Cultivation Station artwork

Cultivation Station

43 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -

Cultivation Station, a business development podcast from The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Colorado Proud program, dives into the rich and diverse world of food and agricultural businesses. Whether you’re just beginning to think about starting a food or ag business in Colorado, or your operation is already up and running, the many topics covered, expert insight and insider tips and tricks can help you be successful!

Business Education How To agriculture business businessdevelopment colorado cottageindustry education farm marketing productdevelopment ranch
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Episodes

Episode 6 - Food Policy and Systems Part 2

March 27, 2024 23:46 - 36 minutes - 26 MB

Join us for Part 2 of our 3 part series to learn what the Jefferson County Food Policy & Systems teams are doing. The first episode focused on the School Food Pilot. In this epsiode we will hear about the Community Leadership teams. The Food Policy and Systems Team aims to promote food security in Jefferson County through policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes rooted in justice and racial equity. This includes food system programming development and administration, county-wide c...

Episode 5 - Marketing on a Budget Part 3 of 4

March 04, 2024 20:12 - 42 minutes - 36.6 MB

This is Part 3 of our 4 part series, In parts 1 & 2 we covered getting organized to develop a strong Marketing plan as well as using PR, partnerships and events to strengthen your plan. In part 3, we will talk with ROOT Marketing & PR experts about using Social Meida and Influenders as key parts of your Marketing plan.

Episode 4 - Food Policy and Systems Part I

February 07, 2024 21:19 - 47 minutes - 38.1 MB

Join us while we embark on a 3 part series to learn what the Jefferson County Food Policy & Systems teams are doing. This first episode will focus on School Food Program. The Food Policy and Systems Team aims to promote food security in Jefferson County through policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes rooted in justice and racial equity. This includes food system programming development and administration, county-wide coordination of resilience building efforts, and leveraging tools ...

Episode 3 - Marketing on a Budget Part 2

January 24, 2024 20:51 - 1 hour - 65.4 MB

This is Part 2 of our 4 part series, We will take what we learned in Part 1 with "Getting Organized" and then listen to experts Kuvy Ax and Emily Tracy from Root Marketing on how to implement the plan we have developed! Using PR, partnerships and events, they will walk us through how to get our plan from our computers to reality! Check out more from Root Marketing and PR here.

Episode 2 Season 3 10 Best New Year Advertisements to Get Your Business Jump Started for 2024

January 02, 2024 14:43 - 38 minutes - 31.4 MB

Tera Keats from Philosophy Communications joins us to help us navigate the best ways to start a new year with our marketing strategies! A new year means we can jump start our business with a fresh new look!

Episode 1 Season 3 Marketing on a Budget Series Part 1

January 02, 2024 01:57 - 49 minutes - 43.7 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station while we kick-off a 4 part series! In Part 1, we talk with Jordyn Gottlieb at Root Marketing on how our businesses can have effective Marketing programs on a budget! The first step is to get organized!!!! Jordyn will share expert ideas and tools to get started on developing a great Marketing program while staying within a budget.

Episode 17 - Exiting Your Business: How to Prepare for the Future

December 05, 2023 17:16 - 46 minutes - 42 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station as we talk with experts from the Small Business Development Center on how to prepare to exit your business. This key part of all bsuinesses should be considered when building your business plan, but is often overlooked. Our advisors will share their experiences in selling a business, and offer advice on how to build value into your business for the future and preparation for when the time comes to sell your business.

Episode 16 - Setting Google Alerts as Reminders: How to Stay on Top of Business Opportunities

November 27, 2023 16:27 - 43 minutes - 36.7 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station while we learn how to stay on top of opportunities & trends. For everyone in agriculture, every season is the busy season! How do we stay on top of submitting applications for funding opportunities? How do we learn about business trends that could help our businesses grow? Our expert panel from CSU includes Sydney Scholes, Sarah Rhoades and Willy Wilkins. They will share their tips on how to set reminders and make sure to be on time, all year long!

Episode 15 Sales and Marketing Part 2: Prospecting

November 09, 2023 17:06 - 47 minutes - 41.3 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station as we explore prospecting for new clients! Finding new customers can be a time consuming, and often a frustrating task! Learn some tips & tools from expert Kevin Kuhnen, an instructor at the CSU College of Business - Center for Professional Selling as he shares ideas for prospecting.

Episode 14 - CRMs What do they do?

October 24, 2023 17:42 - 49 minutes - 40.9 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station while we explore sales & marekting tips! Do you need a CRM? Possibly! As your business grows, connecting with and managing your customers is critical. We will hear from Lidiane Mocko an expert in business growth strategy, and from Rocky Mountain Micro Financiers, a group that has first hand experience with utilizing a CRM system to grow.

Episode 13 - Farm to School Market

September 25, 2023 20:31 - 42 minutes - 37.7 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station while we dig into Farm to School here in Colorado! We are joined by Chef Jess with Nourish Colorado, Dr. Becca Jablonski an Assistant Professor and Food Systems Economist at Colorado State University, and Dr. Libby Christenson the State Extension Specialist for Food & Ag. This team of experts will share what Farm to School looks like in Colorado and how we can all support the Local Food Program within the Healthy School Meals for All initiative.

Episode 12 - Spade and Spoon Local Meal Kit

September 25, 2023 18:01 - 49 minutes - 40.9 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station when we learn about Spade & Spoon. This organization works with local farmers, ranchers. bakers & makers to bring fresh, LOCAL meal kits. They focus on minimal and returnable packaging while sourcing the best Colorado producst in season. We will interview Joy Rubey, their founder and CEO and learn how a Colorado Proud member could work with them, and gain insights into their business!

Episode 11 - Creating an Equitable and Resilient Food System

September 18, 2023 14:17 - 50 minutes - 43 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station and learn about Mountain Roots! This organization was founded in 2010 and today is stronger than ever. Their mission is to cultivate a resilient and equitable food system by enhancing healthy connections between earth, food, and community. They foster knowledge, teach skills, and provide opportunities that ensure access to affordable, nutritious food that is regionally based and sustainably produced. We will talk with their Executive Director and learn how Co...

Episode 10 - Colorado State University Ag Day

August 23, 2023 17:51 - 34 minutes - 29.7 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station while we talk with some of the amazing staff behing 2023 Ag Day and learn more about CSU Ag Day 2023! Ag Day has been a tradition for more than 40 years and is a time when we can come together and celebrate Colorado agricultural producers and honor our agricultural roots! Dr James Pritchett the Dean of Agricultural Sciences will share his vison for Ag Day 2023 and for the future of Agriculture in Colorado! We will also meet the 2023 Rising Star in Agriculture...

Episode 8 - Funding Opportunities

August 07, 2023 15:55 - 49 minutes - 42.7 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station while we interview Brian Coppom the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program Manager and JoAnne Hernandez the Colorado Department of Agriculture's Program Coordinator! Our experts will share details around the Agricultural Future Loan Program and other funding opportunities that are available to help our Colorado Proud members grow!

Episode 9 - Social Media Marketing How To

August 07, 2023 14:50 - 50 minutes - 44.6 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station while we dive into various social media platforms and how best to use them! Our experts Gretchen Bloom the founder of Magnetic Digital Marketing and Rachel Roberts the Assistant Director for the Institute for Entrepreneurship will advise us on the best use of many social media platforms, using hashtags, and maximizing your marketing!

Episode 7 - Small Business Money Management: Funding & General Accounting

June 29, 2023 15:47 - 37 minutes - 33.1 MB

Listen in on Cultivation Station as we discuss Small Business Money Management! Lisa Hudson the Executive Director of the Eastern Colorado Small Business Development Center and Julie Stiewig the Site Manager of The Block will offer expert advice on money management! We will dive into finding funding, accounting for small businesses and resources available.

Episode 6 - Agritourism

June 22, 2023 18:20 - 43 minutes - 33.5 MB

Listen to Cultivation Station as we are joined by the Corry Mihm, the Executive Director of the Colorado Agritourism Association, Belleza Pura's owner Natalie Wilson, Sauvage Spectrums own Kaibab Sauvage, and Roy Pfaltzgraff of Pfaltzgraff Farms. This panel of seasoned agritourism experts will discuss how important agritourism is to Colorado's economy, and share their journey to success as established agritourism destinations!

Episode 5 - Food Safety

June 05, 2023 15:14 - 41 minutes - 37.1 MB

Listen to Cultivation Station as we are joined by Colorado Department of Agriculture's Brian Pauley (Section Chief - Fruit & Vegetable Inspection Service), Steve Lopez (Lead Audit Coordinator) and Colorado State University's Sheila Gains M.S. (Family & Consumer Science Specialist - Master Instructor - Arapahoe County Extension), and Mary Snow (Extension County Specialist – Family and Consumer Science/Family Resource Management) and they discuss the importance of food safety for our health an...

Episode 4 - Digital Marketing Strategies

June 05, 2023 14:40 - 1 hour - 51.5 MB

Learn from industry experts within the digital marketing spaces. Listen on Cultivation Station to Greg Bloom (owner of Barbers Farm), Sarah Rhoades (Entrepreneurship Business Resident at Colorado State University - College of Business), and Gretchen Bloom (Owner of Magnetic Digital Marketing) discuss why digital marketing is important, and how to use it to maximize your return on investment and grow your business!

Episode 3 - Farmers Market Success

May 23, 2023 16:12 - 46 minutes - 40.2 MB

Farmers Markets: How to be Successful and Vendor Resources for our Colorado Proud Members.

Episode 2 - Plant Forward Diets

April 24, 2023 15:50 - 56 minutes - 43.7 MB

Plant Forward Diets:  What Are These and How Can Colorado Producers Benefit From This Marketing Campaign Speakers:  Kate Schulz RDN, LD, LMNT  - Nutrition and Health Promotion Consultant with the Colorado Beef Council Derrick Hoffman - Owner Hoffman Farms, Greeley Colorado Dr Kim Cox-York - Colorado State University - Associate Professor, Responsible Conduct of Research Coordinator and Research Integrity Officer (RIO), Colorado State University This podcast will take a look at a rel...

Episode 1 Changes in Restaurant Business and Behavior

April 05, 2023 20:51 - 56 minutes - 48.2 MB

Cultivation Station is starting season 2 and would like to thank our listeners for the continued support. In this episode we talk with: Richard & Mary Warner - Owners of Bingo Burger Sonia Riggs President & CEO of Colorado Restaurant Association Caroline Glover - Chef/Owner of Annette - Scratch to Table Restaurant   Daniel Asher - Executive Chef & Partner - Working Title Food Group   This podcast will take a look at the changes in restaurant business and behavior and what we ex...

Episode 21 - Trends from 2022 and Looking Forward to 2023

March 11, 2023 23:57 - 45 minutes - 37.9 MB

Join us for a look at the agriculture/food/beverage industry trends of 2022, while we predict trends for 2023. We have three great guests chatting with us.

Episode 20 - Colorado Grain Chain

August 01, 2022 21:03 - 30 minutes - 25.2 MB

We chat with the Colorado Grain Chain. There are many ways to work with them and grow your small business by using local grains.

Episode 19 - Rethinking Food Accessibility in Colorado

July 11, 2022 12:54 - 39 minutes - 32.4 MB

Our food system is constantly adapting to fit current needs. Businesses and organizations are reimagining the food industry to increase food accessibility in Colorado. Bondadosa is a great example of the amazing innovation occurring in our state’s food ecosystem. Bondadosa works with local growers and food producers, providing logistical support, fulfillment, warehousing, customer service, to deliver healthy options in the Denver Metro.  Listen as I sit down with Bondadosa representative, M...

Episode 18 - Agritourism

June 01, 2022 03:22 - 46 minutes - 37.5 MB

Have you considered adding agritourism activities to your farm or operation? Whether it be tractor rides, farm tours, farm to table dinners, or the many other possibilities to bring tourists to your farm, agritourism can be a great way to add a revenue stream.    In this episode of Cultivation Station we speak with Dawn Thilmany from CSU Extension, Andrew Grossman, the director of Destination Development to discuss the CRAFT program, grant opportunities, and other agritourism resources...

Episode 17 - Nutrition Analysis for your Food Products

April 13, 2022 15:15 - 53 minutes - 44.7 MB

You’ve invested a lot of time perfecting your recipe and getting your product to market. Before you can hit the shelves, you need to make sure you have an accurate nutrition label. The process of getting the label can seem daunting. In this episode we will speak with experts from CSU Food Processing Lab, and On the Menu, a Nutrition Consulting company, who will guide you through nutrition testing and lend some advice to those starting the process.

Episode 16 Grants

February 17, 2022 18:11 - 32 minutes - 25.3 MB

Grants are everywhere and can seem daunting. Take a listen to our latest episode of Cultivation Station to ease some of those fears. Grants are valuable resources and are plentiful, especially now. Learn some tips and tricks, and points of contact that can help you move through the process.   We speak with Jennifer Benson with CDA We speak with Jude from MORP And from CSU we speak with Dr. Becca Jablonski

Exporting 101

December 01, 2021 14:02 - 30 minutes - 23.8 MB

Our new hosts Catherine Boxler talks with experts about exporting your product (food, agricultural, or beverage). She talks first with John Addison and Ashley Warsh from our very own Department of Agriculture.  Cat then talks with Chef Kelly with Merfs Hot Sauce. Exporting is an important part of every businesses long term plan. 

Episode 13 - Exporting 101

December 01, 2021 14:02 - 30 minutes - 23.8 MB

Our new hosts Catherine Boxler talks with experts about exporting your product (food, agricultural, or beverage). She talks first with John Addison and Ashley Warsh from our very own Department of Agriculture.  Cat then talks with Chef Kelly with Merfs Hot Sauce. Exporting is an important part of every businesses long term plan. 

Episode 12 - Selling to Educational Facilities

July 07, 2021 02:10 - 49 minutes - 39.4 MB

Have you ever considered selling your food, beverage, or agricultural products to educational and/or government facilities? It is a very viable market with lots of growth from interest in local food procurement. Learn about how to get started in this unique market channel. We talk with Catherine Blackwell with Browns Farm, Stephen Menyhart with Boulder Valley School District, and Rebecca Boone with the Colorado Department of Education School Nutrition Division. Resources: https://nourish...

Episode 11- What's in a Brand?

April 29, 2021 19:49 - 38 minutes - 29.8 MB

Your brand tells a story to your customer that sticks with them long after they have used or consumed your products. Is your brand telling the right story? In this episode of Cultivation Station we talk with some heavy hitters in the retail world, and the brand builder that helped them get there. Joining us is John Recca - BrandWerks, Moni- Grandma's Noodles, Lori - Mulay Sausage, and Gina - Gina Cucina. These brands are in retailers because they convey their story and purpose concisely. F...

Episode 10 - 2021 Market Trends

March 09, 2021 18:25 - 1 hour - 48.7 MB

We take a look at the consumer and marketing trends we saw pop up and accelerate just like COVID-19. Some trends and marketing tactics are here to stay, while others will eventually fade out. Hear from our expert guests on the show about how to position yourself for success moving forward.   Time-stamps:   1:15 - Dr. Dawn Thilmlany and Dr. Becca Jablonski with Colorado State University's College of Agricultural Sciences Agricultural Economics and Resource Department (https://dare.ags...

Episode 9 - GAP Audits, opening more market pathways for your products!

January 04, 2021 21:32 - 37 minutes - 31.8 MB

Worried about upcoming GAP/GIB audits? Confused how the produce safety rule mixes in with those? We have got you covered! We speak with our own state employees on how to get prepared, resources to utilize for both information and cost assistance, as well as producers who have been there and done that for the audit game. Please contact [email protected] with any questions, or podcast topic suggestions.   Time Stamps: 1:02 - Colorado Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Vegeta...

Episode 8 - Leaving your Legacy: Taking a look into Estate and Succession Planning

November 05, 2020 19:38 - 56 minutes - 47.5 MB

Has anyone in your family's operation considered what might happen after retirement or the passing of a matriarch or patriarch of the family? Many family operations do not have an estate or succession plan in place. In this month's episode, we take a look at the process of starting a plan or how to find resources to help!   Lori Hulbert - 1:10  Amanda Matthews - 19:30  Mark A. Gallegos - 35:10   Lori Hulbert - SGR, LLC - Attorney - [email protected]   Amanda Matthews - High...

Episode 7 - Make the Leap from Cottage Foods in Your Own Kitchen to a Shared Commercial Kitchen Space

September 02, 2020 18:59 - 56 minutes - 45.5 MB

You might be ready to make the leap from cottage foods in your own kitchen to a shared commercial kitchen space. This is a big leap, but one that many companies need to make to continue to grow. Join us for this months episode, where we dive into business incubators and commissary kitchens. We talk with a company who grew out of a commissary and into their own facility, a commissary kitchen owner who thrives on her tenants succeeding, and a business incubator that not only has a commercial k...

Episode 6 - Ready for Retail? Steps for Success

July 01, 2020 17:02 - 47 minutes - 40.9 MB

Your product is popular and selling...you're doing well at farmers' markets. Now, how do you get your product onto retail shelves and beyond? In our next episode, "Ready for Retail? Steps for Success," we'll discuss the logistics of your supply chain, transportation, and winning the distribution game. Join us and get ready for some insider tips and tricks in this episode of Cultivation Station.   Order of appearance: Ben Deda, CEO of FoodMaven Ashley Warsh, CDA Markets Division Inter...

Episode 5 - Sell Your Produce at Farmers' Markets, Roadside Stands & More this Season

April 30, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 52.8 MB

Interested in selling your own home-grown produce at farmers' markets, roadside stands or through Community Supported Agriculture programs? This episode will help guide you through the process. We talk with a family farm that operates the largest CSA program in the Denver area, our own Colorado Proud program manager, Colorado State Extension Food Systems team, and the Colorado Farmers Market Association. Most importantly, we put the COVID-19 lens on this summer's situation and learn how to b...

Episode 4 - Protein Potential: Selling for Your Future

February 28, 2020 19:11 - 1 hour - 51 MB

Have you considering or are you already selling animal protein products off of your farm, ranch, or small acreage? It is a great way to diversify your operation and add some income to your bottom line. In this episode, we will explore all it takes to sell animal protein products off of your place.   Listening Legend and Resources:   0:45 - Inspector Consumer Services, Steve Blunt - Differences between processing facilities and a plan of action.   6:34 - Valley Packing and Caterin...

Episode 3 - You Can Be A Marketing Hero

November 26, 2019 19:48 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

In this episode of Cultivation Station our guest is Sari Kimbell, a food business consultant who is well versed in the realm of business promotion. We discuss marketing tips and tricks, networking, and how to navigate the startup and idea process. Sari is passionate about her successful work of promoting heros in the local food system.   Find more information post-podcast here: Sari Kimbell Food Business Consulting

Episode 2 - From Kitchen to Consumer

November 26, 2019 19:38 - 15 minutes - 12.3 MB

Have you ever wondered how to turn your famous recipe into a sellable product? In this episode of Cultivation Station we explore the Colorado Cottage food act with Brianne Rael, Environmental Protection Specialist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. It’s a complex topic, and we take things nice and slow to help you gain a basic understanding of the act.    Find more information post-podcast here: Farm to Table with Colorado State University.

Episode 1 - Show Me The Money

November 22, 2019 19:02 - 23 minutes - 18.8 MB

This episode of Cultivation Station explores the economic climate of small food and ag businesses in Colorado. Our guests are Dr. Dawn Thilmany and Dr. Becca Jablonski of Colorado State University's College of Agricultural Sciences in Agricultural & Resource Economics. Both have conducted extensive research specifically related to the economics of small food and ag businesses. Links mentioned in the podcast: Farm to Table with Colorado State University Ag and Resource Economics Departme...