
The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson
998 episodes — Page 9 of 20

Ep 570570: Matt Arthur on Bokashi Composting
Matt Arthur on Bokashi Composting. Composting food anaerobically.In This Podcast: Composting provides many benefits to the garden, yet, people hesitate to compost for various reasons, mainly the aggressive odors that come with the process. However, Matt Arthur is utilizing a composting system on his farm not common to the U.S. that builds healthy soil with less effort and less smell. Listen in to learn about the bokashi composting system, how Matt is reducing food waste, and the types of inputs that will transform the health of the garden.Matt is a second-generation regenerative farmer growing specialty cut flowers, expanding an apiary, and collecting residential food waste in Missouri with a focus on soil health, native plants, and integrated pest management. He applies lessons learned from working in a major agribusiness to small-scale intensive farming. His family-owned row-crop farm since 1974 grows corn, soy, and wheat using no-till and cover crops for dryland agriculture. Matt also sells bokashi kits & organic MO-kashi bran for indoor anaerobic composting as well as composting worms & worm towers.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/12/08/570-matt-arthur/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 569569: Angeline Young about Starting from Scratch
Angeline Young about Starting from Scratch. Creating a garden with little money, space, or experience.In This Podcast: Many people believe gardening requires money, experience, and a yard with ample space. However, Angeline Young has been an urban apartment dweller most her life and recently, she put herself to the challenge while adding creativity to her limited space. Listen in to learn about Angeline’s trials and errors through her recent gardening quest, her upcycled watering and planting systems, as well as how to naturally eliminate pests and build healthy soil.Angeline is a dancer and scholar from San Francisco, California. She is currently completing her PhD in Comparative Cultures and Languages at Arizona State University. Her research focuses on the Chinese community in Rome, Italy. In her spare time, Angeline has started a small container garden. Her “garden” is an 8x6-foot balcony in a large apartment complex. Using grow pots, milk cartons, and recycled plastic containers, she is cultivating her green thumb.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/12/01/569-angeline-young/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 568568: Mike McMahon on the Fresh Food Collab
Michael McMahon on the Fresh Food Collab.Improving access to adequate food for the Working Poor.In This Podcast: The rise of COVID-19 sent the world into a panic as we saw grocery store shelves emptied across the nation. All of the sudden there was not enough food, distributors were tossing food, and food banks were constrained. However, Michael McMahon saw the problem and wanted to become a part of the solution. Listen in to learn about how he is supporting food banks, eliminating food waste, and what he is doing to create a local food system for the urban environment. Michael graduated from State University of New York at Buffalo with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design, and Arizona State University with a master’s degree in Urban Planning. For 30 years, he has been the owner of AEC a commercial landscape company, specializing in native plant salvage and revegetation. Michael is the founder of the community garden Agave Farms, in Phoenix and a non-profit, Urban Farming Education. His non-profit partnered with other organizations to initiate the Fresh Food Collab as a response to economic impacts of Covid 19 and fill the growing need of adequate food in the community.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/11/24/568-michael-mcmahon/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 567567: Liane Hasner on Creating an Urban Farm
Liane Hasner on Creating her Urban Farm.Expanding the functionality of her property.In This Podcast:Lately, spending time outdoors has become the new way to keep sane during COVID. This has sparked a rising trend in urban farming. However, Liane Hasner has become inspired to be an urban farmer, not just as a hobby, but as a way to support herself, the community, and the planet. Listen in to learn about her regenerative practices on the farm, what permaculture means to her, and where to find resources to be a mindful environmental steward.Liane learned gardening from her parents by helping to plant flowers as well as pick string beans, tomatoes, and peaches in Northeast Philadelphia. She attended Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences initially wanting to become a veterinarian before realizing blood and guts were not her thing. She received a Bachelors in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Penn State University and worked a few different management positions, including at a farm to table restaurant which reignited her gardening spark. Liane and her husband David purchased their dream home two years ago in New Jersey and have started creating their urban farm. Inspired by The Urban Farm Podcast, Liane decided it was necessary to come up with a name. After a few days, and countless suggestions from friends and loved ones, David finally blurted out “Something! Anything!” and that was it. They are now in the process of transforming their already beautiful property into a complete oasis and mostly edible landscape.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/11/17/567-liane-hasner/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 566566: Seed Saving Class October 2020
566: Seed Saving Class October 2020.A chat with an expert on Seeds.In This Podcast: At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman. This is the October 2020 class discussing gardening hacks, hybrid seeds, natural seed saving methods, and so much more about having fun making a mess in the garden.Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/11/10/566-seedchat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 565565: Donna Kilpatrick on Bringing Food Closer to Home
Donna Kilpatrick on Bringing Food Closer to Home.Helping others understand the value of small farms.In This Podcast:Large-scale farming is known to be labor-intensive and supports practices that are harmful to the natural environment However, Donna Kilpatrick has spent much of her life’s work as a land steward, facilitating regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices to bolster small-scale farmers and a thriving local ecosystem. Listen in to learn about how Donna made a career out of her passion, what she does to educate her community, and the importance of training new farmers.With over twenty years of experience in agriculture, Donna is a land steward, specializing in regenerative agriculture, and ecosystem health and abundance. She has been with Heifer USA since 2007, overseeing all agriculture enterprises on Heifer Ranch since 2017. Prior to returning to farming full-time, Donna was a volunteer for the Peace Corps in Ecuador, working with cattle and dairy farmers. She holds a degree in sustainable agriculture and literature from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC, where she worked on the college farm; and a masters in non-profit management from The New School in New York, NY. She is currently working toward her accredited professional status with the Savory Institute.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/11/03/565-donna-kilpatrick/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 564564: Pia Maffei on Exploring Clean Eating
Pia Maffei on Exploring Clean Eating.Teaching people to recognize clean, healthy food.In This Podcast:Most people perceive food as healthy based on popular buzz words and special labels such as grass-fed or non-GMO, yet, never questioning the source of ingredients. However, Pia Maffei says we should absolutely be asking ourselves this question. Listen in to learn about understanding clean eating, getting smart about deceptive marketing practices, and finding the right path towards living a healthy lifestyle by making the right food choices that work best for us. Pia used to think she was eating clean because she didn’t eat fast food or go to chain restaurants, she cooked mostly at home, ate beef about 3 times a year, and would only go out to eat at fine dining restaurants. In 2013, after a successful 25 years in technology, she opened a small, curated market called Artisan’s Palate in Temecula, California. It quickly attracted many local artisans who were making their products ‘fresh’ and ‘with love’. However, she soon realized they were using the same inexpensive ingredients commonly found in mass-produced processed foods, and they wanted to charge double the price. Just because they were making it from ‘scratch’ didn’t mean it was clean. From that day forward she started to scrutinize both the ingredients used and the processes that were implemented in the foods she carried at the market and began to work only with suppliers that were conscientious when sourcing ingredients and farming practices.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/10/27/564-pia-maffei/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library

Ep 563563: Seed Saving Class September 2020
563: Seed Saving Class September 2020. A chat with an expert on Seeds.In This Podcast: At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman. This is the September 2020 class discussing the importance of seed diversity, the value of farm direct seeds, building regional relationships, and so much more about seed adaptation.Join the class! Register anytime for the next event.Register Here for the Seed Saving Class with Live Q&ABill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/10/20/563-seedchat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 562562: Benjamin Page on Interacting with The Earth
Benjamin Page on Interacting with The Earth.Building a relationship with your soil.In This Podcast: In today’s society, we as humans are provided with various ways to virtually connect with each other. However, Benjamin Page, recent author of two books, points out one key area humans lack a connection with: The Earth. Listen in to learn about the importance of building a relationship with earth, Ben’s definition of healthy soil, and why playing in the dirt can support overall human health and wellbeing. Benjamin is a chiropractic physician and avid urban gardener who works in the wellness paradigm. Going beyond spinal care, he uses a holistic approach as he helps his patients return to health by encouraging nutrition through chemical-free food grown in fertile soils, adequate rest, sufficient movement, and the development of proper internal dialogue. Benjamin is the author of The 4 Pillars of Health: Your Health and Well-being Made Simple, and Playing in the Dirt: The key to Sustainable Health. He is also the creator of The Wellness Farmer Podcast and Pastos verdes farm YouTube channel, where he shares his journey gardening in his little urban garden.To see show notes and links visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/10/13/562-benjamin-page/

Ep 561561: Frances Parsons on Farming, Fitness, and Finance
Frances Parsons on Farming, Fitness, and Finance.Helping a community find a healthy balance.In This Podcast: Food choices, fitness routines, and spending habits can be difficult to manage. However, Frances Parsons has discovered the importance of balancing these key areas and is on a mission to help others embrace those everyday challenges that will better support a healthy life. Listen in to learn about her inspiration behind forming her nonprofit organization, the correlation between health and finances, and how she is broadening horizons for her community at Spaces of Opportunity. Frances had a cosmetology license while being a flight attendant with a major airline. Her life was great – she traveled the world doing hair. Then she went to Australia to be with her brother who was dying of cancer during his final months and learned that food could keep you alive or kill you. Changing his diet extended his life a little and her crusade began to learn about healthy food.She moved to Arizona to open a hair salon and chatted with her clients about the importance of eating healthy. She began growing food in her backyard and selling to her neighbors. Connecting the dots of her farming with physical and financial health pushed her to start a nonprofit with a couple friends to teach people in her community how they can grow their own healthy food, be fit, and get financially smart! Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/10/06/561-frances-parsons/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 560560: Ben Kilbride on The Garden Guide and More
Ben Kilbride on The Garden Guide and More.Time-tested and trusted planting resources from the Old Farmer’s Almanac.In This Podcast: The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been used as a guide mainly by farmers to aid in predicting weather patterns. Ben Kilbride, who is the editorial assistant for the Old Farmer’s Almanac discusses the variety of publications and guides available to all types gardeners from novice to expert. Listen in to learn about the history of the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the prediction methods used, and the various gardening guides covering topics from growing techniques to battling pests.Benjamin is an editorial assistant with The Old Farmer’s Almanac. While he doesn’t own any land, he gets creative gardening every year in pots, in small mobile green houses, and under lights in his pantry.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/09/29/560-ben-kilbride/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 559559: Seed Saving Class August 2020
559: Seed Saving Class August 2020.In This Podcast: At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman. This is the August 2020 class discussing various seed exchange resources, finding heirloom seeds, supporting organizations, and so much more on how to connect people to local seed sources.Bill McDorman is past Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/09/22/seed-saving-class-august-2020/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 558558: Jason Johns on Saving Our Bees
Jason Johns on Saving Our Bees.Creating a relationship with tiny garden workers.In This Podcast: Bees are an essential worker in our agricultural ecosystems, yet their habitats are threatened everyday. Jason Johns is the author of several books, including his new book Save Our Bees, which shares valuable insights on how home gardeners can enhance bee populations. Listen in to learn about the importance of biodiversity, planting native flowers, urban impacts, and the inspiration behind Jason's new book.Jason is the author of Save Our Bees: Your guide to creating a bee friendly environment, as well as seventeen other gardening books on everything from greenhouse gardening to growing giant pumpkins. Jason is passionate about gardening, having grown his own produce for over twenty years. He started with a secondhand greenhouse and an 8’ by 6’ patch of his mother’s garden, and since then has worked his way through various allotments and gardens, growing everything from radishes to carrots to giant pumpkins.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/09/15/558-jason-johns/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 557557: Kim Eierman on Pollinator Victory Gardens
Kim Eierman on Pollinator Victory Gardens.Calling bees, butterflies, and more to your landscape.There is a lot of focus on the importance of pollinators, yet there is still a concerning decline in populations. Kim Eierman, author of The Pollinator Victory Garden, specializes in environmental horticulture, and is encouraging gardeners to enhance pollinator pathways. Listen in to learn about the various types of pollinators, understanding native ecosystems, and how to connect your yard to a pollinator pathway. Kim is an Environmental Horticulturist specializing in ecological landscapes and native plants. She is the founder of EcoBeneficial LLC in New York. Kim teaches at the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The Native Plant Center in NY, Rutgers Home Gardeners School and several other institutions. She is an active speaker nationwide and also provides horticultural consulting to homeowners and commercial clients. In addition to being a Certified Horticulturist through the American Society for Horticultural Science, Kim is an Accredited Organic Land Care Professional, a Steering Committee member of The Native Plant Center, and a member of The Ecological Landscape Alliance and Garden Communicators International, and designs pollinator victory gardens for both home owners and commercial clients. Kim is the author of the new book, The Pollinator Victory Garden: Win the War on Pollinator Decline with Ecological Gardening.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/09/08/557-kim-eierman/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Don't forget to check out Kim's blog article on Ten Tips for a Thriving Pollinator Victory Garden

Ep 556556: Greg, Janis, Bill and Belle on Seed Up in a Box
Bringing bulk seed sharing to every community.In This Podcast: The Great American Seed Up is a project designed to improve resilience through local seed saving and sharing. With the events of 2020, seed sharing cannot be done in large events so Greg, Janis, Bill & Belle chat about a new way for neighbors and groups to share seeds through the Seed Up In a Box Program. Listen in to learn about how this new bulk seed shopping works, how anyone can participate, how the savings is shared, and ideas on ways to promote seed sharing with friends and family.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/09/03/556-seed-up-in-a-box/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! AND check out the article Eleven Ways to Share Seeds by Kari Spencer the fourth founder of Great American Seed Up.Greg, Janis, Bill and Belle on Seed Up in a Box.

Ep 555555: Mykl Nelson on Healthy Urban Soil
Can there be too much organic matter in your garden?.Growing a healthy garden requires a good balance of healthy soil. Mykl Nelson had studied agriculture for several years and conducted soil analyses of multiple organic farms. What he discovered was a shocking truth about soil health. Listen in to learn about what is over-enrichment, acknowledging diverse soil conditions, and Mykl’s unbelievable solution that turns food waste back into high quality protein.Mykl grew up in a military family and has been stationed around the world. The longest he’s lived anywhere was six years in Colorado and six years in Oregon. His paternal grandparents were commodity farmers in Wyoming who ‘hoped their kids would be too smart to become farmers.’ Of their four children and nine grandchildren, Mykl is the only one in agriculture. Mykl is an instructor of urban agriculture at Oregon State University, and is pursuing research into controlled environment agriculture. He has clusters of houseplants from different biomes on his windows sills, worms in the garage, and he’s experimenting with insect protein production. It seems if there’s a living system to be emulated, Mykl is interested.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/09/01/555-mykl-nelson/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Mykl Nelson on Healthy Urban Soil.

Ep 554554: Greg Peterson and Janis Norton on The 2020 Fruit Tree Program
An invitation to an online fruit tree education event.In This Podcast: It is that time of year for the upcoming annual Urban Farm fruit tree education launch. Greg Peterson and Janis Norton discuss the highlights of the Urban Farm fruit tree program and share an invitation to the first virtual kick-off event. Listen in to learn about when the live online event is hosted, where to sign up, special bundle deals, and and some quick tips on selecting the best fruit trees for your backyard.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/08/27/554-fruit-tree-program/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Greg Peterson and Janis Norton on The 2020 Fruit Tree Program.

Ep 553553: Jason Johns on Berries and Brassicas
Jamming in the garden with healthy, tasty, fruits and vegetables.In This Podcast: Berries and brassicas come from two different plant families, and like many plants, they have some unique environmental requirements. Jason Johns has experimented in the garden and written books that share his secrets on how to bring these health-bearing edible plants to the back yard. Listen in to learn about growing berries and brassicas, the surprising facts about soil management for growing berries, and how to avoid unexpected pests in the garden. Jason is the author of Growing Brassicas and Berry Gardening, as well as many other gardening books hoping to inspire people to take up gardening themselves and successfully grow their own delicious fresh fruit and vegetables. Jason is passionate about gardening, having grown his own produce for over twenty years. He started with a secondhand greenhouse and an 8’ by 6’ patch of his mother’s garden, and since then has worked his way through various allotments and gardens, growing everything from radishes to carrots to giant pumpkins.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/08/25/553-jason-johns/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Jason Johns on Berries and Brassicas.

Ep 552552: Seed Saving Class July 2020
552: Seed Saving Class July 2020. In This Podcast: This is the July 2020 episode of a live Seed Saving Class discussing the current status of world seeds, utility patents, community based seed systems, and so much more on building diversity and resilience back into the garden.There is always a bounty of information available in conversations with Bill McDorman. Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/08/18/552-seedchat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 551551: Chloe Lieberman on Growing Calorie Crops
Chloe Lieberman on farming corn and other small-scale staple crops.In This Podcast: When one thinks of staple crops, what usually comes to mind is corn, wheat, and soybeans, yet Chloe Lieberman has worked with community farms around the world and discovered that there is an abundance of underutilized, calorie-dense types of crops. Listen in to learn about the value of staple crops, the processes of growing corn and wheat, and even learn how to make tortillas as Chloe shares the varieties of ancient grain corn that make the best tortillas.Chloe homesteads near Asheville, NC. She also writes and teaches for Wild Abundance, a school of permaculture, natural building, and homesteading that’s just down the road from Chloe’s farm. She and her partner raise dairy goats, ducks, a milk cow, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and herbs. One of Chloe’s great loves is growing staple crops: the kinds of plants that can be center stage during a meal. Along with growing food, Chloe is passionate about cooking and nutrition. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/08/11/551-chloe-lieberman/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Chloe Lieberman on Growing Calorie Crops.

Ep 550550: Josephine DeFalco on Growing Herbs for Health and Happiness.
Recognizing herbs for their many essential benefits.In This Podcast: Herbs can be the easiest plants to grow, at the same time, they can be the most expensive item in the produce section of the store. Josephine DeFalco became inspired to educate others on how to grow herbs and the many benefits that arise from herbs aside from enhancing culinary flare. Listen in to learn about the importance of herbs in the garden, the best ways to process herbs, and how they can be a great alternative to salt with a focus on the value of herbs that improve overall health and well-being.Retired nurse and living by the Hippocratic belief that food is our best medicine, Josephine’s present mission as a registered dietitian is to encourage everyone to grow their own organic, chemical-free food, and develop skills for food preservation. In this way she shares how we can all be responsible for our own families, our own health, and our own well-being.She is the author of two books on gardening and food preservation: The Best Little Herb Book and The Best Little Bread Book with Flint Hills Publishing. Josephine has had her own garden from the time she was five years old and has not stopped playing in the dirt since then. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/08/04/550-josephine-defalco/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Josephine DeFalco on Growing Herbs for Health and Happiness.

Ep 549549: Seed Saving Class June 2020
549: Seed Saving Class June 2020.This is the June 2020 episode of a live Seed Saving Class discussing difficult seeds to save, avoiding cross pollination, and so much more on creating a self-reinforcing breeding system for seed families.There is always a bounty of information available in conversations with Bill McDorman.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/07/28/549-seedchat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 548548: Jeff Malkoon on the Origins of Peanut Butter.
Blending nutty flavors for healthy spread options.In This Podcast: When it comes to healthy food options, a common perception is that healthy doesn’t always taste good. After spending time in South America, Jeff Malkoon found inspiration to enter an untapped market and a mission to create all-natural spreads to cater to the health conscious while satisfying a sweet tooth. Listen in and learn about the origin of peanut butter and how it came to America. Then dive deeper into what inspired Jeff to form his own business blending some of the richest flavors without the guilt. It was obvious that Jeff had created an outstanding product when he completely sold out after attending his first farmers market.Jeff is the owner and developer of Peanut Butter Americano. The idea for this family owned business came about as Jeff was volunteering in Uruguay. He recognized that while peanuts grew abundantly in the area, people still preferred to consume sugary spreads such as dulce de leche. Inspired to find healthier alternatives, and after much trial and error back home in his mother's kitchen, 6 flavors of all-natural, low sugar, tasty spreads made their way to Arizona farmers markets. Today, alongside his sister Denise, PB Americano's mission is to provide delicious, nutritious and socially beneficial spreads.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/07/21/548-jeff-malkoon/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Jeff Malkoon on the Origins of Peanut Butter.

Ep 547547: Shari Flam on Raw Cacao from Belize and Ecuador.
Supporting 4th generation farmers while making healthier chocolates.In This Podcast: We've all heard some of the benefits of chocolate, but Shari Flam is harnessing the medicinal benefits of cacao beans by using the fermented beans in her tasty treats. Listen in to learn about ethically sourcing cacao beans, the health benefits of eating raw cacao, the different processing methods, and some of the treats she makes using the unprocessed cacao beans. She also discusses the mineral and chemical components of chocolate and how it interacts with the nervous system.Shari began her endeavors in chocolate 15 years ago as a home-based business for family and friends. A dream finally blossomed 3 years ago with the start of communal Uprising chocolate driven by a passion to help the planet and spread awareness through the heart-opening benefits of the cacao. The treats are all free of white sugar, completely ethically and environmentally sound using no plastic and purchased through a South American Co-op. Communal Uprising chocolate works for them, they do not work for us, says Shari. We educate about the benefits of raw cacao and create a connection in our minds to positivity.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/07/14/547-shari-flam/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!547: Shari Flam on Raw Cacao from Belize and Ecuador.

Ep 546546: Neal Bringe on Creating a New Squash.
Playing with seeds and making history.In This Podcast: When you treat your space like a nature sanctuary, sometimes you get botanical surprises! Neal Bringe teaches us about a new variety of Christmas Squash and the conditions he created to cross two varieties of squash to create this beautiful new vegetable that is pleasing to the eye and mouth. Also learn more about growing in Colorado, working with nature so your land comes alive, and allowing plants to go to seed so your garden regenerates itself each year!Neal is a dedicated listener we invited on the show after learning he has developed a beautiful new variety of squash. Having a PhD in Food Science, and active in his community and church in Elizabeth CO, Neal works with a mind to educate and provide for his family by creating gardens for produce and butterflies. His photos have earned him multiple awards, and it was by sharing photos of his recent squash crop that we are able to see just how cool it is to create new varieties in our own gardens. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/07/07/546-neal-bringe/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!546: Neal Bringe on Creating a New Squash.

Ep 545545: Matt Provost on Student Farming.
Growing food and sharing it with a campus community.In This Podcast: College isn't always the time people choose healthy eating, but Matt Provost, the student farm manager for the University of Wisconsin Madison is bringing free fresh produce to the students on campus. Listen in to learn how they set up and fund the farm, support other campus programs, and educate others about farming. Matt also discusses some of the epic moments on the farm and how they adapt growing seasons to the school semesters. If only every college offered this experience!Matt is involved with a student organization called FH King Students for Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin. He is one of two farm directors running the one-acre student farm on campus. They grow all sorts of vegetables, as well as fruit trees, berries, and hazelnuts. Every Friday during the growing season they harvest produce in the morning then truck it back to campus, set up a farm stand, and give the harvest to the student community for free. Matt is studying Landscape Architecture and very interested in permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and enhancing local food systems. He wants to work at the intersection of eco-restoration & agriculture and believes we can feed ourselves healthier food while providing habitat for all of the creatures that we share the land with.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/06/30/545-matt-provost/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!545: Matt Provost on Student Farming.

Ep 544544: Seed Saving Class May 2020
544: Seed Saving Class May 2020.A chat with an expert on Seeds.In This Podcast: This is the May 2020 episode of a live Seed Saving Class discussing seed hoarding, providing seeds to a community in times of need, and so much more about growing and creating seed resilience.There is always a bounty of information available in conversations with Bill McDorman.Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail-order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/06/23/544-seedchat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 543543: Audrey Barron on Food and Herbs for Health.
Learning how to use food and herbs as medicine.In This Podcast: From her clean food restaurant to her urban farm, Audrey Barron is helping people feel better. Listen in to learn about her journey as a holistic health chef, her philosophy on eating trends, various diets, and how to heal through food. On top of running her restaurant, she also farms her own urban farm using permaculture practices, composting, and involving the community. Audrey shares her knowledge of farming and cooking in her new Medicine Woman program on healing foods.Audrey is the creator and owner of Ezra’s Enlightened Café, in Indianapolis, established in 2014 with a focus on plant-based and gluten-free fare made with non-GMO and organic ingredients. Chef Audrey began her journey toward healing in her early 20’s when she was experiencing some significant health issues and was inspired by a family member to try plant-based eating. Eventually opening Ezra’s Enlightenment Café, she is bringing her experience and training into every aspect -- from classes and programs to menu items and retail herbs. Audrey has been passionate about herbalism as well. Over the past decade, she trained with herbalists such as Susan Weed, Ron Teeguarden of Dragon Herbs, and Rosita Arvigo. Audrey is excited to bring her past decade of personal healing, herbalism training, expertise in making healing food, and the love of growing food in a way that nourishes the land. This extends to her newest offering, the Medicine Woman Membership where women are learning to use plants to heal, thrive, and take care of themselves and their families.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/06/16/543-audrey-barron/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!543: Audrey Barron on Food and Herbs for Health.

Ep 542542: Paul Lightfoot on Local is the New Organic.
Bringing awareness to the value of local food systems.In This Podcast: Picture buying salad greens at the grocery store that were just picked the day before. Paul Lightfoot from BrightFarms is making this happen in the stores around their farm. Passionate about getting fresh food to more people, Paul discusses the benefits of local vs organic food, how shortening the supply chain provides fresher, safer food, and the nutritional value decline. Listen in to hear about the setup and safety protocols at BrightFarms so they ensure healthy, safe food.Paul is BrightFarms’ founder and president and leads the company on its mission to provide consumers with the freshest, tastiest, and most responsibly grown produce. Through his vision, BrightFarms is creating the first national brand of locally grown produce. In 2017, BrightFarms was named 235th on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies, ranking 10th among all food companies and the only produce company featured on the list. Paul is a member of the board of United Fresh Produce Association. They believe Local, indoor produce is fresher because it’s grown closer to where it’s sold. It is cleaner because it can be grown without pesticides. And most importantly, it tastes better. BrightFarms is the No. 1 brand of locally grown packaged salads, serving the freshest, tastiest and most responsibly grown produce to consumers nationwide. BrightFarms operates hydroponic greenhouse farms in the communities it serves, enabling them to eliminate time, distance, and costs from the food supply chain.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/06/09/542-paul-lightfoot/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!542: Paul Lightfoot on Local is the New Organic.

Ep 541541: Trevor Williams on Farming Podcasts.
Bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.In This Podcast: Want more info on what it takes to be a farmer? Trevor Williams of the Farm Traveler Podcast interviews farmers about their day to day life and processes. Listen in to learn about becoming educated on where your food comes from, some of Trevor's epic guests, and some of the innovative things people are doing in the farming industry. He also shares what it's like to single-handedly produce a podcast and his goals and vision for the future of his show.Trevor is a former High School Agriscience teacher now software analyst and host of the podcast Farm Traveler. He graduated with a major in Agricultural Education and Communication and a minor in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida and is a former Florida Future Farmers of America State Officer. Trevor taught agriscience classes for two years in Daytona Beach, FL and helped direct a career academy focused on Horticulture and Aquaculture. After two years he moved closer to home and, in order to stay involved in agriculture while working as a software analyst, he started Farm Traveler in 2016 with the motivation and editorial expertise of his wife Allie. As host and producer of the Farm Traveler Podcast, he pretty much does it all to make it work.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/06/02/541-trevor-williams/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!541: Trevor Williams on Farming Podcasts.

Ep 540540: Brad Lancaster on Planting the Rain.
Teaching about the personal and community benefits of harvesting rainwater.In This Podcast: Returning guest, Brad Lancaster, recently taught us about Harvesting the Rain and is back to teach about Planting the Rain. If you've ever considered capturing rainwater directly in your landscape, this episode will teach you about rainwater planting methods and strategies, how captured water impacts thermoregulation, and water as a lubricant for exchange. Get inspired by a village in India that changed their water planting culture and learn how to create healthier soil. Brad runs a successful permaculture consulting, design, and education business in Tucson, Arizona. He is focused on integrated and sustainable approaches to landscape design, planning, and living. Growing up in a dryland environment, water harvesting has long been one of his specialties and a true passion. He is the author of the permaculture bible for water harvesting: Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond Volumes I & II and he has just released new full color revised and expanded editions of both.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/05/26/540-brad-lancaster/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!540: Brad Lancaster on Planting the Rain.

Ep 539539: Bryan Kappa on ChipDrop.
Bringing green waste to your driveway.In This Podcast: Organic matter builds soil, and Bryan Kappa has a free service that allows nationwide users to quickly build the quality of their soil. Learn about ChipDrop, the program that connects gardeners with tree companies and benefits everyone. Not all mulch is created equal, and you'll learn the difference in mulch options, how to properly wood chip your yard and improve your soil Ph. There are some exciting improvements coming to ChipDrop, as well as creative ways to use it! Bryan is a Portland native who combined his love of trees and technology into the ChipDrop web service. While hauling brush for a local tree company he realized the potential cost savings of delivering the freshly chipped trees to neighbors and homeowners, as opposed to driving long distances to the dump (and paying their fees). He also knew that people loved free things. Bryan has a history of creating life hacks to combine urban living with environmental sustainability. In 2014 he was granted permission by the Portland Water Bureau to keep 2 goats and a pig on a small lot in North Portland to help clear brush and Ivy without the use of pesticides. He and his roommates kept a composting toilet in his residential North Portland home, only a mile from downtown. In his spare time, he serves on the board as a technical lead for Cascadia Wild, helping build and maintain their database of images of rare and threatened species in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/05/19/539-bryan-kappa/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!539: Bryan Kappa on ChipDrop.

Ep 538538: Erin Douglas on Sustainable Farming in Ghana.
Supporting a teaching farm in Africa.In This Podcast: Some people know their mission from a young age. Others, like Erin Douglas, find their direction as they go. With a desire to travel as her guide, Erin left her corporate job and traveled through Africa. An epic moment in Ghana inspired this novice farmer to create a non-profit farm that feeds residents, provides jobs, funds education, and supports an orphanage. Erin shares how she created a sustainable community model that could benefit societies all over the world.Erin is the founder of US non-profit Learn Grow Lead and helped birth a sustainable farm project in Ghana, Africa to support the local community. The Helper’s Farm, is an organic, community teaching farm that works in partnership with local agriculture school programs to encourage farmers to farm naturally, without the use of pesticides, transitioning farms in the surrounding communities to a healthier environment and a healthier food system.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/05/12/538-erin-douglas/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!538: Erin Douglas on Sustainable Farming in Ghana.

Ep 537537: Robert Pavlis on Garden Soil Myths.
Clearing up illusions about the substances we use to grow our food.In This Podcast: We've all bought plant-specific fertilizer or used leaves to diagnose what additives we need for our plants. But according to Robert Pavlis, building great soil needs a different approach. After all, how can you know what to add if you don't know what's already there? Listen in for common soil and fertilizer myths, the easy additive that fixes anything over time, your ideal soil ratios, and how to distinguish fact from urban legend. You'll never think the same about fertilizer!Robert is a well-known speaker and educator with over 40 years of gardening experience. He is the author of three books, Building Natural Ponds, Garden Myths, and Soil Science for Gardeners and publishes the popular gardening blogs; GardenMyths.com and GardenFundamentals.com. As the owner and head gardener of Aspen Grove Gardens, a six-acre botanical garden, he grows 3,000 varieties of plants.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/05/05/537-robert-pavlis/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!537: Robert Pavlis on Garden Soil Myths.

Ep 536536: Chris McLaughlin on Raising Animals for Fiber.
Farming for yarn and more.In This Podcast: Not all farmers produce food. Some farm flowers, plants, or seeds. Others use their animal herd to produce fiber crops for yarn and textiles. Chris McLaughlin is a fiber farmer and educator who shares all about the fascinating world of raising goats, sheep, rabbits, and alpacas for their fibrous coats. Listen in to learn about angora, cashmere, and all the products from animal fibers. Then, gain insight into the fiber farming business, breed conservation, and spinning yarn. Chris is the author of eight books written about her life passions: gardening, small livestock, and the family farm. Her work can be found in Fine Gardening Magazine, Hobby Farm Home Magazine, Urban Farm Magazine, and more. Online, she's been a staff blogger for vegetablegardener.com, About.com, and many more websites. Chris is currently secretary of The Colored Angora Goat Breeders Association. She and her family enjoy an entertaining, and exhausting life in the Northern California foothills on their flower and fiber farm, Laughing Crow & Company.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/04/28/536-chris-mclaughlin/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!536: Chris McLaughlin on Raising Animals for Fiber.

Ep 535535: John Moody on Weed Suppression.
Controlling unwanted volunteers in our farms and gardens.In This Podcast: Could weeds be friends? In some cases, John Moody thinks they are! John shares some of the knowledge from his book and experience on his homestead to help you determine what are beneficial weeds in the right area of your garden. Listen in to learn about using weeds as an understory to benefit plants, designing your growing space to minimize weeds, when to utilize their benefits, or how to safely remove them. If you've ever seen a weed in your yard, this is an episode for you!John does not consider himself a typical farmer. Farming and homesteading were not something he ever planned to do. Growing up, he enjoyed a varied diet of video games, cartoons, and processed foods. Dental decay, seasonal allergies, and constant sickness were the inevitable result – one that doctors denied was connected to food and lifestyle choices.In his early 20s, he was waylaid by duodenal ulcers, his body’s warning that some things were dreadfully awry. Over the course of a year, he and his now wife Jessica completely changed their understanding of food, asking – what is food? How should it be raised? and How should it be prepared? This eventually led to moving out to a farm of their own, and writing several books including The Frugal Homesteader Handbook, The Elderberry Book, and Winning the War Against Weeds.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/04/21/535-john-moody/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!535: John Moody on Weed Suppression.

Ep 534534: Catherine Crowley on Her Favorite Herbs.
Growing most anything you want to in a Desert Garden.In This Podcast: Herbs are a wonderful way to begin gardening and get a lot of bang for your buck! Catherine Crowley, or "The Herb Lady" as many people know her, shares some of her favorite, unique plants to grow and how she uses them. This episode will help you plan your garden like an experienced gardener. Catherine highlights her experiences and thoughts about sun orientation, plant height, light needs, and other considerations so your plants and herbs will thrive!Catherine "The Herb Lady", is an expert in edible landscaping in the desert, an author, and a lecturer. She has been gardening for over 3 decades, initially focusing on just culinary herbs. Then her garden journey expanded to growing anything she ate or drank as a base for experimenting with new-to-her and common edible herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers.These days Catherine blogs and writes on gardening and cooking with the garden bounty she harvests from her garden and community.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/04/14/534-catherine-crowley/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!534: Catherine Crowley on Her Favorite Herbs.

Ep 533533: Amanda Fallis on Market Life.
Building community and local food resilience through a Farmers Market.In This Podcast: Have you ever thought about selling at a Farmers Market, but the whole process seemed intimidating? We spoke with Amanda Fallis, assistant manager of the Vernon Farmers Market to understand what it takes to get started selling at a market. Learn about the certifications, insurance, how the vendors pay for their place in the market, and the community markets build. You'll quickly realize it's not as hard as it seems and after the initial set up all you have to do is have fun. Amanda grew up doing home renovation with her father. She did a quick stint as a mechanic right out of high school before returning to renovations. She moved to British Columbia from Toronto at age twenty-five and started embracing simpler living which included Market Life. One thing led to another and since May 2019, she has been the Assistant Manager to The Vernon Farmers Market in Vernon, BC.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/04/07/533-amanda-fallis/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!533: Amanda Fallis on Market Life.

Ep 532532: Lindsay Allen on Rooftop Farming.
Growing food on top of a hospital.Lindsay is a farmer and educator, from Boston, Massachusetts. She has been farming for the past 10 years and managed farms in both rural and suburban locations around and outside the United States. She currently works with Higher Ground Farm as the Operations Director, and as the Farm Manager of the 7,000 square foot Rooftop Farm at Boston Medical Center. A strong ethic towards food justice, climate change mitigation and a passion for getting creative in how we grow and distribute food in our urban landscapes brought Lindsay to work with Higher Ground Farm. Outside of the direct farming working she is a certified Permaculture Designer and Educator and teaches courses a few times a year on the subject. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Agroforestry. When Lindsay is not teaching or growing food, she can be found happily experimenting with fermentations, communing with chickens, spending time outdoors, crafting, or sharing a good home-cooked meal with family and friends.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/03/31/532-lindsay-allen/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!532: Lindsay Allen on Rooftop Farming.

Ep 531531: J. Brown on Yoga’s Evolution.
Watching the world of yoga change from underground to mainstream.In This Podcast: Many of our listeners find inner peace in their gardens but after this interview with J. Brown, you may find yourself wanting to explore the therapeutic nature of yoga. Not all yoga involves the complicated pretzel twists that have become popular images in social media. In fact, simple movements can have a profound impact on feeling good. Here, we discuss yoga's evolution, benefits, finding the right teacher, and its deeper purpose that leads to enlightenment. J. is a yoga teacher, writer, and podcaster. He is at the forefront of a quiet yoga revolution based in healing, that seeks to change the dialogue and direction of yoga practice in the west. His writing has been featured in Yoga Therapy Today, The International Journal of Yoga Therapy, and across the yoga blogosphere. His podcast J Brown Yoga Talks is internationally renowned for raising the level of conversation.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/03/24/531-j-brown/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!531: J. Brown on Yoga’s Evolution.

Ep 530530: The Urban Farm's Response to COVID-19.
Addressing the significant conversations happening in the world.In This Podcast: The world is changing almost daily around us. With change comes new needs, focuses, and learning. Urban Farm's Proprietor Greg Peterson and General Manager Janis Norton, discuss how The Urban Farm is adapting their programs to better support their listeners and community. This means changes to the podcast, but also new educational opportunities that will help everybody build their food resilience. Listen in to learn about past podcasts and our new daily classes that will help you start your food journey.Greg Peterson is the Proprietor of The Urban Farm and Host of The Urban Farm Podcast. He is a green living and sustainability innovator who is well-known regionally. His mission is inspire people to embrace their own greenness, which he does daily by living what he speaks.Janis is the General Manager and Podcast Producer for The Urban Farm. Her passion to make The Urban Farm a truly valued resource for our listeners, readers, and in-person participants is obvious in all that she does. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/03/21/530-changes/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!530: The Urban Farm's Response to COVID-19.

Ep 529529: Seed Saving Class February 2020
529: Seed Saving Class February 2020.In This Podcast: You don't want to miss the February 2020 episode of a live Seed Saving Class discussing how to start plants from seed with special guest Kari Spencer. Listen in for methods of starting seeds, things to consider, and the number one reason seeds don't sprout. Greg, Bill, and Kari share some of their tips and tricks as well as answer listener questions about specific plant seeds.Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail-order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Kari Spencer is a popular local gardening & homesteading speaker. As a Master Gardener and a Master Farmer, she enjoys sharing her passion for growing and raising food with others. In addition to teaching classes all over the city of Phoenix, she is the creator of Urban Farm U’s Growing Food the Basics & Backyard Livestock courses. She and her family operate The Micro Farm Project, a small farm in North Phoenix, where gardens and livestock animals provide her family with fun and food. Her book is City Farming: How-To Guide to Growing Crops & Raising Livestock in Urban Spaces.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/03/17/529-seedchat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Ep 528528: Jane Rabinowicz on Global Seed Work.
Transforming the food systems of the world through good seeds and sustainable practices.In This Podcast: Did you know that seeds help communities rebuild after a crisis? Here, we speak with Jane Rabinowicz about her work with the Canadian organization SeedChange. Their support for grassroots projects, farmers across the world, and global seed policy impact everyone worldwide. Listen in for how the organization began, how they protect seed diversity and work with local agriculture to preserve endangered plant varieties through seed saving.Jane was appointed as an Executive Director of SeedChange in 2016, after joining the organization in 2011. Jane has dedicated her career to community-led change. She is co-founder of the Silver Dollar Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors of Tides Canada. Jane was named one of the 53 most influential people in Canada’s food system by The Globe and Mail, and one of Canada’s leading women changing the way we eat by Châtelaine Magazine.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/03/14/528-jane-rabinowicz/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! 528: Jane Rabinowicz on Global Seed Work.

Ep 527527: Ray Speakman about Farming Instead of Retiring.
Starting an urban farm to keep young the later years.In This Podcast: Have you ever wished for more gardening space? So did Ray Speakman when he took early retirement. But instead of just wishing, he recruited neighbors for their land and made his farming dreams a reality! Listen in to learn how he went from 1 garden bed to a half-acre of productive land and started a neighborhood CSA and weekend produce stand. Ray shares what it was like becoming a farmer in retirement, abundant food production in smaller spaces, and making it happen. Ray has always been an entrepreneur at heart with a drive to affect the lives of others for the better. He grew up on a chicken farm in Cottonwood, Arizona with 5000 chickens, as well as cows, horses, and large gardens. After moving to Mesa with his parents in the mid 1960’s, he married his wonderful wife. After a series of different businesses and 8 children, he ended up working for an international plant nutrition manufacturing company as their VP of Marketing. It was there that he fell in love with agriculture and the effect it has on individual lives and mother earth. In June of 2017, with a neighbor and prolific gardener, Ray started an urban farm in the middle of Mesa. His family, friends and area neighborhoods are enjoying the farm as they have watched it grow and enjoy the benefits of eating the delightfully delicious and healthy food.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/03/10/527-ray-speakman/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!527: Ray Speakman about Farming Instead of Retiring

Ep 526526: Darren Chapman on Inner City Urban Farming.
Moving mountains by changing one mind and one attitude at a time.In This Podcast: Sustaining a community garden that is successful for over 10 years is not an easy endeavor. In this update from repeat podcast guest, Darren Chapman, we gain insight into the organizational growth of a community garden, how they stay relevant, and continue to serve the needs of the community. Listen in for some of the challenges in the neighborhoods surrounding the community garden and how TigerMountain addresses and heals some of those disparities. Darren is a community pro-activist who has committed his life to helping people. He is Founder and CEO of TigerMountain Foundation, which has implemented Empowerment Initiatives to uplift communities and eliminate blight. TigerMountain’s initiatives include community gardens; edible landscape development; audio, visual and performance art; plus community service and volunteerism. The gardens promote healthy living and active lifestyles by feeding, engaging and enfranchising the community. TigerMountain’s Asset Based Community Development model was developed with the thought that everyone can and should be connected and feel a part of society. The endgame strategy is urban renewal and community restoration via participants who are encouraged to stay engaged and motivated to keep positive and develop their individual very important assets.Their motto is to change one mind and attitude at a time, encouraging all who have been touched to pay it forward, which will undoubtedly make the immediate and surrounding community and world a better place to live. He is from South Central Los Angeles and grew up in L.A. and Phoenix. He currently resides and works in South Phoenix and the Phoenix Metropolitan area.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/03/07/526-darren-chapman/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!526: Darren Chapman on Inner City Urban Farming.

Ep 525525: David Chan on Regenerative Agriculture.
Seeking climate change solutions through sustainable farming investments.In This Podcast: Want a way to combat climate change and make a good financial investment? David Chan explains the social and financial benefits of agricultural real estate investing. The FarmTogether system brings farm families together with investors for a stronger countrywide self-sufficient food system. He also explains the organic agriculture value chain, how regenerative agriculture processes builds soil health, the Patagonia competition, and the TerraTone Challenge. David is the Co-Founder and COO of FarmTogether, and he has spent several years working in the organic agriculture value chain. Before forming FarmTogether, David was a senior private equity associate at AMERRA Capital Management, where he worked closely with one of the fund's portfolio companies having a focus on supply chains in sustainable agriculture and serving the US organic grains market. David also worked with SLM Partners, PGIM Ag Equity Investments, and was a finalist in Patagonia's first graduate case competition on scaling regenerative agriculture.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/03/03/525-david-chan/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!525: David Chan on Regenerative Agriculture.

Ep 524524: Neil Werde on Recognizing Quality Dog Treats.
Breaking the mold on traditional canine snacks.In This Podcast: As gardeners, we think of our health and the food we put in our bodies but have you thought much about what you feed your pets? Treats should benefit your dog's health as well as taste good. We talked canine healthy treats with Neil Werde and got the inside scoop on the best ingredients and processing method for a quality dog treat. Neil dove into some of the findings around Raw and Mediterranean diets for your furry friends as well as pet toys that keep your children safe too. Neil has over 40 years of experience creating and marketing consumer products including children’s toys at Tyco and Mattel, pop culture & music at Rhino Records, and for the past 18 years durable toy products in the pet industry. He has delighted parents, children, and our four-legged friends with thoughtful and innovative products and solutions. Neil co-founded the Quaker Pet Group, and in 2015 they merged into pet industry innovator Worldwise, Inc, where his product development team has been focused on bringing healthy treats to our canine friends.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/02/29/524-neil-werde/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!524: Neil Werde on Recognizing Quality Dog Treats.

Ep 523523: DaNelle Wolford on Making More with Goats.
Maximizing farm production with a little help from some four-legged friends.In This Podcast: Even if you live in a city, this podcast with DaNelle Wolford will have you checking your zoning regulations on backyard goats and pigs! Listen in to learn why she loves raising Nigerian Dwarf goats, all about their milk, and why it digests better than cow's milk. She shares all about animal care, breeding goats, milk production, and how they maximize all the functions of their farm animals. You'll be searching her videos for more about her cool setup before the podcast is over!DaNelle is an urban farmer & goat enthusiast located in Phoenix, Arizona. She runs a popular blog & YouTube channel called Weed 'em & Reap that boasts over 100 million views. She started to take an interest in a healthier lifestyle after being diagnosed with two debilitating chronic diseases. On a mission to create a farm of her own, she & her husband purchased an acre of land in the city and transformed it into their very own urban farm. Together with their two children, they milk goats, gather eggs from their chickens, tend to a large garden, and raise fish in Arizona's first naturally filtered swimming pond. They share their hilarious farm adventures on their YouTube channel with over 400,000 subscribers and are passionate about inspiring others to grow food and raise animals, no matter the size of their yard.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/02/25/523-danelle-wolford/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!523: DaNelle Wolford on Making More with Goats.

Ep 522522: Karen Hugg on The Forgetting Flower.
Agriculturally inspired fiction with the power of a plant’s fragrance is steeped in mystery and danger.In This Podcast: Plants inspire most of our listeners, but Karen Hugg used her horticultural inspiration to create mystery novels that capture the magic and possibilities of new plant varieties. Exciting storylines entwine with Karen's passion for plants as she talks about getting published and why she left the tech world to start a gardening business. Listen in to learn about her gardening experience, what she loves to grow, and how she uses that to inspire her characters. Karen is the author of The Forgetting Flower, a literary thriller about a dangerous plant in Paris. Most of Karen’s stories are set in worlds where plants, real or imagined, affect people in strange new ways. Born and raised in Chicago, she later moved to Seattle and worked as an editor before becoming a certified ornamental horticulturalist and master pruner. She earned her MFA from Goddard College and has been published in the Rooted anthology, Minerva Rising, Garden Rant, and other publications. When not writing, she digs in the dirt. When not digging in the dirt, she hangs out with her husband, three children, and four pets. When not doing any of those things, she sits outside and stares at the sky.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/02/22/522-karen-hugg/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!522: Karen Hugg on The Forgetting Flower.

Ep 521521: Seed Saving Class January 2020.
521: Seed Saving Class January 2020. This is the January 2020 episode of a live Seed Saving Class discussing seed catalogs, sourcing local seeds, building community, seed diversity, and so much more.There is always a bounty of information available in conversations with Bill McDorman.Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2020/02/18/521-seedchat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!