Podcasts about local foods

Joe Maxwell, co-founder of Farm Action and a fourth-generation farmer, joins Steve Gruber to discuss the challenges facing family farms today. Raising hogs, sheep, and grain crops alongside his brother Steve, Maxwell shares firsthand insights into the pressures farmers face, from market instability to government policy. He also highlights efforts by MAHA-aligned organizations to urge the USDA to better support family farms and strengthen access to locally grown, healthy food for communities across America.

Today, Sarah and Beth are joined by Lacy Boling of the Paducah Cooperative Ministry, who shares how government cuts are impacting Food Banks across the US, their ability to meet their community needs, and how we can help. Topics Discussed How federal assistance has slowed to a trickle What could happen to families when SNAP benefits run out What happens to food pantries when need skyrockets What all of us can do that actually helps Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats and more. If you're not already subscribed, you can use this link to ensure you're getting our show notes, weekly newsletter, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:It's official - federal SNAP food assistance benefits will end on Saturday, for the first time in the over six decades since it started under LBJ: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/28/texas-snap-food-stamps-federal-shutdown-explained/...So, NOW is the time to get ahead of that and make a donation to your local food bank: https://www.feedingtexas.org/Onetime arch-villain of the GOP Karl Rove fears that, if Texas Republican primary voters nominate Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate, that seat is likely to flip to the Dems: https://www.alternet.org/karl-rove-paxton-cornyn/...Paxton, meanwhile, is leaning into RFK Jr.-style crazy and suing the makers of Tylenol, which the tinfoil hat set has decided causes autism: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/28/texas-tylenol-johnson-lawsuit-rfk-ken-paxton-autism/Meanwhile, in California, almost 4 million early votes have been cast on Prop 50 - that state's Democratic redistricting measure: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/proponents-nov-4-redistricting-ballot-003336125.html?guccounter=1Trump and MAGA types are now fighting with each other over blame for failing to stop California from wrecking their map-rigging scheme: https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/gop-blame-game-california-redistrictingWe're excited to see YOU at one (or both!) of our 2025 Holiday Parties this December in Austin and Dallas! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now: ⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/progress-texas-holiday-parties-2025⁠⁠Check out our 2025 Texas Statewide Voting Guide, including a link at the bottom for a printable version you CAN take with you to the polls: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org/blog/2025-texas-statewide-ballot-guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thanks for listening! Our monthly donors form the backbone of our funding, and if you're a regular, we'd like to invite you to join the team! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Part 1 - Neville James is joined by Harith Wickrema of the Local Food and Farm Council and Dr. Nate Olive of Ridge to Reef Farm. The final "Agricultural Plan in Action" town hall, organized by the Local Food and Farm Council, is next Monday, October 27, on Saint John.

Some federal workers are also helping others, setting up dedicated food drives for fellow government employees now in need.

Whether buying or making your own, how do you tell if compost is any good? We go deep on this question with Jason Gearheart of Integrated Elements Compost in Columbus, Indiana in this week's podcast interview. Jason honed his compost-making skills as a student of Dr. Elaine Ingham's Soil Food Web School, and now he makes a variety of products including vermicompost, biologically active compost, compost tea and more.Biologically active compost goes beyond macronutrient analysis to make sure compost has enough of the beneficial microbes to build the soil life that is so beneficial to plants. In this interview we talk about what classes of microbes we are looking for, how to identify them and how to encourage the right ones during the composting process. We also discuss the merits of different compost feedstocks, composting temperature and turning intervals, and how to know when compost is done in this exploration of one of the most important soil amendments!Connect With Guest:Website: iecompost.com Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more. Farmhand is the virtual assistant built for farmers—helping CSAs scale sales, run error-free fulfillment, and deliver 5-star service. Whether you're at 100 members or 1,000, Farmhand helps you grow without burning out. You've heard us—and our farmers—right here on the Growing for Market Podcast. Explore more stories and learn more at farmhand.partners/gfm. Discover innovative packaging solutions at A-ROO Company, your one-stop shop for customizable and eco-friendly packaging across various industries, including floral, produce, and specialty packaging. Explore stylish and eco-friendly Kraft Paper Sleeves and sheets at shop.a-roo.com today and enjoy an exclusive 15% discount with code "GFM15" for Growing For Market listeners. When it comes to quality and innovation, A-ROO Company is the name you can trust.There are a lot of farm sales platforms out there, but there's only one that's cooperatively owned by farmers. That's GrownBy — your all-in-one solution to simplify farm sales. GrownBy makes online farm sales easy and affordable; setting up your shop is free, and you only pay when you sell. Join over 900 farms who have already signed up for GrownBy, at grownby.com.Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

In this lively and laughter-filled episode, the Hort Culture crew—Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray—dive into the deep connections between horticulture, health, and community. The conversation kicks off with birthday cake energy and quickly blooms into a discussion about how plants and specialty crops shape lives—from personal stories about meeting spouses on farms to the way flowers boost mood and spark connection.The team explores fascinating research on the physical and mental health benefits of plants: from leafy greens supporting brain health to tree canopy reducing heat-related emergencies. They talk CSAs, farm-to-school programs, and how trying new vegetables (and flowers!) can help build lasting habits. Plus, there's a fun round of Kentucky farmers market price trivia—revealing just how much tomatoes and beans have changed over 20 years.

“We don't do agricultural lending." That's the common phrase uttered across America, but why? Phil Love, the leader of Pactola, and Mark Ritter delve into the benefits of agricultural lending, how to approach it, and the advantages for lenders.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:✅ How agricultural lending empowers credit unions to support small businesses in farming communities.✅ The role of credit unions in providing operating lines of credit and real estate loans for sustainable local food production.✅ Key challenges and opportunities in agriculture lending, including navigating commodity markets and risk management.✅ How credit union agricultural lending strengthens rural communities and supports America's food supply.Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Phil's role at Pactola, a credit union service organization focused on agricultural lending, and describes his farming activities, including harvesting honey06:48 Phil explains the three types of agricultural lending: real estate loans, equipment loans, and operating lines09:48 Discussion on how credit unions in rural communities can leverage credit union agricultural lending to support farming as community banks consolidate11:56 Phil outlines the challenges in agricultural lending, including assessing small business balance sheets, succession planning, and external risks such as commodity markets and weather17:45 Discussion of beef prices, carryover debt, the One Big Beautiful Bill, inflation, interest rates and oil pricesKEY TAKEAWAYS:

How long can a community last if there were no open roads or grocery stores? During the tragic California fire caused mudslides of 2018, the town of Summerland was cut off from the rest of the world and the food supply chain. The devastating effects of the tragedy and the consequences of no grocery stores in Summerland reached a turning point when customers started fighting over stale sandwiches or snacks left at Liquor stores or gas stations.  These experiences led to the establishment of Sweet Water Farms - a community asset to solve the absence of food, to expand farm education to the next generation on chemical-free farming, ecology and food as medicine, bio dynamics in both plants and soil, and eco-utilities. The Santa Barbara Agriculture & Farm Education Foundation established the farm to provide food security, increase awareness and educate how our food is grown and distributed. And to not be vulnerable to whatever disaster nature has in store for them in the future. President/Farmer Leslie Person Ryan shares the lessons learned and how local agriculture is vital. sbafefoundation.com

Today:GBH News' latest documentary “Living in Pryde” follows residents in "The Pryde" senior living facility at a time when queer rights are under attack. We speak with producer Rob Tokanel, Pryde executive director Gretchen Van Ness, and resident Eddie Whitman.And, Catherine D'Amato of the Greater Boston Food Bank walks us through impacts to food assistance during the government shutdown. 

Part 1 - Harith Wickrema, who serves on the Local Food and Farm Council (LFFC), joins Neville James for the upcoming Agricultural Town Halls that are being organized by the LFFC in October, along with progress on the territory's Agricultural Plan. Harith also serves as president of nonprofit Island Green Living Association and is the founder of nonprofit Planet Green Force, he also speaks about USVI food security and sustainability issues in general. 

Trying to scale a small farm profitably from small and direct to larger and more regional can be a challenge.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shauna Fidler, founder of Design Farm and producer of the Basin Food Summit, as she takes us deep into British Columbia's Kootenay region—a place where local food culture thrives and producers connect directly with buyers who care.Shauna shares her journey from running a cookie shop in Calgary to pioneering gluten-free baking before it was mainstream, and eventually finding her home in the Kootenays where she now supports food producers through branding, packaging design, and the annual Basin Food Summit.Event Details: Basin Food Summit, November 6-8, 2025, Nelson, BC | www.basinfood.caWarning: This episode may cause extreme hunger and an irresistible urge to book a trip to the Kootenays.You can find Shauna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-fidler-25226b241/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Local food banks are about to lose a key source of fresh, local produce after the Department of Agriculture ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program or LFPA. The program was a key source of revenue for small, local farms that played a major role in keeping people fed during the pandemic.  Links: Small Farms Fed the Bay Area During COVID. But Now Face Federal Cuts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rally with your Farm Friends to Sell More, Make More and replace Bad Food & Big Ag. Learn how Josie form Dan & Debbie's Creamery partners with other Local Farmers to Replace the Grocery Cart for a Win-Win!

A school's nutrition department runs like a self-sustained business, covering everything from food and labor to equipment repairs and benefits without support from the district’s general fund, explains Stacy Nelson, food and nutrition director with the School District of the Menomonie Area. Each meal served generates between $0.50 and $4.70 through federal and state reimbursements, making participation the lifeline of the program, she explains. That’s why the loss of the Local Food for Schools funding, which was supposed to bring another $9 million to Wisconsin schools this year, hit hard for schools, farmers, and communities alike. Still, Nelson and other nutrition leaders are finding creative ways to keep local food on students’ plates. Sometimes that means sourcing “seconds” from orchards — apples that don’t make the cut for U-Pick customers but are still perfectly good for school lunches — or working with local farmers to plan special events. This fall, a group of Dunn County dairy farmers teamed up with the district to launch “Eat Local Day,” featuring grilled cheese made with Wisconsin cheese and paired with homemade roasted tomato soup prepared with fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic from a nearby farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Every community has different values, and every community should have different choices. And that's why local food is so important so that local communities and local farmers can decide what's most important to them and how they want to connect the people who grow our food with the people who are seeking nourishment." —Andy Naja-Riese "The health of our Farmers Market is really dependent upon the health of our farmers." —Tanner Keys   Wonder why local food sometimes costs more, or if it's really worth the effort to shop there? The real story behind farmers' markets is more complicated—and more important—than you might think. Andy Naja-Riese, CEO of the Agricultural Institute of Marin, and Tanner Keys, Cooperative Agreement Manager for the Islands of Remote Areas Regional Food Business Center, have spent years on the front lines of food access. Their work in California and Hawaii gives them a unique view on what it takes to make local food affordable, how certification and regulations shape what you see at the market, and why these markets matter for everyone. Listen in for honest talk about food prices, local farming, organic rules, food as medicine, and how farmers' markets are working to make healthy food available to all. You'll get practical insights, real solutions, and a fresh look at what's possible in your own community. Meet Andy: Andy Naja-Riese brings 17 years of experience in community food systems, public health, and food equity programs & policy. As Chief Executive Officer, he leads AIM's major programs, partnerships, strategic planning, advocacy, and fundraising, including a capital campaign for AIM's Center for Food and Agriculture in collaboration with AIM's Board of Directors. Andy joined AIM in 2018 after spending 10 years working for the Federal government, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service.  Andy is currently the Co-Chair of the Marin County Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Collaborative, serves on the Steering Committees of the Marin Carbon Project and Marin Community Health Improvement Plan, sits on the National Farm to School Network's Advisory Board, and represents AIM on the California Food and Farming Network & Food and Farm Resilience Coalition. He received the 2022 CVNL Heart of Marin Award for Excellence in Leadership and the 2023 Farmers Market Champion of the Year award from CAFF. He earned his master's degree from the T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health and his bachelor's degree from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.  He lives with his husband and dog in Sonoma, where he enjoys backyard gardening, cooking farmers market hauls, eating bagels, and enjoying Northern California's natural beauty Website Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Meet Tanner: Tanner Keys grew up in an agricultural community & lifestyle that has instilled a passion for food & land. He has served in various roles with the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance (HGFA) beginning in 2022, helping the organization in its beginning years and later leading a project of HGFA, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Market Association. Before that, he served as the Team Leader to the FoodCorps Inc., an AmeriCorps program, from 2019 to 2021. Tanner has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Oregon, and it was his service in the Peace Corps (Timor-Leste ʻ16-ʻ18) that led him back to the path of supporting agriculture & food security. LinkedIn Connect with Hawai'i Good Food Alliance Website Instagram Facebook   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 01:16 Geography and Food Access: How Location Changes Everything 06:13 Comparing Coasts: East vs West Market Experiences  10:38 Organic vs Certified— What “Certified” Really Means  16:53 Hawaii and California's Diversity  23:40 Making Markets Accessible  27:55 Permanent Market Dreams: Building for the Future  33:57 Are Farmers' Markets Expensive? The Real Price of Local Food   Resources: Podcast S5 Ep 27: AIM— Preserving the Farmer's Market for Everyone with Andy Naja-Riese Part 2S7 Ep1: Boosting a Healthy, Accessible Local Farm-to-Table Revolution with Andy Naja-Riese Part 2

In this episode of Do Something Bigger from the Carbon Copy Podcast, join host Isabelle Sparrow with guest co-host, Kiloran O'Leary from Sustain to learn how producing and eating local food can help people connect with each other and bring positive change to their communities. Listen now to learn: How Sustain is supporting food-related businesses to help more people on lower incomes to access local, healthy and sustainable produce. How the people of Carrickfergus in County Antrim came together to create Northern Ireland's first community-owned greengrocer, and how this is helping the community connect to local growers and farmers. Why Growing Communities is encouraging more public sector organisations and schools to use small farms and market gardens to supply their catering needs. How Incredible Edible is campaigning for a community "Right To Grow,” and their vision for how this could transform the food system. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/produce-local-food ----------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes Find out more about producing food locally: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/produce-local-food Discover all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction Listen to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast Send us your feedback and comments: hello@carboncopy.eco Learn more about Sustain: https://www.sustainweb.org/ Find out about the Bridging the Gap programme: https://www.sustainweb.org/bridging-the-gap/ Read Sustain's Local Food Growth Plan report: https://www.sustainweb.org/reports/apr25-local-food-growth-plan/ Read about Growing Communities: https://www.gcvegscheme.org/ Read about Carrick Greengrocers: https://carrickgreengrocers.org/ Read about Incredible Edible: https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk/ Read about the community Right To Grow campaign: https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk/what-we-do/right-to-grow/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With over 20 years of farming experience, hear how Laura Llewellyn grew Chimalow Produce to maximize soil and veg quality, based on the idea that healthy soil will lead to better vegetables. Learn how Laura encourages biological life in the soil, how they balance minimizing soil disturbance with mechanical cultivation, address deficiencies and encourage mycorrhizal fungi. Drawing on her experience as the manager of a retail produce department, Laura shares the strategy she uses to set up market displays to make them engaging and easy for customers to shop.Connect With Guest:Instagram: @chimalowproduceWebsite: chimalowproduce.com Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more. Since 1993, Vermont Compost Company has supplied premium living soils and compost-based amendments to thousands of successful growers all over the country. All ingredients used in Vermont Compost products are approved for certified organic production. Each fall, Vermont Compost Company offers a Prebuy Sale to incentivize ordering your spring soil before winter settles in. Early Bird customers save 20% on orders placed, paid for and shipped by October 31st. For more information, visit vermontcompost.com/prebuy, or call at (802) 223-6049. Vermont Compost Company - living soils for organic growing since 1993. BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that's tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America. Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

As federal funding cuts shift more responsibility for food insecurity to local communities, Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with Julie Butner, president and CEO of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, one of the largest food banks in the United States serving 13 counties around Fort Worth, Texas. Julie reveals that food bank clients are often working families who simply can't afford basic necessities and explains how modern food banks have evolved far beyond emergency food distribution to address root causes through healthcare partnerships, nutrition education, and community gardens. This eye-opening conversation challenges common misconceptions about who needs food assistance and addresses debates about the roles of government and private philanthropy. Julie also offers practical guidance on how donors can make the greatest impact, whether through volunteering, financial support, or advocacy. Additional Resources Tarrant Area Food Bank  United for ALICE data Feeding America food bank locator

Scaling up means different things for different farms; hear from Grace Lam how Fivefork Farms has scaled up to the point where they are growing 60,000 dahlias both for flower and tuber sales and over 700 dahlia share members. They don't just grow dahlias though- there is a lot of practical info in this interview, including how to keep up with labor and water needs as the farm grows, when and how to mechanize, and specialty crop insurance programs that can help insure your growing farm. Learn how they keep their farmstand thriving and steps they have taken to make the farm more resilient in the face of increasingly extreme weather in this interview with host Rebecca Kutzer-Rice. Connect With Guest:Instagram: @fiveforkfarmsWebsite: fiveforkfarms.com Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more. BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that's tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America. Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm. Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial 

EB Precopia shares about her passion for food and how it led to her building her blog and food tours in Kalamazoo.

This week on The LA Food Podcast, Luca and Sal dig into the biggest story in food media: the latest round of layoffs at Eater. With reporters like Jaya Saxena and Amy McCarthy let go and LA's newsroom slimmed down, what does this mean for local food journalism, restaurant coverage, and the future of dining media in Los Angeles? We also debate whether influencer content and guides like The Infatuation can really replace in-depth reporting, and whether there's a path forward for food journalism in LA.Plus: our signature Chef's Kiss or Big Miss segment—covering everything from the rise of tableside carts and Florence's iconic Pino's Sandwiches opening in Los Feliz, to Anajak Thai's renovations, Netflix's new Next Gen Chef competition, and the return of the Gelato Festival World Masters. If you care about LA's dining scene, the role of food critics and journalists, and the culture wars playing out in restaurants, this episode is for you.The LA Food Podcast is powered by Acquired Taste Media. Be sure to check out our sister shows: Taqueando with Bill Esparza and Let It Rip. And don't forget to rate and review!–Go check out The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park! ⁠https://thelonelyoyster.com/⁠–Get 10% off at House of Macadamias using code "LAFOOD" https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/pages/la-foods

Over more than 30 years, Featherstone Farm has grown their CSA and wholesaling to the point where they are now growing on 135 acres and have scaled up some of their major crops- for one example, they are storing 120 tons or more of carrots every year. These are distributed through their CSA and wholesaling. Though Featherstone has gotten a lot bigger over the years, they have remained committed to high agricultural standards with a Real Organic Project certification and high standards for the nearly 50 farm workers that they employ.Jack Hedin started the farm with his wife in 1994, and Abby Benson is the farm's production manager and part of the leadership team. In this interview with host Katie Kulla, Jack and Abby discuss overcoming the production and logistics challenges that saw the farm grow from a much smaller size to having as many as 1400 CSA members in some years. Farming is never without a challenge, though, and they discuss how changing weather patterns are resulting in prolonged wet periods that threaten many of their crops with increased disease pressure, and how they are planning for other challenges to keep the farm healthy into the future.Connect With Guest:Instagram: @featherstonefarmmnWebsite: featherstonefarm.com Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more. BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that's tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America. Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

Bt Cotton Stewardship and Pests Farm to Plate Initiative Stage of HPAI in Kansas Herds   00:01:05 – Bt Cotton Stewardship and Pests: Beginning today's show is K-State Extension agronomist, Logan Simon, and K-State Extension entomologist, Anthony Zukoff, as they discuss bt cotton, bollworms and stinkbugs. Late-Season Insect Pest Considerations and Bt Stewardship in Cotton   00:12:05 – Farm to Plate Initiative: A conversation about a farm to plate program from the Kansas Department of Education with Barb Depew continues the show as she explains how the program works for students and producers.  www.cnw.ksde.gov Farm to Plate #fuelingkskids    00:23:05 – Stage of HPAI in Kansas Herds: K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk ends the show providing an update on HPAI in Kansas. We are currently at Stage 4, meaning no herds have tested positive for bird flu under the national milk testing strategy implemented by APHIS.      Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu.   Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast.   K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan

08/07/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined by Ellen Huber, the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) rural development director, to talk about progress being made in rural communities. A regional initiative which seeks to transform the rural food system – helping grocerystores stay open and increasing access to local foods – is advancing in North Dakota. The pilot projectwill test a rural grocery and local food hub model in the north central region that, if successful, could be replicated elsewhere in North Dakota and rural America. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s deep dive, a trip to the produce section of the grocery store can take you around the world. An exploration of why our food travels so far to get to us.

Anne Massie and Virginia Pleasant share how they've grown Region Roots Local Farm and Food Hub to increase opportunities for famers to feed their regional communities. “The Region” is how the area of Northwest Indiana where they are based is known locally. Both co-executive directors of the NWI (Northwest Indiana) Food Council, they tell us how they've rapidly grown their grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a just and regenerative food system.They discuss considerations including how big of a population can be supported by a food hub, effective programs, how to get funding, and how they've been dealing with the cancellation of promised funding by the federal government this year. This food hub is really helping open up markets for farmers and getting more local food into the community, and the conversation emphasizes how to actually get community collaboration, farmer support, and public policy to work together to shape food policy.Connect With Guest:Instagram: @region_roots_food_hubWebsite: regionroots.org Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that's tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America. Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm. Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more.Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

The Huron School District and the Viborg-Hurley School District join us to talk about the meat and potatoes of their farm to school programs.

In this flavorful and thoughtful episode, Alexis, Brett, and Ray kick things off with a nostalgic ode to summer fruits—watermelon, cantaloupe, and peaches—and the sensory memories they stir. The team shares light-hearted stories that transition seamlessly into a deeper conversation about branding, authenticity, and storytelling in agriculture.What does it mean to create a brand that feels both personal and professional? How do farmers and producers balance authenticity with marketing strategy? The hosts explore how their own approaches to branding—whether through daily social media posts or curated seasonal photo shoots—reveal not just products, but values and lived experiences.With examples from Wild Roots and reflections on photography, audience perception, and storytelling structure, this episode offers practical insights for anyone trying to craft a compelling brand in the food and farming space. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a budding entrepreneur, the message is clear: your story matters—and how you tell it makes all the difference.Marketing & Promotion ResourcesQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.comCheck us out on Instagram!

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the recently released 2025 report on the best overall diets. She critiques the methodology behind nutritional research, emphasizing issues such as recall bias and the reliability of food frequency questionnaires. Leyla then provides an in-depth review of the top ten diets listed in the report: Mediterranean, DASH, Flexitarian, MIND, Mayo Clinic, TLC, Menopause, Dr. Andrew Weil's Anti-inflammatory, Volumetrics, and Cleveland Clinic diets. She argues that many of these diets are misrepresented, particularly regarding their fat content and sustainability claims. Leyla also offers her insights on what constitutes a truly effective and sustainable diet.

Getting food delivered to the door has become a huge business, and in one New Zealand town the competition between two operators has led to complaints to the Commerce Commission. Nelson's Yummi food delivery business launched a decade ago but in recent years it has struggled. Two years ago another Kiwi-owned nationwide company, DeliverEasy, Yummi began losing clients. Yummi founder George Evans spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Growing up in Brooklyn with a career as an attorney, Diane Aboushi of Halal Pastures farm did not follow the most traditional path to becoming a farmer. However, researching how to provide the healthiest food for their kids prompted Diane and her family to start a meat business that eventually led to moving out of the city and adding vegetable farming to the mix.  In this conversation with host Katie Kulla, Diane discusses the importance of halal food, the expansion of her business from meat to organic vegetables, and the significance of growing culturally important vegetable varieties for their customers. Diane emphasizes the role of education and community engagement in her farming practices, as well as the challenges of balancing family life with farm operations. She highlights the importance of organic certification, diversification for sustainability, and the value of direct marketing through building your own email list. Connect With Guest:Instagram: @halalpasturesfarmWebsite: https://www.halalpastures.com Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Tilth Soil makes living soils for organic growers. The base for all our mixes is NOP-compliant compost, made from the 4,000 tons of food scraps we divert from landfills each year. And the results speak for themselves. Get excellent germination, strong transplants, and help us turn these resources back into food. Try a free bag, and check our 2025 farmer pricing at tilthsoil.com/gfm. Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm. Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more.Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial 

This week on AgweekTV, help is on the way for North Dakota farmers who lost grain storage in the devasting June storms. Minnesota is updating its feedlot rules and is looking for suggestions from farmers and landowners. Our annual Cereals Crop Tour kicks off with a look at the spring wheat crop in north central North Dakota. And a new map update makes it easier to find information about farmers markets that accept SNAP benefits in North Dakota.  

On the phone-in: Linda Best, Tom Lund and Dan Stewart talk the pros and cons of buying local food. And off the top of the show: on P.E.I. a new and improved potato robot helps farmers by searching the ground for viruses.

The Rebel News podcasts features free audio-only versions of select RebelNews+ content and other Rebel News long-form videos, livestreams, and interviews. Monday to Friday enjoy the audio version of Ezra Levant's daily TV-style show, The Ezra Levant Show, where Ezra gives you his contrarian and conservative take on free speech, politics, and foreign policy through in-depth commentary and interviews. Wednesday evenings you can listen to the audio version of The Gunn Show with Sheila Gunn Reid the Chief Reporter of Rebel News. Sheila brings a western sensibility to Canadian news. With one foot in the oil patch and one foot in agriculture, Sheila challenges mainstream media narratives and stands up for Albertans. If you want to watch the video versions of these podcasts, make sure to begin your free RebelNewsPlus trial by subscribing at http://www.RebelNewsPlus.com

Summertime in Western Montana means long days, time outside, and for many, farmer's markets. But beyond the once a week event, people have become increasingly distanced from their food. One local publication is working to change that.

Planning and siting have a lot to do with the success of a greenhouse project. Whether building your first or your fifth greenhouse, learn best practices for site prep, drainage, snow and wind management and more with Tomm Becker of Nifty Hoops. The company began as a community initiative to support local farmers in Michigan and now offers to build any of the greenhouses they fabricate entirely for growers, or they'll help build along with friends and family as a “community build,” anywhere in the USA.In addition to the process of building and installing greenhouses, we also talk about essential considerations like orientation, dealing with rocky soil and whether to cover with a single or double layer of plastic. We also discuss the status of the NRCS high tunnel grant program, which has not been affected as much as many of the other federal ag programs and is currently running more or less the way it has in years past. If you have questions about the status of the NRCS high tunnel program you can contact Nifty Hoops at the address below. Connect With Guest:Instagram: @niftyhoopsWebsite: https://www.niftyhoops.com Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Tilth Soil makes living soils for organic growers. The base for all our mixes is NOP-compliant compost, made from the 4,000 tons of food scraps we divert from landfills each year. And the results speak for themselves. Get excellent germination, strong transplants, and help us turn these resources back into food. Try a free bag, and check our 2025 farmer pricing at tilthsoil.com/gfm.Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm. Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

What would happen if you merged a grocery store and a farmers market—and gave small farms a seven-day-a-week sales channel that actually pays them what they're worth? In today's episode, I interview Alex Blume, Marketing Manager for Argus Farm Stop, a mission-driven retail concept based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that's redefining how local food gets sold. Their innovative “farm stop” model helps small and mid-sized farms grow by giving them access to retail space 7 days a week—without the staffing or wholesale markups. Alex shares how the consignment model works, how they support over 250 producers, and the key marketing strategies they use to build customer loyalty, increase store visits, and grow the local food economy. We also dig into his best advice for small farmers looking to improve their marketing—without burning out. If you're a local food lover, a farm marketer, or someone looking for a replicable retail model that actually works, this episode will stretch your thinking in the best way. Podcast Guest: Alex Blume, Marketing Director for Argus Farm Stop Alex Blume is the Marketing Manager for Argus Farm Stop, a 7-day a week market stocked exclusively with products from local farmers and producers. Alex has been leading the marketing team at Argus Farm Stop going on two years now, and has been with Argus Farm Stop since 2022. Before that, Alex worked on the Whitney Farmstead, a regenerative ranching and maple sugaring farm in Ann Arbor. Alex comes originally from Dallas, Texas, where he worked in the local music industry as a promoter after received a double major in Music and Marketing at Southern Methodist University. In his work, Alex tries to increase the reach and accessibility of  local produce and products that strengthen the community around us to a wider and more diverse audience. Argus Farm Stop website: https://www.argusfarmstop.com Follow them on Instagram: @argusfarmstop Podcast Sponsors: Local Line: Local Line is my preferred e-commerce platform for farmers. Are you looking for a new solution for your farm? I can't recommend it enough. Easy-to-use inventory management, great customer service, continuous improvement, and a culture dedicated to equipping farmers with marketing expertise. Local Line is offering a free premium feature for free for one year on top of your paid subscription. Claim your discount by signing up for a Local Line account today and using the coupon code: MDF2025. Head to my special affiliate link to get started: www.mydigitalfarmer.com/localline Farm Marketing School: Marketing doesn't have to feel overwhelming! Farm Marketing School is my step-by-step system for building a profitable farm marketing plan. Inside, you'll get access to bite-sized marketing projects like:

Whether you already grow mushrooms or are looking to diversify your market offerings, Erin Hamilton of The Mushroom Conservatory tells us about the varieties and methods we should consider for mushrooms that can be cultured and grown for market. Erin, an expert mushroom grower and agricultural educator, shares her passion for mushrooms and their ecological significance, including how spent mushroom spawn can improve your compost pile. She discusses the role of mycelium in plant growth, types of mushrooms you can cultivate, and the ongoing debate surrounding golden oyster mushrooms.Erin also provides practical advice on how to start growing mushrooms, focusing on oyster mushrooms and functional varieties. She provides a detailed guide on growing mushrooms, discusses the health benefits of functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane, and offers practical tips for selling mushrooms at farmers markets and building relationships with restaurants. This includes ways to dehydrate and package mushrooms that come back from market for sale later in this conversation with host April Parms Jones. Connect With Guest:Instagram: @themushroomconservatoryWebsite: https://themushroomconservatory.com Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:Tilth Soil makes living soils for organic growers. The base for all our mixes is NOP-compliant compost, made from the 4,000 tons of food scraps we divert from landfills each year. And the results speak for themselves. Get excellent germination, strong transplants, and help us turn these resources back into food. Try a free bag, and check our 2025 farmer pricing at tilthsoil.com/gfm. Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm. Harnois has been pioneering greenhouse design since 1965, working with farmers across North America to deliver turnkey greenhouse solutions. Designed to withstand high snow and wind loads, their greenhouses optimize brightness, boost yields, and offer a rapid ROI. And in 2025, they're introducing a new tunnel starting at just $2 per square foot- and as a GFM listener, you'll receive an exclusive 5% discount on all new structures at Harnois.com. Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, we chat with our friend Chris Jones, an R&D project manager and designer at Symbiosis in central Texas. Chris shares his compelling journey from a career in finance to regenerative land management, inspired by his mental health struggles. He explains how changing how and what he ate and connecting with nature guided his path to health, clarity, and ecology. The discussion dives into his transition, the importance of healthy local food, and his work on developing universal soil amendments at scale to restore degraded lands. Chris also recounts his recent survival trek experience, underscoring the essential roles of food and community. This conversation leans into holistic well-being, community efforts, and restorative agricultural practices.TIME STAMPS & LINKS:00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast00:48 Meet Chris Jones02:10 Chris's Journey to Mental Health Through Healthy Eating04:15 From Finance to Farming: Chris's Transition05:26 Exploring Regenerative Agriculture Across the U.S.09:15 Symbiosis: Regenerative Landscape Design13:11 The Importance of Organic Matter in Soil Health16:17 Mental Health and Regenerative Practices22:06 Principles Over Practices28:34 The Importance of Local and Regenerative Food Systems31:38 Survival Trek Experience with Earth Native43:22 Symbiosis Soil Amendments53:02 Conclusion and Message to Elon Musk

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, we're joined by Jeff Siewicki of Vital Mission Farm in South Carolina. Jeff shares his journey from raising 25 chickens for personal use to building a thriving regenerative poultry business focused on pasture-raised ducks and turkeys. With a background in science and no prior farming experience, Jeff candidly discusses how he learned everything from scratch—facing the steep learning curves of pasture poultry, selling wholesale to top chefs, and ultimately pivoting to a hyperlocal subscription-based model for direct-to-consumer sales.Topics Covered:Starting with chickens, transitioning to ducks and turkeysChallenges and benefits of pasture-raised poultryLessons from selling wholesale to restaurants pre-COVIDPivoting during the pandemic to direct-to-consumer salesCreating value-added products like duck prosciutto and pet treatsLaunching and refining a customized local subscription boxOnline marketing and building an effective digital storefrontAdvice for farmers on capturing leads and converting salesWhy You Should Listen: If you're a grass-based producer exploring poultry, value-added products, or direct-to-consumer models, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience. Jeff doesn't sugarcoat the hard lessons learned, but he also shares the wins—from building customer relationships at farmers markets to crafting a high-margin subscription service. Whether you're looking to improve your margins, expand product offerings, or shift from wholesale to DTC, Jeff's story is full of inspiration and actionable insights.Resources Mentioned:Vital Mission FarmRegenerative SuccessPremier1 Supplies (chick-safe netting)Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

Dave Chapman tells us about the origins of the Real Organic Project, and why preserving organic standards is important for all growers whether certified organic or not in this week's podcast. Dave is the co-director of the Real Organic Project (ROP) and owner of Long Wind Farm in Vermont. The ROP is active in preserving the standards of the National Organic Program (NOP) in the face of lobbying by agribusiness to relax them, particularly in the areas of allowing hydroponics to be certified organic and enforcing animal welfare standards in organic production.This is the first of a two-part conversation about the ROP, this one focusing on hydroponics and the forthcoming episode will focus on preserving animal welfare standards. Dave highlights the impact on consumer trust that comes from weakening the NOP, and the future of organic standards as corporations push for changing them. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by container production and herbicide use in “organic” farming, the health impacts of chemical agriculture and the growth of the Real Organic Certification initiative. Connect With Guest:Instagram: @realorganicprojectWebsite: realorganicproject.org Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that's tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America.Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.Harnois has been pioneering greenhouse design since 1965, working with farmers across North America to deliver turnkey greenhouse solutions. Designed to withstand high snow and wind loads, their greenhouses optimize brightness, boost yields, and offer a rapid ROI. And in 2025, they're introducing a new tunnel starting at just $2 per square foot- and as a GFM listener, you'll receive an exclusive 5% discount on all new structures at Harnois.com. Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

The program connected food pantries with local producers until it was ended earlier this year.

Started in the late 1980s by Sandy and Paul Arnold, Pleasant Valley Farm in Argyle, New York, helped innovate and share winter growing techniques that lengthened local food season on many market farms. After decades of selling at farmers markets, during the pandemic they switched to online sales only out of necessity. Listen to this interview with their son Robert Arnold to find out how they made the transition on short notice, why they never went back to farmers markets, and tips from how they manage their 100% online sales.We also get some tips from the farm, including an innovative method for long-term storage of head lettuce. In addition to growing up and working on Pleasant Valley Farm, Robert has his own business called Smart Farm Innovations that helps farmers automate tasks around the farm. Robert tells us how and what processes farmers are automating to save time and gain peace of mind. Connect With Guest:Instagram:@pvfproduce@smartfarminnovationsWebsite:http://pvfproduce.comhttps://www.smartfarminnovations.com Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:Sumisansui is Japanese irrigation brought to you by Wetterfrosch Farm Tools. Sumisansui is a proven tool that is highly adaptable for farms and gardens of all sizes. It is quick and easy to deploy, has a broad, rectangular coverage area and uniformly waters multiple beds at a time. It operates on low water pressure, has multi season durability and is exceptionally gentle on seeds, plants and soil. Learn more at wetterfrosch.farm. Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm. Harnois has been pioneering greenhouse design since 1965, working with farmers across North America to deliver turnkey greenhouse solutions. Designed to withstand high snow and wind loads, their greenhouses optimize brightness, boost yields, and offer a rapid ROI. And in 2025, they're introducing a new tunnel starting at just $2 per square foot- and as a GFM listener, you'll receive an exclusive 5% discount on all new structures at Harnois.com. Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

First up, we're joined by Josh Wronski, the outgoing Executive Director of the Vermont Progressive Party to talk about his tenure there, what he learned in his nine years leading Vermont's third party, and how they should move forward.Then, Rep. Becca Balint joins us to talk about the Big Beautiful Bill, Medicaid cuts, the war in Gaza, impeachment, and U.S.-Canada relations.Lastly, it's our monthly local food segment with Seven Days food writer Melissa Pasanen.Broadcast live on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.

Farmers market season is upon us! As we've started seeing spring crops here at markets in the Northern Hemisphere, we're thinking about the power of locally grown food. As our food supply chains have gone global — we've gained more access to nutritious foods in areas where they may be hard to grow — but we've lost touch with seasonality and the source of our food. And we've lost touch with plenty of foods altogether. Locally grown food not only gives us more nutrients, but done right, it can bring biodiversity to local land, build climate resilience, and even offer diversity and economic resilience in our communities.Today we're reconnecting to local food through our global community, learning more about how our food system favors big agriculture, and   with connecting the dots between food justice and equity Tagan Engel — a chef, food justice organizer and host of the podcast/radio show Table Underground. 

Farm Action is a nonpartisan agricultural watchdog organization led by farmers, and Research and Policy Development Director Sarah Carden joins host April Parms Jones to discuss how they provide food-system accountability for farmers. Farm Action advocates for a fair and sustainable food system that empowers farmers and rural communities by focusing on holding large corporations and the government accountable for their actions in agriculture. Hear why specialty crop producers often receive less support compared to commodity crops, and the impact on food pricing and diversity, which is part of the reason why processed foods are often cheaper than vegetables.United States food and agriculture policies currently enable a handful of the world's largest corporations to control our food and farming system at the expense of farmers, workers, and all of us who eat. Hear how Farm Action encourages consumer awareness and education about food labeling as essential parts of supporting local agriculture, and advocates for accountability from both our government and large corporations within the agricultural sector. Connect With Guest:Facebook: @FarmActionUSWebsite: https://farmaction.us Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Rimol Greenhouse Systems designs and manufactures greenhouses that are built to be intensely rugged, reliably durable, and uniquely attractive – to meet all your growing needs. Rimol Greenhouses are guaranteed to hold up through any weather conditions, while providing exceptional value and an easy installation for vegetable growers of all sizes. Learn more about the Rimol difference and why growers love Rimol high tunnels at Rimol.comFarmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.Local Line is the all-in-one sales platform for direct-market farms and food hubs of all sizes. Increase your sales and streamline your processes with features including e-commerce, inventory management, subscriptions, online payments, and box builder. As a GFM podcast listener, Local Line is offering a free premium feature for one year with your subscription using the coupon code GFM2025 at localline.co. Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

What does it look like to farm beyond organic on a small scale with big impact? On this episode, Michael is joined by Taylor Bemis, co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Oregon's Hood River Valley. Since 2012, Taylor and his wife, cookbook author Andrea Bemis, have been growing vibrant, pesticide-free produce on just over two acres. Together, they run a 160-member CSA and sell at the Hood River Farmers Market. With a strong focus on educating their community about the nutritional power of fresh, local food, Taylor and Andrea go beyond organic standards—often labeling their vegetables with the health benefits right in the box. Tune in to hear how they built their farm from scratch, how Taylor approaches efficiency, and what keeps their CSA community coming back year after year. Episode Highlights: Tumbleweed's Story: How Taylor got started farming in the Pacific Northwest [1:42] Nutritional Value: Why Taylor highlights the health benefits of each veggie in the CSA [9:40] What Grows Best: The seasonal vegetables that anchor Tumbleweed's offerings [12:23] Labor and Logistics: How they staff the farm and balance the busy seasons [17:14] Climate Challenges: What it's like to grow in the unique Hood River Valley [28:18] CSA and Market Strategy: How Taylor manages customer experience and consistency [36:17] Small Farm Systems: What has helped Tumbleweed Farm become more efficient over time [41:23] Don't miss this episode if you've ever wondered how to run a thriving small farm while educating your community about the true value of healthy, local food. About the Guest: Taylor Bemis is the co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Mount Hood, Oregon, where he's been growing nutrient-dense, pesticide-free vegetables since 2012. Originally from Concord, Massachusetts, Taylor farms alongside his wife, Andrea Bemis, a cookbook author and passionate advocate for real food. Together, they've built a highly engaged CSA program and market presence that not only feeds their community but also educates customers on the health benefits of eating locally and seasonally. Their focus on transparency, soil health, and simplicity in farming continues to inspire a loyal following—and a healthier food system.