The Thriving Farmer Podcast
289 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 283 ratingsIf 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.
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Episodes
280. Hannah Breckbill on Collaborative Farm Ownership
April 23, 2024 12:00 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBDoes a farm run by its workers affect its success and how it operates? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Hannah Breckbill, who helped start Humble Hands Harvest. This organic farm in Northeast Iowa is run by its workers. Now in her 12th year, Hannah and her team practice no-till farming, showing their dedication to sustainable food and supporting the local community. Listen in to find out how Hannah runs this community-focused, worker-owned farm. You’ll ...
279. Josh Holleb on Advancing Efficient Greenhouse Design
April 16, 2024 12:00 - 36 minutes - 33 MBWhat are the key benefits of integrating advanced technology into greenhouse construction? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Josh Holleb who is the Systems Integration Specialist at Ceres Greenhouse Solutions. Josh combines his construction and farming expertise to help create sustainable growing spaces that blend technology with smart design. Tune in to hear about sustainable greenhouses that blend technology with smart design. You’ll hear: How Josh...
278. Bryce Loewen on the Sweet Success of Stone Fruits
April 09, 2024 12:00 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBWhat are the biggest challenges in fruit farming? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Bryce Loewen of Blossom Bluff Orchards as he shares his journey in agriculture and the challenges of organic fruit farming in California's Central Valley. He discusses the life cycle of orchards, the yield per acre of stone fruits, and the importance of diversity in fruit varieties. Tune in to hear about this inspirational, multigenerational farm. You’ll hear: About...
277. Paul Muller on Organic Farming's Past, Present and Future
April 02, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBHow has organic farming evolved over the years and what might the future hold? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Paul Muller who is a part of the pioneering force at Full Belly Farm, a 450-acre certified organic farm in North Central California. For over four decades, the farm has championed economic stability, year-round employment, and a strong community connection, ensuring nourishment for this generation and those to come. Tune in to hear all about ...
276. Abram Bicksler on Empowering our World's Farmers with ECHO
March 26, 2024 12:00 - 47 minutes - 65.3 MBHow does the health of soil directly impact global hunger solutions? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Abram J. Bicksler, Ph.D., who is President and CEO of ECHO, a global Christian organization focused on empowering the undernourished through sustainable hunger solutions. With over 15 years of international experience, Abram leads the charge to help foster sustainable agricultural practices and holistic missions worldwide. Tune in to hear how Abram lea...
275. Julia Bocchese on Sprouting Success: SEO Strategies for Farmers
March 19, 2024 12:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBHow can SEO transform your farm's online visibility? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Julia Bocchese, a SEO Consultant for agriculture and horticulture businesses and founder of Homegrown Reach. With a deep passion for supporting local agriculture, Julia focuses on making businesses easily discoverable to their ideal customers through tailored optimization strategies. Tune in to hear how you can utilize SEO to reach more farm customers. You’ll hear: ...
274. Cole Mazariegos-Anastassiou on Navigating the Wholesale Market
March 12, 2024 13:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBHow can small farms compete in a wholesale market dominated by large agricultural businesses? On this episode, Michael is joined by Cole Mazariegos-Anastassiou who co-runs Brisa Ranch in California's Pescadero area. Together with his farm partners, their farm offers a variety of crops grown regeneratively on ecologically rich farmland for mainly local wholesale distribution. Tune in to hear how Cole’s farm is successfully geared to wholesalers than direct to consumer. You’ll hear: A...
273. Theresa Podoll on Sowing Resilience with Organic Seed Production
March 05, 2024 13:00 - 51 minutes - 47 MBHow many plants does it take to get a pound of tomato seeds? On this episode we’re joined by Theresa Podoll from Prairie Road Organic Seed in Fullerton, North Dakota. Since 1997, Theresa and her husband, Dan, have been passionate about providing resilient, organic seed varieties with a focus on taste and abundance for their customers. Tune in to hear about the important need for regional seed supplies and the role of seed companies in providing resources and support to gardeners. You’...
272. Jeremy Kaufman on the Impact of Agroforestry on Farming
February 27, 2024 13:00 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBCan agroforestry boost farm profitability? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jeremy Kaufman who is Chief of Operations at Propagate, a leader in Agroforestry. Along with his team, Jeremy is fully committed to integrating agroforestry into farming to increase farm profits, decrease erosion and nutrient loss, and promote the broad use of sustainable farming methods. Tune in to hear how integrating agroforestry into traditional farming practices can trans...
271. Amy Fewell on Herbalism, Health and Homesteading
February 20, 2024 13:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBAre you looking for more community and education on homesteading? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Amy Fewell, who is the visionary behind Homesteaders of America. As a published author, herbalist, and modern-day milkmaid, Amy nurtures her passion for self-sufficiency on her family’s farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Tune in to hear more about herbalism and community cultivation from this inspiring homesteader. You’ll hear: When Amy got ...
270. Tim Joseph on the Grass-fed Dairy Revolution
February 13, 2024 13:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBHow long do you think it takes to get a cow from grain fed to fully grass-fed? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim Joseph, the pioneering founder of Maple Hill Creamery, the largest 100% regenerative, grass-fed organic dairy farm in the U.S. After leaving his corporate job, Tim positioned Maple Hill at the forefront of the dairy industry, championing grass-fed organic dairy and regenerative farming practices. Tune in to hear all about Tim and Maple Hi...
269: Alexis Dragovich on Milling a New Path in Grain Farming
February 06, 2024 13:00 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBWhat are the unique challenges of growing and milling your own grains? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Alexis Dragovich, co-operator of Mud Run Farms in northeast Ohio. What started out as a 1st generation dairy farm has turned into a father daughter team working hard to make certified organic grains and fresh stone-ground flours more commonplace. Tune in to hear about Alexis’ passion for healthy grains, small business and their local community. Yo...
268. Jodi Roebuck on Mastering the Elements on a New Zealand Market Farm
January 30, 2024 13:00 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MBHow does your local climate influence your agricultural decisions? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jodi Roebuck who is the trailblazing market gardener and mentor at Roebuck Farm in Taranaki, New Zealand. With over two decades of experience, Jodi guides fellow growers toward more economically viable farming practices, embodying his belief that when environmental and financial health go hand in hand, true sustainability is achieved. Tune in to hear...
267. Brad Russell on Reviving Chestnut Farming in the US
January 23, 2024 18:00 - 29 minutes - 54.5 MBWhat unique challenges and rewards come with chestnut farming? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Brad Russell of Chestnuts in the Ozarks in Omaha, Arkansas. Brad’s lifelong respect for nature along with his dedication to sustainable agriculture has guided him and his wife, Sandy, to revive and sustain the long-forgotten legacy of chestnut farming in the United States. Tune in to hear all about Chestnuts in the Ozarks and the world of chestnut farming! ...
266. Ann Accetta-Scott on Embracing Homesteading and Food Preservation
January 16, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBHow do you take your homestead from beginner to profitable? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Ann Accetta-Scott, a dedicated first-generation homesteader and the author behind "The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest." While managing her family farm in Middle Tennessee, Ann shares her journey from self-taught beginnings to becoming a community cultivator and advocate for a simpler, more sustainable way of life. Tune in to hear how Ann teaches...
265. Michael Kilpatrick on his Top Takeaways from the Vegetable Summit
January 09, 2024 13:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBAre you ready to take your vegetable farming to the next level? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael shares about this year’s Thriving Farmer Summit and this year is all about Vegetables. The Summit is a free event happening January 12-14th and features a lineup of expert speakers covering topics from fertilizer-free farming methods and winter production to balancing family and farming, soil tests, compost and much more. Tune in to hear about how this year’s S...
264. Michael and Savannah Kilpatrick on a Farm Year in Review
January 02, 2024 13:00 - 50 minutes - 93 MBDo you take the time to reflect on the past year of your farm? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by his wife, Savannah. Together, they chat about how this past year went at their farm in Ohio called The Farm on Central. From building a farm store to strawberries and sourdough, they share the up's and down's of 2023. Tune in to hear about this Year in Review and how they are taking the lessons they learned into the New Year. You’ll hear: Why they sta...
263. Melissa Smith on the Delights and Demands of Growing Dahlias
December 26, 2023 13:00 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBWhat lessons can Southern gardeners learn from Melissa Smith's experience with dahlias? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Melissa Smith of Fraylick Farm who is a passionate gardener, dahlia enthusiast, and experienced flower farmer. As a Clemson certified Master Gardener and a self-taught expert in the art of cut flower cultivation, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for nurturing beauty in every bloom. Tune in to hear how Melissa ma...
262. Jeff Bednar on Building a Successful Food Hub
December 19, 2023 13:00 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBWhat can you learn from a food hub model of connecting local producers with chefs and consumers? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jeff Bednar, the innovative force behind Profound Foods in North Texas. Since 2014, Jeff and his wife, Lee, have been revolutionizing local food systems and specializing in hydroponic produce. Jeff connects consumers directly to locally-grown food through his online marketplace, all while fostering community education and su...
261. Laura Fernandez on Sowing Seeds of Sustainability with Garden Design
December 12, 2023 13:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBIn 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 MBEver 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 MBHow 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 MBWhat 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 MBIs 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 MBDo 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 MBWhat 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 MBCan 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 MBCan “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 MBHow 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 MBWhat 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 MBCould 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 MBHas 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 MBWant 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 MBIs 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 MBHow 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 MBHow 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 MBHow 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 MBWhat 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 MBWhat 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 MBDo 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 MBWhat'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 MBDo 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 MBHow 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 MBHow 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 MBHow 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 MBHow 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 MBAre 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 MBHave 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 MBCan 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 MBHas 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 ...