to tail” 27:56
When the documentary will be released 29:46
What someone who needs a lot of calories should have for snacks 32:16
About the Guest:
Brian Sanders is the filmmaker behind the Food Lies documentary, host of the top 5 nutrition podcast Peak Human, and an international speaker. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He works as a Health Coach at Evolve Healthcare and co-founded the health education company Sapien. He also works to spread the awareness of regenerative agriculture and increase access to well-raised animal products through his company Nose to Tail.
Resources:
Website - https://www.nosetotail.org/, https://www.sapien.org/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FoodLiesOrg
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/food.lies/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/foodliesorg
What kind of farming opportunities exist in The Big Apple?
Joining me today is Liz Dowd, Director of Farming Operations at Brooklyn Grange, located in NYC. Founded in 2010, Brooklyn Grange is the leading rooftop farming and intensive green roofing business in the US. Brooklyn Grange operates the world’s largest rooftop soil farms, located on three roofs in New York City. They work to make the city more sustainable by designing, building and maintaining urban green spaces for private residences, organizations, and businesses. They also host about 7,000 people on our farms every season through events and educational programming. Liz grew up in Vermont, passionately enjoying work with her homesteader parents. She studied biodynamics at the Pfieffer Center and urban permaculture at NY Open Center. Liz continues to be passionate about working with–and for–the community, creating an engaging space where neighbors can find nourishment, relaxation, and a connection to food, farming, and nature. Join us on the rooftops of NYC today!
You’ll hear:
The background of Brooklyn Grange 1:38
The range of crops that they grow 8:52
How Brooklyn Grange moves their products 9:57
How they manage the bed systems 14:57
How they’ve refined their hiring process 18:14
How they manage their finances 23:20
The systems Brooklyn Grange has in place to keep things moving efficiently 28:03
What Liz sees for the future of Brooklyn Grange 29:12
What Liz would change about her farming journey given the opportunity to start again 34:46
What Liz thinks is the biggest mistake newer farmers tend to make 36:45
Liz’s heroes/mentors throughout her farming journey 43:08
About the hardest thing Liz has ever had to do as a farmer 47:16
About the Guest:
Liz Dowd was born in Vermont and grew up working alongside their parents; stacking wood, sifting compost, and tending their vegetable and cut flower gardens. Upon moving to New York City to study photography, they found that they loved the culture but missed the dirt, and their yearning for soil and seeds led them to the Pfieffer Center, where they studied biodynamics, and NY Open Center, where they dove into urban permaculture. After completing their Adult Urban Farm Training Program, Liz was offered a co-manager position at The Youth Farm, where they found themself energized and inspired by teaching and learning from their cohort, and the challenging discussions about food justice that regularly took place. Liz is passionate about working with–and for–their community, creating an engaging space where their neighbors can find nourishment, relaxation, and a connection to food, farming, and nature. Liz has worked hard with their team to establish the Equitable Food Distribution Program at Brooklyn Grange which has enabled 30% of all produce to go to New Yorkers at no cost.
Resources:
Website - https://www.brooklyngrangefarm.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynGrange
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brooklyngrange/
Farm life is challenging. Who’s out there innovating, making farm life more practical, modern and convenient?
Today on our 150th episode, we’ve got a fun episode featuring Curly of Curly’s Ag, located in Rosevale, Queensland, Australia. Curly’s Ag is an Australian family business that designs, manufactures, and distributes tools and equipment. Their designs aim to solve the daily challenges we face in agriculture to accelerate efficiency and production. Curly and his family run a market garden. When they didn’t have a solution for certain challenges and needs they had when they started, it encouraged them to seek out solutions for themselves. All the Curly’s Ag tools are manufactured in a workshop run 100% on solar electricity. They have committed themselves to be the solar powered helping hand that every farmer loves to have around. Find out how Curly and his solutions can optimize your agricultural operation!
You’ll hear:
What the Handy is 1:44
How Curly got into the ag business 2:43
How they efficiently manage electricity being 100% solar powered 10:44
About the thought process behind manufacturing the Handy 17:26
How much the Handy can lift 27:46
How Curly’s Ag refines their products and practices 30:40
What tools they use for the Handy 41:43
About the Guest:
Curly’s Ag is an Australian family business that designs, manufactures, and distributes tools and equipment. Their designs solve the daily challenges farmers face in agriculture to accelerate efficiency and production.
Curly and his wife, Marta, run a market garden and through the challenges and the needs for which they did not have a solution, they began to seek solutions for themselves. Now they enjoy sharing their solutions with others! They’ve committed themselves and their business to be the helping hand that every farmer needs.
Resources:
Website - https://curlysag.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CurlysAg
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/curlysag/
Disclaimer
We recognize that our focus on this podcast may or may not align with your personal perspectives on genetic modification and the use of chemical inputs (such as glyphosate and dicamba) in agriculture production. With our mission of building profitable and sustainable farms, we present today's podcast with the hope that we can consider the long-term impact of this technology on the health and productivity of our worldwide community.
We encourage folks to do their own research regarding the wide range of topics discussed in today's episode. We’re not providing medical advice regarding any disease or condition; we strongly encourage our listeners to consult with health professionals for specific diagnosis and treatments.
Today on the podcast we’re hosting special guest Jeffrey Smith, American consumer activist, self-published author, and former politician. Jeffrey is the author of two books on genetically engineered foods, Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You’re Eating, and Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives, which he made into a film in 2012. He focuses on advocating against GMOs and pesticides, exposing the dangers they bring to humanity. This info-packed episode details how proper health and nutrition sustains life and the modern day trends that create disease, as well as potential cataclysmic disasters we may face due to genetically engineered microbes. Don’t miss it!
You’ll hear:
Why organic is so important in today’s ecosystem 1:36
About the Protect Nature Now campaign 23:08
About the disaster surrounding golden rice 40:08
Some recent studies regarding the effects of GMOs on our health 53:52
What the average person can do to avoid the dangerous pitfalls of modern food production and live healthy 1.10:10
About the Guest:
As a leading spokesperson on GMO health dangers, Jeffrey Smith authored 2 global bestsellers, directed 5 films, delivered 1000 lectures and 1000 interviews in 45 countries, trained 1500 speakers and organized over 10,000 grassroots advocates. He is now sounding the alarm about the serious, even irreversible hazards from new genetic engineering techniques, which can lead to health and environmental catastrophes.He and the Institute for Responsible Technology, which he founded, are now sounding the alarm about the serious and potentially irreversible hazards from new genetic engineering techniques. Their Protect Nature Now campaign, which has more than 50 coalition organizations worldwide, recognizes that genetically altering microbes can cause unprecedented health problems and collapse ecosystems. They therefore call on government leaders to prevent all releases of genetically engineered microbes.
Resources:
Website - https://protectnaturenow.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/responsibletechnology
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/irtnogmos/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IRTnoGMOs
Harvest Hosts Resources:
If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at jd@harvesthosts.com
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Today on the show, we’re deviating from the typical farmer to farmer Q&A formula to focus a bit on the importance of international missionary work in agriculture. We’re joined by Danielle Flood, Public Relations and Communications Manager for ECHO, an international institution which works to find innovative and sustainable ways for small farmers around the world to optimize their farms’ production. Danielle came to ECHO in December 2007 after serving as a missionary in Niger, West Africa for two years. She and her husband look at ECHO as an opportunity to serve the missionary community and make good on their commitment to their faith. Tune in today to hear all about the day to day life of an agricultural missionary!
You’ll hear:
How long Danielle’s been working with ECHO 0:58
What ECHO is all about 2:06
About ECHO’s activities around agriculture research 3:39
How ECHO keeps their seed banks up to date 10:28
What methods and principles ECHO employs for their production 13:29
How ECHO streamlines technology internationally 21:53
How ECHO got started 25:47
How ECHO’s online community for overseas workers operates 28:57
How ECHO gives tours 32:04
About the Guest:
Danielle Flood is the Communications Manager at ECHO, an international organization that works to find innovative and sustainable ways for small-scale farmers around the world to improve their harvests, reducing global hunger and poverty. She has traveled to more than 20 countries while championing agricultural development through hands-on training and knowledge sharing.
Resources:
Website - https://echonet.org/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ECHOFightsHunger
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/echofightshunger/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYF7qKU0NXfp33s0QtTiWJA/videos
Harvest Hosts Resources:
If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at jd@harvesthosts.com
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How well do you understand the fundamentals of keeping your farm regenerative and healthy?
Today we’re joined by Nigel Palmer, life long gardener and Author of The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments. Nigel’s book provides practical, detailed instructions that are accessible to every grower who wants to achieve a truly sustainable garden ecosystem - all while enjoying better results at a fraction of the cost of commercial fertilizer products. These recipes go beyond fertilizer replacement, resulting in greater soil biological activity and mineral availability. They also increase pest and disease resistance, yields, and nutrient density. Using ferments, tinctures, and extracts, Nigel teaches all about how to create foliar sprays, fertilizers, and soil drenches to grow disease and pest-resistant plants, and nutrient-dense food, without the need for commercial chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides. Join us today to hear how you can regenerate and greatly enhance your own farm!
You’ll hear:
What Nigel’s career as an aerospace engineer was like 1:05
When Nigel started with gardening 2:15
What caused Nigel’s decision to get into nutrient dense growing 3:23
What specific recipes are better for specific crops 9:45
How Nigel sources materials and finds the right extractions for optimal plant growth 12:24
Nigel’s method for optimal foliar spraying 14:59
What are the advantages of using organic vinegar in lieu of regular ACV? 18:33
What a refractometer is and how it’s best utilized 23:10
Some things a new gardener should always be looking for 27:51
The layout of The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments 39:31
How The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition operates 45:05
Nigel’s favorite tools for his work 53:02
Nigel’s favorite crop to grow 55:12
About the Guest:
Nigel Palmer is the author of the book The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments and an experimental gardener relying on the amazing complexity of nature to inspire his food growing philosophies. He develops curriculum for, and instructs, the Gardening Program at The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition (TIOSN.com).
Resources:
Websites - https://www.nigel-palmer.com/, TIOSN.com
Linktree - https://linktr.ee/nigelpalmer
Harvest Hosts Resources:
If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at jd@harvesthosts.com
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Today on the show we're joined by Stacey Bowles, born and raised farmer and Founder of Smart Locavore, a classified free-to-use website for people to find local food directly from farmers & growers. Stacey has a thorough understanding of the benefits of sourcing and growing local food. She grew up on her parents' beef cattle farm in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Smart Locavore was created for large producers and the small gardeners alike. Maybe you only have a little extra and can only post this week, or you are a larger producer with an abundant and constant supply. Find out how to bring your goods to the digital landscape efficiently and cost effectively in today’s episode!
You’ll hear:
How Stacey got into the farm business 0:52
Why Stacey created Smart Locavore 1:40
How Smart Locavore approaches marketing/promotion 2:52
How Smart Locavore differs from other similar services 4:35
Other types of products that may soon come to the website 8:40
Next steps for Smart Locavore 10:45
About the most popular products currently on Smart Locavore 13:51
About the most active regions currently on Smart Locavore 15:06
About the Guest:
Smart Locavore is a classifieds website that connects people directly with farmers & growers for local food in their area! It's a free platform that gives farmers more visibility and more direct sales in their pocket.
Resources:
Website - https://www.smartlocavore.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SmartLocavore
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/smartlocavore/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-bowles-0235571ba/
Harvest Hosts Resources:
If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at jd@harvesthosts.com
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The farm is hot but your workforce is dwindling. What now?
On today’s episode, I’ll be taking this time to talk to you all about labor. Currently there are lots of folks in the industry struggling with it! Summer crops are coming in, Fall crops are being planted, but labor might be waning due to a variety of factors. In the episode, I’ll be discussing why you need reliable help to fall back on, how you can maximize your production and profits with labor, what you can do to secure the labor force you need and maximize their presence on your farm, and more. Learn a bit about how I hire and maintain a productive team on the farm year round!
You’ll hear:
Reasons why you need labor 1:50
What to do if you can’t secure the labor you need and how you can maximize your time and effort on the farm 10:54
Some effective ways to approach hiring 19:42
What kinds of questions are on our employment application 26:12
What we offer our employees 31:12
How to utilize H2A for productivity and profit 33:43
Resources:
Websites - https://www.growingfarmers.com/, https://www.thrivingfarmerpodcast.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers/
Harvest Hosts Resources:
If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at jd@harvesthosts.com
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On today’s episode we’re hosting Gerardo Martinez, founder of Wild Kid Acres located in Edgewater, Maryland. A Chicago native, Gerardo went on to study Engineering at the United States Naval Academy. After graduating, Gerardo served in the Marine Corps and then went on to lead in the corporate world. From leading staff sections in the Marine Corps, building divisions of a construction company, and assisting to create non-profits, Gerardo has a wide range of experiences to assist in building great relationships. Wild Kid Acres is devoted to providing farm-based educational experiences, inspiring community involvement, and creating opportunities for lifelong learning. Join us today to hear all about how happenstance (and a few creative minds) built this thriving educational farm from the ground up!
You’ll hear:
How Gerardo got into farming 1:35
How Wild Kid Acres has evolved 14:20
How Gerardo built the farm’s revenue streams 15:53
How Gerardo tailors the experiences on the farm around neurochemical reactions 22:26
How Wild Kid Acres discovers new areas of business to engage with 28:53
What Gerardo thinks is the most impactful subject Wild Kid teaches on the farm 32:50
About the Wild Kid Foundation’s role on the farm 44:00
About the Guest:
Originally from Chicago, IL, Gerardo Martinez, is a Naval Academy graduate and former Marine Corps Officer. After his service, he combined his love of the outdoors and passion of rock climbing with his leadership development expertise to form Triple Direct Leadership, a executive development and experiential leadership company. While on assignment in Cameroon, Africa, Gerardo was incredibly moved by the community farm’s ability to provide food for the residents and serve as a dedicated community center. Instead of exchanging monetary capital they exchanged human interaction -- something that was truly priceless.
When he returned back to the States, he made it his mission to recreate the spirit and vision of the farm in Cameroon, so he bought a farm in Edgewater, Maryland. The land he purchased was a rundown property, covered in trash and had a condemned house. Yet, Gerardo saw the potential. During COVID, he began to build a home for his family (by himself) and started welcoming animals like goats and chickens. In September 2020, a neighbor pulled in and begged to visit the animals. It was that visit that prompted Gerardo and his wife, Jessica, to open Wild Kid Acres. The farm now offers an array of programming including goat yoga, farmers markets, speech and occupational therapy and an array of other activity-based education.
When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his wife and two young children, rock climbing and competing in the Mexican Rodeo (Charreada).
Resources:
Website - https://www.wildkidacres.org/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wildkidacres
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wildkidacres/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wildkidacres
Harvest Hosts Resources:
If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at jd@harvesthosts.com
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Did you choose farming, or did farming choose you?
Today we’re joined by Mark Ramsay, Founder and Executive Director of Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm (or The LEAF) located in Southington, Connecticut. The LEAF brings classroom subjects to life, incorporating agricultural farming practices that are socially and ecologically beneficial while connecting learning through hands-on education. Mark is the 7th generation of the Lewis family to have continuously farmed the land since the 1700s. He’s worked full-time on the family farm since 1979. The amount of history and experience offered in this episode is a must for farmers of all backgrounds and experience levels!
You'll hear:
The family expectations of Mark’s role on the farm 1:15
The history of The LEAF 2:25
What kind of crops they work with 4:54
The LEAF’s process for making beds and getting crops planted 9:18
About the educational aspect of the farm 14:02
How the school gardens were set up 20:25
How the team is structured and how hiring decisions are made 22:55
How The LEAF approaches flower production 26:27
What purpose animals serve on the farm 35:32
When Mark decided to structure the business as it is today 37:37
What The LEAF is experimenting with these days 43:49
About the Guest:
The Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm (The L.E.A.F) is a 15 acre 501c-3 nonprofit educational farm in Southington, CT. Mark Ramsay is the 7th generation of his family to run the farm. Currently, the LEAF runs a year-round CSA program, a seasonal farm stand, and an online store in addition to numerous charitable and community programs. Mark and his team grow a huge variety of vegetables and cut flowers, and strive to create an inclusive and welcoming place for all.
Resources:
Website - http://www.leafct.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/the.leaf.ct
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.leaf.ct/
Harvest Hosts Resources:
If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention Growing Farmers Podcast on your application!
Harvest Hosts Facebook
Harvest Hosts Instagram
Become a Host Information
We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at jd@harvesthosts.com
Don't believe us? Hear more from a host!
Today we’re chatting with Andrea McAdow, owner of Rosebird Farms located in Kingman, Arizona. Nestled in the Cerbat Mountains on just over 2 acres, Rosebird is a certified naturally grown farm growing over 20 varieties of produce any given season. They use high density planting with a focus on soil health in order to get the most out of the land. Andrea came into farming after starting her career in civil engineering and construction management. She felt she needed to give back to the Earth and the community, which led her to the farm life! Hear the tale of a drastic yet dedicated and passionate (and of course, thriving) career shift on today’s episode!
You’ll hear:
Why Andrea shifted from civil engineering to farming 1:23
How Rosebird Farms got customers at the beginning 4:17
How they advertise 6:17
How Rosebird handles their flower production 9:50
How they sell their flowers 18:26
How Andrea handles the CSA 22:41
How Andrea communicates with other farmers regarding business prospects 26:12
How their products are priced 28:44
What lessons Andrea learned along the way to becoming a thriving farmer 29:25
Andrea’s advice for those looking to get started on the farming journey 31:51
About the guest:
Andrea McAdow is the owner of Rosebird Farms, a certified naturally grown farm located on 2 acres in the high desert of Northwestern AZ. After starting her career in civil engineering and construction management, Andrea began farming to explore her passion for working with nature and serving her community.
Rosebird Farms grows produce and cut flowers for their CSA and year-round farm stand. They also work with other regional farmers and value-added producers to aggregate and distribute a full line of local products throughout Mohave county.
Resources:
Website - https://www.rosebirdfarms.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rosebirdfarms
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rosebirdfarms/
Harvest Hosts Resources:
If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
Harvest Hosts Facebook
Harvest Hosts Instagram
Become a Host Information
We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at jd@harvesthosts.com
Don't believe us? Hear more from a host!
Have you ever considered moving your farming operation?
Today we’re taking it across the pond with Steve, Jenny, and Sequoia of Chaos Springs Farm, located in Waihi, New Zealand. Originally located in Utah, Chaos Springs makes compost and soil management tools to help growers take control of their soil fertility. They make it a point to pay close attention to all four realms of soil function: soil biology, minerals, energetics, and the plant-soil relationship. Chaos Springs also grows a selection of fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables. Hear all about what farm life is like on the other side!
You’ll hear:
What kicked off their farming journey 1:30
How they prepared for the move 5:08
What different enterprises are involved with the farm 10:36
The goals of their social media marketing 18:04
How they handle compost filtration 31:42
The main benefits of compost tea 38:31
What kind of themes Chaos Springs markets in social media 43:08
About the thought process behind building the composting business 47:05
Where they see the farm headed in the future 50:25
About the Guest:
Jenny & Steve have been farming since 1983. First in Utah, running Ranui Gardens, then in 2001 they purchased a Farm in New Zealand where they farm today.
Sequoia, their daughter runs the social media for the company from Toronto.
Resources:
Website - https://www.chaossprings.co.nz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ChaosSprings/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chaossprings/
Harvest Hosts Resources:
If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application!
Harvest Hosts Facebook
Harvest Hosts Instagram
Become a Host Information
We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at jd@harvesthosts.com.
Don't believe us? Hear more from a host!
Is beef ranching bad for the environment? What can ranchers do to make sure their operation is ethical and environmentally healthy?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’ve got Nicolette Hahn Niman. She is an esteemed author and former environmental lawyer. Nicolette spends much of her time speaking and writing about the problems of industrialized livestock production. She explores these topics in her books: ‘Righteous Porkchop: Finding a Life and Good Food Beyond Factory Farms’ and ‘Defending Beef.’ Before her exploits into ranching and authoring, she was the senior attorney for the environmental organization Waterkeeper Alliance, where she was in charge of the organization's campaign to reform the concentrated livestock and poultry industry, and before that an attorney for National Wildlife Federation. Find out where she finds the time for all these accomplished endeavors on today’s show!
You’ll hear:
What Nicolette’s transition to vegetarianism and back to being omnivorous was like 2:46
What kind of ingredients the average faux burger contains 16:48
About the research for determining the methane output of ranching beef 29:37
What Niman Ranch is all about 39:57
What kind of steps ranchers can take to ensure the integrity of their beef operation 51:45
About the Guest:
Nicolette Hahn Niman is a rancher, former environmental lawyer, and author of three books about sustainable and regenerative meat. She has written for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Wall Street Journal, and was a regular blogger for The Atlantic. She lives in Northern California with her husband Bill Niman,founder of the meat companies Niman Ranch and BN Ranch, and their two sons.
Resources:
Website - https://www.chelseagreen.com/writer/nicolette-hahn-niman/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/defendingbeef
How much history has your family farm built?
Today I’m speaking with Evan McCommon of Mahaffey Farms, a very long-running, historical family farm located in Haughton, Louisiana. By combining traditional agricultural practices with modern marketing, including farm-to-table dinners, a farm store, and a bed-and-breakfast, Evan and his family are introducing a new generation to fresh seasonal foods. Mahaffey takes a holistic approach to everything they do. The main principles they operate under are 1) regenerative landscapes, 2) resilient community and 3) valuable nourishment. Join us to hear how Mahaffey Farms thrives while adhering to these principles!
You’ll hear:
What Evan did before farming 1:13
About the cycle for timber management 3:11
What types of pigs Mahaffey Farms raises 5:17
How the processing is done for larger animals 11:39
What the transition from forest to pasture is like 14L07
What channels Mahaffey Farms sells through 17:52
How Evan manages the growth of the business 22:12
About the main obstacles of running their pork and beef facility 29:51
About Mahaffey Farms’ marketing efforts 32.25
The major things Evan’s learned throughout his farming journey 35:13
What Evan believes the future holds for Mahaffey Farms 40:57
About the Guest:
Evan started managing his family's land and timber resources at a young age in 1995. During that same time he also had a 15 year career in product design/engineering. His first job was for a chainsaw/weed-eater manufacturing company and later for a commercial cooking equipment company designing equipment for large fast food chains.
After 15 years of sitting in a cubicle under fluorescent lights, and only spending time on the farm during weekends, he decided to go out on his own and pursue a career in selling real estate. This was in 2006 during the real estate boom and when the 2008 market crash happened, he realized what he really wanted to do was work on the land to make a living and live a more purposeful life...only working for money/commissions just wasn't rewarding.
During his time in real estate he developed an interest in healthy eating and clean food. Realizing there were almost zero local farms working on organic or sustainable food production, he saw an opportunity to bring back the family farm! Having all the acres in timber production he started taking little pieces and developing small market gardens and selling "organic" vegetables. It didn't take Evan long to realize the sandy soils on the family farm just were not very productive for vegetables. Reading Joel Salatin's books showed him that pastured livestock would be a better direction to convert forests into pastures and really build some soil. In fall of 2012, Mahaffey Farms got the first pigs on pasture and by the end of 2013, the farm had cattle and broilers on pasture!
Thanks to the love and support of the community and the warm welcome of these high quality foods on the local market, Mahaffey Farms has been growing at a rapid pace to meet the demand! There have been setbacks and challenges but overall the farm has grown every year. Mahaffey Farms is now (according to state inspectors) the largest producer of pastured pork and chicken in the state of Louisiana with on-farm processing for chicken, and in 2020, purchasing its own beef and pork processing plant.
Resources:
Website - https://cultivate318.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mahaffeyfarms/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mahaffeyfarms/
Who makes sure that the refugee farmers thrive too?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we have with us Zachary Couture and Firmin Ntakimazi of Lutheran Services located in Des Moines, Iowa. Zachary is co-leader and developer of the Global Greens Program which reconnects former refugee farmers with the land as they build their new life in the U.S. Through Global Greens, farmers access space to grow food, learn more about U.S. agriculture, and start their own business by selling produce at farmers markets and through CSA. They connect former refugee families to small garden plots near their homes. Hear how they do all that they do!
You’ll hear:
What Lutheran Services all about 2:11
About Lutheran’s training program 5:20
The scope of the community gardens 11:20
How many farmers work in the program 15:46
The main messages Firmin Ntakimazi needs to convey to these new farmers 20:05
What crops the refugees typically like to bring over 26:23
What has changed about agriculture in Iowa over the last 10 years 33:23
About the Guests:
Zachary Couture is a passionate farmer, teacher, and advocate whose experiences obligate him to positively transform our human communities and ecosystem. He is currently Land and Production Supervisor at Lutheran Services in Iowa, where for the last ten years he has co-led and developed the Global Greens Program into a successful model to incubate beginning New American vegetable farmers through production education, land access, strategic planning decisions, and market access.
Firmin Ntakimazi is a translator for the program. He’s been involved in the project from its inception as a community leader helping bring the idea to Iowa, and now is an interpreter for the program.
Resources:
Website - https://lsiowa.org/refugee/global-greens/
Resources - https://nesfp.org/new-american-resources
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LSIGlobalGreens/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lsiglobalgreens/
Does your farm have the right legal structures in place to protect your livelihood and to keep your farm thriving?
We’re joined on the show today by Rachel Armstrong, Founder and Executive Director of Farm Commons located in Duluth, Minnesota. Farm Commons’ mission is to empower agricultural communities to resolve their own legal vulnerabilities, within an ecosystem of support. A single legal vulnerability can make or break a farm. But farmers, ranchers, and agriculture communities already have their hands full taking on behemoths like monopolistic agribusiness companies. Farms today are getting squeezed by overwhelming social and economic forces. They need shared tools for legal resilience. Learn how Rachel and her team can provide legal resilience for you and your farm!
You’ll hear:
What motivated Rachel to establish Farm Commons 1:03
What blanket farm personal property is 11:25
Why it’s good to have a solid lease agreement in place 15:39
What legal structures farmers should have in place 23:32
What the rules are surrounding volunteers 27:36
What Rachel recommends for farms offering worker perks such as room and board 32:58
What advice Rachel has for farmers just getting started 37:35
About the Guest:
Rachel Armstrong is the founder and Executive Director of Farm Commons, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering farmers to resolve their own legal vulnerabilities within an ecosystem of support. After a childhood and early career in agriculture showed her the vast need for legal education, Rachel went to law school with the exclusive purpose of creating an organization to address that need. Her game-changing vision for how farmers experience business law has been awarded a 2012 Echoing Green Global Fellowship and a 2018 Ashoka Fellowship. As leading authority on direct-to-consumer farm law she has authored dozens of publications and leads workshops nationwide. Rachel instructs continuing legal education classes for the American Bar Association, teaches farm law for the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and is a co-author of "Farmers' Guide to Business Structures," published by USDA SARE. She lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and 3 children, not far from the old farm where she grew up.
Resources:
Website - https://farmcommons.org/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FarmCommons
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/farm.commons/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/farmcommons
Have you considered taking your thriving farm into cyberspace?
Today we’re joined by Nick Carter of Market Wagon in Indianapolis, Indiana. Market Wagon is a start-up team carrying out this mission using cutting-edge shopping and supply chain technology, proprietary fulfillment processes, and innovative logistics approaches. Their mission is to enable local food producers to compete successfully in local and regional markets. Currently they operate over a dozen hubs serving ten states and tens of millions of residents. Each hub features food grown and made by local vendors. Join us today to hear all about how Nick operates this cutting edge operation with such an expansive scale!
You’ll hear:
About Nick’s experience growing up on a farm 1:07
Why grocery stores typically don’t want to work with local vendors 5:34
About the early stages of Market Wagon 7:48
What scaling challenges Market Wagon is experiencing 9:51
How Market Wagon defines local food 11:53
About Nick’s current role at Market Wagon 15:01
Nick’s criteria for entering a new market 19:04
About Market Wagon’s current growth goals 22:29
Why newer farmers should try out Market Wagon 26:55
About the Guest:
Nick Carter is Co-Founder and CEO of Market Wagon, a marketplace that connects food consumers directly with local farmers and artisans. Nick started his first business at the age of 16. In the two decades since then, he’s founded or co-founded over half a dozen companies in the technology and food sectors. He’s a fourth-generation Indiana farmer passionate about using innovation to re-connect “Agri” and “Culture. Nick is also the author of “More than a Mile: What America Needs from Local Food.”
Resources:
Website - https://www.marketwagon.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarketWagon
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marketwagon/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarterentrepreneur/
Have you ever considered farming for a target audience that isn’t “everyone who eats”?
Today we’re joined by Maggie Cheney, co-founder of Rock Steady Farm in Millerton, New York. Maggie and her partner, D, both hoped the Millerton farm could increase food equity in the food system and create safer spaces for LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/ally queer) and BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of color) farmers to thrive. Almost six years later, the farm has indeed made an impact. Its wide array of vegetables feed a 450-member sliding scale CSA that includes free and subsidized shares made possible through the Food Access Fund. The farm works in close partnerships with other land-based projects, neighbors, and nonprofits that work to build equity in the region and beyond. Their farm practices “holistic regenerative” farming. Join us to hear all about how Rock Steady thrives with their specific target audience!
You’ll hear:
What got Maggie into farming 1:58
What made Maggie and her partner choose Millerton for the farm 4:33
Why Maggie and D dropped flowers from their farming plan 7:17
About Rock Steady’s scale of production 11:19
How Rock Steady finds the right people for the farm 18:26
What programs Rock Steady run and what ages do they work with 20:36
Why Rock Steady doesn’t have any H2A workers 23:27
About the differences involved with farming in California and New York 29:11
About the Pollinate Apprenticeship Program 32:10
What systems and processes Maggie would put into place sooner given the chance to start again 36:30
How Rock Steady approaches marketing 41:10
Maggie’s favorite crop to grow 48:29
Maggie’s advice for newer farmers getting into the business 50:33
Maggie’s favorite farming tool 54:12
About the Guest:
MAGGIE CHENEY (THEY/THEM, SHE/HER), GENERAL MANAGER, OWNER & FOUNDER
Maggie grew up growing & loving food. They have been involved with food and farming their whole life, both urban and rural. In 2006, they helped start an elementary school garden program in Oakland, California, and then went on to the University of California Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems for two years. After farming a bit in the Hudson Valley and Staten Island, they moved to NYC in 2011, where they met many of the Rock Steady Community partners in NYC while leading a diversity of food justice and youth leadership programs. Maggie has been instrumental in the formation of the Food Sovereignty Fund, which funds food access projects across New York State by sourcing from specifically BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ farmers, as well as supporting on advisory boards for numerous food orgs in the region. In the off season they teach, now for the 9th year, at Farm School NYC, an urban agriculture training program, as well as continue to support the efforts and inspiring work of Rise & Root Farm, which they co-founded in 2014.
Resources:
Website - https://www.rocksteadyfarm.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RockSteadyFarmandFlowers/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rocksteadyfarm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/RockSteadyFarm
Do you hold both farming and humanity dear to your heart?
Today we’re taking a bit of a different direction with the show. We’re joined by The Paisley Twins, Lisa and Zoe. Lisa and Zoe are the founders of Aggie Global, a platform that connects small farms to big markets to boost farmer income and address poverty in developing countries. Growing up in the outskirts of Sydney, Zoe and Lisa were exposed to country and urban living, which sparked their passion for the outdoors and food. In 2018, they moved to Sigatoka, Fiji to found Aggie Global. Tune in to this special episode where we explore a unique and exotic angle of the farming realm!
You’ll hear:
What happened in Fiji 1:12
What the economy is like in Fiji 3:50
How Lisa and Zoe came to create Aggie Global 6:30
How Zoe and Lisa reach out to Fijian farmers to teach them about technology processes 10:26
How they set up delivery 13:20
What logistics this entails 18:42
The typical land size for farmers in Fiji 21:00
How the pandemic has affected farming in Fiji 25:38
How Aggie Global reaches the end consumer 27:46
About the Guests:
Have you ever wondered what farming is like in Fiji? Or what happens when 1 in 3 people lose their jobs?
Lisa and Zoe Paisley, or The Paisley Twins, are the cofounders of Aggie Global. They are working with remote community members in Fiji to alleviate poverty and address food insecurity. Their work to connect farmers to customers is needed now more than ever, with the tourism market shut down and consumers stuck in quarantine, unable to access fresh produce.
Learn about the challenges Aggie Global's farmers face and how you can support the Aggie community.
Check out their monthly subscriptions at https://startsomegood.com/projects/aggieglobalfiji
Resources:
Website - http://aggieglobal.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AggieGlobalFiji/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aggie_global/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aggie-global/
Steward Resources:
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms with the capital they need to grow. As a financial partner, we offer private commercial loans and the expert support services that sustainable farmers, ranchers, fishers, and producers need to expand and sustain their businesses. Through Steward’s user-friendly online platform, responsible lenders are able to join us in fueling this growth and participate directly in these loans, deepening their connection to agriculture while providing critical funds needed by farmers. Certified B Corporation. Get started at gosteward.com
Website: gosteward.com
Online Loan Application: https://lets.gosteward.com/farm-loan
Newsletter: https://lets.gosteward.com/join-our-community
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re pleased to host Elliot Seldner of Fair Share Farm. Located in the Piedmont of North Carolina, Fair Share Farm operates on five acres producing USDA GAP Certified greens, roots, garnish, and other specialty items. They host a traditional farm, a restaurant, an online store as well as a farmers market and deal in a wide variety of innovative, exceptional produce.They also grow microgreens, salad greens, and specialty produce for chefs in their community. Tune in to hear all about how Elliot and his team achieve such phenomenal feats!
You’ll hear:
An overview of Fair Share Farm 1:28
How Elliot got started in farming 4:27
The biggest lesson Elliot learned on his farming journey 8:45
About the no-till practices on Fair Share Farm 11:44
How Fair Share handles microgreen production 22:23
How they plan for edible flower production and distribution 30:56
How the transition to online sales has gone for Fair Share 43:48
What software Elliot uses and the challenges he’s found with it 52:48
What Elliot does to ensure he hires the right help 57:13
What systems and processes Elliot would change given the chance to go back in time 1.14:22
What advice Elliot has for newer farmers 1.20:16
About the Guest:
Fair Share Farm, LLC is owned by Emma Hendel and Elliot Seldner and operated in conjunction with caring managers Meredith, Megan, and Hannah. Incorporated in the Fall of 2014, the farm has grown from a 10,000 square foot garden into a 20 acre farm. It’s their mission to grow the highest quality food, to feed as many people as possible, and to provide a legitimate livelihood for the farmers and employees that keep the entity thriving.
Resources:
Website - https://www.fairsharefarm.net/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fairsharefarmnc
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fair_share_farm/
Steward Resources:
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms with the capital they need to grow. As a financial partner, we offer private commercial loans and the expert support services that sustainable farmers, ranchers, fishers, and producers need to expand and sustain their businesses. Through Steward’s user-friendly online platform, responsible lenders are able to join us in fueling this growth and participate directly in these loans, deepening their connection to agriculture while providing critical funds needed by farmers. Certified B Corporation. Get started at gosteward.com
Website: gosteward.com
Online Loan Application: https://lets.gosteward.com/farm-loan
Newsletter: https://lets.gosteward.com/join-our-community
Have you given consideration to the foundations of your farm, and your diet?
Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re proud to host Evan Folds, aka “The Soil Doctor” of Be Agriculture located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Evan got his start in agriculture by starting a retail garden center called Progressive Gardens in 2002 that specialized in hydroponic and beyond organic gardening techniques, including composting, aquaponics, urban farming, compost tea, organic lawn care, and so much more. With the creation of Be Agriculture in January 2018, Evan brought all of his experience into focus with the goal of creating a regional regenerative agriculture system in Southeastern North Carolina, and connecting this effort to the growing awareness of the power of regenerative agriculture. Tune in to hear all about The Soil Doctor’s journey to and throughout his highly specialized field of agriculture!
You’ll hear:
How Evan got into agriculture 0:58
What “activated water” is and what kind of work Evan does with it 12:56
About Evan’s involvement with food deserts 20:20
Evan’s take on the motivations of the “sickness system” 38:28
Where you can find out more about Evan and Be Agriculture 56:54
About the Guest:
Evan Folds is an impact entrepreneur and business strategist with a focus on regenerative agriculture. His consulting platform Be Agriculture (www.BeAgriculture.com) works with clients across the landscape of agriculture, and advocates for healthy people, plants, and planet through living soil methods. So the Earth may be healed.
Resources:
Website - https://www.beagriculture.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/beagriculture
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beagriculture/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanfolds/
Steward Resources:
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms with the capital they need to grow. As a financial partner, we offer private commercial loans and the expert support services that sustainable farmers, ranchers, fishers, and producers need to expand and sustain their businesses. Through Steward’s user-friendly online platform, responsible lenders are able to join us in fueling this growth and participate directly in these loans, deepening their connection to agriculture while providing critical funds needed by farmers. Certified B Corporation. Get started at gosteward.com
Website: gosteward.com
Online Loan Application: https://lets.gosteward.com/farm-loan
Newsletter: https://lets.gosteward.com/join-our-community
Have you and your spouse ever considered dropping everything to build a farm together from the ground up?
Today we’re happy to have Sunshine Vortigern of Round Right Farm on the show. Operating out of Cranesville, West Virginia, Round Right Farm is owned and operated by Sunshine and her husband, Steve. When they first bought the farm, it had no buildings or any other kind of infrastructure. Now a full and thriving farm, Sunshine and Steve are proud to be a part of the local food movement and to be living in such a beautiful corner of West Virginia. It was a rocky road to success, so listen in to hear how they plowed through the hard times and made it to where they are today!
You’ll hear:
An overview of Round Right Farm’s operation 1:39
What Sunshine did before getting into farming 3:58
Sunshine’s biggest takeaways from building Round Right 5:40
What systems Round Right has in place to ensure integral tasks get done 11:34
What a day on Round Right Farm looks like 16:27
About Sunshine’s mentors throughout her farming journey 25:39
What systems/processes Sunshine would put into place sooner on Round Right given the opportunity for a do-over 35:40
How Round Right acquires new customers 39:43
The biggest mistake Sunshine sees newer farmers making 48:55
Sunshine’s favorite farming tool 55:03
What’s behind Steve and Sunshine’s decision to sell the farm 1.01: 15
About the Guests:
Round Right Farm is owned and operated by Steve and Sunshine Vortigern. They met while studying the arts in graduate school. Steve is a trombonist and Sunshine is a writer (and also a violinist). While in school, they fell in love and discovered they had a mutual curiosity about living more sustainably. After gardening for one summer (and having a baby) at Sunshine's father's farm in southern Kentucky, they accepted a farming apprenticeship in Oakland, MD at Backbone Food Farm. After six months there, they were ready to look for a farm of their own.
15 years at Round Right Farm has been an amazing adventure for them. When they first bought the farm, it had no buildings or any other kind of infrastructure. The first thing they did was to move their converted school bus, which would soon become their home, onto the farm. The second thing they did was to put up a high tunnel, which was immediately destroyed by a strong east wind during the night. Despite this inauspicious start, through lots of enthusiasm, hard work, faith, patience, trial, and error, they eventually turned their 41 acre field into an organic farm, the produce of which continues to amaze them.
Resources:
Website - https://www.roundrightfarm.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RoundRightFarm/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roundrightfarm/
Steward Resources:
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms with the capital they need to grow. As a financial partner, we offer private commercial loans and the expert support services that sustainable farmers, ranchers, fishers, and producers need to expand and sustain their businesses. Through Steward’s user-friendly online platform, responsible lenders are able to join us in fueling this growth and participate directly in these loans, deepening their connection to agriculture while providing critical funds needed by farmers. Certified B Corporation. Get started at gosteward.com
Website: gosteward.com
Online Loan Application: https://lets.gosteward.com/farm-loan
Newsletter: https://lets.gosteward.com/join-our-community
How much do you really know about the vast universe of vegetable breeding?
Today we’re joined by a long-time acquaintance of mine, Jan van der Heide of Bejo Seeds, located in Oceano, California. Bejo is a leading company in breeding, production, and sales of vegetable seeds. With operations in more than thirty countries, Bejo is an internationally oriented family business. Their 1,900 employees are dedicated to developing the best vegetable varieties for the present and the future. They prioritize building long-term relationships with their customers rather than going for quick wins. Join us today to learn how Jan helped build a multinational farming operation!
You’ll hear:
How Jan got started in the vegetable breeding industry 2:34
What a good trial looks like 3:57
The current main breeding requirements for onions 15:12
What’s going on in the vast world of cabbage 24:19
What became of the Nelson Carrot 35:52
What became of Winterbor Kale 47:21
How long it takes to create a successful hybrid 1.01:29
About the Guest:
Jan van der Heide is Northeast Market Manager for Bejo Seeds, which is a daughter company of BEJO ZADEN, a global breeder and producer of hybrid vegetable seeds.
Jan's work involves working with breeders, phytopathologists, seed technologists, and other researchers to develop hybrid vegetable varieties that are widely adapted and fit today's markets. We pay close attention to disease and pest tolerance, stress tolerance, flavor, color and texture, seed health and quality, and overall ease of production.
A large part of Jan's time is spent working with the farm crew in Geneva, NY, and with commercial farms to put together research and demonstration trials. These trials are used to evaluate and introduce new varieties, provide sales support and education to our dealers and distributors, and we welcome visits from growers, gardening enthusiasts, and a multitude of school groups as well. At the end of the season, all produce is harvested and distributed by local food banks.
Resources:
Website - https://www.bejoseeds.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BejoSeeds/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bejo_usa/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5pJjEWR1LGiSgZB3emw0w
Twitter - https://twitter.com/bejoseeds?lang=en
Steward Resources:
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms with the capital they need to grow. As a financial partner, we offer private commercial loans and the expert support services that sustainable farmers, ranchers, fishers, and producers need to expand and sustain their businesses. Through Steward’s user-friendly online platform, responsible lenders are able to join us in fueling this growth and participate directly in these loans, deepening their connection to agriculture while providing critical funds needed by farmers. Certified B Corporation. Get started at gosteward.com
Website: gosteward.com
Online Loan Application: https://lets.gosteward.com/farm-loan
Newsletter: https://lets.gosteward.com/join-our-community
Are you newly interested in pursuing an agricultural profession? Do you have countless questions for which you could really use some answers?
Today I’ll be taking a break from the traditional interview style podcast to answer a few questions I received from someone who’s interested in getting into the farming life. I take a comprehensive dive into the fundamentals of what it takes (as well as what you’ll have to put up with) to have a thriving career in agriculture. If you’ve found that agriculture may be your passion, I’m here to help!
You’ll hear answers to the following questions:
What training does a career in agriculture require? 1:34
Am I in a particular branch of agriculture, and what training did it require? 3:19
What natural interests/abilities do you need to pursue a career in agriculture? 6:30
Are there good jobs out there for people who chose agriculture? 8:39
How do I rate overall opportunity for advancement in agriculture? 14:48
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a career in agriculture? 17:11
What’s my advice for courses of study for agriculture? 19:08
What are the major problems faced today in agriculture? 20:52
Why did I choose agriculture? 24:10
Resources:
Thriving Farmer Podcast - https://www.thrivingfarmerpodcast.com/
Growing Framers website - https://growingfarmers.com/
Small Farm University - https://growingfarmers.com/enrollsfu
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael, Your Successful Farm Business Discussion Group
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6g2uuITj9pu0JAfsqvG0w
Steward Resources:
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms with the capital they need to grow. As a financial partner, we offer private commercial loans and the expert support services that sustainable farmers, ranchers, fishers, and producers need to expand and sustain their businesses. Through Steward’s user-friendly online platform, responsible lenders are able to join us in fueling this growth and participate directly in these loans, deepening their connection to agriculture while providing critical funds needed by farmers. Certified B Corporation. Get started at gosteward.com
Website: gosteward.com
Online Loan Application: https://lets.gosteward.com/farm-loan
Newsletter: https://lets.gosteward.com/join-our-community
Do you love flowers? Do you love farming? If so, have you considered starting a flower farm?
Today we’re joined by Lyndsay Biehl of Wildroot Flower Co, located in Marietta, Ohio. Not long after achieving her degree in horticulture, Lyndsay realized the aspect of horticulture that held her passion was gardening and growing. In 2016, she decided to put her passion before her fears by planting her first seeds and starting a flower farm. Wildroot Flower Co grows specialty cut flowers, using sustainable growing techniques, to bring you the most natural local beauty possible. Customers enjoy their flowers through the seasonal CSA, the local farmer’s market, and their custom design services. Tune in to hear how Lyndsay turned her passion into her profession!
You’ll hear:
What’s going on at Wildroot Flower Co 1:11
Lyndsay’s top practical takeaways from her horticulture degree 3:36
How she got the flower farm started 5:35
Which marketing books Lyndsay found the most impactful in her journey 9:24
How Lyndsay markets the classes at her farm 16:40
What classes she offers 17:33
The key elements Lyndsay feels constitute a good class 19:00
Lyndsay’s core growing practices 22:09
What kinds of flowers Wildroot grows in their tunnels 27:37
What Wildroot use for fertility 36:09
What aspects of Wildroot’s business model drove the most growth 39:23
How Wildroot Flower Co hires the right people 45:49
What the future holds for Wildroot Flower Co
About the Guest:
Lyndsay is a commercial horticulturist with over 20 years of experience in the agriculture industry. A graduate of The Ohio State University's Landscape Horticulture program, Lyndsay started Wildroot Flower Co in 2016 as a way to share her love for nature and horticulture with her community. She shares her passion for natural locally grown flowers with her customers through her on farm workshops, farmer's markets, and U-Pick events.
Resources:
Website - www.wildrootflowerco.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wildrootblooms
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wildroot_flowerco/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/wildrootflowerco
Steward Resources:
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms with the capital they need to grow. As a financial partner, we offer private commercial loans and the expert support services that sustainable farmers, ranchers, fishers, and producers need to expand and sustain their businesses. Through Steward’s user-friendly online platform, responsible lenders are able to join us in fueling this growth and participate directly in these loans, deepening their connection to agriculture while providing critical funds needed by farmers. Certified B Corporation. Get started at gosteward.com
Website: gosteward.com
Online Loan Application: https://lets.gosteward.com/farm-loan
Newsletter: https://lets.gosteward.com/join-our-community
How is the farming world adapting to, utilizing, and merging with the digital world?
We’re joined today by CEO and founder of the Farm Generations Cooperative and Co-founder of the National Young Farmers Coalition, Lindsey Lusher Shute. Lindsey is a fellow farm podcaster as well, hosting the Young Farmers Podcast! She is also the founder of the GrownBy app, a farmer-designed, farmer-owned app created for selling farm products directly to consumers. An Ohio native, Lindsey first developed her love of farming on her grandfather’s land in the rolling hills of Appalachia. As Executive Director of Young Farmers, Lindsey grew the organization from a few volunteer farmers to a nationwide network with 40 chapters in 39 states and a grassroots base of over 120,000. Tune in to learn all about how she does it!
You’ll hear:
How Lindsey got into the farmer space 1:29
How GrownBy charges for their services 11:31
How the Grown By app helps farmers get sales 19:58
What’s being currently developed on GrownBy 28:20
Lindsey plans to bring on new partners for the business 32:11
Where you can learn more about GrownBy 32:54
About the Guest:
Lindsey Lusher Shute is CEO and founder of the Farm Generations Cooperative and co-owner of Hearty Roots Farm in Clermont, NY. Prior to Farm Generations, Lindsey co-founded the National Young Farmers Coalition and led the organization as executive director for 10 years. At Young Farmers, Lindsey built a network of 150,000 farmers and activists to support grassroots campaigns on the issues of land affordability, conservation, credit, student loans, and farmer training.
Resources:
Website - farmgenerations.coop, grownby.app
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lushershute
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/farmgenerationscoop/, https://www.instagram.com/heartyroots/
Steward Resources:
Steward is transforming agriculture by equipping regenerative farms with the capital they need to grow. As a financial partner, we offer private commercial loans and the expert support services that sustainable farmers, ranchers, fishers, and producers need to expand and sustain their businesses. Through Steward’s user-friendly online platform, responsible lenders are able to join us in fueling this growth and participate directly in these loans, deepening their connection to agriculture while providing critical funds needed by farmers. Certified B Corporation. Get started at gosteward.com
Website: gosteward.com
Online Loan Application: https://lets.gosteward.com/farm-loan
Newsletter: https://lets.gosteward.com/join-our-community
Have you considered the notion that having a ton of land is not imperative to thrive?
We’re joined today by Woody DeLauder of Rootbound Farms LLC, a small suburban farm located in Southern Maryland. Rootbound grows in-season produce using no-till growing methods. They grow fresh foods and make soap, kimchi, and other handmade goods for the local Maryland community. Tune in to learn all about what it takes to be a small, yet thriving farm!
You’ll hear:
What Woody’s Youtube channel is all about 1:16
How Rootbound Farms got started 1:38
When Rootbound got set up with farmers markets 5:17
How Woody got started with soaps 7:56
The inside scoop about Woody’s legal battle 17:32
How Rootbound Farms approaches marketing 25:18
What kind of peppers they grow 31:39
How they utilize wood chips 32:59
Woody’s favorite farming tool 36:22
Where you can find more about Woody and Rootbound Farms 37:37
About the Guest:
Woody DeLauder, along with his wife Janine and son Arlo, own Rootbound Farms LLC. Their farm is a sustainable, biodiverse, no-till, Back-to-Eden suburban farm located in Southern Maryland. They pride themselves in growing in-season vegetables, making cold-processed soaps, and making other sustainable goods for their local community. They sell online, deliver, and also sell at their local farmers market from April to November. Their YouTube channel serves as their video diary and for informational purposes. They grow on a total of about 5,000 square feet, on a lot that is around 3/4 of an acre. They are firm believers that farms do not need to be huge operations to be profitable.
Resources:
Website - https://www.rootboundfarms.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/wdelauder/videos
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootboundfarmstead
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootboundfarms/
Have you ever considered a fun alternative to traditional farming?
Fungi, that is! Joining us today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast is the founder of Maine Cap N’ Stem, Erik Lomen. Maine Cap N’ Stem started in 2014, cultivating a variety of gourmet mushrooms from spore to store below the streets of Portland Maine. Within a year, their fresh mushroom production expanded from less than 200 sq ft to a 3,000 sq ft facility in Westbrook, Maine. In 2016, Maine Cap N’ Stem decided to drop out of the fresh mushroom market altogether and work directly with farms all across the country to supply their growing mushroom demand with ready-to-fruit substrate. Tune in to learn all about how Erik built his mycological empire and how he runs it today!
You’ll hear:
About Erik’s first experience with mushrooms 0:49
When Erik started selling mushrooms 2:57
What his sales outlets were in the beginning 4:50
What building the spawn line entailed 12:14
How Erik goes about marketing 24:12
The three things new mushroom farmers need to know 38:19
What a more advanced mushroom grower could do to take their business to the next level 42:05
What the hiring process is like at Maine Cap N’ Stem 45:28
How Erik manages time on the farm 51:42
What advice Erik has for new farmers 54:35
About the Guest:
Erik Lomen is an owner operator at Maine Cap N’ Stem, a certified organic supplier of commercial grade ready-to-fruit substrate and spawn.
Maine Cap N’ Stem started in 2014, cultivating a variety of gourmet mushrooms from spore to store below the streets of Portland, Maine. Within a year, their fresh mushroom production expanded from less than 200 sq ft to a 3,000 sq ft facility in Westbrook, Maine.
Between 2015 and 2016 the decentralized micro mushroom industry began exploding all across the country and at the time it was integral for each of these small farms to develop their own cultures, spawn, and fruiting substrate to grow fresh mushrooms and supply a self built distribution system for sales to farmers markets, restaurants, and wholesalers. In 2016, Maine Cap N’ Stem decided to drop out of the fresh mushroom market altogether and work directly with these farms all across the country to supply their growing mushroom demand with ready-to-fruit substrate.
This transition set a business pivot into motion as they became the first national producer and distributor of Certified Organic Mushroom Substrate for small and large farms across the continental USA. In 2016 we moved to our current 20,000+ sq ft facility in Gardiner, Maine and began producing and supplying farms from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon with an easier scalable option to grow by skipping the intensive lab work to produce their own spawn and substrate and simply focus on fruiting and selling fresh mushrooms. Within the last 5 years they have proven the model to work and continue to support the growth and development of fresh mushroom farms around the states.
From 2019 to 2020 Maine Cap N’ Stem developed a state of the art spawn production facility and expanded their offerings from simply substrate to spawn and culture products as well as “combination substrate pellets” for farms to forward integrate and scale up into their own substrate production for a balance of options and supply chain diversification allowing a higher level of control for each farm’s independent focus.
With each year that passes as we continue to grow, innovate, and develop, our goal remains the same: Help independent farms sustainably grow to supply the massive demand for fresh mushrooms across all market platforms!
Resources:
Website - https://capnstem.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mainecapnstemco/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mainecapnstemco/
Have you ever considered adding Moringa or Hoodia plants to your farm’s production?
Joining us today is Ed Rau, founding owner and President of Sustainable Bioresources. Sustainable Bioresources is a small business primarily engaged in research and development of new cultivars of plants for organic, sustainable cultivation as crops, educational purposes, and uses in new proprietary products including drugs, nutraceuticals, foods, and biopesticides. Their capabilities also include provision of consulting services relating to environmental health practice, hazardous waste management, and sustainable purchasing systems. Ed is a Registered Hazardous Substance Professional and is licensed in Maryland as a Environmental Health Specialist. He has over 40 years of professional experience in environmental health practice, hazardous materials management, and research. With such experience, his area of expertise is quite bountiful! Be sure to check it out and absorb his 4 decades of knowledge!
You’ll hear:
An overview of Sustainable Bioresources 1:12
How Ed got started with the nursery 3:28
About the uses and qualities of the Moringa plant 7:30
The best way to get started with Moringa 19:21
What to do with the Moringa stems 25:58
Where you can learn more about Ed and Sustainable Bioresources 34:47
How to ship Moringa or Hoodia seeds to the US 35:24
About the Guest:
Edward Rau is the founding owner and president of our company, and Principal Investigator for its several active research projects. Ed has an undergraduate degree in biology and a master of science degree in environmental and occupational health from California State University at Northridge. He also completed an additional certificate program in hazardous materials management at the University of California, Davis.
Ed has over 40 years of professional experience in environmental health practice, hazardous materials management and research. Prior to leading the company on a full-time basis, he worked in various positions in the private and public sectors as a chemical technician and Registered Sanitarian. In 1978, he joined the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) as an officer and was assigned to various positions of increasing responsibility in the Indian Health Service and hazardous waste management at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). After 30 years of service he retired from active duty with the USPHS as an Environmental Health Director holding the rank of Captain. He continued working with the NIH for another five years in a civilian position as a Special Assistant to the Director of the Division of Environmental Protection. In that capacity, he created and lead sustainability innovation projects including the Substances of Concern Reduction Initiative and development of novel methods to facilitate incorporation of diverse sustainability related requirements into electronic purchasing systems.
Over his career, Ed received numerous uniformed services and civilian commendations. He created and led the Mad as a Hatter Campaign for a Mercury-Free NIH and developed new training materials to improve awareness of the potential role of mercury contamination in promoting development of resistance to antibiotics in bacteria. For the campaign effort, he received the American Chemical Society’s 2005 Howard Fawcett Award for outstanding contributions in chemical health and safety. Two projects that he subsequently created and promoted while assigned to the NIH received White House GreenGov presidential awards from the Bush and Obama administrations. In 2009, the NIH laboratory building decontamination and decommissioning process, now referred to as Sustainable High Efficiency Deconstruction (SHED) received the Closing the Circle GreenGov award for the category Seeds of Change, and in 2013 the Substances of Concern Reduction Initiative received the award for the category Sustainable Innovation.
While assigned to NIH Captain Rau carried out applied research activities relating to his hazardous waste management responsibilities. This included development of minimization and treatment methods for mixed waste (radioactive hazardous waste) and other multi hazardous waste streams generated by biomedical research activities. Working with other NIH investigators he also devised novel apparatus and experiments to investigate the extreme resistance of prions, the agents responsible for mad cow disease, scrapie and other spongiform encephalopathies to thermal inactivation. The apparatus simulated conditions in a medical waste incinerator and captured emissions from burning tissues containing a thermally resistant strain of scrapie. These studies defined the extreme conditions necessary for inactivation of the agent and led Ed to propose a new theory of agent replication by means of inorganic templates. This work was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and co authored with Dr. Carleton Gajdusek, a Nobel Laureate and other leading prion researchers.
Ed is a Registered Hazardous Substance Professional and licensed in Maryland licensed as an Environmental Health Specialist. He holds active memberships in the American Chemical Society, National Environmental Health Association, Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, the Cosmos Club of Washington DC, Medical Reserve Corps of the Hawaii Department of Health, and a newly formed local Community Emergency Response Team for the Discovery Harbour area of Hawaii.
Resources:
Website - https://sustainablebioresources.com/
Why is proper composting so important to a farm’s success, and how can you make sure you have the right compost for the best outcomes?
Today we’re happy to host Grant and Kate Estrade of Laughing Buddha Nursery in Metairie, Louisiana. In 2003, Grant started Laughing Buddha Nursery out of a simple desire to be his own boss and run a retail shop that met a community need - the then fledgling but growing demand for organic gardening supplies. After Katrina struck the area in 2005, people were concerned about the quality and potential contaminants in their backyard soil. In response, Grant began composting and mixing organic soil blends to supply healthy, lead-free, and nutrient-rich soil products for customers’ gardens. In 2010, Kate joined when she met Grant at Laughing Buddha. Her parents always grew a large vegetable garden and composted and as a teenager she spent summers working at a local garden center. She never imagined going into gardening or agriculture professionally, but we know how these things can work out! Tune in to hear all of their integral and transformative composting tips!
You’ll hear:
How Kate and Grant got started with Laughing Buddha Nursery 1:50
How their store operates 6:09
Grant and Kate’s composting process 13:59
How they efficiently manage both their farm and their store 24:29
The hardest thing Grant and Kate have done in farming 38:25
What Kate and Grant would do differently given the opportunity to start their farming journey over 54:56
How Grant and Kate build their team 1.02:38
The biggest mistake Grant and Kate see newer farmers making 1.12:28
How they approach the mental game of running their business 1.19:51
Their favorite farming tools 1.26:01
Where you can find out more about Grant, Kate, and Laughing Buddha Nursery 1.30:18
About the Guest:
Grant has operated Laughing Buddha Nursery, a retail garden shop that helps people grow vegetables organically, since 2003. After Hurricane Katrina, Laughing Buddha began composting to supply healthy, lead-free, and microbe-rich soil products for customers’ gardens. From 2010-2015, Grant launched and operated a commercial composting division of a sand and aggregate company. He sold his shares of this company in 2015.
In 2010, Kate met Grant as a customer of Laughing Buddha (buying worms for her apartment compost bin!) and they got married in 2016. Kate grew up in Wisconsin, graduated from the University of Missouri, served in AmeriCorps, and worked in newspapers and nonprofits prior to farming.
On land that was a failed subdivision that they purchased in 2014, together Kate and Grant started Local Cooling Farms, their pasture-based regenerative livestock operation. Their farm model focuses on maximizing nutrient cycling (nature’s loop of production, consumption and decomposition) and raising livestock with respect and dignity to produce healthy protein, restore soil health, and sequester carbon (hence the name!). They also now have their composting operation on the farm.
Kate has developed the farm's neighborhood delivery hub model where they sell the vast majority of their farm products (save for a few restaurants and bakeries that purchase eggs), as well as seasonal produce, chicken, lamb, dairy, fermented and preserved goods, bread and pasta, honey, and more from 20 other regional farms and producers.
Resources:
Website - https://www.laughingbuddhanursery.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/localcoolingfarms
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/localcoolingfarms/
What are the responsibilities of being CEO of one of the largest institutions dedicated to organic farming?
Joining us today is the CEO of Rodale, Jeff Moyer. Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the organic movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and consumer education. Widely recognized as a founder of the modern organic movement, Rodale Institute has been a global leader in regenerative organic agriculture for over 70 years. Jeff has served the Institute for 43 years in positions such as Farm Director and Executive Director. Jeff’s expertise includes organic crop production systems with a focus on weed management, cover crops, crop rotations, equipment modification and use, and facilities design. His hands-on experience in organic agriculture brings a farmer’s perspective to the research, farmer training, and consumer education conducted by Rodale Institute. Jeff is a treasure trove of farming-related gold nuggets, so be sure to tune in and take notes!
You’ll hear:
How Jeff got into agriculture 1:01
What Regenerative Organic is 4:11
What role no-till plays in soil health 17:05
Is there a problem with farmers adding too many nutrients and organic matter? 35:31
What organic matter level Rodale is at on the farm 38:07
How Rodale came up with the idea for their crimper 42:41
What specific mix Jeff likes to use for cover crops 54:42
How to get more farmers to switch to organic principles and practices 1.05:46
How Rodale handles pH levels 1.13:24
Where you can find out more about Jeff and Rodale Institute 1.14:52
About the Guest:
Jeff Moyer is the Chief Executive Officer of Rodale Institute. His expertise includes organic crop production systems with a focus on weed management, cover crops, crop rotations, equipment modification and use, and facilities design. Jeff is perhaps most well-known for conceptualizing and popularizing the No Till Roller Crimper for use in organic agriculture.
Resources:
Website - https://rodaleinstitute.org/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rodaleinstitute/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rodaleinstitute/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHZBBzkVVnEB3L6rTPCgWIA
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rodaleinstitute/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/rodaleinstitute/
When you have a dream of owning and operating a multipurpose farm, what can you do to make that dream a reality?
Our guests had exactly that dream, and their determination and gusto will certainly be expansive for those with the same aspirations! Today we’re joined by Chase Renninger and Allyssa Ferguson of Woodland Valley Farms in Jackson, South Carolina. Chase opened Woodland Valley Farms in December 2016 with the goal of providing access to beyond organic foods, free of chemicals, and filled with nutrients. When he's not fixing the tractor, building barns or moving cows, he likes to find fresh water springs, research medicinal healing herbs, and plant fruit trees. He also does consulting for other farmers as well as health and wellness coaching. Allyssa Ferguson joined the farm, specializing in raising premium chicken and pork. This episode is a long one, but with zero fluff... 100% knowledge, experience, and value to bolster your farming journey!
You’ll hear:
What Woodland Valley Farms is all about 0:45
How their business model works, and what has changed about it 8:33
What kinds of meats Woodland Valley Farms produce and how 18:43
How they work with and process their meat birds 34:07
How Allyssa and Chase handle the educational side of their operation 42:25
What special marketing tools Allyssa uses for the farm 47:03
What type of containers they use for packing shares 56:26
What breeds of dogs work with Chase and Allyssa and what they do 1.03:04
How Chase and Allyssa manage the finances of their farmland 1.17:19
Allyssa and Chase’s favorite farming tools 1.38:44
About the Guest:
Founder and owner Chase Renninger opened Woodland Valley Farms in December 2016, taking the first step toward his dream of owning and operating a regenerative permaculture farm. Raised in Maryland, he found a passion for farming and ecology at a young age. To date, Chase holds a degree in Agro-Ecology and Sustainable Community Development and has had the privilege of farming in a diverse range of ecosystems from the Hawaiian Islands, to Arizona deserts, to lush deciduous Maryland terrain, and now sandy South Carolina. Chase opened Woodland Valley Farms with the goal of providing access to beyond organic foods, free of chemicals, and filled with nutrients. He’s always learning how to be a better rancher and he loves his cattle dogs. When he's not fixing the tractor, building barns or moving cows, he likes to find fresh water springs, research medicinal healing herbs, and plant fruit trees. He also does consulting for other farmers as well as health and wellness coaching.
Allyssa Ferguson joined the farm after getting her boots dirty farming in the Atlanta area. She worked in fabulous restaurants and wanted to try her hand growing the food she had been serving for so long. After lots of trial and error, she finally learned how to successfully grow the best chicken and pork. Her pastured chickens follow her around and her pigs are so friendly, they roll over for belly rubs. She specializes in raising Berkshire and Ossabaw pigs for their lovely marbling and foraging ability. As the resident "pig mom" and "mother hen", she looks after the pigs and chickens from their first day until their last. In addition to managing the farm, she spends any shred of free-time learning new butcher techniques, charcuterie, food preservation methods, and soap-making. She also loves to grow flowers and take the dog pack on long four wheeler rides.
Resources:
Website - https://www.woodlandvalleyfarms.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/woodlandvalleyfarms/, https://www.instagram.com/farmerlissie/
What challenges are you facing as a farmer during these turbulent times?
On this bonus episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Bob Rimol owner and founder of Rimol Greenhouse Systems in Hooksett, NH. His passion for gardening and agriculture led him to the University of Vermont where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics. But Bob isn’t here today to talk about himself and his journey. His goal here is to shed some light on recent changes in supply chains and prices which are dramatically impacting farmers and their previously tried and true methods and processes, as well as giving a few tips on how to thrive during these rapidly changing times. If you’re a farmer navigating this whole new world, this is not an episode you can afford to skip!
You’ll hear:
What got Bob into greenhouses? 1:27
The big changes that have occurred in the last 27 years 3:06
What’s happened to the price of steel in the last 6 months 7:05
Bob’s thoughts on what’s to come 11:49
How you can maximize efficiency in your greenhouses 15:20
About the Guest:
In 1994, Bob Rimol - now the owner of Rimol Greenhouse Systems - decided to leave his home state of New Jersey and relocate with his family to New Hampshire. Soon after, Bob began working as a sales representative for a greenhouse manufacturer specializing in structures and systems. It didn’t take long for Bob to notice a lack of innovative and quality greenhouse technology options for local growers, so Bob decided to fill that gap - and he did it by founding Rimol Greenhouse Systems.
Bob contacted Mike Marett, a fellow UVM graduate, and combined their expertise in horticulture and engineering - along with a mutual entrepreneurial spirit - to construct the first RGS Greenhouses. The goal for the first two greenhouses was simple: to utilize the best features of pre-existing greenhouses, and to offer a low-cost, high-quality greenhouse alternative. Soon after, the Northpoint was developed as a dynamic multi-functional growing and retail house. The Northpoint was designed to endure heavy snow and wind loads in order to withstand the rugged New England climate.
Rimol Greenhouse Systems now offers over 10 unique free-standing greenhouses. From the gutter-connected Matterhorn to the Rolling Thunder – one of the first mobile commercial greenhouses – RGS continues to set the market standard for innovation, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Today, Rimol produces additional products for growers, including shade structures, benches, and an entire line of products to complement our industry-leading growing structures.
Fast forward two decades and RGS has an industry-respected brand name synonymous with quality and unrivaled durability. While the company has added six new full-time employees, donated dozens of structures to non-profits, universities, and research facilities, constructed a new 32,000 square foot production facility, has a robust Facebook following of over 120,000 greenhouse enthusiasts, and expanded into markets spanning North America, Rimol Greenhouse Systems continues to focus on meeting the individual needs of every customer.
Resources:
Website - https://www.rimolgreenhouses.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rimolgreenhouse
What does it take to build a thriving farm in cold, harsh climates?
Joining us today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast is Stan Bialecki of Bialecki Farms. Stan and his wife, Amy, are the owners and operators of Bialecki Farms. They’re located in the northeast mountains of Pennsylvania, which they’ve lovingly dubbed “Alaska, Pennsylvania.” Beginning the homestead with the intention to grow for their family, now with over 20 years of farming experience, they proudly grow fresh, local vegetables for the community. There’s plenty of history and knowledge that comes with such a refined process, and Stan certainly doesn’t hold back during this enlightening episode!
You’ll hear:
What farming is like in the mountains of Pennsylvania 1:57
How Stan got started with Bialecki Farms 3:00
How Stan works with tunnels 5:19
About the primary markets for Bialecki Farms’ products 11:00
What kinds of crops Stan grows 15:31
How Stan decides on new crops 21:22
How Stan manages pests in the greenhouse 26:00
How Stan and Amy divide roles on the farm 31:24
The hardest part of being a farmer for Stan 33:10
What Stan would do differently given the ability to go back and start again 33:41
The biggest mistake Stan sees newer farmers making 38:31
How Stan sets up LED lights 40:10
How Amy grows microgreens 44:15
Stan’s favorite farming tool 44:34
About the Guest:
Bialecki Farms is a market farm in northeastern Pennsylvania focusing on year-round production of hydroponic greens in addition to an assortment of seasonal crops. The farm's growing practices use a combination of old and new technologies from high wheel cultivators to high tech greenhouses. Our produce can be found at area farmers markets, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Resources:
Website - https://www.bialeckifarms.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bialeckifarms
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stanbialecki/,
https://www.instagram.com/amy_at_bialecki.farms/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWM36FdWOKjf4qhjGyY_6w
Are you having trouble getting a grasp on the delicate science of soil health?
If so, you’re certainly not alone and we’ve got your back! Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re joined by Emily Newman, Organic Soil Consultant at Rodale Institute. Emily helps farmers navigate organic compliance as they transition to certified organic. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Resource Management, focusing in Soil Science, from Pennsylvania State University and is currently pursuing an M.B.A. in Food and Agribusiness from Delaware Valley University. She is IOIA trained, a Certified Crop Advisor, and serves as a board member for the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). If you’re considering transitioning your farm to certified organic, or just want to learn more about healthy soil, you’re in the right place!
You’ll hear:
What got Emily into farming 1:21
What a normal day looks like as an organic soil consultant 2:51
What Emily has found to benefit soil pH levels 6:38
How farms should go about soil sampling and testing 11:20
The steps involved with transitioning to organic 15:34
What farmers typically do during the wait period for transitioning to organic 26:18
Emily’s favorite transition strategy 40:25
Where you can find out more about Emily and Rodale Institute 43:12
About the Guest:
Emily joined the Rodale Institute consulting team in January 2020 and helps farmers navigate organic compliance as they transition to certified organic. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Resource Management, focusing in Soil Science, from Pennsylvania State University and is currently pursuing an M.B.A. in Food and Agribusiness from Delaware Valley University. Prior to joining the team at Rodale Institute, she worked in regulatory compliance of organics for a certification agency and a materials review organization. She is IOIA trained, a Certified Crop Advisor and serves as a board member for the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
Resources:
Website - https://rodaleinstitute.org/consulting/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rodaleinstitute/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rodaleinstitute/
Wonder what it’s like to go from corporate America to starting a farm business?
Today we’re joined by Drew Sample of Capital City Greens, located in Columbus, Ohio. Drew started his urban farm in 2015 after determining that he “needed to get outside more” and finding that urban gardening was his best path forward. Drew focuses on soil-grown, chemical-free microgreens and 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef. Drew details his unique processes, his journey to spending more time in the great outdoors, and the results his farm has yielded thus far. Farmers of all kinds will glean value from this episode, so don’t miss out!
You’ll hear:
What started Drew’s farming journey, where it went, and where he is now 2:24
How Drew creates “warm leads” 21:40
What the advantage has been that’s allowed Drew to get in the restaurants’ business? 24:18
About the range of crops Drew grows on the farm 29:39
What happened on Capital City Greens farm when COVID-19 took the limelight 37:43
What Drew would change towards the beginning of his farming journey 50:11
What the current activity of Drew’s business looks like 52:57
Drew’s advice for beginning farmers 55:15
Where you can find out more about Drew and Capital City Greens 59:03
About the Guest:
Drew Sample is the owner and operator of Capital City Greens. Capital City Greens is an Urban Farm in Columbus that, pre-pandemic, was servicing 40 restaurants in the Columbus, Ohio Metro area.
Drew built his business from the ground up with traditional word of mouth advertising.
Resources:
Website - https://capcitygreens.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Capital-City-Greens-212042289389823/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/capcitygreens/
Have you ever wondered about ranching versus farming? What are the structural differences, and what kinds of opportunities can those differences provide?
On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re joined by Tim Peterson of Arizona Grass Raised Beef. The cattle on the Arizona Grass Raised Beef ranch spend their lives foraging for naturally occurring grasses on free-range ranch land, while soaking up the Arizona sunshine and living their best life...the way nature intended. Their boutique USDA inspected plant gives them the unique ability to humanely harvest one animal at a time! In-house, they dry, age, and hand-cut their steak as well as make ground beef and various sausages exclusively with organic spices (but NO sugar or stuff you cannot pronounce). They proudly commit to raising the cleanest, safest, healthiest, and most flavorful beef available. Tune in to hear all about how they do it!
You’ll hear:
How Tim got started ranching 1:17
What a typical week looks like for Tim 4:38
About Arizona Grass Raised Beef’s process with cattle genetics 9:55
The typical cost of farmland in Arizona 12:37
How Tim went about funding his processing plant 18:24
What variations of products Arizona Grass Raised Beef makes 26:57
How Tim developed relationships with the right chefs 34:04
How many employees Arizona Grass Raised Beef has, and how they find good help 39:16
How Tim developed his marketing plan 41:58
How much beef they process weekly 43:09
How Tim keeps track of and ensures completion of essential tasks 46:24
What Tim believes is the biggest mistake newer farmers and ranchers make 50:56
Tim’s favorite ranching tool 52:59
Where you can find out more about Tim and Arizona Grass Raised Beef 53:21
About the Guest:
Tim is the co-owner of Arizona Grass Raised Beef and an Arizona cattle rancher. He operates a USDA inspected processing plant, as well as a USDA commercial kitchen.
Arizona Grass Raised Beef is your true ranch to table Grass Fed Beef operation. They practice Regenerative Agriculture by purchasing run down, non-functioning ranches and rebuilding them with their crews and cattle genetics.Their beef is certified by the American Grass Fed Beef Association.
Resources:
Website - https://azgrassraisedbeef.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/azgrassraisedbeef/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/azgrassraisedbeef/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/azgrassraised
What is MarketLink and how can you use it to leverage your farm’s profitability and help your community at the same time?
Joining us for this special bonus episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast is Amy Crone, Project Manager of MarketLink. MarketLink is a program of the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Program (NAFMNP). In partnership with the USDA and Novo Dia Group, MarketLink assists direct marketing farmers and farmers markets with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Retailer Application and connects them with free app-based SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) processing equipment (TotilPayGo). Marketlink also offers options for integrated credit/debit payment processing. They have a long-term vision of sustainability for farmers and markets through a broader customer base, increased sales, and profitability. Tune in for in-depth detail regarding a great way for your farm to get more local food into your communities!
You’ll hear:
What MarketLink does 1:39
Who qualifies for this program 3:03
How a farmer or farmers market should go about getting set up with the program 6:12
The most commonly asked questions about MarketLink, and Amy’s answers to them 7:48
What the typical consumer asks about the SNAP program 9:34
What type of sales a typical farmers market sees through SNAP 12:04
The best practices in setting up the program to get buy in from customers 14:20
What things you should be aware of when starting up with this program 16:25
About the Guest:
Amy Crone is the Project Manager for MarketLink, a national initiative developed in collaboration with USDA to increase acceptance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at farmers markets. MarketLink, a program of NAFMNP, is the only app-based means of accepting SNAP available, & since its start in 2013 has enabled sales of more than $43m in SNAP and more than $95m nationwide in overall electronic sales by farmers markets and direct marketing farmers. Formerly, she was the Executive Director of the Maryland Farmers Market Association (“MDFMA”), a nonprofit organization that she founded in 2012. Crone is a nationally recognized expert on federal nutrition assistance programs, who has experience in speaking to a variety of audiences across the country about farmers market and agricultural issues. She lives on a small farm in Maryland with her husband and two children.
Resources:
MarketLink Website - https://www.marketlink.org/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mymarketlink
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mymarketlink
Have you ever considered embarking on your dream farming journey solo?
On today's episode, we’re joined by Jackson Holt, the owner/operator of Phoenix Farm, located in McLeansville, NC. He grows fruits, vegetables, and plant starts without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and offers his products to the local community in North Carolina to be picked up on-farm. Amazingly, he runs the entire operation practically by himself, while still keeping up with premium farming standards and procedures. Tune in to find out how he pulls it off!
You’ll hear:
How Jackson got started in farming 1:21
What Jackson’s vision was when starting his farming operation 3:09
How Jackson stays organized on the farm 4:57
What systems Jackson has in place on the farm 6:37
Why Jackson focuses on carrots 11:35
How Jackson prepares soil for growing carrots 16:08
What Jackson does to ensure efficient germination 20:53
What his cultivation process looks like 23:47
What he uses for seeding 26:45
What time of the year he starts harvesting carrots 33:33
Why Jackson feels that it’s important to tone down operations during the wintertime 34:58
What Jackson would change at the start of his farming journey if given the opportunity 38:34
How long Jackson’s been farming 44:09
What advice Jackson would give himself as a new farmer 46:15
About the range of crops Jackson grows and how that has changed over time 47:16
What kind of farmers market Jackson runs 55:15
Jackson’s favorite farming tool 58:55
Where you can find out more about Jackson and Phoenix Farm 59:43
About the Guest:
Jackson Holt is owner/operator of Phoenix Farm, a small operation just outside city limits of Greensboro, NC, where he grows a mix of vegetables (with emphasis on carrots) primarily for a local farmer's market.
Resources:
Website - https://www.phoenixfarmonline.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/phoenixfarmonline/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixfarmonline/
Most of us know that farms can be very scenic, serene, and fun! Have you ever considered monetizing that atmosphere to recharge the batteries of travel-worn RVers?
This week, Lisa Manning, head of member success, joins us to talk about what she and Harvest Hosts do for the community. Harvest Hosts’ goal is to change the way RVers adventure. They offer a truly unique way for RVers to meet other travelers, stay overnight in gorgeous settings, and create memories that can’t be made in a retail parking lot. Join us today to learn all about how Lisa and Harvest Hosts have made farm serenity a revitalizing attraction!
You’ll hear:
How Harvest Hosts started 1:47
How Harvest Hosts works 3:06
The primary demographic of members 5:45
What types of farms they have for host locations and what makes them a good fit 6:36
How space is managed for the RVs 8:38
How Harvest Hosts impacts the towns where they’re located 9:58
How to apply to be a host 15:25
What’s new and exciting at Harvest Hosts 18:50
Statistics and demographics involved with Harvest Hosts 24:22
About the Guest:
Harvest Hosts connects thousands of RVers with farms, wineries, breweries, golf courses, & attractions to support local businesses. Always FREE for our hosts!
Resources:
Website - https://harvesthosts.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HarvestHosts
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harvesthosts/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/HarvestHosts
Is your personal farming hobby outgrowing your need for crops? Ever thought of monetizing the surplus?
Our guests this week sure have, and they took it a couple steps further as they grew a full thriving farm! This week’s Thriving Farmer Podcast proudly features Lex and Beth Antoinc of Providence Hill Farm. Providence Hill Farm is a family run regenerative vegetable farm nestled in the heart of King Township between Nobleton and Schomberg, Ontario. Their unique regenerative methods focus on improving soil health by increasing organic matter using cultivation methods that do not disturb the soil structure. The aim is to increase biodiversity, water retention, crop health and, most importantly, nutrient density. Although they are not a certified organic farm, their methods far exceed the requirement of organic certification. Join us as we discuss how they organize and run their unique operation!
You’ll hear:
Why Lex and Beth decided to start selling the crops of their farming side project 1:37
How Providence Hill approach farmer’s markets 3:51
How Providence Hill has widened their production 6:52
About the unique methods Beth and Lex utilize when creating salad mixes 9:56
How Lex and Beth maintain a “relaxed” schedule while keeping productive 12:49
How they go about increasing the average value of transactions for existing customers 25:11
What Beth and Lex would change about their farming operation given the opportunity to turn back time 35:25
Why Providence Hill keeps their help (primarily) in the family 40:14
The biggest mistakes Beth and Lex see newer farmers making 50:59
How they distribute compost 59:46
Their favorite farming tool 1.00:52
Where can you find out more about Lex, Beth, and Providence Hill Farm 1.08:29
About the Guests:
Beth and Lex moved to their 12.5 acre property about an hour north of Toronto 16 years ago with the goal of raising their 3 kids in a rural setting and growing some food for themselves, as well as dabbling in some cut flower production and on-farm dog boarding to supplement their income while still allowing them to both work from home while raising the children.
Over time Lex became extremely interested in some of the newer small scale farming techniques and the family began building their market farm. Now in their 5th year of farming, all 3 of the kids are fully involved in the business as well. Providence Hill Farm grows salad greens, market vegetables, microgreens, edible flowers and cut flowers using all-natural, regenerative farming techniques, focusing on low/no till methods, heavy compost amendments and the use of 13 caterpillar tunnels for season extension. They are also in the process of adding a mushroom grow room to their operation, and a new on-site farm store for retail sales which will include an attached licensed kitchen/ workshop space. They are expanding their sales to include a market-style point system CSA this season for the first time, in addition to their farmers market sales. They are also continually expanding their line of value-added items as well as bringing in items such as meat, fish, grains etc from other farms in their area.
They firmly believe that the key to a successful family run farm is to continue to evolve and adapt the strategies for running the operation to match the current life stages, needs and personalities of the people who are involved in the day to day running of the farm.
Resources:
Website - https://providencehillfarm.ca/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/providencehillfarm.ca
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/providencehillfarm.ca/
Joining us today is Kim Goodling, owner of Vermont Grand View Farm. Vermont Grand View focuses on low impact sustainable farming with attention to raising high quality Gotland sheep, which conform to Swedish standards, and producing heirloom wool products. They’re passionate about sharing their farm with others with wide-open arms to all guests to their rural community who wish to experience farm life. Tune in to find out all about farming with sheep and the surprising diversity within the field!
You’ll hear:
How Kim got started working with sheep 1:07
About the history of sheep in Vermont 4:41
Why Kim chose Gotland sheep 6:45
About different types of sheep and what can you do with them 13:45
What the main sources of income are for Vermont Grand View 17:57
What kind of accommodations are set up on the farm 28:32
About the mentoring program offered by Vermont Grand View and how it got started 32:13
What the future holds for Vermont Grand View 36:21
What Kim would do differently if she started over 38:35
How Kim dealt with potential overwhelm while building the farm 43:26
Kim’s favorite farming tool 45:00
Where can you find out information about Vermont Grand View’s mentoring program and farmstays 49:39
About the Guest:
Kim Goodling is shepherd and owner of Vermont Grand View Farm. She and her husband raise Gotland sheep, a unique breed whose genetics date back to the Vikings on Gotland Island, Sweden. Being a typical Vermont hillside farm, they have diversified by offering their own maple syrup and by inviting guests to experience rural farm life first hand through farmstay vacations. Kim also offers a mentoring program to other shepherds.
Resources:
Website - https://www.grandviewfarmvt.com, https://www.vermontfarmschool.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vermontgrandviewfarm, https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitableshepherding
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vtgrandviewfarm/
What is the Value Added Producer Grant, what can it do for your farm, and what does it take to be eligible for it?
Joining us today is creative agriculture strategist Ellen Rawley. Ellen works with farms doing custom product development, product launches, trafficking and certifications, and much more. She works with local & artisan food products made in-house or by real-food co-packers as well as branded products for retail stores (brick and mortar & online). As some of you know, the Value Added Producer Grant deadline is approaching fast, which is why, for this episode, we’ll be focusing on the details of this grant, how you can get it, and what it can do for your farm’s finance!
You’ll hear:
How Ellen got started in creative strategy 1:58
What Ellen considers to be value added products 3:56
About value added rewards 6:08
Some common reasons why people opt out of doing value added 10:54
What the Value Added Producer Grant can do for farmers 16:37
What you need to be eligible for the Value Added Producer Grant 20:30
What farmers can get grants for 29:26
What Ellen’s advice is for those aiming for the grant 34:36
Where you can learn more about Ellen and how she can help your farm 37:38
About the Guest:
Ellen Rawley, founder of Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy, works with farmers and other integrity-based product businesses to launch & sell profitable products. Her specialties include cGMP and organic compliance, product development, and go-to-market strategy. Her interest in values-based markets has led her to study the success of the fair trade movement in Germany and England, to launch a jam line for an olive oil ranch that was featured in the debut of Martha Stewart's American Made shop, and to found Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy. Products she has helped launch can be found in grocery stores like Mollie Stones, specialty shops like BiRite market, magazines like Food & Wine, and high-end spas like the Mohonk Mountain Resort. She believes that products made with passion and conviction can change our relationship to the land and to each other.
Resources:
Value Added Producer Grant Information: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
Website - www.ellenrawley.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EllenRawleyConsulting
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rawleycreativestrategy/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-rawley-a2894b24/
What’s the oldest thriving organic farm in Vermont and how have they grown throughout the years?
Find out today from Howard Prussack of High Meadows Farm, located just a short drive from the center of Putney, Vermont. High Meadows Farm is a 65 Acre farm of rolling hills and fertile soils, surrounded by oak and maple woodlands. As Vermont’s oldest certified organic farm, High Meadows has been providing the community and greater New England with premium organic vegetables and potted plants since 1979. The land has been used for farming as far back as the 1700s when it was once part of the historic Ranney family farm, the first settlers in town. A farm (and a farmer!) with so much history must be rich in knowledge, so be sure to check this one out!
You’ll hear:
How Howard began his farming journey and what’s happened since 0:45
What kind of tunnels Howard uses on the farm 20:54
How the growing season progresses on High Meadows Farm 23:56
Whether Howard prefers larger or smaller greenhouses 25:25
What kinds of field crops High Meadows Farm grows 37:02
How Howard’s team is assembled 44:12
The story behind their farmer’s market 54:38
When, Howard believes, is the best time to start a farm 1.01:34
The biggest mistake Howard sees newer farmers making 1.02:11
Where you can find out more about Howard and High Meadows Farm 1.10:10
About the Guest:
High Meadows Farm is a 65 Acre farm of rolling hills and fertile soils, surrounded by oak and maple woodlands. Situated just a short drive from the center of Putney, VT, Vermont’s oldest certified organic Farm. High Meadows has been providing the community and greater New England with premium organic vegetables and potted plant plants since 1979.
High altitude, cool evenings, and mineral rich soils are key to High Meadows’ sweet nutrient rich vegetables. This land has been used for farming as far back as the 1700s when it was once part of the historic Ranney family farm, the first settlers in this town. Prior to its purchase in 1979, the farm was primarily run as a dairy farm.
Four and a half miles from the center of Putney, VT, High Meadows farm is located just adjacent to the site where NOFA VT was founded. NOFA’s 40th year celebration was held in the High Meadows Farm barn!
Howard is responsible for the sales end of the business, including sourcing new accounts, arranging promotions, and selling in new items. He does all of the seeding, manages the facility, including greenhouse and field production, fertilizing, pest control, repairs and maintenance, greenhouse construction, and trucks. Howard runs the retail business at the farmer’s market as well.
Lisa manages the plant inventories, plans the production schedule, is in charge of rooted cuttings and plant material purchases, and instituted lot control. Lisa keeps the business financial records, forecasts, sales, and expenses, and works on strategy with Howard. In addition, Lisa readies plant pots for sale and fills orders and loads trucks.
Resources:
Local Line - https://site.localline.ca/, https://site.localline.ca/learn/free-tools
Website - http://highmeadowsfarm.com/wordpress2/farm/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vermontorganic/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/highmeadowsfarm/
What do you get when you combine solutions for both environmental and social issues?
Organic farming, of course! Joining us today is Matthew Hayes of Zsamboki Biokert located in Zsámbok, Hungary. The mission at Zsamboki is to involve as many people as possible in the mysteries of organic farming. Matthew and the Zsamboki team pride themselves in growing quality goods with the least possible damage to the environment, keeping CO2 emissions low. They also focus on the diverse members of their environment, striving to operate a self-sustaining farm using their own nutrients. Check out this fascinating episode and learn all about organic farming in Hungary!
You’ll hear:
An overview of Zsamboki Biokert 2:03
About the availability of horse-drawn equipment in Hungary 5:26
What sheep are used for on Zsamboki 8:47
How Matthew set up the CSA 9:51
Matthew’s background with farming in Europe 12:55
How Matthew keeps everything organized on the farm 17:45
About the soil fertility on Zsamboki Biokert 24:30
What’s unusual about the tunnel design on the farm 31:30
The hardest thing Matthew has done on his farming journey 35:39
What systems Matthew would put in place sooner given the opportunity to go back in time 40:10
How Matthew set up his team on Zsamboki Biokert 45:09
What advice Matthew would give to new farmers 53:14
What advice Matthew would give to himself as a new farmer 56:31
Matthew's favorite farming tool 59:17
Where you can find out more about Matthew and Zsamboki Biokert 1.02:15
About the Guest:
Matthew grew up in a large, wild garden and developed a deep love of the outdoors. As he started to see more of the world, Matthew was always interested in both environmental and social issues and eventually put 2+2 together to realize that a life in organic farming combined outdoor physical work with a positive contribution to the planet. That led him to become an apprentice on Tablehurst Farm, UK in 1987. After working on many farms in many countries in many positions, Matthew ended up in Hungary in 1995. With colleagues, they set up the Open Garden Foundation (Matthew is the director) which was an organic training farm for Szent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary.
The Open Garden (Nyitott Kert) became the first CSA in Hungary, starting in 1998, and continued through various transformations for many years. Matthew has worked as a grower and practical educator in Hungary for over 25 years and in 2010 together with friends set up Zsámboki Biokert. This is a small, commercial market garden running a webshop-based box scheme with a weekly stand also at the Budapest Organic Market. The bustling small farm also works to run programs which link the countryside with the city, and works in close cooperation with Cargonomia, the Budapest-based cargo-bike degrowth movement.
Between 2016-2018 Matthew returned to England to work for Ruskin Mill Trust and set up a rooftop bio-intensive garden in the middle of Birmingham - providing food and education to young people with learning challenges. Social farming, composting, and soil health are enduring interests which offer endless opportunities to learn!
Resources:
Website - https://en.zsambokibiokert.hu/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zsamboki.biokert
What does it take to thrive as an organic, stockfree, community-interest farm?
Quite a lot, but as our guest today shows, it’s a climbable mountain. Joining us today is Iain Tolhurst of Tolhurst Organic located in south Oxfordshire, UK. Tolhurst Organic, one of the longest running organic vegetable farms in England, supplies in-season organic vegetables and fruit delivered to local neighborhoods weekly, via a neighborhood rep scenario. Almost all vegetables are harvested the day of delivery to guarantee freshness. They pride themselves on being able to grow as many of the vegetables as possible and produce at least 85% of the value on their own land. They believe that food should be as local as possible, and focus on buying from other organic farms in the area. We discuss the inner workings and methods of Iain’s uniquely thriving farming operation in this episode, so it’s certainly not one to miss!
You’ll hear:
How Tolhurst Organic began and what it’s all about 2:00
What a community interest company is about 4:33
What Iain was doing before embarking on his farming journey 7:09
What a typical week looks like on Iain’s farm 8:45
How and why Tolhurst Organic goes stockfree 13:53
How they go about managing nitrogen 21:42
What Iain does with ramiel wood 25:00
How Tolhurst Organic reduces their carbon footprint so effectively 39:45
How Iain developed the on-farm store for Tolhurst Organic 48:52
The biggest mistakes Iain sees newer farmers making 56:50
How they manage strawberries on the farm 1.00:01
What bit of encouragement Iain would give to himself as a new farmer 1.01:14
Iain’s favorite farming tool 1.02:16
Where you can find more about Iain and Tolhurst Organic 1.06:28
About the Guest:
Iain Tolhurst has been at the forefront of the UK organic farming movement for over 40 years. His 8 ha farm has won many awards, the most recent being “Soil farmer of the year”. His most recent book “Back to the Land,” a chronological compilation of many of the articles and papers that he has written during his long career, gives a fascinating account of the way his farm and business has developed with much emphasis on soil management. His earlier work, “Growing Green” co-written with Jenny Hall, has become a text book for many especially the newly emerging young people keen to get into Stockfree organic food production.
For many decades he has been delivering inspirational speeches and presentations on the farm’s organic and sustainable methods of food production. His wide knowledge and experience has made him in much demand both nationally and increasingly internationally delivering presentations and educational seminars.
The farm is a model of sustainability and produces a wide range of produce for the local community. Visitors from all over the world are able to see for themselves the various components of the Stockfree organic farm, from the green manures and diverse rotations to the woodchip composts and integration of agroforestry to the vegetable system. Iain has been able to maintain a viable and sustainable business on land which is not considered suitable for vegetable production. The integration of crops and biodiversity makes for a fascinating and durable agricultural system. He has been heard to say “The primary product of this farm is the culture of biodiversity, food production is the by-product of that.”
Resources:
Local Line - https://site.localline.ca/learn/free-tools
Website - www.tolhurstorganic.co.uk
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TolhurstOrganic
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/linsvegshed/
How can farming heal communities?
Daron Babcock, Executive Director of Bonton Farms, is our guest this week and we’ll talk about how he regenerates his community with the largest urban farm in the United States! Operating out of Bonton in Dallas, Texas, Bonton Farms is driven by the mission to restore lives, create jobs, and ignite hope in a once forgotten and neglected neighborhood with some of the most marginalized people. What started out as a garden in a small lot has grown into two fully functioning farms and the Bonton Market. They grow organic food with hope for a better tomorrow.
They also house free-range chickens, goats, turkeys, rabbits, and beehives that provide an abundance of fresh eggs, milk, and honey. Join us today to hear all about how Bonton operates and how the community benefits!
You’ll hear:
What inspired Daron to shift from a successful corporate career into farming 1:51
What the early days of Bonton Farms were like 9:45
What Daron’s farming background was before he got started in Bonton 12:42
What a typical week looks like on Bonton Farms 13:43
What products Bonton provides 15:18
About the hardest part of Daron’s farming journey 20:24
What Daron would do differently at the beginning given the opportunity to turn back time 26:30
How Bonton takes farming further than other farms 33:21
What the Director of Discipleship does on Bonton Farms 38:16
Where Bonton started selling their products 42:40
What advice Daron has for new farmers 46:05
How big the vegetable garden part of Bonton is 48:56
Where you can find out more about Daron and Bonton Farms 50:43
About the Guest:
As a young man, Daron Babcock became a successful corporate employee, living everywhere from Oklahoma to Oregon, but life events and struggles ultimately led him to Dallas, TX. After connecting with the community of Bonton through a friend, Babcock began to serve in the neighborhood. His heart broke for the marginalized and overlooked people who called Bonton home so he decided to leave his career along with his comfortable home in Frisco, Texas and moved to Bonton.
Daron leads an effort for community restoration and renewal. To date, some of those efforts have manifested into social enterprises such as Bonton Honey Company, Bonton Housing, The Market at Bonton Farms, a coffee house, farmers market, and most notably, Bonton Farms, the largest urban farm in the United States. He serves as Founder and CEO. Daron’s broad professional experience coupled with his heart for serving inner-city communities brings a fresh and innovative perspective to urban transformation and renewal.
Resources:
Website - www.bontonfarms.org
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bontonfarms
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bontonfarms/
Are you on top of the financial fitness of your farm?
For today’s episode, we speak to Michelle Patten of Patten Bookkeeping and Consulting. Michelle Patten is a lover of agriculture and business. She combines her passions through Patten Bookkeeping & Consulting, which profited in the first year and has seen growth each year since. Michelle is a certified “ranch kid” with all the childhood memories of hard work and fun to go along with it. She raises farm-to-table grass fed beef at Fighting Butte Cattle Company with her husband, Matthew. Together, they are always looking for new opportunities to utilize their shared entrepreneurial spirit. Tune in today as we discuss the unsexy yet paramount role bookkeeping and numbers play in running a thriving farm!
You’ll hear:
What led Michelle to a farm-related profession 1:21
How farmers should be doing their year end review 2:38
How farmers should deal with 1099 statements 5:29
Why you need to keep the books in order 9:24
How Michelle categorizes income reports 17:52
How often farmers should be tending to their books 20:16
How Michelle categorizes farm funding 21:43
What common questions Michelle gets asked regarding bookkeeping 27:16
What else farmers should be thinking about as they’re starting their farming business 37:55
How much cash reserve farmers should keep set aside for their business 39:28
What advice Michelle has for farmers who are frightened by the numbers 42:14
About the Guest:
Michelle Patten is a lover of agriculture and business. She combines her passions through Patten Bookkeeping & Consulting. As a six-figure earner, Michelle knows how to grow a business in a way that ensures profitability. Michelle is a certified “ranch kid” with all the childhood memories of hard work and fun to go along with it. She raises farm-to-table grass fed beef at Fighting Butte Cattle Company with her husband, Matthew. Together, they are always looking for new opportunities to utilize their shared entrepreneurial spirit.
Michelle has created a proven system to generate profitability and growth for agribusinesses. Together, Michelle and her clients collaborate to build a legacy for future generations. She has worked with farmers, ranchers and agribusiness owners throughout the United States and Canada. Michelle has been featured in several podcasts and newspapers, including Working Cows Podcast, Ag State of Mind Podcast, and the Tri-State Livestock News.
Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Accounting from Montana State University-Billings, where she graduated Cum Laude. She is a Certified QuickBooks Online Advanced ProAdvisor. She also proudly serves on the Montana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Board. Serving her community is very important to Michelle and she is actively involved in the Powder River Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture. Michelle lives on the family ranch in Montana with her husband, Matthew, two daughters, Lillian (4), Abigail (2) and son, Henry (infant).
Resources:
Website - https://pattenbookkeeping.com/, https://www.fightingbuttecattle.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pattenbookkeeping
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pattenbookkeeping/
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/michellepatten
https://www.linkedin.com/company/patten-bookkeeping-consulting
What are hydroponics and how does a hydroponic farm thrive?
Joining us today is Ethan Norvell, manager of Salad Days Produce located in Flora, Mississippi. Family owned and operated, Salad Days is a hydroponic farm that specializes in growing pesticide-free produce and is able to supply a wide variety of lettuce 365 days a year. Their specially designed re-circulating hydroponic methods save land, conserve water, eliminate agricultural runoff and chemical pesticides, and offer the benefits of efficient, high-yield, local, and year-round food production. Tune in to hear from the expert about how it’s done!
You’ll hear:
What kinds of crops Salad Days grows 1:04
Why they dropped tomatoes 2:20
What lettuce products they are offering 8:22
How Ethan got started in farming 14:42
Is hydroponic considered organic? 21:22
If Ethan utilize symbiotic insects 24:42
About their lettuce growth process 29:53
How their nutrient channels operate 39:21
What their weekly schedule looks like 43:44
How Salad Days goes about hiring 47:02
Some mistakes Ethan sees newer farmers making 49:44
How the owners ensure Ethan is a successful manager 50:54
Ethan’s favorite farming tool 53:28
How Ethan feels about the idea of starting a farm today 54:34
Where you can learn more about Ethan and Salad Days Produce 57:15
About the Guest:
Ethan Norvell is the greenhouse manager at Salad Days Produce, an 18,000 square feet hydroponic lettuce operation located in Flora, MS. Salad Days grows a variety of lettuces year round in an NFT (nutrient film technique) recirculating system. Ethan and the Salad Days team is committed to growing healthy food for Mississippi and the surrounding region.
Resources:
Local Line Home Delivery Cost Calculator - https://site.localline.ca/learn/free-tools
Website - http://saladdaysproduce.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/saladdaysproduce/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saladdaysproduce/
Have you ever considered turning your vegetable growing hobby into a full-time career?
Today we are joined by Sam McLemore of Bountiful Harvest Farms in Starkville, Mississippi. Bountiful Harvest Farms was started by Sam and his wife, Isabel, in the Spring of 2011. What started as a desire to grow vegetables for their family turned into a new career for Sam and an adventure to grow vegetables for the Starkville area. After working in the landscape business for a while, Sam decided that he wanted to grow food full-time instead of just as a hobby and Bountiful Harvest Farms was born. Tune in today to hear all about the challenges, differences, and advantages of building and maintaining a thriving farm in the deep south!
You’ll hear:
What Bountiful Harvest Farms grows 1:10
The challenges Sam faces running a farm in the deep south 3:13
The main types of pests in Mississippi 4:11
How Sam regulates nitrogen in pea crops to tame the vines 8:06
What types of soil Sam contends with down south 8:43
What varieties of sweet potatoes Sam grows 11:07
Why Sam switched to more mechanical methods for cultivation 13:08
Why you should invest in new machinery 18:10
How Sam keeps nutrients in the soil on his farm 20:47
What a typical week looks like on Bountiful Harvest Farms 24:09
The hardest part of running a farm for Sam 28:42
About Sam’s mentors throughout his farming journey 30:51
What Sam would’ve done sooner given the opportunity to go back in time 39:33
About the team at Bountiful Harvest Farms 42:21
How Sam goes about selling their vegetables 46:43
Keys to growing good hot peppers 49:53
The biggest mistakes Sam sees new farmers making 52:27
Sam’s favorite farming tool 55:56
How Sam feels about starting a farm now 58:58
Where you can find out more about Sam and Bountiful Harvest Farms 1.05:51
About the Guest:
Bountiful Harvest Farms was started by Sam and Isabel McLemore in the Spring of 2011 in Starkville, Mississippi. What started when a desire to grow vegetables for our family turned into a new career for Sam and an adventure to grow vegetables for the Starkville area.
Sam and Isabel are both Mississippi natives from Port Gibson and Oxford, respectively. Sam's grandfathers both grew food in gardens at home. Isabel grew up having a family Summer garden most years and learned to compost at an early age. They both had the makings of farming in their future but did not realize it!
Sam and Isabel met, fell in love, and graduated from Mississippi State University and have called Starkville home since.
When Sam graduated from college he took 6 months to hike the Appalachian Trail. After working in the landscape business for a while he decided that he wanted to grow food full-time instead of just as a hobby and Bountiful Harvest Farms was born!
In the first year, BHF had two neighborhood garden locations and continued to grow. In 2013 the farm needed more space and the operation was moved to one larger piece of property in Starkville. At the end of 2015 the farm moved again to the current location on Pat Station Road where it could be at a more permanent location.
Resources:
Website - https://www.bountifulharvestfarms.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-Xh3T9rFdlSvt3WqXQTLw
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bountifulharvest.farm.5
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mclemoresam/
Have you ever considered the thought that mushrooms may have a bit more to offer than just unsightly, unsettling, unwanted growths on your farm?
On this special episode, we’re discussing our upcoming Mushroom Summit. While you might think mushrooms are just weird fungus that have no place on your farm, well, I would passionately disagree! The mycological kingdom holds an integral place in our health, on our tables, and so much more. We have some amazing experts to share with the world, who will surely convince you to consider adding mushrooms to your farming operation. This 3-day Summit is 100% free to attend. You have nothing to lose and ever so much to gain, so if you can make it, you owe it to yourself to do just that!
You’ll hear:
What mushrooms do for humanity 2:37
About the Mushroom Summit is and its structure 3:40
Who’ll be speaking on day 1 at the Mushroom Summit, what they do, and what you can learn from them 6:03
Who’ll be speaking on day 2 at the Mushroom Summit, what they do, and what you can learn from them 12:06
Who’ll be speaking on day 3 at the Mushroom Summit, what they do, and what you can learn from them 25:02
Why you should attend the Growing Farmers Mushroom Summit! 34:52
About Growing Farmers and the Mushroom Summit:
Growing Farmers is led by Michael Kilpatrick, a farmer, educator, and inventor who lives in Ohio. He is the host of the top rated Thriving Farmer Podcast and Thriving Farmer Summit series which has been viewed by over 50,000 farmers. He has managed large farms and businesses, consulted for industry experts around the world, and spoken at dozens of conferences. Michael believes that anyone can farm by following the simple business and management skills that he teaches in the Small Farm University, our community for thriving farmers.
Join the largest virtual Mushroom Conference in the world. You will discover how fungi impact virtually every aspect of our lives, learn how to grow mushrooms of all types, and explore how to start a fungi focused business!
In this FREE Online Conference you'll discover:
How fungi impact virtually every aspect of our lives, and are needed now more than ever
How you can grow your own nutrient-rich mushrooms on your countertop in just a few days
How to start your very own mushroom business in a spare room, garage, or even your basement!
Resources:
Sign up for our FREE Mushroom Summit: https://www.farmsummits.com/mushroom
See my daughter, Charlotte, talk about growing mushroom when she was 4 years old HERE!
Have you ever considered taking a completely different kind of farming journey?
Adam Cohen and Jordan Jent join us today from Texas Fungus, hailing from Fort Worth and supplying all of Northern Texas. Jordan started Texas Fungus in the Fall of 2016 and now grows the most premium mushrooms in the area and beyond. The original farm began in a one-car garage and has since relocated to Arlington, TX in a 2,000 sq.ft. facility after Jordan partnered with Adam in January 2019. The farm has been expanding and thriving ever since. Join us to learn all about how they cultivate the best damn mushrooms in Texas!
You’ll hear:
How Jordan and Adam got started working with mushrooms 1:06
What makes growing mushrooms different from other crops 10:06
What a typical day at Texas Fungus looks like 11:45
How much time Jordan and Adam spend on the farm 16:41
How they prioritize important tasks 18:00
The most difficult thing they’ve encountered after starting their business 22:04
How Jordan and Adam advise learning about mushroom production to newcomers 29:38
How roles are divided on Texas Fungus 36:29
Which of their products sell best in Fort Worth and surrounding areas 50:26
What the whole growing process looks like 56:01
The biggest mistakes Adam and Jordan see newer farmers making 1.03:25
Their favorite farming tool 1.11:20
How Jordan and Adam feel about the prospect of starting a new farm today 1.15:53
Where you can learn more about Adam, Jordan, and Texas Fungus 1.19:36
What they’re currently doing with their grow kits 1.20:53
About the Guests:
Adam Cohen is a former school teacher (Math, Science, Agriculture), who spent much of the last 15 years working with hydroponics and aquaponics. Struggling to find a way to balance the time needed to be an effective teacher with the needs of running a successful farm, Adam kept looking for ways to be more efficient and to do more with less.
A chance meeting in late 2018 introduced him to Jordan Jent and the two partnered up to build Texas Fungus, a small artisan mushroom farm in the heart of the DFW Metroplex. Jent, a former Chef with a self-professed "black-thumb" had been growing mushrooms for a short time and was looking to find a way to bring a new connection to the DFW food-scene that had not existed in the area prior. Since January of 2019, Adam and Jordan have overcome a number of challenges and growing pains as they work to bring the #bestdamnmushrooms to DFW.
In the fall of 2017, Jordan Jent received a mushroom kit as a gift that didn't fruit out. About that same time, he was also looking for a way out of the 9 to 5 corporate rat race. As a former chef, he still found himself looking for ways to be connected to the local DFW food scene.
After the failed kit, Jordan stumbled upon mushroom growing and went down the rabbit hole. One year later in 2018, Jordan decided to go all-in and leave the simplicity of a 40-hour work week and good benefits for a life of mushroom farming, providing the #bestdamnmushroomsindfw to local chefs.
After partnering up with Adam Cohen in the beginning of 2019, they expanded from 5 restaurants and 50lbs per week to 30+ restaurants and 250lbs per week by the end of 2019.
Resources:
Website - www.texasfungus.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/texasfungus/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/texas_fungus/
Have you had experienced, competent, professional mentors throughout your farming journey? If not, it could make all the difference in how you run your farm!
Joining me today on this special 100th episode for the Thriving Farmer Podcast, are two of my long time personal mentors, Paul and Sandy Arnold. They are the owners and founders of Pleasant Valley Farm. Pleasant Valley is a small, family run farm. For over 30 years they have provided their community with the freshest, highest quality and tastiest vegetables, herbs and fruits grown with organic methods. They sell over 90% of their produce directly at local farmers markets and the rest to local outlets and renowned farm-to-table restaurants. Since 2007 they have supplied a full array of vegetables and herbs year-round using unheated, large high tunnels and carefully controlled root storage. They run everything like a business by focusing on efficiency, lean principles, customer driven marketing practices, constant improvements, crop research, and use of cutting edge technology. Tune in today for this very special episode to hear me speak with my mentors about all things farming!
You’ll hear:
What got Paul and Sandy into farming 2:14
How important it is for them to farm as a team 6:52
About their roles on the farm 7:53
How they managed to run their operation with lean labor for so long 11:57
How Paul and Sandy keep their team active 15:24
About the management principles at Pleasant Valley Farm 19:01
How Sandy and Paul leveraged credit cards 21:46
How Sandy and Paul manage their market sheet 27:02
How their irrigation system is set up 32:04
What their marketing policy is 36:00
About the education side of Pleasant Valley Farm 43:21
What kind of equipment they utilize on Pleasant Valley farm 49:33
Paul and Sandy’s best piece of advice for a new farmer 1.00.42
About the Guests:
After growing up in suburbia, Paul worked at a nursery/greenhouse operation in his early 20’s. At the age of 27, he traveled across the United States, became enamored with farming as he saw the many acres of fields being plowed. After visiting a farmer’s market in Michigan with a friend, he knew he wanted to be a farmer and sell at farmers’ markets. Paul came home, worked for a summer with a local farmer, then started farming on an acre in his parents’ back yard in South Glens Falls, NY in 1987. Realizing that this was his real passion in life, Paul purchased 60 acres of land in Argyle in 1988. The 60 acres of land, which overlooked a scenic valley and was just cornfields at the time, became Pleasant Valley Farm.
Sandy Olmsted grew up in many parts of the country, mostly in Maine and New York, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Botany. Sandy has always had a passion for traveling, and has been in every U.S. state as well as more than 20 countries around the world. She worked in management at garden centers and development businesses prior to marrying Paul in 1991 in Argyle, NY.
While Sandy and Paul established Pleasant Valley Farm, they lived in a pop-up camper for two summers before building their house on their land. The farm buildings began as historic barns with slate roofs which they took down at a nearby farm and put back up at Pleasant Valley Farm. All infrastructure, including electricity, water, sewer, propane, and other farm buildings came over time, with the work done by Paul, Sandy and Paul’s Dad, Bion.
In 1992, Robert was born in November, and three years later, on Christmas Day in 1995, Kim was born. For many years, Sandy and Paul juggled being full-time farmers, parents, and they home-schooled their children until both children went off to college. Kim and Robert from a very early age, worked many hours each week, helping to make Pleasant Valley Farm a very successful family farm, with Paul’s parents being key partners as well since they lived 20 minutes away.
Since 1992, Pleasant Valley Farm has given the Arnold’s their sole source of income through selling at local farmers’ markets and a few wholesale accounts (restaurants, caterers, and stores). In 2006, they began winter production in high tunnels, which has had a huge impact in the northeast for marketing year-round and increasing profits for farmers.
Resources:
Website - http://pvfproduce.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pvfproduce
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pvfproduce/
What career path should you consider if you’re passionate about bringing high quality nutritious meals to your community’s tables and creating a quality-rich environment for animal livelihood?
Joining us today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast is Luke Groce of Groce Family Farm. Luke started Groce Family Farm near Louisville, KY soon after he got married to Katherine in 2009. In their first four years of farming, they focussed on chemical free vegetables. They soon came to believe that their farm should mimic nature's rhythms more and more. In 2014, they started raising pastured pork, and in 2015, bought their new farm in Crawford County, IN. Today they offer forest raised pork, open-pasture chicken duck and turkey, and 100% grass-fed lamb and beef through their meat CSA and at farmers markets in the Louisville and Southern Indiana areas. They work with restaurants and grocers and sell vegetables sometimes as well.
Tune in today to hear all about Luke’s unique operation and how he keeps it thriving!
You’ll hear:
How Luke got his start in farming 1:06
How the animals are raised on Groce Family Farm 2:32
How and when their turkeys are processed 8:11
What a typical week looks like on Groce Family Farm 9:45
What systems are in place to keep them organized 11:15
The hardest part about being a farmer for Luke 16:22
Who Luke’s mentors were throughout his farming journey 19:46
What systems Luke would go back and change on his farm if he could 22:22
How luke manages his team on the farm 28:02
How Luke managed to take time off after having his child 30:20
How Luke finds the right people to hire 34:37
How Luke goes about getting new customers 36:42
What mistakes Luke sees beginning farmers making 38:10
Luke’s favorite farming tool 41:42
Where you can find out more about Luke and Groce Family Farm 43:23
About the Guest:
Luke Groce and his wife, Katherine Groce, operate Groce Family Farm in Riddle, Indiana. They farm full-time, producing six species of animals for meat on pasture: chickens, pigs, ducks, turkeys, lamb, and cattle. Their products are offered locally through a meat CSA, wholesale accounts, and farmers markets.
Beyond thinking, speaking, and sharing about ecology, business, marketing, and efficient farm management, Luke and Katherine spend their time raising five children. Luke is also the host of The Pasture Raised Podcast.
Resources:
Website - https://grocefamilyfarm.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GroceFamilyFarm/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/grocefamilyfarm/
How do experienced farmers go about building the most healthy, fertile soil possible to yield the highest quality and quantity produce?
Joining us on today’s podcast is Casey Ostwinch of Honey Tree Farm, a Certified Naturally Grown, four-season bio-intensive market garden located in Conover, North Carolina. Casey and his wife Tori use human scale techniques that allow them to focus on building healthy soil that will yield fresh, local, quality produce. Casey first started in landscaping while in high school, decided to stay in the field upon graduating, and went to a horticulture/landscape design program in college. He spent 10 years working in the field...and in tree nurseries where he found his passion. He has since honed this passion into a fine art. Tune in today to hear all about his farm and his secrets to keeping it thriving!
You’ll hear:
An overview of Honey Tree Farm 1:25
What prompted Casey to become a full time farmer 5:03
What a typical week on Honey Tree Farm looks like 6:49
How Casey’s schedule accommodates completing all important farming tasks 9:28
What specific systems are in place to ensure these tasks get done 10:44
The hardest part about being a farmer for Casey 13:37
Who Casey’s mentors were throughout his farming journey 17:17
What techniques Casey employs with his deep mulch nursery 18:12
What systems Casey would have put into place sooner given the opportunity to do so 23:18
What the content/goal of Casey’s Youtube channel is 25:45
How roles are divided on Honey Tree Farm 32:51
How Honey Tree Farm sets and achieves their marketing goals 35:07
How Casey reaches out to and onboards new clients 38:05
How Casey sets up the volunteers that he works with 41:09
How Casey goes approaches marketing for the farm 46:10
How Honey Tree arranges their farmers market stand in order to maximize sales 47:14
Casey’s advice for beginning farmers 50:44
Casey’s favorite farming tool 53:10
Where you can find out more about Casey and Honey Tree Farm 59:04
About the Guest:
Honey Tree Farm, owned and operated by Casey and Tori Ostwinch, is a Certified Naturally Grown, four-season bio-intensive market garden located in Conover, North Carolina. They use human scale techniques that allow them to focus on building healthy soil that will yield fresh, local, quality produce.
Casey studied horticulture in college, landscaped for 10 years, was an arborist climber and PHC technician for 3 years, has done market gardening for 3 years, and in between all that, participated in 6 years of Air National Guard service as a heavy equipment operator.
Tori Ostwinch has her Masters degree in accounting, is a CrossFit coach, and has extensive work experience with corporate data/analytics. She has been doing market gardening for 2 years and has worked diligently to get Honey Tree Farm up and running on the business side.
Resources:
Website - http://honeytreefarmnc.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/honeytreefarmnc
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/honeytreefarmnc/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLISaSngcUoNLle5IF2lyyw
Can you run an animal-based farm and simultaneously be passionate about animal welfare?
Our guest today proves that those two things aren’t a direct conflict of interests. Marissa Paykos of Hardeeville, South Carolina joins us today to tell us all about her farming operation, Whippoorwill Farms. Whippoorwill is a small farm with plans on making a BIG impact! It’s a 40 acre raw plot of land turned into a family farm offering premium fresh butchered chicken, rabbit, and pork as well as fresh eggs and seasonal veggies. Marissa and her husband, James, take great pride in providing a humane environment for the animals on their farm. They are given the opportunity to live their best life and the living conditions there are far above the standard of what most animals experience. Tune in to find out how she built her farm and how she maintains her humane animal farm operation!
You’ll hear:
An overview of Whippoorwill Farms 1:01
How Marissa found a processor for the rabbit side of the farm 2:36
The layout of Whippoorwill Farms 3:42
About Marissa’s professional background prior to farming and what the transition was like 7:41
How Marissa handled the financial aspect of the farm’s growth 11:18
How Whippoorwill incorporates biochar into their operation 14:26
How Whippoorwill prioritizes important tasks 19:09
What is the hardest part of running the farm is for Marissa 21:40
Who Marissa’s mentors were throughout her farming journey 24:41
How Marissa approaches farm tours 34:17
What Marissa would change in the early stages of her farm 36:22
Who Johnny is and what his role is on the farm 38:25
How Marissa divides roles on the farm 42:49
Where Whippoorwill Farms focuses their marketing efforts 50:11
About farm stays at Whippoorwill 56:19
The story behind their pay-what-you-can produce stand 1.07:01
The biggest mistakes Marissa sees newer farmers making 1.17:12
What kinds of goats are being bred on the farm 1.20:18
Marissa’s favorite farm tool 1.21:35
Where you can find out more about Marissa and Whippoorwill Farms 1.23:46
About the Guest:
Marissa Paykos is a first generation farmer in the lowcountry of South Carolina who focuses on land management and regeneration through the use of heritage breed livestock and permaculture on her 40 acre biodiverse farm. With a focus on her community and the environment, Marissa has been changing the game and inspiring many since her start.
Marissa farms full time, with her 5 year old sidekick daughter Ellie, who has been by her side or on her back since the farm's inception just 5 short years ago. Marissa also freelances as a website developer and social media manager, as well as helps manage a local weekly farmers market. Marissa’s husband works an off-farm conventional job and has let Marissa take the reins and fully grow her dreams as he cheers from the side.
Inspired by the desire to provide a better life for her soon to be born baby, husband, and herself, Marissa and her husband purchased their first piece of raw land of just 2 acres in 2015 that they farmed sustainably. After 2 years of working to build up infrastructure and homestead for themselves they moved to publicly selling in Fall of 2018. After 1 year of selling publicly, in late 2019, they took a leap to grow the business and purchased their new piece of fully overgrown, forests to regenerate.
Resources:
Website - www.whippoorwillfarmssc.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwfsc
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whippoorwillfarmssc/
Ever wondered what it’s like to run a farm in extreme climates?
Hailing from Alaska, Allie Barker of Chugach Farm joins us for today’s episode. Chugach Farm’s mission is to support biological and soil health by nurturing plants and animals to provide an abundance of nutrient-dense food, empower the community to re-connect to local food systems, enable personal health and wellness through herbal medicine, food as medicine and energy-efficiency, adopt food storage methods that maintain years of food without consuming fossil fuel, and to develop energy-efficient farming methods and tool hacks as a model for others to live luxuriously with less. As lofty a mission as this is, Allie tackles them head on with gusto! Growing up as part of a passionate outdoorsy family, responsibility and discipline came early in life and has continuously developed ever since...and it certainly shows on the farm! Tune in to find out all about Chugach Farm’s complex operations and how they stay thriving in their atypical climate!
You’ll hear:
An overview of Chugach Farm’s operations 2:13
About the impact of having 20 hours of daylight in the Summer and cold dark Winters on the farm 3:40
How Allie handles the heavy summer workload 7:41
Which vegetables work best in the short/cold season 9:07
How their crops and ferments are sold 11:45
What the ferment development process looks like 12:42
About the state of local food in Alaska 15:52
What the scope of the animal side of the Chugach operation looks like 21:02
How Allie manages the numerous tasks on the farm 27:54
About the hardest thing Allie had to do while building Chugach Farm 29:57
Who Allie’s mentors were throughout her farming journey 35:51
How Allie runs the fan systems for her greenhouses 35:45
What Allie would go back and change at the beginning of her farming operation 36:11
How Allie manages labor on the farm 38:15
Where Chugach Farm sells their products 40:42
About the transplants side of Chugach Farm 44:52
How Allie maintained her customer base when moving to online sales 46:36
The biggest mistakes Allie sees newer farmers making 48:12
What newer farmers should avoid during their first year of farming 49:00
Allie’s favorite farming tool 51:10
How Allie feels about starting a farm today 53:29
Where you can find out more about Allie and Chugach Farm 54:26
What Allie uses as a food preservation system 55:03
About the Guest:
Allie spent her early years in Ohio on her parent’s farm shoveling manure, playing in the dirt, and observing her mother put-up more tomatoes than anyone could eat in a lifetime. These formative years were not easy to wash off and helped to nurture her intuitive passion for self-sufficiency.
Growing up as part of a passionate outdoorsy family, responsibility and discipline came at an early age. Her commitment to athletic pursuits, combined with an incredibly positive father as a role model, gave her the determination and courage to follow her dreams.
At 18 years of age, Allie migrated to Alaska to attempt a winter ascent of Mt. Marcus Baker. She found more than mountains to climb. In addition to endless epic mountains she saw the potential to build a homestead, grow food, and live off-grid.
Knowing she would soon return to Alaska permanently, Allie finished up her Bachelor of Arts Degree majored in sustainable agriculture, herbal medicine, alternative energy and sustainable architecture at Evergreen State College.
Most of Allie’s adult life has been spent in the outdoors as a mountain guide, avalanche forecaster, and homesteader. She naturally settled in the quiet town of Chickaloon nested between the beautiful Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains, nurtured by the rapids of the Matanuska and Chickaloon Rivers, located at the end of a beaten path deep in the heart of the Matanuska Valley, Alaska.
After meeting her husband on a 40-day mountaineering trip on the Nelchina and Matanuska Glaciers, she convinced him to stay and be part of the adventure.
Since purchasing land in Alaska in 2002, Allie and Jed have put their hearts, souls, blood and a few tears into creating a small scale, off-grid homestead and farm. In 2010, with Jed’s encouragement, Allie began to lead the charge in farming after deciding to produce on a different scale and committing to farming, nutrition, making ferments, and putting up food “full time.”
Having been diagnosed with celiac disease in her mid-20’s, Allie was motivated to commit to a 100% local and nutrient dense diet of wild game, farm raised meat, good local fat, ferments, root veggies, raw goat milk, and eggs. She is proud of not having to rely on the grocery store for over 14 years and feels better than ever, never looking back.
Allie melds her education, strong work ethic, love for the soil, and passion for herbal medicine and a nutrient-dense diet, into a full-time farm-life obsession.
Chugach Farm has been in full operation since 2010, selling their goods at farmer’s markets, restaurants, on and off CSAs, CSF, local customers, and now direct marketing through the NEW Chugach Farm online store.
Resources:
Website - https://www.chugachfarm.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/chugachfarm/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chugachfarm/
Located on just shy of 10 acres in Kaneville, Illinois, the Conley family has been an integral part of the community for generations. Sarah Conley, the owner and operator at Conley Farms Inc, is passionate about growing the best possible garlic products with integrity and hard work. She dedicated her farming journey to mastery of the single crop she deals in, and boy does it show! She is a retired police officer who currently works as a firefighter/EMT. Conley Farms Inc. sells prepared garlic-centric foods out of their drive-through window and prides themselves on their locally famous garlic grilled cheese sandwich. Join us today to learn all about how Sarah and her farm keep her community healthy and vampire free!
You’ll hear:
How Sarah got started in farming 1:21
How Sarah learned to grow garlic 4:31
What equipment Conley Farms uses on their farm 8:03
What time of year they plant their garlic crops 9:44
How Sarah ensures her garlic beds are fertile 11:56
When Sarah pulls her garlic scapes 15:54
How Conley Farms started the ready-to- eat/drive-through side of their farm 17:42
How Sarah is advertising the ready-to-eat foods at her farm 20:46
Why Sarah was initially averse to using social media 21:40
How Sarah makes sure all the vital tasks on the farm are prioritized 24:15
The hardest thing for Sarah about starting Conley Farms 25:26
How many cloves Sarah planted in the first year 26:18
What Sarah would do differently in her first year in garlic farming 28:29
How Sarah promotes the farm 32:40
What Sarah thinks is the biggest mistake newer farmers typically make 35:16
Sarah’s favorite farming tool 36:00
How Sarah’s nonprofit got started 37:45
How Sarah feels about starting a farm today 42:02
Where you can find out more about Sarah and Conley Farms Inc. 46:25
About the Guest:
Sarah is a retired police officer and current volunteer firefighter/EMT who loves to keep the town vampire free with her small organic garlic farm in northern Illinois. Run by Sarah, her wife, three kids, and mother, they grow several varieties of hardneck garlic and pride themselves in creating the first Garlic Grilled Cheese and Cheesy Garlic Bread farm drive-thru! When they’re not serving up their bodacious garlic, they're running their not-for-profit, Harvesting Hope Project, that provides a safe place for vets and first responders to find hope and healing while battling PTSD, addiction, depression, and anxiety.
Resources:
Website - conleyfarmskaneville.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/conleyfarmsinc, https://www.facebook.com/harvesthopeproject
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/conleyfarmsinc/
What do you get when you merge two of the most riveting and educational farming podcasts out there?
Well, a riveting and educational duel podcast, of course! On today’s episode we’re switching gears a little bit. The Thriving Farmer Podcast and the Farm to Table Talk Podcast sit at the same table today to pick each other’s brains. Farm To Table Talk, hosted by Rodger Wasson, is a virtual table for conversations about ideas, insights, and journeys of chefs, farmers, policymakers, researchers, NGOs, and the food-focused public about our food and how it is grown, prepared, and shared throughout society. I am honored to be on the other side of the table from Rodger as we interview each other on various fascinating and informative farming topics!
You’ll hear:
What Michel does with his operation and what the Thriving Farmer Podcast is all about 1:22
Where Michael’s and Rodger’s farming journeys diverge 2:57
About Rodger’s experience working with farming associations, counsels, and boards 5:58
How much water is used when growing almonds 8:08
What Rodger does to elevate local farm products 10:55
About the range of experience of the farmers Michael works with 13:14
The difference between a farmer and a grower 18:05
How Rodger and Michael define a farm/farmer 22:32
How Michael goes about getting his clients into farming and reminding them that they need to turn a healthy profit 31:52
How farmers survive on less acreage than they did 50 years ago 37:03
About the Guest:
Rodger Wasson is the host of the Farm To Table Talk Podcast. Rodger and his Son/Partner Alec Wasson own Idea Farming, a food and agriculture consultancy based in Sacramento CA. Raised on a Livestock farm in Central Illinois, since graduating from Illinois State University Rodger has managed State, National, and International farmer organizations producing beef, pork, lamb, wool, potatoes, tomatoes, almonds, pistachios, and strawberries.
Resources:
Websites - www.farmtotabletalk.com, www.thrivingfarmerpodcast.com
Have you ever thought about dropping your current vocation and selling your possessions to start fresh and start a farm?
That notion certainly crossed the mind of our guest today! Joining us today is Mike “The Fit Farmer” Dickson, former natural bodybuilder and personal trainer turned farmer/homesteader. Mike and his wife Lacie sold almost everything they owned, left their 2600 sq ft house in the city, and started a new life in a 700 sq ft YURT in the country. They (and their three children) run a market garden on their homestead in North Carolina. Mike and Lacie are both passionate about living a healthy sustainable lifestyle, not just in taking care of the Earth, but also by sustaining their bodies with healthful foods, and sustaining their relationships with each other. As a mixed race farmer, Mike has a view on racism that contradicts the narrative currently being pushed by the media - Unity over divisiveness - a view he feels more people need to embrace. Join us as we discuss that as well as how Mike runs his farm, Youtube channel, and all aspects of his operation!
You’ll hear:
Where Mike was and what he was doing before he became a farmer/homesteader 1:38
What Mike’s initial plans were for the property 7:32
About the main income streams from Mike’s farm right now 9:46
What a typical week on Mike’s farm looks like 10:55
What Mike offers in the CSA 15:12
How Mike’s reason/vision for his farm has changed 15:44
About the hardest thing Mike has done as a farmer 17:07
Who Mike’s mentors throughout his farming journey were 19:21
What systems Mike would put into place on his farm earlier given the opportunity to start over 20:32
How Mike divides roles on his farm 25:27
What kind of Youtube channel Mike runs 27:42
How Mike approaches the issue of racism 31:53
What went down with Mike’s trip to Polyface Farm 35:24
How society should better approach the issue of racism 43:54
The biggest mistake Mike sees newer farmers making 48:03
What advice would Mike give himself as a new farmer 52:42
Mike’s favorite farming tool 53:46
What Mike thinks about the prospect of starting a farm now 54:34
Where you can learn more about Mike, his work, and his farm 56:14
About the Guest:
Known on YouTube as the Fit Farmer, Mike is a former professional natural (drug free) bodybuilder, personal fitness trainer, and nutritional coach turned farmer/homesteader. When he and his wife Lacie discovered the sad truth about our modern food system, they were inspired to begin growing food for themselves and their children right where they lived in the city.
Mike explained that prior to this “I had never grown anything in my life, and when I grew something from seed to harvest it felt so empowering and I just wanted to grow more and more”.
Yet as their aspirations for growing more continued they were faced with city ordinances that hindered their urban homesteading goals. So this is when they decided to leave the city. Next they sold their house, furniture and all their possessions, bought a yurt and moved to the country to start a homestead. Today, years later, their homestead produces food for their family and many of the farm customers they serve. Follow along with Mike and his family’s adventures on YouTube, where they strive to inspire, and educate others about living a healthy more connected lifestyle.
Resources:
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/BigPondFarm
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mikethefitfarmer
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_fit_farmer_/
It’s Winter. You run a farm. How do you most efficiently extend your growing season?
Winter farming has historically proposed many challenges. Oftentimes, Winter has meant it’s time to “hunker down and weather the storm” until more bountiful climates return. However, it doesn’t have to be a time to run, hide, and hope for the best. Many farmers have adopted practices that allow them to thrive year-round. You, too, can adopt a model for your farm that prolongs your season of prosperity, every single year! In this special solocast, Michael Kilpatrick discusses proven techniques, systems, and structures conducive to bountiful Winters, which he’s learned and honed through experience, so you don’t have to! If you’re looking to expand your farm’s annual cycle, stick around as he talks all about climate versatility for farms!
You’ll hear:
About structures which assist a bountiful winter season 3:59
How you can properly manage snow 7:17
When you should do your planting and how you can keep track of it all 9:22
How to go about crop steering 12:18
How to ensure you have the best soil for the season 16:05
How to manage weeds during this process 19:19
How to optimally utilize space 24:05
How to maintain your crops 32:46
How to manage pests 35:58
How to go about watering in your tunnels 44:27
What you should be observing as far as growth rates 48:43
About Michael Kilpatrick:
Growing Farmers is led by Michael Kilpatrick, a farmer, educator, and inventor who lives in Ohio. He is the host of the top rated Thriving Farmer Podcast and the Thriving Farmer Summit series which has been viewed by over 50,000 farmers. He has managed large farms and businesses, consulted for industry experts around the world, and spoken at dozens of conferences. Michael believes that anyone can farm by following the simple business and management skills that he teaches in the Small Farm University, our community for thriving farmers.
Resources:
Ebook - https://growingfarmers.com/wintergrowingebook
Website - https://growingfarmers.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael, https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfarmbusiness/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers/, https://www.instagram.com/farmoncentral/
Where should farmers turn when they seek to nail down long-term economic stability?
If you are worried about the long view of your farm during these uncertain times, have we got a show for you! Today, we’re joined by Simon Huntley and Neil Stauffer of Harvie. Simon is founder and CEO of Harvie and Neil manages Harvie Farms Pittsburgh. Harvie helps farmers connect to their local market and grow sales with a technology platform that makes it easy and convenient for consumers to buy from their local farmer, while not driving the farmer crazy with logistics. Harvie Farms sees increased sales, retention rates, and profitability while having the assistance of Harvie's customer support team for farmer and customer questions, marketing support, and much more. Check out this episode to find out what Harvie can do to help you and your farm establish some of that sweet, sweet staying power!
You’ll hear:
What Harvie is all about 1:50
About the problem Small Farm Central aimed to solve for farmers 3:42
Why the CSA model is appealing 5:22
What the drawbacks of the CSA model are 6:52
How the Harvie business model works 7:34
What business model shifts Harvie took during the pandemic 11:22
About Harvie’s marketing approach 17:48
What range of products they offer 22:05
What prompted Simon to write Cultivating Customers 23:54
Some common marketing mistakes farmers make 25:18
How Harvie aims to duplicate their model for all their farms across the country 27:56
How Harvie goes about packaging 30:13
What the process looks like after signing up 33:30
How Harvie prepares to tackle individual marketplaces 43:23
Simon and Neil’s advice for newer farmers who are struggling to grow their farm 48:15
About the Guest:
Simon grew up on a farm in southwestern Pennsylvania before pursuing a degree in Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University. After college, Simon helped a Western Colorado fruit farmer expand his operation to include vegetable production and a CSA / farm share program. The project grew to serve five area farmers markets and a 130-member CSA.
Combining his passion for agriculture and technology, he started Small Farm Central in 2006 which now has morphed into Harvie. His goal, and the goal of Harvie, is to help more local farmers become more economically sustainable so they can support their families, take care of their land, treat their employees well and thrive on their farms and in their lives.
Simon has become a thought-leader in the field of local farm marketing. His writing is archived on the Harvie blog, for example CSA: We Have a Path Forward and Local Food Goes Mainstream He has spoken at many farming conferences on topics around marketing local farms. In 2016, he wrote Cultivating Customers: A Farmers Guide to Online Marketing.
Outside of Harvie, Simon is kept active by his two sons, Eliot (age 8) and Theo (age 4). He makes a mean sauerkraut, loves riding his bike to work on Pittsburgh’s North Side, and imagines a world where local food is on everyone’s table.
Neil Stauffer is a seasoned veteran of farming and local food distribution. He was the first general manager of Penns Corner Farm Alliance in Pittsburgh, PA which was an alliance of 30 farms across southwestern Pennsylvania. He has worked as a farmer on multiple farms over the years. He brings his deep experience of distribution and connections to local food producers across the region to his current role as general manager of Harvie Farms Pittsburgh.
Resources:
Website - www.harvie.farm
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/harviefarms/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harviefarms/
Who’s the most active, passionate, health-conscious farmer and herbalist in Virginia?
Jean Howard, co-owner and operator of CA & J Farm, is among the most eclectically active individuals we’ve yet come across in the farming community, and she’s far removed from any signs of slowing down. Jean is an avid health enthusiast that even the most seasoned health expert could learn a thing or fifty from. Jean loves to share the immense knowledge she has gathered throughout her journey in hopes of giving others the wellness and peace she’s found. Join us today and discover how she lives a healthy, medication-free, pain-free life...and how you can do the same!
You’ll hear:
What Jean’s extensive operation is all about 0:59
How Jean approaches marketing 16:56
Why it’s important to be mindful and regularly think about and act of de-stressing and how Jean goes about it herself 27:04
How Jean helps people get healthy 37:47
What social media platform Jean uses for promotions and engagement 42:47
What Jean would do differently given the chance to start over 43:56
How Jean goes about finding good help 47:43
How she divides roles on the farm 48:52
What methods Jean uses to promote CA & J Farm 50:02
About the horticulture side of CA & J Farm 53:33
The biggest mistake Jean sees newer farmers making 56:05
What Jean’s favorite farming tool is 58:31
If Jean believes now is the best time to start a farm 59:19
Where you can find out more about Jean and CA & J Farm 1.00:04
About the Guest:
Jean Howard is a trained community herbalist, drum circle facilitator, and musician sharing natural wellness education through music and programs on farm, off farm, and virtually. Her farm is an off-grid capable solar, educational, medicinal herb, and organic egg farm, with a yellow barn healthy life store where she sells bulk herbs, herbal products, chicken & duck eggs, teas, organic cleaning and beauty products, coffee, medicine making supplies, essential oils, Earth Clothes, and more! Their mission statement: Sharing natural wellness education, healing music, and positive vibes anyway they can!
Resources:
Website - www.cajfarm.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lifeclosetonature/, https://www.facebook.com/cajfarm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cajfarm/
How do you create a farm that focuses on efficiency and quality?
We’re joined today by Collin Thompson, of Willowsford Farm in Ashburn, Virginia. Willowsford’s mission is to grow both food and community, connecting families in NoVa directly to their food source. Originally from the fertile land of northeastern Iowa, agriculture has always been a passion of Collin’s. Though he wasn’t raised on a farm, he has spent over a decade refining his production and management skills on a variety of farm operations. Before Willowsford, Collin built and managed a diversified organic vegetable farm in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he tested the limits of organic vegetable production in extreme northern climates and learned to farm in areas with short growing seasons, cold winters, and substantial snowfall. Join us today to learn all about Willowsford Farm’s operations and Collin’s unique farming journey!
You’ll hear:
What Willowsford Farm does 1:10
About the financial structure of Willowsford Farm 4:48
About Collin’s background in the farming community 8:03
What kind of soil is found on Willowsford Farm 15:58
What kind of equipment is used on the farm 16:42
What their irrigation setup looks like 24:33
About the advantages row cover winders bring to their operation 26:33
How harvesting with a conveyor working for Willowsford 29:59
About cover crop crimping for strip tillage 33:35
What kinds of livestock Willowsford deals with 41:18
How they manage mites 48:26
How Collin makes sure vital tasks are managed day to day 49:24
The hardest thing Collin has done as a farmer 52:28
Who Collin’s mentors were throughout his farming journey 55:34
How Collin divides roles on the farm 1.04:37
How Collin finds good help 1.07:59
How Willowsford Farm approaches marketing 1.10:43
The biggest mistake Collin sees new farmers making 1.16:50
What Collin feels new farmers should avoid during their first year 1.20:40
About Collin’s favorite farming tool 1:32:13
Why starting a farm now is (or isn’t) the way to go 1.33:01
Where you can learn more about Collin and Willowsford Farm 1.34:06
About the Guest:
Collin is the farm manager of Willowsford Farm, a diversified farm that is the heart of the Willowsford Agrihood in northern Virginia. With his team, he raises 20 acres of certified organic produce, heritage pork, and pastured eggs for a CSA program, an on-site farmstand, and local wholesale partners.
He has worked in agriculture for a decade - as a farmer, educator, researcher, and builder - fine tuning his production skills, while also gaining perspective on the local and regional food movement and how it fits into the larger agricultural landscape.
Resources:
Website - www.willowsfordfarm.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willowsfordfarm/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/willowsfordfarm/
Who are the faces behind Hälsa Foods and how are they revolutionizing the way oats are used?
Today we are joined by Mika and Helena from natural plant-based food company Hälsa. Mika and Helena’s goal is to change how plant-based food is grown and manufactured. Their technology revolutionizes the way plant-based foods are made: without a single artificial ingredient, drastically reducing cost and waste. Their farm initiative helps U.S. dairy farmers diversify to growing premium organic oats for Hälsa the Scandinavian way— with a zero water footprint. Hälsa has created a better, healthier way, a simple process that keeps all the beneficial nutrients of whole grain oats intact. Nothing is removed and nothing artificial is added. Join us today to hear all about how they do it!
You’ll hear:
Who Mika and Helena are and what Hälsa is all about 1:04
Why Hälsa began importing oat milk into the US 4:14
About the hardest part of starting their business 5:15
Why oat milk requires more water than other milk products 7:41
Where they are sourcing their oats from and why they aim to change that 8:43
Who Mika and Helena’s mentors were in their farming journey 10:25
The background of Oatgurt 14:51
The process behind making Oatgurt 16:37
Why they chose the name Hälsa for their business 26:39
How Halsa’s product is different than other plant-based products 27:02
How Halsa is set up as a business 29:03
How Halsa goes about hiring good help 32:49
Where Helena and Mika focus their marketing efforts 39:19
What the oat growing process looks like 44:28
How organic oat varieties in Scandinavia are different from the ones in the US 47:26
What type of soil is most conducive to healthy oat crops 50:27
How much land is ideal to start growing oats 54:35
About Helena and Mika’s favorite farming/gardening tool 57:08
Where you can learn more about Mika, Helena, and Hälsa 1.02:10
About the Guests:
Mika & Helena of Hälsa Foods, the first 100% clean plant-based platform have introduced their first product on the market, Organic Oatgurt, with more to be launched in the future. Clean label, clean ingredients, clean process, clean everything.
Hälsa has also started a program to help struggling dairy farmers have a future in plant-based food by teaching them how to grow organic oats the Scandinavian way, with a zero water footprint.
Resources:
Website - https://halsafoods.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HalsaOrganicPlantBased
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/halsafoods/
How should a farmer go about increasing awareness of their business in this digital age?
Today we’re taking the show in a bit of a different direction by delving into the world of digital marketing, the likes of which we and many of our fellow farmers utilize in order to truly thrive in today’s world. Our guest today, Rachel Miller, is a serial online entrepreneur and a mother of six. She began as a mom blogger and went on to build something much bigger. She’s a published author of multiple books, including a best seller that has sold more than 100,000 copies! She’s been featured on Good Morning America as well as national magazines. In 2017, she began teaching others how to craft their own viral content and she’s helped thousands of businesses grow engagement. With her help, her clients have had their content in front of more than 10 million people. Join us today to learn how to exponentially increase awareness of your business!
You’ll hear:
How Rachel brings business posts to millions of people 1:02
How Rachel got into online marketing 2:19
Why we want to grow our audience 4:39
The most productive way to use your personal Facebook profile 8:28
What kinds of stories you should be telling on social media 12:45
What Rachel’s algorithm is, and what it wants 15:27
What kinds of content Rachel utilizes with the algorithm 17:16
What Rachel means when she refers to a “bumper sticker” 18:43
How you can breathe new life into dead pages 20:58
Why a follow chain is not the best tactic to use 26:32
About the specific ratios you’d like to see in sales posts 29:09
How Rachel goes about converting followers to buyers 32:14
The difference between a Facebook page and a Facebook group 34:25
The hardest thing Rachel has done as an entrepreneur 36:27
What Rachael wishes she had done sooner as an entrepreneur 39:14
How Rachel goes about hiring 41:23
Why small business owners/entrepreneurs are so important today 42:59
Where you can find out more about Rachel and Moolah Marketing 45:30
The scoop on Rachel’s challenge “100 Perfect People” 46:25
About the Guest -
After helping 45 people bring single posts from their business pages to more than 10,000,000 people each, without a massive ad budget, Rachel Miller has become a sought after strategist.
Businesses she has helped have been able to go from obscurity to household brands.
Rachel began as a blogger before getting hooked on “collecting people” and building audiences. She has built multiple websites in different niches that were able to garner over 50,000,000 pageviews each. She has authored multiple books, selling over 200,000 copies, spoken at numerous conferences, and has assisted in crafting organic social strategies for Fortune 500 companies, TV shows, as well as everyone from stay-at-home parents working a side hustle to local brick and mortar shops. When she isn’t geeking out about Facebook and organic social strategies, you can find her watching Harry Potter with her six kids.
Resources:
Websites - 100 perfect people challenge , Rachel’s Free Facebook Group, Rachel’s Course on Growing Your Audience
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/moolahMarketer/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rachelmillermarketing/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/Rasilla24
How can farms, ranches, and other producers of food products utilize multimedia to showcase their goods?
Lori Rice, our guest on this bonus episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, not only provides professional photography and writing services to food and drink brands, but educates and inspires artisanal food and beverage entrepreneurs, growers, and other creatives who hope to style and shoot their own food and product photos through her CreatingYOU family of online courses and trainings. This episode is an absolute must-hear for farmers, photographers, food producers, and foodies alike!
You’ll hear:
About the specifics of Lori’s profession? 2:14
Why it’s important for farmers to have quality photos 4:48
Why lighting is so important and how you can manipulate it to optimize your photos 7:03
How to choose your “hero” 13:00
What the rule of thirds is and how you can apply it 15:01
What Lori has picked up in her years of shooting produce in particular 17:31
How to take a great shot with a smartphone 21:22
What time of day is best to capture quality photos 22:51
Tips for a quality CSA box shoot 24:29
Whether or not it’s better to take pictures all the time or specifically choose blocks of time to capture photos 26:02
When it’s time to hire someone to do the capturing 26:50
Where you can find Lori online 29:33
About the Guest:
Lori Rice is the founder, Fake Food Free Productions. She is a food photographer, stylist, and writer providing creative content for food brands, agriculture organizations, and publishing companies. Her CreatingYOU® family of online courses and workshops helps food makers, entrepreneurs, and creatives style and shoot better food and product photos to market their brands and businesses.
She splits her time between California's Central Valley and the Central Coast while also available for travel projects both in the U.S. and abroad.
Lori's degrees are focused in nutritional and exercise sciences and her career began in academia-based Cooperative Extension and Public Health education. She has a passion for helping people who are creating a better system for the foods we eat and the goods we buy. Her photography helps brands bring their processes and products to life to better connect with consumers. She also continues to write for print and web publications covering topics such as craft beer and ciders, food, and agriculture.
She is an avid traveler having visited over 20 countries and lived in Southern Brazil. She is the author and photographer of the books, Food on Tap: Cooking with Craft Beer and Beer Bread, both published with The Countryman Press.
Resources:
Podcast recording with video presentation from Lori- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ccSJWMNluifXwP1Jy-TwQgDY86RKkVYl/view?usp=sharing
Website - https://www.loririce.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fakefoodfree
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lori_rice/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/loririce1/
Should you consider a career in farming if you are in an urban setting?
Our guest on this week’s Thriving Farmer Podcast thinks you should! Andy Chae of Fisheye Farms in Detroit, Michigan grows sustainably-raised produce, herbs, and flowers in a farm-to-chef business for restaurants and markets in the Detroit area. Andy became enamored with urban agriculture and the opportunity it presents to positively impact the world. He pursued volunteer and apprenticeship opportunities throughout his studies, and after graduating, traveled to Brazil to work on an organic farm before starting Fisheye Farms. Join us today to hear all about Andy’s unique farming journey and mission!
You’ll hear:
What Fisheye Farms is all about 1:03
About the mission of the urban farm in Chicago Andy was involved with 4:54
What Andy’s experience was like working with kids on the farm 6:24
What a typical week looks like on Fisheye Farms 8:57
How felt pots are working out for Andy on his farm 13:10
What kind of equipment Andy uses on the farm 15:12
Why Andy uses fire hoses as a weight system for row covers 18:39
What kind of infrastructure makes up Fisheye Farms 22:44
What systems Fisheye Farms has in place to make sure vital tasks get done 26:50
What Fisheye Farms uses for seed storage 30:44
About the hardest thing Andy has done as a farmer 31:36
About Andy’s loan experience with Steward 34:16
Who Andy’s mentors in farming were 35:16
What systems Andy would have put into place sooner given the chance to turn back time 38:53
How Fisheye Farms divides roles on the farm 41:32
How Andy involves his local community in his operations 47:05
About the wine & weeding event Andy hosts 49:26
Where Fisheye Farms focuses their marketing efforts 52:40
About the origin of Fisheye Farms’ name 58:38
The biggest mistake Andy sees new farmers making 1:01:48
Andy’s favorite farming tool 1.03:07
How Andy feels about the prospect of starting a farm now 1.04:23
Where you can find out more about Andy and Fisheye Farms 1.09:51
About the Guest:
Andy Chae and Amy Eckert started Fisheye Farms, as a small market garden in Detroit, Michigan in 2015. They now farm 2 acres of land in the center of the city. They serve a 80 member CSA, area restaurants, and a small weekly on-site farmstand.
Resources:
Website - www.fisheyefarms.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fisheyefarms/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fisheyefarms/
Have you ever thought about beekeeping as a career and passion?
This week’s guest explains why you should. We have the pleasure of interviewing Michael Jordan. No, not the NBA superstar and lead role in Space Jam, but master of beekeeping and award-winning mead maker. Known as the BEE Whisperer, Michael is the founder and CEO of A BEE Friendly Company INC in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A BEE Friendly Company INC aren’t just beekeepers… they’re bee activists, educating others on how to properly keep and care for bees and so much more. Tune in today to learn all about the fascinating and highly nuanced world of beekeeping!
You’ll hear:
How Michael got started in beekeeping 1:21
What the inherent dangers for bees are in almond fields? 6:08
Why more people should be raising bees 11:21
What bee products you can sell as a farmer 14:00
What a reasonable price is for a beekeeping class 18:14
How much time needs to be allotted to beekeeping 22:50
How many hives a budding beekeeper should start with 26:23
How diseases and pests get spread, and how can you prevent them 29:49
Why Michael uses essential oils 36:55
When you should take honey, and how much you should take 41:57
What the educational aspect of A BEE Friendly Company INC is about 49:13
What Michal would change in his business given the opportunity to start over 58:45
How many people are currently working at A BEE Friendly Company INC 1.03:26
The biggest mistake Michael sees new beekeepers making 1.09:16
How young a kid can reasonably start practicing beekeeping 1.12:27
Michael’s favorite tool for beekeeping 1.15:29
Where you can find out more about Michael and A BEE Friendly Company INC 1.18:00
About the Guest:
Michael Jordan started keeping bees in 1999. He has a super passion working with kids in the art of beekeeping. He has a program that has been put into effect in one of Wyoming's Alternative High Schools. Teaching beekeeping is the largest money maker in the agriculture field for the investment. He is a world class mead maker, making one of the only Meads that has CBD/THC in it. He even has won a world award, A MAZER Cup, showing it to 70 of the worlds largest mead makers. He teaches beekeeping all over the world, teaching a system called the M-3 9/11 method of Commercial Beekeeping. Showing how to make $500 to $1000 per hive. He lives in Cheyenne Wyoming, and manages 250 hives year round.
Resources:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/abeefriendly/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michaeljordan_bee_whisperer/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtnR4PIYWPz7o6pkG6gkrpQ?view_as=subscriber
Do you have a childhood friend that you work well with? If so, why not start a farm?
This week’s Thriving Farmer Podcast features besties since high school, Virginia Winkler and Alessia McCobb of Sound Pine Farm, located in Brunswick, Maine. Sound Pine Farm grows on three acres of land nestled at the mouth of Middle Bay Cove. They are dedicated to cultivating a healthy farm ecosystem without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This is accomplished by applying organic compost, providing natural habitat for beneficial organisms, cover cropping, and crop rotation. The farm is CSA-focused...this means that they are committed to providing their CSA members with the highest quality produce and the greatest abundance possible. With their truly Free-Choice CSA, they aim to create a CSA experience that gives you what you want at a great value.
You’ll hear:
What Sound Pine Farm is all about 1:06
What Virginia and Alessia do in the off-season 6:21
What a typical day on Sound Pine Farm looks like 7:21
How Virginia and Alessia assign roles between the two of them 10:17
The major pieces of equipment used on Sound Pine Farm 13:13
How Sound Pine Farm goes about new bed preparation on their land 15:27
What systems are in place to ensure integral tasks are completed on a day to day basis 17:46
The hardest thing they’ve done as farmers 19:48
Who their mentors are in their farming journey 21:22
How Sound Pine Farm successfully implements their apprenticeship program 23:51
What they would have changed in their farming process given a magic reset button 26:50
How Alessia and Virginia found members for their CSA program 30:01
About Alessia and Virginia’s experience selling transplants thus far 33:50
What Sound Pine Farm’s free choice CSA is all about 36:49
How they manage supply and demand 40:54
The biggest mistake Alessia and Virginia see newer farmers making 44:55
What they think farmers should avoid in their first year farming 47:31
How Virginia and Alessia managed the psychological approach when beginning their farm? 50:14
Their favorite farming tool? 55:40
How they feel about the prospect of starting a farm now 56:41
Where you can learn more about Virginia, Alessia, and Sound Pine Farm 59:11
About the Guests:Sound Pine Farm is located on 2 acres in Brunswick, Maine and is owned and operated by Alessia McCobb and Virginia Winkler. The farm grows diversified vegetables for a 75-member CSA, using organic practices. Sound Pine Farm is committed to making the CSA model work for members through their Free-Choice system, which allows for greater customization within the share, and by providing members with an abundance of the highest quality produce.
Resources:Website: https://soundpinefarm.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundpinefarm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundpinefarm/
What is permaculture and how does one live by it?
Greg Peterson, of The Urban Farm in Phoenix, Arizona, is a green living and sustainability innovator who has made a great regional name for himself. He has appeared extensively on television and radio and is a frequent guest columnist for publications. His mission is to inspire people to embrace their own greenness, which he does daily by living what he speaks. He is an expert in permaculture (which he likes to call the art and science of working with nature), and he is as well-versed as they come in urban sustainability and food production in dry lands. The Urban Farm features an entirely edible landscape, including over 75 fruit trees, rainwater and grey-water harvesting, three solar applications, and extensive use of reclaimed and recycled building materials. Join us today to hear all about how he achieved and maintains such a remarkable feat!
You’ll hear:
What The Urban Farm is all about 1:16
How The Urban Farm Podcast conceived 6:10
About the most interesting things Greg learned from his podcast guests 8:46
What it is like cultivating desert land 11:32
How Greg irrigates his dry land 13:32
What unique challenges Greg faces being in an urban location 19:29
The hardest thing Greg has done as a farmer 25:33
Who Greg’s mentors were in the eco agriculture movement 29:06
What goes into making a professional podcast 31:35
What systems Greg would put into place sooner given the option to go back in time 33:31
The key principles of permaculture 34:29
How Greg goes about stacking on his farm 38:41
What The Urban Farm’s fruit tree program is 39:22
What types of fruit treesThe Urban Farm cultivates 43:47
The biggest mistake Greg sees new farmers making 48:49
What new farmers should avoid in their first year of farming 53:01
Greg’s favorite farming tools 54:56
How Greg feels about starting a farm today 57:06
What one crop every farmer should grow 50:58
Where you can learn more about Greg and The Urban Farm 1.01:40
About the Guest:
Farmer Greg has lived at the Urban Farm for 31 years. His home was Phoenix’s first environmental showcase for urban farming. It is a 1/3-acre urban yard that features an entirely edible landscape including: chickens, over 70 fruit trees, rainwater and greywater harvesting, solar applications, and extensive use of reclaimed and recycled building materials.
In 1974 at the age of 14 he wrote a paper for school on how we were overfishing the oceans. He discovered permaculture in 1991 and that one concept transformed his life. Then in 1999 he went back to college to get a bachelor’s degree, and a Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning in 2006.
Farmer Greg hosts the Urban Farm Podcast and is a frequent radio and TV guest on all topics food-related.
On his days off he hangs out in his garden with his sweetheart, Heidi, and their chickens, creating new projects and catching some rays.
Resources:
Websites - urbanfarm.org, urbanfarmpodcast.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theurbanfarm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/urbanfarmphx/
Are you seeking insight on Certified Naturally Grown farming, beekeeping, and/or including value-added products into your business repertoire?
On this week’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Ruby Reid of Valhalla Organics. Based in Talent, Oregon, Valhalla Organics are committed to and highly passionate about sustainable living and growing premium organic food. In 2017, they purchased five acres of rural land in Bonanza, Oregon (Klamath mountains). The land is in a secluded evergreen forest with towering Ponderosa pines surrounding natural clearings…making it a perfect location for building their infrastructure for farming and beekeeping. Their apiary is the only Certified Naturally Grown apiary on the West Coast, and the first in Oregon. Join us today to hear all about Ruby’s farming journey, value-added products, and unique perspectives!
You’ll hear:
What made Ruby and her partner decide to start a farm 1:29
What a typical day looks like on the Valhalla Organics farm 3:58
About the bee products they sell 6:06
What kinds of pickled products they offer 8:19
What systems are in place to ensure prioritized productivity 10:13
The hardest thing Ruby has done since she began farming 16:37
Who Ruby’s mentors were on her farming journey 19:34
What systems Ruby would put into effect sooner if she could go back in time 25:07
How Ruby operates with her partner, Chris 31:42
How Valhalla Organics goes about hiring and delegating 34:29
Why Valhalla Organics chooses to market the way they do 38:21
About Ruby’s experience with the Farmer’s Market Challenge 40:33
About Ruby’s stance on the BLM movement 46:54
What promotional tactics Ruby finds to work well 58:34
How Valhalla Organics got CNG certified 1.00:50
The biggest mistake Ruby sees new farmers making 1.03:48
What words of encouragement Ruby would give her former self as a new farmer 1:07.29
Ruby’s favorite farming tool 1.09:09
Where you can find out more about Ruby and Valhalla Organics 1.10:58
About the Guest:Ruby Reid is a farmer and beekeeper in Southern Oregon. Ruby’s parents grew vegetables in the backyard for the family table, and caretaking the garden was a family affair, with all members sharing responsibility for cultivating the food. Ruby tended her own small plot and raised rabbits as pets, providing a valuable compost source for the family’s organic garden.
Ruby holds a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare from Berkeley and a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. As she advanced in her social work and community organizing career, she continued growing organic food simply as a way of life. When the garden started overproducing in 2017, she and her partner Chris Day launched Valhalla Organics to share their pickles, preserves, and raw local honey with their community.
Resources:
Website - https://www.valhallaorganics.org/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ValhallaOrganics
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valhallaorganics/
What is The Looney Farm and what is their unique approach to the business?
Carrie Chlebanowski of The Looney Farm (a Certified Naturally Grown farm), joins us today to tell us all about her and her husband Joe’s farming operation. Located in central Oklahoma near Oklahoma City, The Looney Farm started their little homestead in February of 2015 learning to raise and grow as much of their own food as possible. After closely studying market garden legends, they transitioned their homestead into a very small, but functional market garden farm. Spring of 2019 brought a 4x expansion in their farming operations, and they are now growing a wide variety of premium produce for the greater Oklahoma City metro area. As you all know, every farming operation is different, and The Looney Farm is certainly no exception. Join us today to hear all about Carrie’s unique approach to the farm biz!
You’ll hear:
What’s currently going on at The Looney Farm 1:33
How much farmland The Looney Farm is working with and what kind of crops they are growing 2:24
Why Carrie decided to become a farmer 3:27
What the typical day looks like on The Looney Farm 5:41
Some strategies Carrie uses for handling the heat 7:57
How Carrie handles task management 9:21
The hardest thing Carrie has done as a farmer 12:15
How The Looney Farm communicates with their customers 14:01
About the various investments Carrie and Joe made before starting The Looney Farm 15:19
Who Carrie’s mentors in farming are 19:45
What systems Carrie would put in place sooner if she could go back in time 21:18
About Carrie’s team 23:48
What Carrie’s children’s roles are on the farm 27:10
About The Looney Farm’s key marketing tactics 29:28
The biggest mistake Carrie sees newer farmers making 35:11
How Carrie achieved the right mentality to start a farm 37:27
Carrie’s favorite farming tool 39:52
Where you can find out more about Carrie and The Looney Farm 45:03
About the Guest:Carrie is a 44 year-old reformed suburbanite who moved with her family to their 10 acre farm in February 2015. In previous lives she owned an on-location portrait business and worked in special education. Initially set up as a homestead, her family dabbled in pastured pork and poultry before diving in full gusto to market gardening in 2018. In an effort to gain the knowledge of growing vegetables and building a new ag business, she invested in intensive trainings and workshops with internationally recognized market farmers such as JM Fortier, Michael Kilpatrick, and Ray Tyler. Since then, she has made it her goal to grow the best quality, most nutrient dense vegetables possible, and in that effort The Looney Farm became the first Certified Naturally Grown farm in the OKC metro in early 2019. She hopes to learn more regenerative practices to incorporate into their model of growing in the coming seasons. Building healthy soil is one of the top priorities. Carrie and her husband Joe look forward to working together full-time soon, and find even more avenues to serve the OKC metropolitan communities through the farm. The Looney Farm currently sells at the two OKC farmers markets, a Buyers club style CSA, and through a locally sourced grocery store.
Resources:Website - www.thelooneyfarm.com
Facebook - https://facebook.com/thelooneyfarm
Instagram - https://instagram.com/the_looney_farm
What is crowdfarming and how can it facilitate investments in sustainable farming?
Dan Miller, founder and CEO of crowdfarming platform (TM) Steward, joins us today to talk about crowdfarming, exactly what it means, and how he implements it to best service his clients and farms. When asked about what inspired him to start Steward, Dan cites an interaction with a well-known chef in his hometown of Washington D.C. where he mentioned the difficulties facing independent farmers that supplied his restaurant. The more specialized the farms were, the harder it was to get a loan. Dan felt that instead of forcing farmers to fit within a box, it should be the other way around. So he committed himself to creating a system that empowers farmers to steward their land sustainably, with consumers—the people with the most to gain from sustainable farming—investing in their success.
You’ll hear:
How the idea of Steward was conceived 1:24
What Dan was doing before Steward 2:24
How a farmer can apply for a loan with Steward 5:02
What Steward does after the farm has been funded 7:26
How Steward reaches investors 10:31
What kind of vetting a farmer should do when looking for a lender 11:57
What criteria Steward seeks when vetting farmers for loans 14:11
What systems Dan wishes farmers would put into effect sooner 18:16
How Dan chooses the right team members for Steward 21:46
The biggest mistake Dan sees newer farmers making 26:12
What farmers should avoid during their first year of farming 29:32
How Dan feels about the opportunities in starting a farm now 30:23
Where you can learn more about Dan and Steward 33:45
About the Guest:Dan Miller is the Founder and CEO of Steward, the world’s first crowdfarming platform™. Steward enables people to invest directly in sustainable farms. Through Steward, responsible investors can earn projected returns while transforming agriculture, by equipping sustainable farmers with the capital they need to grow. Unlike traditional funding methods, Steward’s crowdfarming model creates a healthy yield for both farmers and investors: farmers purchase land and equipment, and investors earn projected returns while making a positive impact.
Steward combines Dan’s background in investment crowdfunding, real estate, and technology with his passion for agriculture, stemming from his maternal family, which has been farming on the Eastern Shore of Maryland since the 1880s.
Resources:Website - https://gosteward.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoSteward/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/steward/
Are you tuned into and tending to the vast cultures and activity taking place underneath your farm?
Widely renowned agroecologist, systems thinker, educator and storyteller, Nicole Masters, joins us today to impart some valuable knowledge about the often misunderstood realm of soil science. Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Nicole founded Integrity Soils Ltd in 2002, a company dedicated to comprehensive regeneration of our food production systems. Integrity Soils Ltd is a treasure trove of contemporary information and educational material covering the complexities of soil health, how our approach to soil has changed over the years, and how to repair damages caused by some of those approaches. If you’ve found yourself questioning the productivity of your farm’s soil, or you’d just like to safeguard and fortify your land, this is the episode for you!
You’ll hear:
How Nicole’s obsession with soil began 2:22
What problems occur when chemicals in soil find their way into our waterways 4:47
How Nicole classifies soil health 10:51
What Nicole means by “enabling factors” 18:41
Why it’s important to understand the six different livestock classes in soil 22:17
How the sugars plants absorb end up feeding soil 27:03
What the roles that fulvic and humic acid play in soil health 31:46
About the current situation with the hydroponic movement 36:16
About the steps Prospect Farm in Australia took to achieve success 38:07
The fastest way to bring crops back into production on land that has historically produced those crops for long periods of time 43:15
Why Nicole recommends dribbling humic acid into furrows during the deep ripping process 45:14
What cation exchange capacity is and why it’s important 55:12
What Nicole thinks about worm production on farms 58:15
Why Canadian Thistle might not be as bad as it’s made out ot be 1.02:35
The biggest mistake Nicole sees newer farmers making 1.04:34
How important mindset and self reflection are as a farmer 1.07:39
Nicole’s favorite farming tool 1.10:40
How Nicole evaluates the present for being a time to start farming 1.11:34
Where you can learn more about Nicole and Integrity Soils 1.18:29
About the Guest:Nicole Masters is an independent agroecologist, storyteller, systems thinker and educator. She is recognized as a knowledgeable and dynamic speaker on the topic of soil health.
Her team of soil coaches at Integrity Soils work alongside producers in the U.S., Canada and across Australasia. Supporting producers who work with over 1.1 million acres to take their operations to the next level in nutrient density, profitability and environmental outcomes.
She is one of a growing number of people who are facilitating a rapidly expanding world of quality food production and biological economies.
Her book titled “For the Love of Soil” showcases examples of the tools and principles producers are using to regenerate their soils. Describing a step-by-step triage of actions, so that you too can regenerate your land.
Resources:Website - www.integritysoils.co.nz
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IntegritySoils/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masters.nicole/
Who produces modern tools that make the lives of small vegetable farmers so much easier?
Ryan Thiessen of Ontario Canada joins us today to tell us how he does exactly that, and what led him to becoming the producer of such optimal tools. Thiessen Tillage Equipment was born of a need for small scale equipment on Ryan’s own mixed vegetable farm, Creek Shore Farms in St. Catharines, Ontario. After spending years making tools for himself, Ryan began making those same tools for the wider farming community in southern Ontario and has since branched out into North America. Thiessen Tillage Equipment focuses on small scale cultivation tools, undercutters and some custom fabrication work when the need arises. Tune in today to hear all about how Ryan can boost the efficiency and productivity of your small vegetable farm!
You’ll hear:
About the general operation of Thiessen Tillage Equipment 0:51
About the first tools Ryan began to develop 2:54
Why you need to clear weeds on the farm 4:13
Why farmers are steering towards mechanical cultivation 7:56
The first tool Ryan takes to the field for cultivation 10:22
Which components Ryan looks to have on a walking tractor setup 20:58
What older model cultivation tractors work well, and why people are leaving them behind for newer models 33:50
What some of the newer models are and their advantages 35:51
The biggest mistakes Ryan sees in cultivation 52:33
About Ryan’s mentors in his journey in the farming industry 55:02
How one would best get started in fabrication 1.02:01
Some common mistakes Ryan sees in those new to fabrication 1.05:33
How Ryan approaches marketing 1.12:04
The biggest mistake Ryan sees new farmers making 1.13:34
What encouragement Ryan would he give himself as a new farmer if he could go back in time 1.15:50
Ryan’s favorite farming tool 1.21:53
Where you can find out more about Ryan and Thiessen Tillage Equipment 1.22:27
About the Guest:
Ryan is a farm equipment designer and fabricator specializing in mechanical weed control for vineyards, orchards, and vegetable or other horticultural operations. With 20 years of experience working on or running farms, as well as designing equipment, he combines those skills to give farmers the tools they need to combat weeds at a variety of scales. With experience in both working in vineyards and ten years running Creek Shore Farms, Ryan understands the struggles that most farmers face in producing a successful crop.Resources:Website - www.thiessentillage.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/thiessentillage
Have you ever wondered what farming is like across the pond?
If so, you’re in luck because we don’t allow 4000 miles of water and considerable cultural and geographical differences slow us down in our quest for farming knowledge worldwide! Joining us today all the way from Bastogne, Belgium is Denis Morsomme of Micro-Ferme du Ponceret. Micro-Ferme du Ponceret is a vegetable farm that operates on the basis of an economic ecosystem made up of four production units: market gardening, store, cooking, and wood pyrolysis. Each unit is both independent and intimately linked to the others. Join us today to hear fascinating first-hand details of what professional Belgian farming is all about!
You’ll hear:
Who Micro-Ferme du Ponceret are and what they do 0:51
How Denis got started in farming 1:36
What the setup was like at the beginning stages of Micro-Ferme du Ponceret 2:42
What the setup and production on Micro-Ferme du Ponceret currently looks like 4:03
Why Micro-Ferme du Ponceret sticks with a greenhouse, and what biochars are 7:29
How much biochar should be used in soil 10:59
What their biochar generator heats 13:59
What they use to feed the soil on their farm 16:03
What systems are in place to ensure that Micro-Ferme du Ponceret operates smoothly 19:14
About the hardest thing Denis has done as a farmer 22:26
About Denis’ mentors throughout his farming career 24:04
What systems Denis would put in place sooner if he could go back in time 26:23
How Micro-Ferme du Ponceret delegates roles for their employees 28:36
Where Micro-Ferme du Ponceret focuses their marketing 30:25
How Micro-Ferme du Ponceret goes about making and selling prepared foods 33:55
How Micro-Ferme du Ponceret approaches marketing 36:03
The biggest mistake Denis sees newer farmers making 36:41
What Denis thinks new farmers should avoid their first year 38:23
What piece of encouragement Denis would give his past self on his first year farming 39:33
Denis’ favorite farming tool 40:01
Where you can learn more about Denis and Micro-Ferme du Ponceret 41:18
About the Guest:
The Micro Ferme du Ponceet began in 2016 in Bastogne in Belgium. They produce a wide variety of vegetables which are sold directly to their customers. Denis has a commercial background in retail business and discovered the franchise system while working in China. He thinks sharing a complete farm model, including: production, food processing, and retail sales is an efficient way to spread regenerative agriculture practices.
Resources:Website - https://www.microfermeduponceret.be/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ponceret/
Where do you turn as a small farm when your equipment is obsolete, dilapidated, and/or difficult to replace?
Joining us today is Lydell Steiner from Dalton, Ohio. He is the director of sales at Tilmor, a Marketplace for small growers, where you can develop, collaborate, source and stock tools for the small farm industry. Tilmor’s roots are of a small fourth-generation family farm with more than 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing turf and agricultural equipment. Many small growers face unique challenges and often rely on older, obsolete equipment that was developed many years ago for mechanized cultivation.Tilmor’s goal is to produce a variety of implements for planting, cultivation, harvest, post-harvest, and more. These implements are built to last and fully supported by Tilmor, making it easy to find and purchase the equipment you need to maintain your farm. If your small farm is in dire need of an upgrade, this episode will provide you with all the information you’ll need to take that step into the present and beyond!
You’ll hear:
What Tilmor does for their clients 0:49
How far Tilmor’s reach of operations is 2:40
Why we are seeing a shift back to mechanical cultivation 3:56
Where a farmer should start when getting into mechanical cultivation 6:45
How to build a mechanical cultivation system 9:38
How different shovels serve different functions 14:30
How Lydell approaches cultivating plastic with fingers 17:49
What Lydell sees farmers doing with some of the more challenging soil conditions 20:21
Some common mistakes Lydell sees farmers making 23:52
About Lydell’s mentors in his farming journey 27:46
How Tilmor is doing with their current team 33:38
How Tilmor communicates their vision with their employees 38:46
Where Tilmor currently focuses their marketing efforts 40:20
Where you can find out more about Tilmor’s field days 43:44
The biggest mistake Lydell sees newer farmers making 46:16
Lydell’s favorite farming tool 49:15
What kind of products Tilmor offers 50:22
What sets Tilmor apart from other cultivation companies 58:14
Where you can find out more about Lydell and Tilmor 1.02:34
About the Guest:Lydell Comes from a fourth-generation family farm (certified organic since 2006), with more than 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing turf and agricultural equipment. While operating the farm, they needed reliable, appropriately-sized, affordable tools and equipment for smaller acreage, and they couldn’t get them. Agricultural equipment manufacturers were focused on large, industrial farms, and they were left with purchasing and trying to maintain older equipment. They realized that other farmers like them must be having the same challenges...and Tilmor was born.
Coming from a family of farmers, they understand the work that goes into supplying fresh vegetables, fruit, and grains to the local community. They understand the complexities of growing crops and the many decisions that need to be made each day to manage: labor, water, soil, planting, weeding, feeding, picking, cleaning, packaging, market logistics, and much more. With their decades of manufacturing experience, they’re committed to developing tools and equipment that are designed, built, and distributed for the farmers who are supplying their communities with the fresh, locally-grown goodness they’ve come to know and love.
Resources:
Website - https://www.tilmor.com/en-us
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tilmor_products/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TilmorProducts/
Who is advocating for the underserved and under-recognized women in the farming business?
Hailing from Wisconsin, Lisa Kivirist is an author, women-farmer, cottage-food activist, and highly-accomplished entrepreneur. So needless to say, she knows a thing or two about vocation diversification! Lisa is a Senior Fellow Endowed Chair in Agricultural Systems at the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Minnesota, focusing on identifying opportunities to champion leadership development among female farmers and rural women. She founded and leads the Rural Women’s Project of the Midwest Organic Sustainable Education Service, an award-winning initiative championing female farmers and food-based entrepreneurs. We’ve got so very much to talk about here and not nearly enough time to do it, so don’t miss out on this info-jammed episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast!
You’ll hear:
What lured Lisa into farming? 1:44
What Lisa was aiming for when she started an organic farm 3:52
How she transitioned from farmer to farmer and advocate 5:24
What prompted Lisa to write ‘Soil Sisters?’ 6:26
What specific challenges women face in farming 7:32
What advantages women have in farming 11:05
What (if any) funding options women farmers have 13:14
How the Soil Sisters event began 15:47
What MOSES In Her Boots is all about 19:09
Why Lisa focuses on collaborative learning 23:39
What Lisa’s book ‘Homemade For Sale’ is all about 28:44
What steps most states require you to take in order to go through with food product development 32:31
How Lisa ensures her products stand out in the market 34:00
Some of the cottage food entrepreneurs Lisa has worked with and their projects 38:18
What happened with Lisa’s lawsuit against the state of Wisconsin about the ban of baked goods sales 41:04
About the biggest opportunities for farmers in 2020 46:10
The biggest mistake Lisa sees newer farmers making 49:08
The scoop with Lisa’s new bakery 52:02
What Lisa’s favorite farming tool is 57:16
Where you can find out more about Lisa and her work 58:23
About the Guest:Farmer, author, agriculture advocate, innkeeper, parent, passionate food preserver and zucchini enthusiast. Lisa Kivirist thrives on wearing multiple hats under the sustainable agriculture umbrella, deeply rooted and based on her family's farm in southwestern Wisconsin.
Resources:
http://www.innserendipity.com/
https://lisakivirist.wixsite.com/soilsistersbook
https://homemadeforsale.wixsite.com/homemadeforsale Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisakivirist/
How does a chef become the founder of a restaurant, farming, and catering enterprise?
Ken Myszka has shown us that while it’s not easy, it’s certainly doable! Well equipped with impressive culinary experience and a vision for a sustainable farm/restaurant, Ken founded the Epiphany Farms Enterprise in Bloomington, Illinois. His mission is to create a diversified, pasture-based food system that blends beyond organic farming with impeccable food.
Ken sees Epiphany Farms as a catalyst for social change. With each experience at providing warm hospitality comes an opportunity to educate about the importance of alternatives to the conventional restaurant industry. Epiphany Farms now stewards 75 acres of land, operates 5 restaurants and a special events business with 7 venues, and farm to table catering service. Tune in to hear all the fascinating details about what he does and how he does it!
You’ll hear:
What Epiphany Farms is all about 0:53
How Ken got into this business 2:09
What a typical day for Ken looks like 15:41
What kinds of products Epiphany Farms produces 17:23
What they offer in their on-farm catering events 20:56
What kind of things Ken built into his new farm property 24:06
How Ken manages to stay focused on the vital tasks on the farm 27:57
The hardest thing Ken has done since starting Epiphany Farms 30:00
Who Ken’s mentors are 33:49
What systems Ken would implement sooner given the chance to turn back time 34:44
How Ken delegates roles to his team 36:49
How Ken went about hiring and retaining his large network of employees 39:45
Why Ken practices open book accounting 51:34
How Ken built the marketing machine for Epiphany Farms 54:23
The differences in marketing approaches between Ken’s restaurants 56:15
About the pros of the vertically integrated farm 1.00:09
The biggest mistake Ken sees newer farmers making 1.05:19
What piece of encouragement Ken would go back and give his past self 1.08:33
How the regulations in the state of Illinois have impacted business 1.13:28
About Ken’s goal for the next 10 years 1.19:04
Ken’s favorite farming tool 1.22:53
Where to find out more about Ken and Epiphany Farms Enterprise 1.28:05
About the Guest:
Ken R. Myszka is a professionally trained chef, entrepreneur, sustainable farmer, restaurant owner, and CEO who hails from Downs, IL. Ken has been trained at the Culinary Institute of New York and has a B.A from the University of Las Vegas. While in Las Vegas, he worked in the elite kitchens of renowned hotels including Restaurant Guy Savoy and Bradley Ogden at Cesar’s Palace, and Bouchon at the Venetian. Throughout his career Ken trained with many other notable chefs and has worked in recognized restaurants from all over the U.S.
Ken’s return to the Bloomington area brought Epiphany Farms Hospitality Group with a working sustainable farm, event space, and 5 amazing farm to table restaurants. Ken is committed to supporting, growing, and showcasing a thriving local food culture, in an effort to re-envision the current culinary landscape.
Resources:Website - www.epiphanyfarms.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kenrmyszka Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kenmyszka/, https://www.instagram.com/epiphanyfarms/
What does a land designer do, and how can they rejuvenate farms and set them up to thrive?
Joining us today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast is Javan Bernakevitch. Javan is a skilled landscape designer, as well as a practitioner in providing peace of mind for farmers. In his company, All Points Land Design, Javan works collaboratively with homesteaders, organizations, and families creating regenerative landscapes and livelihoods. On the principle that no project is completed in isolation, he sources the best collaborators for each project, assembling a team unique to the demands of your unique landscape and/or the vision of your life. This approach saves farmers time and money while producing a superior design and more abundant landscape. Tune in today to hear all the ins and outs of land designing, his philosophy that drives it, the importance of values-based decision making, and much more!
You’ll hear:
What Javan has been focusing on most recently 0:58
How Javan got started in land design 3:09
How COVID-19 has changed the landscape of Javen’s work and how he operates 7:17
About Javan’s philosophy around land design 10:52
What differences Javan sees between the projects he works on 23:24
About some of Javan’s most memorable projects 29:18
How the changing climate has impacted the methods of land design 35:52
What Javan finds frustrating about how many farmers design their farms 40:07
What systems Javan wishes farmers would put into action sooner 44:17
How people can best figure out what they’re “designed” for 49:35
What holistic context is, according to Javan, and how he integrates it into his work 54:08
About some simple ways farmers can slow down, de-stress, and think a bit more about their work 59:21
The biggest mistake Javan sees newer farmers making 1.10:32
What common mistakes Javan sees advanced farmers making 1:14.47
About the biggest challenge farmers are facing these days 1.19:28
How the Facing Fire documentary came about 1.26:55
Why we are seeing an increase in wildfires in recent years 1.28:24
What Javan’s favorite farming tool is 1.35:44
Javan’s thought on whether or not now is a good time to start a farm 1.38:10
Where you can find out more about Javan and All Points Land Design 1.39:51
About the Guest:
Javan Bernakevitch has worked across coastal and interior British Columbia, Canada, The Unites States of America (North West and North Central), Cuba, Kenya and Uganda on land based project design, management, training and installation. His career focus on regenerative retrofits of broad acre and small scale landscapes to re-establish working watersheds, ecosystems, productive landscapes and enterprises has taken him across North and Central America, Europe and Africa.
Integrating Keyline Design, Holistic Management, Permaculture, the Soil Food Web, Myco-Integration with creating local profitable enterprise. He understands and emphasizes the importance of biological systems: soil, water-harvesting, landscape rehydration, composting, growing food, greywater and biological waste-water treatment.
The originator of Cultivated Life Design he works with clients focusing their lives to bring regenerative enterprises and productive landscapes to life. He operates Permaculture BC (www.permaculturebc.com) an education and community hub for permaculture in British Columbia and All Points Land Design focusing on land design and installation.
As a speaker for community events, non-profit groups and businesses Javan inspires and empowers audiences with a passion for change. He has been invited to guest lecture by the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, Vancouver Island University, Simon Fraser University and recent partnerships include Cowichan Green Community, Seven Ravens Permaculture Academy and the Galliano Conversation Association.
Resources:Website - https://allpointsdesign.ca/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/allpointsdesign/ , https://www.instagram.com/javankerby/ Thriving Farmer Pop-up Swag Shop - www.growingfarmers.com/swag
Who can you turn to for comprehensive information and assistance if your farm has produced one too many lackluster harvests?
We are honored to have John Kempf, the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, with us today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast! AEA is a leading plant nutrition and biostimulants consulting company. John is a top expert in the field of biological and regenerative farming. In 2006, he founded AEA to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who are growing that supply. In today’s episode, we’ll dive deep into the fine scientific details on what makes the most healthy, fertile, and productive soil so that you may truly reap what you sow! We’ll discuss managing PH and magnesium levels, proper compost application and so much more. Whether you are a small, mid-sized or large farming operation, tuning into this episode is certain to level up your farming game!
You’ll hear:
What Advancing Eco Agriculture is all about 1:20
How John got started in farming 2:25
About the overarching principles of Advancing Eco Agriculture 5:18
About sap analysis and if it will become more mainstream in the coming years 8:51
How John manages soil testing 14:32
How to approach soil analysis for your unique farm situations 18:44
What (if any) types of crops act as indicators which warrant testing more than others 23:47
About the beginning steps to ensuring healthy soil in croplands 31:32
About the differences in procedure for smaller scale farms 37:00
John’s take on salt accumulation in protected cultures 42:32
How John manages short-term/long-term soil feeding 46:43
How often John recommends farmers do soil tests 49:43
How John goes about tackling high PH levels 51:38
How John goes about tackling high magnesium levels 53:58
About John’s preferences in terms of compost application 56:24
Why John opts to use compost tea in lieu of traditional compost 1.00:30
What questions farmers aren’t asking that they probably should be 1.02:49
Who John’s mentors were in his farming journey 1.06:19
What practices John would have liked to see the farmers he works with set into motion sooner 1.10:40
What John thinks about the concept of “too much” organic matter 1.13:58
John’s take on risk management in farming 1.16:07
What strategies AEA implements to hire the right help 1.21:39
The biggest mistake John sees new farmers making 1.26:58
What simple things advanced farmers practice to be more profitable 1.30:20
What new farmers should avoid 1.33:57
John’s favorite farming tool 1.34:35
John’s thoughts on the best time to start a farm 1.36:24
Where to find more about John and AEA 1.44:02
About the Guest:
John Kempf is a leading crop health consultant and designer of innovative soil and plant management systems. John is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture.
John, a member of the Amish community, grew up on a fruit and vegetable farm in Northeast Ohio and experienced first hand the challenges faced by many crop producers. Growing fresh market vegetables since 1994, John witnessed intensifying disease and insect pressure on crops which gradually failed to respond to the usual pesticide treatments.
John’s mission is to provide support to the world’s farmers and globally impact our food supply. He founded Advancing Eco Agriculture in 2006, which has quickly become a leader in the area of soil and plant nutrition. To learn more about John, visit his LinkedIn profile.
Resources:Websites - https://johnkempf.com/, https://www.advancingecoag.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/advancingecoag/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/advancing-eco-agriculture/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRApdrU3BA0Pzo6MNWTD2jg
What course of action can a farm take if they’re being strong-armed by a local privatized bureaucracy?
Mark Baker of Baker’s Green Acres in Marion, Michigan joins us today to share his story. Baker’s Green Acres provides high quality meat products raised in the most natural way possible. Pasture feeding is a main component of their methods to produce the best tasting, "cleanest" meat they can. Using these methods, they raise GMO free and pasture raised pork, chicken, and beef. However, Mark’s farming journey wasn’t all green pastures, daisies, and prancing animals under a smiling sun. Tune into this episode to hear a chilling reality of the Department of Agriculture and what you can do if you’re ever faced with a similar situation!
You’ll hear:
How Mark got into farming 1:32
What Baker’s Green Acres offers 3:51
The story behind Baker’s Green Acres’ special pork breed 5:45
The end result of a confrontation with local bureaucrats 25:24
About the grounds for the warrant brought to Mark in December, 2017 41:59
Where to go to read more about a how you can safeguard your constitutional rights 58:52
The biggest mistakes Mark sees newer farmers making 1.11:47
About Mark’s favorite farming tool 1.32:00
Where you can find out more about Mark and Baker’s Green Acres 1.32:57
About the Guest:Mark Baker started his Anyone Can Farm dream when he was a boy and rode to a farm with his mother to pick up vegetables. When he and Jill married nearly 25 years ago, they started Baker’s Green Acres with a backyard garden that quickly grew to include hens, a goat, and pigs. He’s always considered home grown food to be a birthright and a means of better health. When these things were challenged by a government agency order, Mark discovered the value of the Bill of Rights to safeguard our freedom to farm and live a healthy lifestyle.
Resources:
Website - https://www.bakersgreenacres.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bakersgreenacres/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bakers_green_acres/
How would you go about running and maintaining a USDA certified vegetable farm using tunnels to grow your crops?
Jason Hirtz of Box Turtle Farm in Mount Vernon, Missouri joins us today to discuss what he does and why he does it the way he does it! Box Turtle Farm passionately believes that consumers deserve the choice to feed their families the best food possible. Jason shares with us the ins and outs of his modern tunnel systems, the specifics of the biosolarization methods, seeding techniques (and much more), in order to reap only the richest, freshest, and healthiest organic crops in town!
You’ll hear:
What Box Turtle Farm is all about 0:45
What Jason did before farming 2:44
What working at Box Turtle Farm was like in the beginning 5:59
Why Box Turtle started using tunnels 7:10
Why they began using smaller tunnels 9:59
How crop rotation works with the tunnels 11:13
What they seed with 14:43
How Jason keeps the soil saturated 19:39
How Jason is looking to expand his operation and further modernize it 23:18
What tip Jason gives for someone putting up their first growing tunnel 28:57
Where Jason sources his tunnels from 31:06
How many crop turns they typically get in each tunnel per year 33:18
How Box Turtle does their harvesting and potential future plans for the harvesting process 39:25
How Jason washes and packs the crops 44:06
What a typical day looks like on Box Turtle Farm 48:54
Who Jason’s mentors were on his farming journey 58:04
What systems Jason would put in place earlier given the opportunity to start again 59:48
Why Box Turtle doesn’t deal in clam shells 1.02:31
How Jason is handling promotions for Box Turtle Farm 1.05:03
The biggest mistake Jason sees new farmers making 1.06:38
Jason’s favorite farming tool 1.09:01
Where you can find out about Jason and Box Turtle Farm 1.10:47
About the Guest:
Box Turtle Farm started on a suburban lot outside of St. Louis in 2009, growing vegetables for farmers’ markets and a small CSA. In 2011, they moved to our current location in Mount Vernon, MO, in order to expand our operation. In 2013, they were able to certify their products USDA organic and are inspected annually to maintain this certification. They strive to produce the best possible vegetables, usually harvesting within two days of delivery.
In addition to growing salad mixes year-round, they also grow bunched greens and other field crops seasonally. Their bagged greens include Spring Mix, Avant Gardener, MaMa Jean’s Greens (a signature mix only available at MaMa Jean’s), Arugula, Baby Kale, and Spinach.
Resources:
Website - https://www.boxturtlefarm.farm/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BoxTurtleFarm/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boxturtlefarmer/
How do you carve out a solid market for pasture raised chicken in a crowded marketplace?
Jeremiah Vernon of Vernon Family Farm in Newfields, New Hampshire joins us today to share how he is proving the value of good old fashioned unmodified food to his community. Vernon Family Farm has gone from moving 1200 chickens to 20000 in just six years, while maintaining optimal operations.
Jeremiah shares about his background, how they have scaled their on-farm store and now event space, and how they have diversified with the chicken to grow their sales and customer base.
Join us for this episode to hear all about what Jeremiah does, how he does it, and the heart he does it with!
You’ll hear:
How Vernon Family Farm ended up focusing on chickens 1:15
If Jeremiah recommends working as a farmhand before starting your own farm 2:49
What Jeremiah was looking for when buying land 4:12
What Jeremiah focused on first when building his farm 5:33
What a typical day on Vernon Family Farm looks like 8:00
About the logistics of hauling the birds 10:40
What systems Jeremiah put into place to ensure optimal operation 12:07
How climate impacts the farm 14:58
About the hardest thing Jeremiah has done as a farmer 17:21
How Jeremiah improves work/life balance 18:19
Who Jeremiah’s mentors were during his farming journey 20:06
What became of Vernon Family Farm’s mushroom and pork operations 25:33
What systems he’d implement sooner if Jeremiah were to start over 28:21
How Jeremiah delegates roles on the farm 30:56
How Jeremiah establishes positive relationships with workers 32:38
How Jeremiah found his employees 35:32
What Vernon Family Farm does for marketing 38:06
What percentage of the business is wholesale to distributor 39:49
What specific product varieties Vernon Family Farm focuses on 42:29
How Jeremiah got started with rotisserie chicken 44:26
How Jeremiah charges for having other farmers use his facilities 50:08
When Jeremiah realized that his business model was working 51:07
How Jeremiah started with value added products 53:54
The biggest mistake Jeremiah sees newer farmers making 56:20
About Jeremiah’s favorite farming tool 57:58
Jeremiah’s thoughts on whether or not now is a good time to start a farm 1.00.35
Where you can find more about Jeremiah and Vernon Family Farm 1.03:15
About the Guest:Jeremiah Vernon is a 10th generation New Hampshire native. He grew up in New London, NH on his family farm on Pingree Rd. and has always had a love for animals and the outdoors. He graduated from Proctor Academy and received his Bachelor of Science from Bates College, earning a degree in Biology. Post-college, Jeremiah worked on Nezinscot Farm in Turner ME, where he fell in love with farming and his wife, Nicole Vernon.
He has farmed land on the Seacoast of NH for over 10 years. He is passionate about the land his family owns now on the Seacoast, which happens to be in the same school district where his wife teaches and children are schooled.
Resources:
Website - https://www.vernonfamilyfarm.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vernonfamilyfarm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vernonfamilyfarm/
Who can you turn to when you need assistance in the business side of farming?
Our guest today, Mark Cannella, of Vermont, is here to share exactly how he fills that role and helps farmers through precarious financial times and situations.
Mark has been working in the field of agriculture for over ten years. He has managed farm operations in vegetable production, maple sugaring, and agricultural education. His current focus is the management and delivery of farm business planning programs, business management training, and farm economic research.
Listening to what Mark has to say has never been more important than it is in these economically turbulent times, so keep a sharp ear on this one!
You’ll hear:
What Mark is working on these days 1:49
Some basic steps farms can take to stay stable during unstable times 3:04
What the CARES act does to boost farms and other businesses 9:08
How farm credit can mesh with PPP loans 13:40
What can realistically be claimed under CARES 18:07
What other details should people be aware of? 21:34
Where you can get the latest information in these rapidly changing economic times 25:02
What you need to know about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan 26:34
About the Guest:
Mark Cannella is an Associate Professor and Farm Business Management Specialist with the University of Vermont Extension. He currently directs UVM Extension Agricultural Business programs with a focus on the management and delivery of farm and forest business planning programs, financial analysis and applied business research to a broad audience. Mark works directly on maple economics projects throughout the Northeastern United States. Resources:Website: http://blog.uvm.edu/farmvia/
CARES Act info: http://blog.uvm.edu/farmvia/?p=1805
Fact Sheet: https://blog.uvm.edu/farmvia/files/2020/04/PPP-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Details on Sole Proprietor Owner Benefits: https://blogs.claconnect.com/agribusiness/20-83333/