The Thriving Farmer Podcast artwork

The Thriving Farmer Podcast

270 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 273 ratings

If you’re looking to build a profitable farm that works, The Thriving Farmer Podcast is for you. Learn the latest tricks and strategies from successful farmers, strategize with in-depth interviews with leaders in the industry, and connect with stories of farmers just like you. With over 15 years of farming background, your host Michael Kilpatrick has the experience and authority to bring you practical advice, ask the hard questions, tease out the gold nuggets, and help share what it’s really like to build a truly profitable, sustainable farm. In the interviews, we focus on building farms that last, setting up your systems, knowing your customers, building your team, and treading that ever-challenging work/family/life balance.

Business Education farming regenerative business ecological michaelkilpatrick sustainable
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

261. Laura Fernandez on Sowing Seeds of Sustainability with Garden Design

December 12, 2023 13:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MB

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 susta...

260. Megan Neubauer on Transforming Farms with U-Pick Agritourism

December 05, 2023 13:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB

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!   Y...

259. Billy Bond on Value-Added Farming and Permaculture Practices

November 28, 2023 13:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

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 permacu...

258. Jacob Towe on Building a Community-Focused Farm

November 21, 2023 13:00 - 38 minutes - 35 MB

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 lif...

257. Suzanne Karreman on the Grass-Roots of Sustainable Dairy Farming

November 14, 2023 13:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MB

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...

256. Julie Olberding on Growing Award-Winning Garlic

November 07, 2023 13:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MB

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-...

255. Tim and Sophia Eng on Cooking and Community Cultivation

October 31, 2023 12:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

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, ...

254. Adam Martin on Reviving Sustainable Beekeeping

October 24, 2023 12:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MB

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...

253. Josh and Rebecca Tickell on Regenerative Filmmaking for a Better Planet

October 17, 2023 12:00 - 39 minutes - 36 MB

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 t...

252. John Arbuckle on Pigs, Productivity, and a Product-Centric System

October 10, 2023 12:00 - 53 minutes - 49 MB

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-centri...

251. Craig Odem on Propagating Success in the Nursery Industry

October 03, 2023 12:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MB

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...

250. Jill Winger on Living Old-Fashioned on Purpose

September 26, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MB

Could you embrace the "Reverse Pioneer" Lifestyle? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jill Winger, The Homestead Mentor of The Prairie Homestead. Jill has taught thousands of people how to cook nourishing homemade meals, grow food in their backyards, and find joy in a simpler, slower life. Her new book Old Fashioned on Purpose releases today and is a rallying cry for a less industrial, more intentional life. Tune in to hear how Jill sees herself as a Rev...

249. Taylor Ayers on Regenerating Health and Farmland

September 19, 2023 12:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

Has the quality of food you’ve consumed ever affected your health?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Taylor Ayers, co-owner of Ayers Valley Farm located in Russellville, OH. After experiencing health issues that no doctor could pinpoint, Taylor, and her husband Josh, started digging deeper into how their food was raised. Seven years later, they are running their own regenerative farm offering a range of high quality meats to loyal customers all around the cou...

Special Episode: Pete Kennedy on the PRIME Act

September 13, 2023 10:00 - 16 minutes - 30.2 MB

Want more access to local meat? We need your help! On this special time-sensitive episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Pete Kennedy of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Pete is sharing about the Prime Act which is an important piece of legislation that will empower states to decide their meat inspection protocols. The ultimate aim? Making local meat procurement simpler and cost-effective.  Tune in today to hear how you can help small farmers to push this PRIME Act t...

248. Savannah Kilpatrick on Baking and Banking with Sourdough

September 12, 2023 12:00 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MB

Is there really a way to make sourdough simple? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by his wife, Savannah, to talk all about sourdough at The Farm on Central. The Farm on Central is a small family farm located in Carlisle, Ohio and provides the community with a wide array of vegetables, meats, and horticultural products.  Join us today to hear how Michael and Savannah incorporate sourdough bread into their home life and as an income stream for their farm.   ...

247. Susan Koehler and Nathan Boone on Securing the Future of Farming

September 05, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

How can land trusts support the next generation of farmers?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Susan Koehler and Nathan Boone. Susan is the Farmland Preservation Program Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. She is working alongside Nathan who is a seasoned organic farmer and agricultural consultant. Together, with the help of the NWA Food System Initiative,  they are providing support to new and beginner farmers through the preservation and enhanceme...

246. Sam Oschwald Tilton on Mechanical Weed Control in the Midwest

August 29, 2023 12:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MB

How much do you know about mechanical weeding?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Sam Oschwald Tilton who is the organizer of the upcoming Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day in Ohio. After earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, Sam has worked many roles in vegetable farming from tool development to teaching on sustainable horticulture. He currently serves as a Direct Market Vegetable Educator offering education and support to M...

245. Alex Miller on the Business of Regenerative Farming

August 22, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MB

How do business acumen and regenerative farming practices shape tomorrow's agriculture?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Miller who is the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Lick Skillet Farm in East Tennessee. Alex is a seventh-generation farmer and a chaired professor of Business at the University of Tennessee. Along with his children and grandchildren, he farms a 104-year old family farm using regenerative practices and is passionate about mentoring th...

244. Peter Hatch on the Revolutionary Garden at Monticello

August 15, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MB

What layers of history unfurled in the restoration of Monticello's gardens? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Peter Hatch who has served as the Director of Gardens and Grounds at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. During his 35 years there, he managed 2,500 acres and the restoration of Jefferson's Grove and Monticello's 8 acre fruit and vegetable garden.  He also developed many educational programs on the practice of historic garden preservation and has written ...

243. Jessica Hall on Unearthing the Heirloom Mum Movement

August 08, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 137 MB

What does it take to run a successful flower farm?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Jessica Hall who is the Owner, Visionary, and Weeder-in-Chief at Harmony Harvest Farm. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, her farm is known for pioneering nationwide direct-to-consumer bouquet shipping. With over 15 years in the industry, Jessica is driven by the belief that #FreshFlowersRule and everyone can live a better life through flowers.  Tune in...

242. Jason Contreras on Cancer, Courage and Content Creation

August 01, 2023 12:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MB

Do you have dreams of going from city life to farm life? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Contreras of Sow the Land homestead and Youtube channel. In 2016, Jason and his family left their 9-5 work life in LA to start a small homestead in the mountains of North Carolina. Now in remission from cancer, Jason is on a journey to grow his family’s food, create an efficient homestead and share the whole process in the hopes of inspiring others.  Tune in toda...

241. Jill Ragan on Growing a Tiny but Mighty Farm

July 25, 2023 12:00 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB

What's holding you back from full-time farming?   On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Jill Ragan, Owner of Whispering Willow Farm, located in Central Arkansas. Along with her husband, Nathan, Jill’s mission is to create an environment where people come together, foster sustainable practices, and build a resilient local food system. Jill teaches others how to plan and steward their own farms through her social media, online courses and her recently released book ...

240. Dalia Monterroso on Why Everyone Should Have Chickens

July 18, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MB

Do you have backyard chickens? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Dalia Monterroso who is the self-appointed President of Chickenlandia. She is a backyard chicken educator, entertainer, and first-time author of the recently released book Let’s All Keep Chickens. In this beginner and intermediate guide, Dalia aims to not only share the ins and outs of chicken keeping but also to bring people together through an age-old practice common to almost all of our ances...

239. Benina Montes on Regenerative Organic Almond Farming

July 11, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

How much do you know about growing almonds?  On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Benina Montes of Burroughs Family Farms in the California Central Valley. Benina has worked tirelessly to help their multi-generational family orchard become the first Certified Regenerative Organic Almond Farm in the world.  Their farm’s focus continues to be bringing regeneratively-grown products like organic almonds, olive oil, cheeses and more directly to their customers w...

238. Pamela Tanner Boll on How the Solution is in the Soil

July 04, 2023 12:00 - 46 minutes - 85.8 MB

How can regenerative agriculture put carbon back into the soil? On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Pamela Tanner Boll who is the director of the regenerative-focused documentary To Which We Belong. This film highlights farmers and ranchers leaving behind conventional practices that are no longer profitable or sustainable. These unsung heroes are improving the health of our soil and sea to save their livelihoods — and our planet. Tune in to hear about Pame...

237. Jake Puckett on Holistic Land Management

June 27, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 91.5 MB

How much do you know about Silvopasture?  On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Jake Puckett of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC. His farm is a first-generation regenerative farm that raises 100% grass-fed and finished cattle and sheep (a.k.a. a “flerd”) as well as 100% Soy-Free Organic forest-raised hogs.  Hear more about how they sell their meat in bundles instead of individual cuts and how he’s transitioning his property into Silvopasture. Tune in to hear a...

236. Shane and Elizabeth Stuart on Diversifying Your Farm

June 20, 2023 12:00 - 42 minutes - 78.7 MB

How do you know when you are ready to diversify? On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Shane and Elizabeth Stuart of Crossing Creeks Farm. Situated on 125 acres in Shelbyville, TN, they have been practicing regenerative and holistic farming since 2012 with a focus on providing a diversified offering to their customers. From grass-fed meat and eggs to traditional foods like bone broth from their on-site commercial kitchen, they also host numerous guests through...

235. Ryan Tansom on Financial Forecasting for Your Farm

June 13, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutes - 91.4 MB

Are you running your farm like the financial asset that it is?  On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Ryan Tansom who is the founder of Arkona and the Intentional Growth Podcast. He teaches business owners how to view and run their company like a financial asset through The Intentional Growth Framework, fractional CFO services and strategic planning. His mission is to help entrepreneurs enjoy their work, create wealth and make an impact. Tune in to hear all ...

234. Shelley Katz on Plant Sap Analysis and Biological Nutrition

June 06, 2023 12:00 - 41 minutes - 77.7 MB

Have you ever gone the extra step beyond soil tests and done plant sap analysis? On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Shelley Katz, founder of Heart of Palms Ranch and Eco-Farm in Fort Myers, Florida. Shelley is a fruit and vegetable grower who has been dedicated to growing food ecologically since 2013 and started managing mixed vegetable farms in 2017. She also serves as a Regenerative Agriculture Consultant for Advancing Eco Agriculture which works with gro...

233. Helen Atthowe on Growing Beyond Organic with the Ecological Farm

May 30, 2023 12:00 - 44 minutes - 81.5 MB

Can you imagine growing a beyond-organic garden?  On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, our guest is Helen Atthowe, who is a farmer, researcher, and celebrated pioneer in eco-organic methods. She is an advocate for minimizing and, yes, even stopping the use of certified-organic pest control materials and is encouraging farmers to rely on natural nutrient cycling for natural biological control.  Helen has a Masters in Horticulture and currently farms and does soil-building re...

232. Chris Jones on the Precarious Future of Rural America

May 23, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MB

Has rural farming and small town America changed where you live?  On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, our guest is Chris Jones who has recently served as a Research Engineer at the University of Iowa. While there, he studied and wrote about the declining quality of water as a result of the changes in agriculture and the environment over the past century. He shares those thoughts and critiques through his blog which was released as a book entitled The Swine Republic on May ...

231. Evan Marks on Putting the Culture Back in Agriculture

May 16, 2023 12:00 - 50 minutes - 94.1 MB

How can you create a purposeful farm culture in the middle of a city? On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Evan Marks is joining us from Orange County, California. He is the Founder and Executive Director of The Ecology Center, which is not only a farm but a nonprofit education center that is passionate about putting the culture back into agriculture.  Located on a historic agricultural property that is today surrounded by urban sprawl, The Ecology Center is a 28-acre Regen...

230. King Whetstone on the Importance of the Agricultural Census

May 09, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

How much do you know about the Census of Agriculture? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re hosting King Whetstone who is the Regional Director of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Northeastern Region. In his role, he is committed to providing timely, accurate, and useful statistics that will help those working in U.S. agriculture.  King will share about the Census of Agriculture which occurs every five years. The census provides the only source of cons...

229. Jon and Bre Taylor on their Cross-Country Farm Tour Adventures

May 02, 2023 13:00 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MB

Have you ever thought about selling it all and traveling the country? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are hosting Jon and Bre Taylor, a pair of digital nomads who are traveling the country in search of their future farm. They, along with their three kids, have visited many national parks and historical sites as they “roadschool” their children. However, their main goal has been to visit farms, attend hands-on homesteading conferences and ultimately search for the place t...

228. Steven and Christine Bailey on Cultivating Connections

April 25, 2023 14:00 - 59 minutes - 110 MB

How are you cultivating connections in your community? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are hosting Christine and Steven Bailey, founders of The Kindred Farm, in Santa Fe, TN. Together, Christine, an author and podcast host and Chef Steven a.k.a “The Korean Farmer”, are growing vibrant produce, flowers, and bees in a sustainable way that heals the land and grows into beautiful food.  They also offer sold-out farm-to-table dinners under the stars at their seasonal Kindre...

227. Reid Allaway on Going Electric with Your Farm Equipment

April 18, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB

Curious about how to go electric with your farm equipment? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Reid Allaway is joining us from Quebec, Canada. He is the Director of Infrastructure and Machinery at Ferme Coopérative Tourne-Sol which has 9 members and about 15 employees who are all passionate about healthy food, gardening, seed production, and ecology.  You’ll want to hear how Reid has converted many of the machines on their farm to electric while also spearheading their Elec-...

226. Reese Jones on the Social Enterprise of Community Victory Gardens

April 11, 2023 14:00 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MB

How can farmers serve their communities in unique ways?   In this podcast, we’re hosting Reese Jones, Co-owner and Manager of Jones Family Farm, located in Edgewood, Maryland. As far back as the 1950s, the Jones Family has been growing award-winning fruits and vegetables for both Baltimore and Harford County.   They have remained the first choice grower for those who wish to buy directly from the farmer. Today, the farming operation has grown extensively to accommodate greater...

225. David Greenberg on Greens, Greenhouses, and Growing a Business

April 04, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 66.4 MB

Do you have farming questions? This podcast will make you want to pull up a chair and take notes. It is a conversation between two experienced farmers about greenhouses (including climate battery greenhouses), creating a holistic farm model and how greens play an important role, dealing with water and soil issues, and taking a CSA from a picnic in the park to farmers market levels of volume for a profitable mid-week retail store.  Michael Kilpatrick is joined by David Greenberg, own...

224. Ian and Rachel Harding on Farming Through Crisis

March 28, 2023 14:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MB

How do you manage through a crisis and what lessons come from such a time? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Ian and Rachel Harding of Wet Knot Farms, located in Marietta, South Carolina. Ian and Rachel started their farm to get back to nature, and to raise their three boys playing in the dirt and eating healthy, tasty food. Now their mission is to cultivate community by bettering health through sustainable agricultural practices. Folks love how long Wet...

223. Kelly Shepherd on First Generation Regenerative Farming

March 21, 2023 14:00 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

What ways can your farm bring more value to your community?   In this week’s podcast, we’re hosting Kelly Shepherd, Co-Owner of What the Farm, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. What the Farm is focusing on the health and vitality of the land through regenerative farming, and their mission is simple: serve the soil, serve the animals, and serve the community.    They recently expanded their operations and opened What The Farm Store so they can share farm to table with othe...

222. Deirdre Birmingham on Organic Cider Farming

March 14, 2023 14:00 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MB

Do you know what it takes to grow specialty apples to make organic apple cider and brandy?   In this Thriving Farmer podcast, we’re joined by Deirdre Birmingham, Co-Founder of The Cider Farm, located in Madison, Wisconsin.    The Cider Farm grows true cider apples organically for the purposes of making The Cider Farm brand of (hard) ciders and apple brandy. They are arguably the only orchard in the US that started for this purpose.   The Cider Farm’s products are not ...

221. Matt Carr on Scaling Your Farm Business

March 07, 2023 15:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MB

How has your farm evolved and what changes have you made to scale your business? On this week’s Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Carr, Owner of Linden Lane Farms, a family operated farm located in Krestova, Canada. Linden Lane Farms has been in operation since 1978.   The farm started as five acres of land used to produce food for the Carr family. Eventually, the farm grew onto a new 150-acre property primarily used for raising and processing livestock.   In t...

220. Sasha Miller on Permaculture and Local Food Systems

February 28, 2023 15:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MB

What Sasha Learned Implementing Permaculture and Starting a Farm Store In this Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Sasha Miller, Co-Founder of Purplebrown Farmstead. Sasha and her husband, Jimmy, started Purplebrown Farmstead with their two kids, Ohlen & Ivan, in 2016. Sasha is the full-time farmer, but everyone has their integral role.  Purplebrown applied the permaculture design process to make choices for what, how, when, and why they grow and do what they do. They are growing ...

219. Lindsey Lusher Shute on GrownBy, the Farmer-Owned Marketplace

February 21, 2023 15:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MB

What tools do you use to reach more customers?   In this Thriving Farmer podcast, we’re joined by Lindsey Lusher Shute: farmer, co-founder and former executive director of the National Young Farmers Coalition, and co-owner of Hearty Roots Community Farm.    An Ohio native, Lindsey first developed her love of farming on her grandfather’s land in the rolling hills of Appalachia. As executive director of Young Farmers, Lindsey grew the organization from a few volunteer farmer...

218. Eric Sannerud on Hop Farming

February 14, 2023 15:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MB

What Should a Small Farmer Know When Starting with Hops?    Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Eric Sannerud, Hop Evangelist and Farm Advocate from Minnesota. Eric was co-founder and CEO of Mighty Axe Hops, Minnesota's largest hop farm. Eric started Mighty Axe Hops in 2013 and has since grown the farm from .25 acre to 80 acres of production. Mighty Axe was the industry leader in Minnesota hops working with commercial brewers, USDA programs, local government and e...

217. Anne-Marie Bilella on Foraging as a Lifestyle Business

February 07, 2023 15:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MB

In this episode, we’re tuning in to Thriving Farmer Value-Added Summit speaker Anne-Marie Bilella, aka the Forager Chick, of Bella Vista Farm, located in Monroe, Georgia. Bella Vista is a local, private farm that specializes in herbal products and remedies and homemade breads.  Anne-Marie is the farmer, baker, and medicine maker of the farm. Anne-Marie helps homesteaders and preppers identify and use wild plants and mushrooms for food and medicine.  She spent most of her career as a self...

216. Sandor Katz on The Revival of Fermentation

January 31, 2023 15:00 - 44 minutes - 82.3 MB

In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by fermentation expert and best-selling author, Sandor Katz. Sandor is the author of popular books such as The Art of Fermentation, Wild Fermentation, Fermentation Journeys, and more. Sandor’s interest in fermentation grew out of his overlapping interests in cooking, nutrition, and gardening. Since 2003, Sandor has taught hundreds of workshops demystifying fermentation and empowering people to reclaim this important transformatio...

215. Why Every Farmer Needs To Be Value-Adding

January 24, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 66.6 MB

In this podcast, we’re sharing one of our amazing guests from the Value-Added Summit, Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm, located in Swoope, Virginia. Joel talks to us about the benefits of and techniques involved with an effective, game-changing implementation of a value-added strategy on farms. Joel Salatin is an American farmer, lecturer, and author.  Joel’s philosophy of farming emphasizes healthy grass on which animals can thrive in a symbiotic cycle of feeding. He has authored twelve book...

214. Liz Riffle on Holistic Bison Farming

January 17, 2023 15:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MB

Do you farm with livestock? There may be a more humane way to harvest these animals. Tune in to hear about Riffle Farms’ holistic approach to managing and processing their bison.  Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast we’re joined by Liz Riffle, Owner and Operator of Riffle Farms, located in Terra Alta, West Virginia. Riffle Farms raises grass-fed and finished bison tucked in the hills of Preston County, where the grasses are cool and the snow is heavy.  Liz is a U.S Navy Nurse Corps vete...

213. Matt McWilliams on Affiliate Marketing

January 10, 2023 15:00 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MB

Are you looking to increase your income and take your business to the next level? If so, you will want to listen in to today’s guest, who is an expert in affiliate marketing and a successful coach for small business owners. Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re taking a bit of a different approach with Matt the Affiliate Guy (Matt McWilliams), author of Internet Business Insights: Lessons Learned and Strategies Used by 101 Successful Internet-Based Entrepreneurs, and his new book, ...

Twitter Mentions

@mattmcwilliams2 1 Episode
@mtvieworchards 1 Episode
@bejoseeds 1 Episode
@azgrassraised 1 Episode
@foodliesorg 1 Episode
@riverraccoon 1 Episode
@farmcommons 1 Episode
@robddube 1 Episode
@irtnogmos 1 Episode
@rocksteadyfarm 1 Episode
@rodaleinstitute 1 Episode
@towhichwebelong 1 Episode
@usda_nass 1 Episode