The Thriving Farmer Podcast

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 - [email protected]. 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