Deep Roots Radio

First, they served in posts and on battlefields across the globe. Then, they came home and are now striving to bring their skills and energies to America’s agricultural system. They are veterans working to reshape our food system as they build soil health, grow vegetables and crops, and raise livestock in rural communities in every corner of the nation. Sarah R Cope This podcast features our Deep Roots Radio conversation with Sarah R. Cope, retired United State Marine Corp, and President of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition. She served 31 years, which included completing three combat deployments to Iraq and one combat deployment to Afghanistan. Fifth-generation military, Cope retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016, but continued serving with several Federal agencies until January 2020. Today, Cope lives in Wisconsin and farms 40 acres with her wife Heather Schumann and their five children. She brings this experience and perspective to the veteran farmers in Wisconsin. In this interview, she mentions websites that may be of help, including a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/farmerveterancoalition, and a link to the Ag Solidarity Network. You can also link to the national FVC organization here. I hope you enjoy this interview. Sylvia

What do these foods have in common?  Cheese, coffee, chocolate, wine, bread, beer and saurkraut.  That's right, they're all fermented! We're talking about lots more than kombucha, kimchi and yogurt. In fact, fermentation has been a critical strategy for preserving foods for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. In this Deep Roots Radio conversation, historian Julia Skinner chats about her latest book, Our Fermented Lives. In it, she describes how this culinary skill has shaped cultures and communities all across the world. Dr. Skinner is the founder of Root: Historic Food for the Modern World. I hope you enjoy this lively interview. Do you make fermented foods? Let me know. Sylvia sylvia@bullbrookkeep.com

I really enjoyed this Deep Roots Radio conversation with Tom Wisniowski of The Happy Earth Orchard, Ellsworth, WI, and Andrew Mommsen of Mommsen Produce and Pumpkin Patch, Rice Lake, WI. They are among the hundreds of Wisconsin farmer-members of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association who invite visitors for you-pick produce, corn mazes, delicious foods and fresh beverages, relaxation, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. While Tom is now in his third year opening his orchard to eager visitors, Andrew is celebrating 30 years of a growing interest in farm experiences. Both represent a range of lessons learned and rewards experienced as they've welcomed individuals and families to their farms. You'll also hear from Sheila Everhart, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA). She describes how the public can go to WATA's website to find a wide range agricultural adventures near you. She also describes how farmers benefit from the educational, advocacy and promotional work WATA does for its members every day of the year. I hope you enjoy this podcast. Sylvia

Have you found yourself checking your weather app every few minutes? (Often hoping that the forecast would change ;-).  I know I have. Well now there's a network of weather stations being built out across the state of Wisconsin that'll meet that need to know what the weather's done this last five minutes. It's called Wisconet. I hope. you'll enjoy this Deep Roots Radio interview with the program's Research Program Manager Chris Vagasky. He describes how this expanding web of weather data collectors will help farmers, gardeners and the curious get weather info -- for free -- to help plan for the short and long term. To learn more about the program, visit the Wisconet website. To contact Chris Vagasky, email him at vagasky@wisc.edu Sylvia

Kriss Marion describes how Wisconsin Women in Conservation helps women farmers and landowners learn and implement conservation measures. She also describes how WiWiC educators help all farmers across the state.

We love visiting farms during warm weather. But what about when the snow’s 2 feet deep and there are ice crystals in the air? Winter’s a perfect time to enjoy great food, family activities and adventure on Wisconsin family farms. In this Deep Roots Radio interview, Sheila Everhart, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism […]

Deep Roots Radio interview with EagleSong Gardener about the ubiquitous and thorny hawthorn, a little known tree - and medicinal herb - that's just about everywhere.

Region 12 Dir. Kevin McAnnany describes how Dexter Cattle - America's smallest beef breed -- is perfect for the smaller farmer.

Sheila Everhart describes how the WI Agricultural Tourism Association provides resources to help farmers and visitors find fun, relaxation, great food, learning and agricultural adventures at Wisconsin farms.

In this Deep Roots Radio interview, organizer Jennifer Dean describes the 2022 Eat Local Co-op Farm Tour set for July 16, 2022, 10AM to 4PM.

Executive Director Terry Hauer explains the role of the Polk County Economic Develop Corporation's role in post-COVID northwestern Wisconsin farm country. It's not the old saw about chasing smokestacks.

John Govin describes his annual Lamb Barn and Baby Farm Animals spring time event on his Menomene, WI farm.

New entrepreneur Tessa Ingham describes why she's purchased and re-imagined Wildflour Market natural foods store in Amery, WI

Jan. 2021 growers and markets can attend 2021 WI Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference in person or virtually

WFU hosts series of online webinars to examine shortages of smaller-scale meat processing and many possible solutions

Medicinal herbalist Nancy Graden describes herbs you have at home to boost health and immune system in time of COVID-19

Internationally-recognized agricultural economist John Ikerd describes the urgent need for better agricultural policies that will help address climate change, restore soils and nutrition, and provide opportunities for smaller, family farms.

I’ve baked my sourdough hearth loaves in covered clay pots for years, and recommend that same strategy to the many baking students that travel to my Bull Brook Keep teaching kitchen. Why? because the covered vessels provide a blast of heat and moisture-saving enclosure that yields high rises, crisp crusts and tender crumb laced with […]

The new Jewelltown Roastery, Star Prairie, Wisconsin, roasts and brews a great cup of coffee, welcomes local performers to its space, and builds community through local food sourcing, great conversation and down-home music.

While at the MOSES Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, WI, Chang Tianle, found/director of the Beijing Farmers Market describes the start, growth and competitive pressures for organic foods.

Historians describe the Seed Savers Exchange web exhibit: The Rise of Heirloom Seeds

Founder/CEO Katie Sterns describes how MN-based You Betcha! Box boosts small food businesses, state pride and local philanthropy through subscription gourmet food boxes.

Jeremy McAdams describes his 10-year old, certified organic mushroom farm in Clayton, Wisconsin. He's dedicated not only to great taste and high quality, but environmental stewardship that embraces a community of farms.

Brooks Geenen’s black and white photos are dramatic and stark. His large-scale frames invite us to look at agricultural land – and how man’s shaped it – through his high-resolution lens. In this day and age of smartphone selfies and Instagram immediacy, Geenen uses large 5-inch by 5-inch exposures taken through old bellows-camera technology. His […]

Deep Roots Radio chat with Upstream Tea's Anna Metcalfe. How her project promotes conversations and stories about our individual experiences, hopes and fears about our shared watersheds.

RockFilter Distillery founder and CEO Christian Myrah tells the story: how a Navy combat pilot returned to the organic family farm to create hyper-local, seed-to-glass whiskeys based on home-grown corn and grains, great water, and the resources and talents of local crafts people. He worked with musician/writer Dessa to release Time & Distance, a certified organic bourbon that's as smooth as silk.

Angelia Hollstadt describes the fun, process, nutrition and business of her raw fermented kimchi, sauerkraut and kvass.

The relationships between farming and food, health and nourishment, people and spirituality are tightly woven. They are interlaced and as old as time. Unfortunately, these deep connections have been ignored or denied in recent decades – much to the detriment of human and environmental health, local economies and community connections. In this Deep Roots Radio […]

My Siggy is a Corgi, a herding dog. We practice rotation grazing on our farm because our commitment is to 100% grass-fed beef. Our practice is to move cattle slowly and calmly from pasture to pasture. No loud noises or running allowed! How do I train Siggy to work more gently with my BueLingo cattle? […]

In this first of three Deep Roots Radio interviews, stock dog trainer and border collie breeder Denice Rakley describes the special human-dog communication needed to bring out the instincts of herding dogs, also known as stock dogs. Owner and operator of Clearfield Stockdogs, Bennington, Indiana. Denice will hold demonstrations on April 26, and a three-day […]

In this Deep Roots Radio interviewed, Jessica “Turtle” Manderfeld describes the pictures and skills displayed by 3rd, 4th and 5th graders excited by the insects, animals and birds of their native Wisconsin. The exhibit, which runs until the end of April, is sponsored by the Farm Table Foundation in partnership with the Amery School District’s […]

I can’t wait: on March 28th, 2018, I’ll be one of several people confronting a tough assignment. We’ll have the enviable job of judging honey-based pastries created by some of the top women chefs in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN metro area and nearby Wisconsin. You’re invited to savor the dozens of sweet and savory foods […]

There’s nothing like a gathering of like-minded people – especially when the get-together includes delicious foods created with highly nutritious ingredients. When it’s a meeting of Weston A. Price Foundation chapter members, participants share deep commitment to foods grown to restore the environment, cooked and baked to boost flavor and health. These are the hallmarks […]

How international trade policies affect small family farms and your grocery bill.

Erin Rupp, Executive Director of Pollinate MN describes the garden and farm plant habitats needed to encourage threatened bees and other pollinators.

The average age of the American farmer is nearly 60. An entire generation of growers – of commodities, specialty crops, dairy, and livestock – are staring retirement in the face and the transition is often a tough one for many reasons. Not only does the older farmer confront the end of a loved career, but […]

Weston A. Price Foundation President Sally Fallon Morell explains how infant, child and adult health depend upon returning to traditional foods and preparation.

Late summer – a time for capturing the season’s best fruits and vegetables for great eating when the snow flies. One way to enjoy warm-weather flavors and aromas is by making jams, jellies and preserves. In this Deep Roots Radio interview, Wisconsin author Debbra Anne highlights easy ways for using her creative Slippery Moose jellies […]

I know you’ll be fascinated by Reginaldo (Regi) Haslett-Marroquin’s new book, In the Shadow of Green Man. Get a copy at your earliest opportunity and be prepared for a memoir unlike any you’ve encountered. Half bio, half legends, it’s a page-turner. In this Deep Roots Radio interview, Regi describes how and why he weaves his […]

In-the-field Deep Roots Radio interview with leaders and members of Region 12 of the American Dexter Cattle Association - why the small Dexter is the right-sized choice for small-acre farms and food lovers.

I hope you’ll enjoy this Deep Roots Radio interview with fermentation guru Sandor Katz. We chatted about the value of making fermented foods at home – just how easy it is to start, and how much you gain in the way of flavor, food preservation and increased nutritional content. The author of Wild Fermentation, The […]

Deep Roots Radio interview with Jessica "Turtle" Manderfeld about her exhibit about bees which features her botanical art, and sensory examples of bee products and their impacts on society.

Owner Jenna Johnson describes creating and operating new craft micro-brewery in rural Amery, WI. How she plans for unique flavors by working with local farmers.

In this Deep Roots Radio interview, Lisa Kivirist describes the multi-year battle to legalize the sale of home-baked goods in the state Wisconsin. The Badger state has been one of only two in the entire country that has not permitted the sale of home-baked muffins, cookies and breads. Lisa is one of three women farmers […]

Although there are hundreds of environmental, agricultural and good-food nonprofits nationwide, Jim Riddle asserts that none represents the voice and influence of the 16,000 certified organic farmers in the US today. In this Deep Roots Radio interview, organic farming pioneer and policy analyst Jim Riddle describes how the Organic Farmers Association, a new member-driven organization, […]

I hope you enjoy this Deep Roots Radio interview with Therese Asmus, of Artistta Homestead, is a long-time baker and teacher dedicated to the nutritional and flavorful benefits of sourdough breads made with ancient grains. She shares research and insights into the nutritional differences among ancient grains and contrasts their digestibility with commercially varieties. She […]

Alison Martin describes why and how we need to save heritage livestock - dozens of breeds that are living storehouses of genetic diversity we need to secure the food and farming of tomorrow.

Always dreamed of pulling crisp, bubbling pizzas from your own wood-fired oven? Whether you live on a city lot or out in the country, David S. Cargo can show you how to build a portable oven in just a couple of hours. No special tools required. You’ll leave the class with know-how, new friends, and […]

I hope you enjoy this Deep Roots Radio interview with North Dakota rancher Gabe Brown on the principles of regenerative farming that will yield health and profitability even as you transition your operation – large or small. Gabe will be in Amery, Wisconsin February 9th for a full day workshop in which he will describe […]

I hope you enjoy this Deep Roots Radio chat with author and modern-day homesteader Ben Hewitt. An engaging storyteller, Ben pulls you right into his books and their characters. His most recent publication is The Nourishing Homestead: One Back-to-the-land Family’s Plan for Cultivating Soil, Skills and Spirit. Ben, his wife Penny and their two sons […]

Deep Roots Radio interview with 45th Parallel Distillery CEO Paul Werni about establishing craft vodka, rye, whiskey, bourbon, and brandy distillery in western Wisconsin.