The Independent Farmer Podcast

On this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we sit down with Brooke Smith from Freight Farms. Freight Farms empowers individuals to start farming anywhere with their hydroponic shipping containers. Brooke shares the history behind Freight Farms and how individuals from all over the world use containers to grow produce for their local communities, year-round.www.freightfarms.com/ barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Evans of Evans Family Farm from North Carolina. As one of Barn2Door Farm Advisors, Jessica shares her tips for pricing and packaging, why Farmers shouldn't be afraid to charge a premium for their products, and why financial health is key to a successful Farm business.www.barn2door.com/resourceswww.evansfamilyfarm.com

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we chat with a member of the Barn2Door Farm Account Management team, Kevin, about the Barn2Door Connect program. Learn how Connect fosters 1:1 conversations and discussions between Farmers and members of the Farm Advisory Network.Learn more about the Barn2Door Connect program and register for weekly sessions:www.barn2door.com/connect

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, David from Hopkins Farms returns to discuss Bundle Boxes, Subscriptions, optimizing Delivery, and how to be more efficient with packaging products.Hopkins Farm is a 220-year-strong generational Farm located in Cairo, Georgia, that grows 40+ varieties of fruits and vegetables, providing local Farm-to-Table food delivered directly to customer's doorsteps.hopkinsfarmsinc.combarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we sit down with ADK Action, a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of the residents of the Adirondacks in Northern New York. Through various projects, including their Fair Food Program, ADK Action works to revitalize communities, promote artists, and improve quality of life by connecting families to local Farmers throughout the Adirondack park.adkaction.orgbarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we talk with Laci Tagge of Tagge's Famous Fruit & Veggie Farms from Perry, Utah. We discuss CSA Subscriptions, the importance of product add-ons, and prioritizing CSA members to drive sales and build a loyal customer base.Tagge's is a family Farm growing fruit and vegetables in Perry, Utah. Through their wildly popular CSA, Tagge's has become a staple serving many local communities throughout Utah. taggesfruit.combarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we unveil and discuss the newest feature at Barn2Door, Point-of-Sale (POS). Hear from the CEO & Founder of Barn2Door, Janelle Maiocco, as well as Product Manager Anthony, and UX/UI Designer Jeremy, as they share how Barn2Door POS will help Farmers increase sales by being able to take any order anywhere, anytime, in-person or online.www.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we chat with Valarie & Jared Luhman of Grass Fed Cattle Company about the the benefits of selling direct market and the profits gained from transitioning away from selling at sales barns.Grass Fed Cattle Company is a grass fed Protein Farm located in Goodhue, MN that provides their neighboring communities with high-quality, honest, affordable, and delicious grass fed beef and pastured chicken and pork.grassfedcattleco.combarn2door.com/resources

Welcome to the eighth episode in Barn2Door's series in partnership with the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund. FTCLDF is a non-profit organization of lawyers supporting Farmers across the country and helping them navigate the unique legal challenges Farmers face.In this episode, we discuss the three processing options for Farmers: USDA Certified, State Processors, and Custom Processing Facilities. We also discuss the general legal factors to be aware of when processing animals and selling meat direct-to-market.farmtoconsumer.orgbarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we sit down with  Dan Kent, Director and Co-Founder of Salmon Safe, and Micheal Devany, owner of Lightning River Ranch. Listen as we discuss how Salmon Safe works with Farms and businesses in the Pacific Northwest to ensure sustainable land management practices for salmon and other fish to thrive in the Pacific Northwest watersheds and beyond.Salmon Safe is an ecolabel organization that provides certification and accreditation programs that Farms and local businesses can gain to protect water quality, maintain watershed health, and restore habitat.Lightning River Ranch is a Salmon Safe certified Farm located in Twisp, WA, that supports their community by providing high-quality and nutritious meat using sustainable and ecosystem-friendly practices. They are a Salon Safe certified Farm business.salmonsafe.orglightningrr.combarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, Joe Schirmer of Dirty Girl Produce returns to talk about Farm sales and the key benefits that direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels have impacted his Farm business. Dirty Girl Produce is a 40-acre Certified Organic family Farm located in Santa Cruz County, CA. They specialize in growing over 20+ varieties of fruits and vegetables and sell to both retail customers and wholesale channels.dirtygirlproduce.combarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, Alex Russell of Chucktown Acres shares his knowledge and experience as a direct-to-market Farm business owner in a webinar hosted by the Rodale Institute. Chucktown Acres is a regenerative Farm located near Charleston, SC that aims to produce an high quality food and educate their customers on the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.The Rodale Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the organic movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and consumer education.chucktownacres.comrodaleinstitute.orgbarn2door.com/resources

Welcome to the seventh episode in Barn2Door's series in partnership with the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund. FTCLDF is a non-profit organization of lawyers supporting Farmers across the country and helping them navigate the unique legal challenges Farmers face. In this episode, we focus on the legalities of CSAs, herd share subscriptions, and meeting local requirements and regulations involved in selling food on a recurring basis.farmtoconsumer.orgbarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Baum, the CEO and Founder of AgriWebb. AgriWebb is a livestock management app that helps Farmers and Ranchers uncover insights, map  Farm property, and drive profits while enhancing sustainability and streamlining operations. Listen as Barn2Door COO James Maiocco and Kevin discuss how Ranchers can use data to make informed business decisions and power the growth of their operations.agriwebb.combarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we discuss full-time home delivery, local producer partnerships, and the importance of good customer relationships with Grant Sheeder of Sheeder Cloverleaf Dairy (IA). Sheeder Cloverleaf Dairy is formerly a grass-based, family owned dairy operation located in Guthrie Center, IA that now currently specializes in full-time home delivery services and partnerships with other local vendors to offer a “farmers market on wheels”.sheedercloverleafdairy.combarn2door.com/resources

We're celebrating 100 Direct Farm Podcast Episodes! We sit down with the Barn2Door Farm Account Management team to revisit their favorite Direct Farm Podcast episodes and the tactics that successful Farms shared to increase sales and save time & money.FAM Favorite Podcasts:Favorite FAN Feature: Old Rich Valley FarmHow To Secure Sales Before the Busy SeasonThe Farming Student Has Become the Master w/ Chucktown AcresA Farmer's Market(ing) Campaign to Grow Faster Online with Bennett Farmsbarn2door.com/resources

In a webinar in partnership AgriWebb, Barn2Door and Friesla teamed up to share how Farmers and Ranchers can own their supply chain, take control of operations, and successfully sell direct. Learn about the opportunities that exist for Ranchers to sell their products direct-to-market and how AgriWebb, Freisla, and Barn2Door can help take your business to the next level.Learn more about AgriWebb and Friesla:agriwebb.comfriesla.combarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we discuss the process of starting a Farm from the ground up with Liz Mason of Honey Bee Hills Farm and Tom Bennett of Bennett Farms. Both first-generation Farmers, Liz, and Tom, share their stories and experiences about how they built their Farms into the successful businesses that they are today.honeybeehillsfarm.combennettfarmsmichigan.combarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we discuss the Barn2Door Academy Pass with the Barn2Door Content Marketing Manager, Rachele. The Barn2Door Academy Pass unlocks an in-depth series of virtual classes providing tactical guidance and best practices for Farmers using Barn2Door. Topics include refining your brand, developing content, crafting a social media strategy, driving sales with email marketing, building a profitable Delivery service, and understanding the nuances of Farm finances.Learn more:barn2door.com/community#:~:text=Sign%20Up-,Academy%20Workshops,-CLASSES%20TAUGHT%20BYbarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, Mel Dickinson of Unconventional Acres returns to discuss her Farm's social media strategy and the steps her Farm took to grow from 0 to 60,000 followers on Instagram. Unconventional Acres is a pasture based Farm located in Arena, WI that focuses on regenerative and rotational grazing practices that improves animal and land health.unconventionalacres.cominstagram.com/unconventional_acresbarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we unveil and discuss the newest addition to the Barn2Door web store, Ongoing Subscriptions! Hear from the Founder and CEO of Barn2Door, Janelle Maiocco, and Software Engineer Developer Allison Merth on how Ongoing Subscriptions will help Farmers save time, offer buyers convenience, and generate more sales for their businesses.www.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we talk finances with Taylor Bridges. Taylor is an accountant, Farmer, and certified Quickbooks ProAdvisor working directly with Farmers to help manage their books. She's also the instructor of Barn2Door's new Finance Academy!Gain a sneak peek of what to expect in Barn2Door's three-course Finance Academy, including best practices for agricultural book-keeping, how to streamline your finances, and tips to ensure your books are in order!barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we get an overview about the Farm onboarding process with Chris, a member of our Barn2Door Farm Onboarding Manager team. We discuss the role Farm Onboarding Managers (FOMs) play in setting up farmers for success and providing them with tools and resources for their future account management.www.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we chat with Josie Rozum of Dan & Debbie's Creamery. We dive into the importance of social media and how to utilize platforms like Facebook to better engage with followers. Dan & Debbie's Creamery is a family dairy farm located in Ely, Iowa that provides farm fresh, exceptionally-made dairy products, while adding value to sustainability, innovation and animal welfare.www.dananddebbies.comwww.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we learn about a rich family history, discuss subscription boxes, and the process of home delivery with David and Candace Hopkins of Hopkins Farms. Hopkins Farms is a generational farm located in Cairo, Georgia that provides a fresh, local Farm to Table food service delivered directly to your doorstep.https://www.hopkinsfarmsinc.com/https://barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we chat with Richard, a member of our Barn2Door Farm Account Manager team. We discuss the importance of Farm Account Managers (FAMs) and how they work closely with Farmers to increase their sales, access more customers, and save time.www.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we discuss strategies on labelling, packaging, and subscription services with a member of our Farm Advisor Network: Camille Abdel-Nabi of Little River Farms. Little River Farms is a 3-acre certified organic vegetable farm located in Exeter, Rhode Island that specializes in vegetables, root crops, baby greens, and microgreens.https://www.littleriverfarmri.comhttps://barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we talk with Brie Cassadei from Terra Firma Farm on the steps she took to streamline her delivery program, and get hours of her time back. Brie walks us through her average delivery day and the tools she uses to make it all easier, and make fewer mistakes in the process. Terra Firma Farm is a community farm dedicated to creating healthy products for both you and the environment, located in North Stonington, Connecticut.http://terrafirmafarm.comhttps://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we discuss hydroponics and the convenience of subscriptions with Will Mastin, co-owner of Local Appetite Growers. Local Appetite Growers is a hydroponics greenhouse farm located in Baldwin County, Alabama that specializes in the production of gourmet lettuces and leafy greens.https://www.localappetitegrowers.com/https://barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we get an education from Blake Bennett of B3 Roots about "container farms", hydroponic systems, and creating sustainable agricultural practices with technology. B3 Roots is a hyper-local pesticide free vertical hydroponic shipping container farm in Apex, North Carolina that specializes in sustainable leafy greens and herbs.https://www.b3roots.com/https://barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, meet Alyssa and Serena, two members of Barn2Door's design team. They'll break down the logo design process, explain the importance of logos for your farm's brand, and share tips and insight on what makes a logo look great.https://barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we discuss career changes, regenerative Farming, and business growth with Alex Russell of Chucktown Acres. Alex started his journey in Farming as an intern at Polyface Farm with absolutely no Farming knowledge, and later went on to start his own Farm. Chucktown Acres is a working, regenerative farm just outside of Charleston, SC that aims to produce an elite quality of food and educate on the importance of soil health.https://www.chucktownacres.com/https://barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we hear from Justin Barclay, the Farm Education Manager at Rodale Institute. Rodale Institute has been a global leader in organic agriculture for over 70 years. Justin shares the ins and outs of the Rodale Institute Farmer Training Program, or RIFT.Learn more about Rodale Institute: https://rodaleinstitute.org/

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we sit down with Joelle from Orem Farms to discuss how she went from no email marketing to teaching Barn2Door's Mailchimp Academy. Hear her tips on growing a customer list, engaging your buyers, and not working yourself into the ground in the process. Learn more about Orem Farms: https://www.barn2door.com/fan/orem-farmsConnect with Joelle: https://www.barn2door.com/connectLearn more about Barn2Door's Integration with Mailchimp: https://www.barn2door.com/mailchimp

Welcome to the sixth episode in Barn2Door's series in partnership with the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund. FTCLDF is a non-profit organization of lawyers supporting Farmers across the country and helping them navigate the unique legal challenges Farmers face. In this episode, we cover the Campaign for Raw Food, and the concerns that have been raised over regulations on raw butter.https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/campaign-for-raw-food/

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, Tom Bennett from Bennett Farms shares his tips on using Farmers Markets as a marketing tool to increase your Farm's online sales.Show Notes:https://www.bennettfarmsmichigan.com/https://www.barn2door.com/resourceshttps://www.barn2door.com/connect

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we're delighted to welcome one of our newest members to the Farm Advisory Network, BCS Livestock. BCS stands for Betsy, Casey, and Skip, the three members of the Smith family. They use a holistic management style where we pay attention to all the small details. They follow a regenerative grazing plan in order to improve plant health, increase soil biodiversity and sequester carbon into the earth.Show Notes:https://BCSlivestock.com https://barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, Amy and Will Campbell of Old Rich Valley Farm will share with Rory, their favorite Barn2Door feature and tips that have helped her business profit.Show Notes:https://oldrichvalleyfarm.comhttps://barn2door.com/resourceshttps://barn2door.com/connect

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we're delighted to welcome one of our newest members to the Farm Advisory Network, Little River Farm in Rhode Island. Little River Farm was started in 2013 by young farmers Camille Abdel-Nabi and Robert Payne with a vision to create a small farm that could feed people the healthiest and most nutritious food possible. After 5 seasons of experimenting with different growing techniques, Little River Farm became a fully no-till farm.Show Notes:https://www.littleriverfarmri.com/https://Barn2Door.com/resources

Description:In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, Valarie Luhman of Grass Fed Cattle Co will share with Rory, their favorite Barn2Door feature and tips that have helped her business profit.Show Notes:https://grassfedcattleco.comhttps://barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, Miranda from Barn2Door and Joe Schirmer of Dirty Girl Produce will discuss tactics that he has used successfully to secure sales before the busy season. This episode is the audio version of a webinar made in partnership with ACRES USA.You can watch the webinar here at:https://www.barn2door.com/webinars/farm-innovator-series-secure-sales-before-the-busy-season

Welcome to the fifth episode in Barn2Door's series in partnership with the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund. FTCLDF is a non-profit organization of lawyers supporting Farmers across the country and helping them navigate the unique legal challenges Farmers face. In this episode, we focus on Pork, and how laws vary across the country, and the resources FTCLDF has to help Farmers sell their products direct-to-consumer. Show notes:https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast we're excited to welcome, Abby Lundrigan, Certification and Farmer Liason at Real Organic Project. The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement created to distinguish soil-grown and pasture-raised products under USDA organic. In response to the lack of enforcement of some vital USDA Organic standards to protect soil health and animal welfare, organic farmers rallied together to fight to protect the integrity of the organic label. Show Notes:https://www.realorganicproject.org/https://www.barn2door.com/resources

Description:In this episode of Direct Farm Tactics, Sebastian and Rachele will discuss Barn2Door's most recent feature roll out, custom tipping and how farmers can utilize it to increase your bottom line.Show notes:https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we're excited to host Abby. One of Barn2Door's very own Sales Account Executives. Listen as she shares how she came to join the team and and how she was able to grow with Barn2Door.Show Notes:https://www.barn2door.com/careershttps://www.barn2door.com/resources

Welcome to the fourth episode in Barn2Door's series in partnership with the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund. FTCLDF is a non-profit organization of lawyers supporting Farmers across the country and helping them navigate the unique legal challenges Farmers face. In this episode, we focus on Produce, FSMA, how laws vary across the country, and the resources FTCLDF has to help Farmers sell their products direct-to-consumer. Show notes:https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/

Description: On this episode of the podcast, we're excited to welcome back Ashley Clark after almost 2 years since Sacred Roots Maple started on Barn2Door. Listen as she shares how her seasonal family farm in Northern New York, continues to sell out and grow their maple business.Show Notes:https://www.sacredrootsmaple.com/

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we're excited to welcome back Matt Hammond, National Sales Manager over at Avalara. Listen as Matt and James discuss the nuances and challenges around taxes for all small farm businesses in the US. Show Notes: https://www.avalara.com/us/en/index.htmlhttps://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we're excited to host Caleb. Barn2Door's own Operations Manager. Listen as he shares how he came to join the team and and how he was able to grow with Barn2Door.Show Notes:https://www.barn2door.com/careers

Description:In this episode of Direct Farm Tactics, Our Farm Advisors from all across the USA and varying product categories, they will offer up their own tips on how they communicate and stay in touch with their customers.  If you'd like to learn more about our Farm Advisors or anything else mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes below.Show notes:https://www.barn2door.com/resources