Podcasts about organic farms

Alternate Current Radio Presents - Boiler Room - Learn to protect yourself from predatory mass mediaOn this episode, Hesher and Spore are joined by Ruckus, Mystical Pharaoh & Bazed Lit Analyzer to break down the latetest in the Epstein psyops and sagas, a look at the newest Google A.I. text to video software release – just how good is this text to video A.I. lets find out! Spore kicks the conversation off with a 0-90 mph Tesla launch!Reference Links:Tesla Full Self-Driving veers off road, flips car in scary crash driver couldn't preventAI videos from Google's Veo 3 are here, and they're both impressive and terrifying – 9to5googleGoogle Flow features and introduction – YouTubeGoogle Veo 3 Sample Thread – X (Javi Lopez)Google Veo 3 realism just broke the Internet – X (Min Choy)Both video and audio is AI but it feels so real – Example – RedditFlow is Google's new AI video editing suite powered by Imagen 4 and Veo 3 – 9to5googleDC Jewish Museum suspected terrorist Elias Rodriguez fired nearly 2 dozen shots as gunned-down victim tried to crawl away – NYPostEx-cop and former prison cellmate of Jeffrey Epstein sentenced to life in prison for murder of 4 men – NYPostFormer Jeffrey Epstein cellmate, bodybuilder ex-cop turned drug trafficker, sentenced – (CNN)5 Second Rule with Sean Diddy Combs – ElenPoultry Vaccines for Use on Organic Farms – eOrganicYe's compound video – IGYe's performance artists – XAn Entire Kanye West Album Just Leaked – hotnewhiphopYe's upcoming album has leaked in its entirety – XBongino and Patel saying ‘nothing to see here' re: Epstein – Video1, Video2, Video3Suge says Diddy has been a fed informant since 90s – X (MJTruth)Obama shaped ecstasy pills – X (Dom Lucre)Trader Joes Chicken mRNA Bird Flu Vax – X (toobaffled)Support:Support BOILER ROOM & ACRPatreon (Join and become a member)Shop BOILER ROOM Merch Store

Northeast Farmers Market SeasonHost Amaris Pollock welcomed Devin Cornia who is the Executive Director of the Northeast Farming Association of New Jersey back to the show. They discuss the upcoming farmers market season and the opportunity for people to interact with farmers and learn about agriculture.  They also discussed Devin's history within the industry, along with some of the programs, initiatives, and the publication "The Natural Farmer" which NOFA provides to the community.NOFA's Local Food Initiatives:Devin explains that NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) is a 50-year-old organization with seven state chapters supporting organics, land stewardship, and local food. The New Jersey chapter, which is 40 years old, focuses on supporting community and economic vehicles that make local food work. Devin discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current economic environment, emphasizing the need for collaboration and investment in local economies to build resilient, self-reliant food systems. He also highlights the importance of organic farming for health and the environment, and shares two exciting projects: a commercial kitchen to support value-added product creation for farmers, and a grains project involving a documentary and grain processing equipment installation to strengthen the local grain economy.NOFA-NJ Updates and Initiatives:Devin also discussed NOFA-NJ's upcoming events and website, encouraging people to check for future activities starting in July. Amaris and Devin also talked about NOFA-NJ's outdoor project which is nearly complete and can accommodate around 50 people. That space will open the doors to future opportunities for dining events, discussions, and more--which both farmers and the surrounding communities can benefit from. ------------------------------------------- Next Segment------------------------------------------Annette Anthony's Book Tour Event at Free Library:Annette Anthony, author of "Always Enough: A Global Memoir," discusses her upcoming event at the Free Library of Philadelphia as part of World Heritage Week. The sold-out event, scheduled for Tuesday evening, will include a talk, book signing, and food tasting featuring two seasonal salad recipes from her book. Annette shares her background as a native Philadelphian and how her experiences in West Philadelphia and as part of a military family shaped her global perspective. She expresses excitement about Philadelphia being honored as a global city and its renowned culinary scene, including the recent attention from Michelin.Cookbook and Cultural Flavors:Annette discusses her cookbook and her love for Ethiopian food. She shares a humorous story about taking her father to an Ethiopian restaurant for the first time, where he mistook the injera bread for a napkin. Annette explains that her cookbook includes recipes from various cultures and that she enjoys seeing readers make the recipes their own. She highlights the Casablanca Couscous recipe as a versatile dish that can accommodate different dietary preferences. Annette also mentions that she is working on another cookbook and emphasizes the importance of being mindful about food choices. ------------------------------------------- Next Segment------------------------------------------Chef DiMeo's Culinary Empire Expansion:Chef Antimo DiMeo discusses his culinary journey and how his passion led him to form the Bardea Restaurant Group with numerous concepts, all located in Wilmington, Delaware. He shared what inspired him while growing up; with his origins founded in his grandmother's kitchen. After a brief period studying finance at Drexel University, he found himself focusing on the fermentation of dough and decided to pursue his passion. This decision resulted with DiMeo learning his craft under a Michelin-starred restaurant in Naples, Italy.  DiMeo then returned to the US, and after working in a notable restaurant in PA, he began his journey as a Chef-Owner and opened his first restaurant, Bardea Food & Drink. Since then, he has expanded and now offers multiple concepts like Bardea Steak, Casa Nonna, and the upcoming Roost. DiMeo focuses on Italian-inspired cuisine with global influences, emphasizing quality ingredients and innovative techniques. He takes pride in elevating Wilmington's food scene, maintaining consistency across locations through a central commissary kitchen, and expresses excitement about continuing to grow and improve the local culinary landscape. ------------------------------------------- End of Episode------------------------------------------Related Links:https://nofanj.orghttps://annetteanthony.comhttps://www.bardeafoodanddrink.com

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.  

Abhay shares a conversation with Satyajit Hange, co-founding farmer of Two Brothers Organic Farms, located in Bhodani, a rural village in Maharasthra.  They chatted about generational influences on his journey, grappling with the challenges of running an eco-conscious enterprise,  and even the impact of his Vedic philosophy on his mission, vision, and values.(0:00 - 3:10) Introduction(3:10) Part 1 - nostalgia, typical farming day, tensions and purpose(19:29) Part 2 - combating forces, leaving the corporate world for farming, competition (35:37) Part 3 - suprises from visitors, Vedic literature and "swadharma", conversations with previous generations(49:04) ConclusionOK - so in my book and in my mind, earth day really is everyday and lately, with each successive day, it seems like when it comes to the earth and climate, retro is actually quite innovative. So I've been asking myself the following almost “time machine” question. And here it is:  How would our foremothers and forefathers from a few generations ago react if they saw a slice of our current world and enviroment? I know they would be fascinated with so many improvements and major advances, but it seems that we would have a lot to learn from them to maybe urgently integrate into our practices today of how we preserve and conserve, treat the land we inhabit, and live consciously with engagement.  It's certainly a question that was top of mind, as I shared a conversation with Satyajit Hange, one of the co-founding farmers of Two Brothers Organic Farms.  Satyajit is a 4th generation farmer in Bhodani (भोडणी), which is about ½ way between Pune and Solapur in Maharashtra. After going away to boarding school and then starting his post-MBA career in the marketing, banking, and education sectors, Satyajit felt his purpose was meant to be elsewhere, and so he, along with his brother Ajinkya, started Two Brothers Organic Farms to make a difference in sustainable rural agriculture.  Foundationally, they've been committed to 100% organic nutrition, humane indigenous animal welfare and farming practices using intercropping, heirloom seeding, and a superb focus on soil health and even bee pollination.  But one of the more amazing by-products of this has been the galvanizing effect on the community with training and education not only for their own teams, but for thousands of local farmers.  I particularly would also call out a spirit of activism, advocating for food labeling transparency and even the tech to monitor a traceable pathway back to the origin of each product. It's a pretty 2025 way of respecting practices that were likely quite normal back several generations ago, and while Satyajit and Two Brothers Organic Farms have come a long way from sharing delicious papayas at local fruit stands to now distributing food across the globe, when I caught up with him to chat about it all, I first wanted to know how much of his ongoing journey has been driven by that inherent nostalgia for farming life that has run so deep for many generations in his family?Learn more about Satyajit, his brother Ajinkya, and their work at twobrothersfood.com

Join Juliette Bryant in an inspiring conversation with Greg from Sunshine and Green as they delve into the world of organic growing. Together, they explore the profound impact of organic practices on soil health, biodiversity, and our well-being. They also uncover some hidden challenges, including the risks of herbicide contamination in manure. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the true power of growing in harmony with nature.

Today I have a really great guest for you! His name is James Miller and I actually met him as a tattoo client. We did a large piece that took several sessions and so as I was tattooing him we had some really amazing conversations that then led to me wanting to bring him on the podcast. James was here in Colorado to work on a local farm as a WWOOFer. Now what is WWOOFing? WWOOFing stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. This is an organization that networks small farms with individuals who are interested in working on farms. This usually isn't paid work, but instead a pre-set arrangement of working a certain number of hours per day or week in exchange for meals and housing, plus the knowledge that you will get to pick up along the way. So WWOOFing can be an amazing opportunity for someone who is interested in traveling all over the country, or even the world, and learning some cool skills as they do so. It's something I was looking into doing when I was younger so when James told me he was a WWOOFer I knew I had to have him on the show! Today James will share his experiences with us traveling through two different organizations – WWOOFing, as well as another similar site called WorkAway. We recorded this episode in December right before he left Colorado for his next farm destination. His travels have taken him to several different states as well as Spain and Morocco and who knows where he will go next. If you're interested in learning agricultural skills, WWOOFing can be a really cool option and James will outline some of the things he looks for when considering a new potential work arrangement. I hope this episode will inspire you and give you the travel bug! Enjoy! Connect with James on Instagram. ~*~*~*~*~*~ Our farm shop is full of goodies for you! We have two new offerings in the shop -- our Hot Italian Seasoning, and our Tummy Mender Tea. Our seasonal Lymph Love vinegar is also back in stock to guide us smoothly out of winter and into early spring over the next few months. Your support helps us to keep growing, literally and figuratively

#213:  Soil scientist Jennifer Pett-Ridge joins Linley to talk about the opportunities organic agricultural presents to the planet's need to drawdown and sequester carbon, with the caveat that instead of just storing carbon, we are actively using it to grow healthy foods.Jennifer Pett-Ridge is a senior staff scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and an adjunct professor at UC Merced. She specializes in soil microbial communities, plant-soil interaction and carbon sequestration.To watch a video version of this podcast with access to the full transcript and links relevant to our conversation, please visit:https://realorganicproject.org/jennifer-pett-ridge-carbon-cycling-on-organic-farms-213The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/directoryWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Friends:https://www.realorganicproject.org/real-organic-friends/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

On this episode, we have Jason & Kristina Walker who are the Founders and Owners of Starwalker Organic Farms. Starwalker Organic Farms produces various beef, pork, and chicken products on a 3,000-acre Regenerative Organic Certified® farm in Northern California. They're one of the biggest producers of organic pork in the United States, and they sell their regenerative organic products wholesale, direct-to-consumer, and through their branded CPG SKUs. The family also owns and operates a certified organic processing facility with slaughter, cut, and value-added operations serving their farm and many others in the community. In this episode, Jason and Kristina give us the low down on how they're producing the world's first Regenerative Organic Certified pork, educate us on how essential processing is in building market access for regenerative farmers, and share the inside scoop on what is coming from their family of operations in the future. Safe to say the Walkers are doing a lot, and we really enjoyed getting the behind-the-scenes view into all the ways they're pushing to produce, process, and market regenerative food.   Episode Highlights:

In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier takes a deep dive into the question: Is it still realistic to start a small organic farm today? Addressing both aspiring and seasoned farmers, he explores the financial viability of small-scale farming, the challenges of land access, and the shifting landscape of local food systems. JM emphasizes that, despite obstacles, small farms remain economically viable and play a crucial role in strengthening local economies and food sovereignty. With a call for unity in the face of growing corporate influence and climate change challenges, this episode is a rallying cry for farmers to stay resilient, engaged, and committed to the movement. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [03:22] The need for economic data on small farms [05:01] Challenges with policy & institutional support [08:51] Is it still realistic to start a small farm? [13:01] Social justice & small farming [16:06] The importance of local food systems [19:23] The corporate threat to local food [20:17] Ecology, community & lifestyle [26:17] The mindset of a successful farmer [30:40] The responsibility of experienced farmers [33:00] The global reach of the small farm movement [36:28] The need for farmer leadership & policy advocacy [37:51] The CANOPY program & strengthening farmer networks [38:46] The fragility & power of the small farming movement [40:14] Climate change & small farms as a solution Tessier  Use promocode MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire).  Bootstrap  https://bootstrapfarmer.com/marketgardenerpodcast Heirloom  Limited time offer of 20% off yearly subscription and use promocode PODCAST to get an extra month of free trial. Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com/  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass/  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co/ Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute  Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners  Guest Social Media Links JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier 

Romondo Woods of the Urban Youth Agriculture Farm in Detroit, Michigan, tells us about how he is producing food for the city, while at the same time giving children hands-on experiences at the farm. Romondo started the farm a decade ago and has been scaling up ever since in order to make it a growing source of produce for the city. In addition to letting kids know where their food comes from, they are helping make Detroit a leading example of how cities can implement natural farming practices that make the city a healthier place for people to live.Romondo was interviewed by host April Parms Jones while he was attending the 2024 Slow Food Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, where he was serving as a delegate for Slow Food USA. Romondo recently got certified as a produce safety teacher so he can help train other farmers in how to keep their produce safe through postharvest handling as they expand their farms. Lots of ideas and inspiration in this podcast for both how to run the educational as well as the food production aspects of a farm! Connect With Guest:Website: https://uyadetroit.comInstagram: @u.y.a.detroitPodcast Sponsors:Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Farmhand is the only ready-to-ride assistant made by and for farmers. Through a simple text or email to Farmhand, you can offload admin tasks, automate your CSA, update your website, and sell more to your customers. Learn more and take one of our many time-saving tasks for a test drive to see firsthand how Farmhand can help you earn more, and work less at farmhand.partners/gfm. Bootstrap Farmer offers a complete range of growing supplies including heat mats, ground cover, frost blankets, silage tarps, irrigation, and trellising. They also make all-metal, all-inclusive greenhouse kits, constructed of steel made in the USA and fabricated in Texas. Their heavy-duty, Midwest-made propagation and microgreens trays will last for years and are available in a full spectrum of colors. For all that plus experienced support for everything they sell, check out Bootstrap Farmer at bootstrapfarmer.com. 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.comSubscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

In this episode we talk all things financing in the world of agriculture with Brandon Welch from Mad Capital. Mad Capital is "The most flexible, transparent, and customized financing built exclusively for organic, regenerative, and transitioning farmers."Mad Capital Website

Learning about regenerative farming at Rodale Institute, and Jenna Jambeck from UGA with efforts to address plastic waste

Summary: In this episode of Regenerative by Design, host Joni Kindwall-Moore welcomes Anna Jones-Crabtree, Jessica Roberts, and Colleen Kavanagh to discuss the transformative potential of regenerative organic farming in Montana's Northern Great Plains. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of building sustainable food systems prioritizing environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and community health.Show Notes:Guests: Anna Jones-Crabtree, Jessica Roberts, Colleen KavanaghAnna Jones-CrabtreeAnna Jones-Crabtree is a first-generation organic farmer and co-owner of Vilicus Farms, a 12,500-acre dryland crop farm in Northern Montana. She and her husband, Doug, have cultivated a diverse array of heirloom grains, pulses, oilseeds, and broadleaf crops using innovative five and seven-year rotations, integrated grazing, and extensive conservation practices. Vilicus Farms, which devotes over 26% of its land to non-crop conservation and pollinator habitats, is Bee Better and Real Organic Project Certified, with plans for Regenerative Organic and Biodynamic certifications.Anna is also the Executive Director of the Vilicus Institute, a learning hub supporting sustainable farming systems in the Northern Great Plains. With a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a focus on sustainable systems, Anna has served in leadership roles for the Xerces Society, USDA Advisory Council, and Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT. In addition to her farming and advocacy work, Anna is the Regional Director of Data, Information, and Geospatial Resources for the US Forest Service.Link:https://www.vilicusinstitute.org/Jessica RobertsWith over 20 years of hands-on farming experience, Jessica Roberts has dedicated her career to cultivating crops, developing value-added products, and driving systemic change in the food industry. She honed her expertise through roles at Wegmans grocery stores and their Organic Farm & Orchard, where she focused on research and development to strengthen regional food systems. As Associate Director of Certification for the Real Organic Project, Jessica led programs supporting over 1,100 farmer members, conducting more than 200 farm inspections to advance organic farming practices. Guided by principles of reciprocity and a belief in humanity's role as co-creators of resilient ecosystems, Jessica strives to build a food system that honors and rewards farmers for their essential contributions to their communities and the environment.Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-roberts-803034191/Topics Covered:The role of Villicus Farms and Villicus Institute in fostering regenerative organic practices.Barriers and innovations in crop diversity, soil health, and ecosystem services.Economic challenges of first-generation farming and market access for diverse crops.The need for a collaborative "supply circle" model to de-risk regenerative practices.The impact of local sourcing and shorter supply chains on community resilience and carbon emissions.Key Takeaways:Regenerative organic farming systems require fundamental shifts in market and policy support.Farmers often bear the greatest risk in a supply chain that needs collective risk-sharing strategies.Collaborative initiatives, like those from Villicus Institute, aim to transform how farmers are supported economically.Shortening supply chains and prioritizing US-grown products can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and strengthen local economies.Call to Action: Explore the work of Villicus Farms and the Villicus Institute through the links provided in the show notes. Share this episode to spread awareness of the importance of regenerative farming. Rate the podcast and connect with the team for more updates on their groundbreaking projects.Closing Thought: "Redesigning our food systems isn't just about farming differently; it's about showing up for one another in ways that build a more resilient and equitable future."The Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist. Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories. Visitsnacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for the Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

Nicole Forward is an executive development leader with extensive experience in building and scaling coaching inside of organizations. During this conversation. Nicole shares her journey of building coaching functions from the ground up and provides a crash course on how companies can operationalize coaching strategically and sustainably. Nicole also spoke about the history and future of coaching, including the impact of AI on coaching practices, the importance of aligning coaching with organizational goals, and how to measure its impact. Finally, also discusses the rise of transformational coaching, integrating mind-body approaches, and navigating the challenges of democratizing coaching inside organizations today.Nicole's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleforward/ David Goldsmith and 7PathsForwardNYU Summit for Coaching & Technology: Rebecca Rutschmann and Viva La CoachingStrozzi InstituteScaling Development vs. Scaling Coaching and Michael Hudson's white paperJonathan PassmoreNick Petrie and the work at AdeptionJennifer Garvey BergerBill TorbertStaci HainesCoaches RisingAmanda BlakeEPOG Academy  and Tim HarrisonNicky TerblancheThe Body Keeps the ScoreThomas HublDr. Gabor MateStephen PorgesDeb DanaDr. David DrakeEthan MollickSam IsaacsonWorldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms

In this episode of The Whole Body Detox Show, David DeHaas from Living Waters Wellness Center sits down with Nathan and Wilder Jones, two local farmers who own Kings Crown Organic Farms in King Hill, Idaho.  You can find them each week at the Boise Farmers Market in Ketchum, Idaho at the Ketchum Famers Market. You can also visit their store in Glennsferry, Idaho, called the https://www.sixcreeksmercantile.com/. Pull off the I 84 and you will find them right on main street. Together, they dive into the fascinating journey of transitioning to organic farming and the challenges of running a sustainable  organic farm in southern Idaho.Contact:Nathan Jones & Wilder Joneshttps://www.kingscrownorganics.comhttps://www.wildspacesfarm.com/King Hill, Idaho208-599-1160 or208-599-4919Nathan shares his early days of farming in the 1970s, when he transitioned from traditional crops like dry beans, wheat, and alfalfa to becoming one of the first certified organic farms in the region. Wilder brings a fresh perspective, discussing how his studies in ecology and forestry helped him rediscover the value of diverse and chemical-free farming methods.The episode covers:The importance of raw milk and sustainable farming practices.How cover crops like rye enhance soil health.The role of permaculture and ecological principles in modern agriculture.The unique challenges and rewards of growing crops like garlic, sweet corn, melons, and more for farmers markets and local co-ops.Whether you're passionate about organic produce, sustainable living, or learning more about farming in Idaho, this episode is a must-listen.Tune in now!Support the showReady for your healing journey?Visit our website: www.LivingWatersCleanse.com Or give us a call at: (208) 378-9911Stem Cell Activation Patches:www.StemCellPatch.netGet your Supplements and Natural Body Products Here:www.livingwaterscleanse.com/supplementsQI-Shield EMF Devices:Protect your whole home or office with a touric shield from EMF's. 1. QI Shield Covers 16'x16' 2. QI Home Covers 50' x 50' 3. QI Max Covers 250'x250'Click on link and enter Livingwaters in discount code section during checkout Magnesium Soaks:Follow us on our socials: Living Waters Wellness CenterBitChute: www.bitchute.com/livingwaterswellnessRumble: www.rumble.com/livi...

How can farmers make seeds a profitable part of their farm business? In this episode, Michael chats with Dan Brisebois, expert seed farmer, educator, and author of The Seed Farmer. Dan is a founding member of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Les Cèdres, Quebec, where he grows organic seeds and vegetables while sharing his knowledge through his podcast, blog, and Farmer Spreadsheet Academy. Tune in as Dan discusses the ins and outs of seed farming, germination testing, and his tips for first-time seed growers, plus how he juggles the many hats he wears in the farming world. Episode Highlights: A Seed Farmer's Journey: How did Dan get started with seed farming? [1:37] Tomato Growing Tips: How does Dan approach growing tomatoes for seed? [10:01] Challenging Crops: What does Dan consider the hardest vegetables to grow for seed? [14:56] First-Time Growers: Dan's advice for those starting with seed production [20:04] Germination Testing: How does it work, and what should growers pay attention to? [28:35] Flower Seed Harvesting: Are flowers a viable option for seed production? [34:18] Don't miss Dan's expert insights into seed farming and his mission to help farms diversify and thrive with seed production.   About the Guest: Dan Brisebois is a farmer, educator, and advocate for seed farming. He is the author of The Seed Farmer and co-author of Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers. As a founding farmer of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Quebec, Dan grows organic seeds for both an online seed store and wholesale rack program while also producing organic vegetables for CSA baskets. He shares his expertise through his blog, podcast (The Seed Growers Podcast), and the Farmer Spreadsheet Academy. Connect with Dan: Website: Dan Brisebois Instagram: Follow @danbrisebois.farm Dan's new Book: The Seed Farmer The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts! Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.

How can collaborative farming efforts transform the CSA experience for farmers and customers alike? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by first-generation farmers Lyndsey Mulherin of Whistlepig Farm and Joe Redden of Black Fox Farm. Although they operate separate farm businesses, Lyndsey and Joe share land in Boise, Idaho, where they have combined efforts on a collaborative CSA, invested in shared infrastructure, and manage joint perennial crops.  Tune in as they share their unique approach to working together while maintaining distinct farm identities. Episode Highlights: Farm Focus: What differentiates Whistlepig Farm from Black Fox Farm? [2:30] Boise's Climate: How does the Idaho climate impact their farming operations? [8:44] Customer Base: Who are their primary CSA customers? [16:25] Coping with Intense Summer Heat: Which crops thrive better in Boise's extreme weather? [22:35] Joint CSA Management: How do they collaborate on decisions for the CSA program? [27:27] Tips for New Farmers: What advice do Joe and Lyndsey offer to those starting out? [38:20] About the Guest: Lyndsey Mulherin runs Whistlepig Farm, focusing on mixed vegetables, while Joe Redden operates Black Fox Farm with an emphasis on crop diversity. Both farms share a commitment to sustainable, community-oriented practices and have successfully integrated a collaborative CSA model to meet their community's needs. Connect with Lyndsey Mulherin and Joe Redden: Website: Dry Creek Growers CSA  Instagram: Whistlepig Farm (Lyndsey) and Black Fox Farm (Joe)   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central! It may feel early, but spring garden planning season is just around the corner! At The Farm on Central, pre-order your favorite varieties now to ensure they're ready when planting season arrives. Explore over a dozen new options this year—including willows, elderberries, blackberries, garlic, and turmeric, with even more added daily! Cuttings ship in February, while rooted plants arrive in mid-spring.

You may know Lindsey Lusher Shute from co-founding the National Young Farmers Coalition, but what we talk about on the pod this week is her work with GrownBy: the only cooperatively farmer-owned farm marketplace app. During her decade as the Executive Director of the NYFC, one of the needs that was identified was a flexible way for farmers to sell a wide variety of products online. That need is what led to her founding the Farm Generations Cooperative that runs GrownBy.Now, over 900 farms use GrownBy to sell vegetables, flowers, goat petting sessions (listen to the interview!) and more, straight to the public. Very competitive selling fees are made even more attractive by the fact that as soon as farmers make a sale through the platform, they are invited to join the Farm Generations Cooperative, and potentially get some of their fees back as a coop co-owner. You can also run a CSA through GrownBy; for all the details, listen to this week's Growing for Market Podcast! Connect With Guest:Website: https://grownby.appInstagram: @grownbyapp Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial 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 seed starter pre-sale for the best prices of the season at tilthsoil.com/gfm. PanAmerican Seed brings to market novel, high-quality vegetables for the fresh market grower and hobby farmer. This year, to help make choices for vegetable programs easier, we've grouped our assortment into four categories where these edible favorites perform their best. Look for our easy-to-identify symbols in our latest brochure! Visit panamseed.com/vegetables to learn more and find a seed supplier today. 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 only ready-to-ride assistant made by and for farmers. Through a simple text or email to Farmhand, you can offload admin tasks, automate your CSA, update your website, and sell more to your customers. Learn more and take one of our many time-saving tasks for a test drive to see firsthand how Farmhand can help you earn more, and work less at farmhand.partners/gfm. Bootstrap Farmer offers a complete range of growing supplies including heat mats, ground cover, frost blankets, silage tarps, irrigation, and trellising. They also make all-metal, all-inclusive greenhouse kits, constructed of steel made in the USA and fabricated in Texas. Their heavy-duty, Midwest-made propagation and microgreens trays will last for years and are available in a full spectrum of colors. For all that plus experienced support for everything they sell, check out Bootstrap Farmer at bootstrapfarmer.com.Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Curt Johansen, a pioneer in conservation communities. He is the Development Director for Triad Communities, President of Council of Infill Builders, and has dedicated years to blending economic growth with environmental preservation. In his own words, he is advancing the art of finding balance between environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic prosperity. Curt and Ted dive right into his work building out Lagoon Valley, the Bay Area's First Conservation Community, where sustainability is not just a goal but a way of life. Curt oversees all aspects of community development, which features over 700,000 square feet of office space, an organic farm, wildlife preserve, 1,015 homes consisting of fourteen neighborhoods, ranging from affordable to age-qualified and executive housing, a vibrant Town Center, numerous parks, with over 70% of the Specific Plan area conserved for open space and recreational use. He and Ted discuss the sustainable development principles that are at the core of the community. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating live, work, and play. He also mentions the conservation work and preservation that has been done and is unique to the community. This includes a golf course that will not only serve as a championship-level course, but will act as a fire and flood buffer for the area.Curt shares that his design model has always been to never replicate, but to embrace change and diversity, to employ compassion for the uniqueness of each location, to honor existing demands of environmental stewardship, and employ lessons learned from others that find better methods for living sustainably on this planet. Ted concludes by commending him for deliberately creating a sustainable culture and community, and addressing all the resource issues that the Lagoon Valley faces. 

You may want to pay attention to what goes into your body, including where the foods and beverages you consume are grown and raised.  This is one of the things that Ecologist Mark J. Easter discussed on the show and in his newly published book, "The Blue Plate: A Food Lover's Guide to Climate Chaos."  The impact that microbes have, whether negative or positive, on Earth's environment can change based on actions we take.  In his book, he combines his years of research and experience in his field and focuses his attention on what fuels Earth's carbon emissions crisis, and how we can help reverse the cycle through our consumption of food.  He breaks down each chapter like a plate of food while attending a dinner party, combining his scientific knowledge with personal history and stories.  If nothing else, it may change your mind and view on where you buy, eat, and discard your meals and perhaps inspire you after reading Mark's book, "The Blue Plate."(https://www.patagonia.com/product/the-blue-plate-a-food-lovers-guide-to-climate-chaos/)There is clearly a significant theme for this week's show, and what better way is there to highlight regenerative and sustainable farms than focus on an author who is aiming to heal the Earth through what we grow and eat, as well as spotlighting a group that are looking for the most nutrient-dense, organic  agricultural and farms. So, stay tuned to hear from Matt Kirchner, one of the Co-Owners for Local Bound Collective (LBC).  LBC consists of like-minded individuals who wanted to organize a way for organic and sustainably-focused farmers to offer their produce, meats, and products to be available for restaurants, grocery stores, and markets in one place! Matt has worked on farms and inside local grocer chains, and saw a need to advocate for organic farmers who offer bountiful produce, meats, and cheeses so they can help connect restaurants & stores to their local farms.  Their initiative also helps to reduce food waste: It aids in providing farm-fresh products for consumers to purchase at local stores, with an eye on the details of the business' needs. IG:    https://www.instagram.com/localbound.pa/Web: https://philly-hub.localline.ca/shop  I also popped on to highlight some of Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show guests who focus on maintaining and supporting the farm-to-table, regenerative, organic, and sustainable agriculture & livestock practices.  Later, I also dropped some information on some of the places that I've recently found during my driving adventures, which includes restaurants and fast-casual eateries & bakeries in NY, NJ, and DE.  So listen to the last short segment in case you want to visit some of the spots that I've been to!

Dave Chapman, co-director of The Real Organic Project (realorganic project.org) discusses the Sept. 28 conference in Hudson NY, Real Organic; A World Movement which will feature a roster of speakers on the major issues confronting the organic movement today. Hosted by: Richard Hill, Diane Lauricella and Steve Munno

Enjoy this episode? Please share it with at least ONE friend who you think needs to hear it!  Ever wondered how to turn a traditional farm into a regenerative powerhouse? In this episode, we sit down with Takota Coen, a pioneer in regenerative agriculture and homesteading. Takota shares his journey from a conventional farm structure to a thriving, sustainable ecosystem, offering valuable insights into the homesteading revolution and how it can empower us to become less dependent on failing systems.   Episode Highlights:  Health Benefits of Regenerative Products: Takota discusses the health benefits of regenerative agriculture, highlighting how nutrient-rich soil leads to healthier crops, animals, and ultimately, healthier humans.  Profitability in Regenerative Farming: Learn how Takota transformed the financial landscape of his farm, making it more profitable under a regenerative model compared to its previous industrial structure.  Converting Farms from Industrial to Regenerative: Takota breaks down the steps and strategies necessary for transitioning a farm from industrial practices to regenerative methods, emphasizing the importance of working with nature rather than against it.  Order of Operations in Homesteading: Explore Takota's step-by-step approach to homesteading, including why the sequence of actions is crucial for a successful transition to a regenerative lifestyle.  Importance of Existing Roots: Discover the significance of understanding and preserving the existing natural elements on your land and how they play a critical role in regenerative farming.  Finding Community: Takota highlights the importance of finding a communal area or supportive community, emphasizing that homesteading is not just about self-sufficiency but also about building connections and sharing knowledge.   About Takota Coen: Takota Coen is a farmer, author, and co-founder of Building Your Homestead. Born and raised on a 250-acre regenerative farm in Alberta, Canada, Takota left his carpentry career in 2012 to fight against the systems that keep people dependent, sick, and constrained. He is dedicated to helping others break free by establishing their own regenerative homesteads and building a parallel economy. For more on Takota Coen and his work, visit Building Your Homestead.  You can also explore his book, "Building Your Permaculture Property: A 5 Step Process To Design and Develop Land," available here  Connect with Takota Coen: Instagram YouTube Podcast The Way Forward podcast is sponsored by: NEW BIOLOGY CLINIC: Experience individually tailored terrain-based health services with virtual consults, practitioner livestreams, movement classes, and more. The New Biology Clinic's motivation is to make you healthy and keep you that way. Visit https://NewBiologyClinic.com and enter code TheWayForward for $50 off your activation fee. Members of The Way Forward get the full activation fee waived. Become a member of The Way Forward here: https://thewayfwrd.com/membership-sign-up/ —————————   Visit our online marketplace for discounts on a variety of the best holistic health brands and products: https://thewayfwrd.com/store/ For all of our links, and to watch or listen to The Way Forward on other platforms, visit: https://www.flowcode.com/page/thewayforward Join The Way Forward to connect with like minded men and women near you, businesses near you, and more! The best part? You pay whatever you want!: https://thewayfwrd.com/membership-sign-up/ Are you a natural health practitioner? Join our private, natural-health practitioner database here: https://thewayfwrd.com/directory-form/   ————————— *This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without expressed written permission from The Way Forward, LLC. The purpose of this presentation is to convey information. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition; nor is it to be considered medical or legal advice, opinion or recommendation. This information is presented in the spirit of service for all.*   0:00 - The Revolution Disguised As Homesteading 2:14 - Introduction 3:45 - Growing Up on an Organic Farm 8:21 - Toxicity in "Certified Organic" 10:37 - What He Implemented to Make a Healthier Farm  20:08 - Alchemy in Biodynamics 28:56 - The Climate is Not Changing Because of CO2 Emissions  33:23 - Corrupt Incentive Systems  39:43 - Protecting Against Artificial Inflation and Potential Crashes 49:54 - When to Learn to Cultivate and Following the Next Steps in Homesteading 1:01:37 - Should Trees Be On Your Farm? 1:06:13 - Items Not Found in Grocery Stores  1:12:48 - Experience of Disease in Dairy Animals  1:18:01 - State of Farm Now vs Then 1:25:06 - Properly Converting from Industrial Farming  1:29:54 - Thoughts on Primary Water  1:35:10 - How Access, Structures and Fencing Effect Homesteading 1:45:30 - Seeing Things Beyond Imagination 1:48:01 - The Importance of Flora  1:56:29 - Homesteading Technology and Equipment  1:58:15 - Why Soil Health Matters 2:01:23 - Communal Aspect of Living This Way  2:13:20 - Sprouting a New Mindset 2:18:36 - Closing Thoughts  

The desire to own a business runs strong throughout American history. “Entrepreneur. Americans have fallen in love with this French noun,” write two historians in their book about entrepreneurship. Much of the dynamism in our neighborhoods and communities comes from entrepreneurs and small business owners. Among them is Mhonpaj Lee Vang and her family. She and her mother own Mhonpaj Garden, the first Hmong-owned certified organic farm in Minnesota with five acres in Stillwater and four acres in Marine on St. Croix. She also owns 22 farming acres in Hugo. Mhonpaj is a licensed real estate broker, real estate developer and, more recently, program host on Hmong TV. MPR's senior economics contributor Chris Farrell caught up with Mhonpaj in White Bear Lake.

Ever wanted to work on a farm? Have you heard the term WWOOFer's? 

On this week's podcast we hear from Virginia Herrera about what it's like to own the farm she worked on for so many years. After working on Spring Hill Farm in Oregon for 20 years, Virginia got the opportunity to buy the farm when the owner retired, and she christened the operation Eloisa Organic Farm, named after her mother.Virginia shares her farming journey- she grew up farming in Oaxaca, Mexico, and started working at Spring Hill Organic Farm in Oregon when she moved to the United States. When the owner of Spring Hill retired, he offered Virginia and her husband the opportunity to rent the land and equipment, and Eloisa Organic Farm was born. They grow a wide range of certified organic vegetable crops and sell through their CSA, farmers markets, and wholesale relationships, and talk about some of the growing strategies that make their produce exceptional.Virginia discusses the surprises and difficulties of being a farm owner and the changes she has made to the farm. She emphasizes the importance of following the laws and regulations of starting a business and saving money to overcome the challenges of obtaining bank loans. She shares their marketing strategies including participating in farmers markets, expanding the CSA program, and differentiating themselves through branding and product variety. Virginia discusses the need for more flexible loans for farmers and the limitations faced by those without social security numbers. She also emphasizes the importance of valuing the work of farmers and appreciating the labor behind the produce. Connect With Guest:Instagram: @eloisaorganicfarmEmail: eloisaorganicfarm@gmail.comPodcast 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 only ready-to-ride assistant made by and for farmers. Through a simple text or email to Farmhand, you can offload admin tasks, automate your CSA, update your website, and sell more to your customers. Learn more and take one of our many time-saving tasks for a test drive to see firsthand how Farmhand can help you earn more, and work less at farmhand.partners/gfm. Bootstrap Farmer offers a complete range of growing supplies including heat mats, ground cover, frost blankets, silage tarps, irrigation, and trellising. They also make all-metal, all-inclusive greenhouse kits, constructed of steel made in the USA and fabricated in Texas. Their heavy-duty, Midwest-made propagation and microgreens trays will last for years and are available in a full spectrum of colors. For all that plus experienced support for everything they sell, check out Bootstrap Farmer at bootstrapfarmer.com.  Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

In this special episode Danny Houlihan travels into the Irish countryside to the Barna Way North Kerry Ireland for a special event produced by The Brilliant Ballybunion Team Entitled Sing for your Supper. This special Journey started from the Grotto Aghafona in Ballybunion and traveled into the beautiful Irish Country side surrounded with the sounds of the birds and the natural areas of The Barna Way. The area of focus was the Barna Way a special place adorned with tress and a lovely woodland walk and Organic Farm.  In the old days in Ireland people rambled from house to house at night for a chat a song a bit of music or a tale that was told, a custom now on the decline in Ireland this coupled with locally grown food was always on the table and the kettle was always on the fire A welcome to All was always given. On the evening singers sang musicians played and there was poem in Irish to honour our people, everyone sang for their supper and the food was excellent. Danny Houlihan in this live recorded episode captured a taste of what happened on the evening and what did happen in North Kerry many decades ago. Enjoy this episode this is Brilliant Ballybunion. Special Thanks to Karen and Bruce in the USA who are supporting my research.

Sephra Alexandra, The Seed Huntress, is an ethnobotanist on a mission to restore the biodiversity of our environment by finding, saving and replanting our legacy seeds (www.seedhunress.com). Hosted by Richard Hill and Diane Lauricella

Organic farmer Kaitlyn Kimball is my guest on this show. Kaitlyn is Owner of Sunset Organic farm in Naugatuck Ct. with her husband Lawrence Passeck. Sunset is a USDA Certified Organic vegetable and flower farm focused on sustainability and community. Kaitlyn is also Director of Agriculture at CitySeed in New Haven. CitySeed has a mission to "create a healthy, sustainable, and just food system for all.”

I am pleased to have Kaitlyn Kimball as my guest this show, Kaitlyn is Owner of Sunset Organic farm in Naugatuck Ct. with her husband Lawrence Passeck. Sunset is a USDA Certified Organic vegetable and flower farm focused on sustainability and community. She is also Director of Agriculture at CitySeed in New Haven.

Small Farms Report with Steve Munno of Massaro Farm in Woodbridge, CT Special Guest: Richard Meyers of Park City Harvest (www.parkcityharvest.com) talks about his urban farming project and discusses growing micro-green which he hopes will inject super nutrition into urban communities. Hosted by Richard Hill and Diane Lauracella

Waldingfield Farm: history and mission. Steve Munno, exec. director of Massaro Farm, Small Farm Report Host: Richard Hill and Diane Lauracella

Steve Munno's Small Farm Report from Massaro Farm in Woodbridge, CT Vincent Kaye's Honey Bee Update Dan Wood, manager of Whitegate Farm in East Lyme describes his operation. Hosted by Richard Hill and Diane Lauracella

Pattie Baker talks about WWOOFing — traveling to work on farms — gardening and finding hope. Hear about how 9/11 spurred Pattie on to start gardening, from zero interest to a need to plant a seed in the name of hope. She tells her story about how she went from growing food for her family to now traveling to learn about farming and to share her knowledge with others. In 2008, the city Pattie lived in became the newest city in the US: Dunwoody, Georgia. From here, Pattie started following this burgeoning city's development and was quickly named the Sustainability Commission Chairperson to help pursue Atlanta's Green Community Certification, which included developing a community garden. (It's now the largest volunteer-run community garden in Georgia!)  Pattie tells us about growing about $2,500 worth of vegetables from her suburban property. She talks about having witnessed the loss of the majority of her pollinators over the past 10 years and what she's doing to educate others about this. With her daughters now out of the household, Pattie decided it was time to travel, and at 56 years old was scheduled to go to Uganda with the Peace Corps. COVID changed those plans — you have to hear about the drama of this situation — and left Pattie with a new travel plan. If you've never planned to leave your garden behind for two years, Pattie talks about this process and then reversing the process when she realized she wasn't going to Uganda after all. Listen to Pattie's tales of traveling around the U.S. for five months in 2023, working on farms and riding bus, bike and train. She explains the WWOOF concept — sometimes called Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms or Working Worldwide on Organic Farms — and how this educational exchange operates. Pattie talks about her $20 per day budget, traveling 10,000 car-free in the U.S.. Her book, Round America with a Duck, outlines all of this in a colorful and engaging way. If WWOOFing has ever interested you, Pattie offers her advice for valuing your time and expertise while outlining your goals to get the best experience. She talks, too, about preparing yourself for a WWOOFing experience, whether you're 60 years old (like her) or a college-age explorer. Links from this episode: Round America with a Duck website Round America with a Duck on Instagram All of Pattie Baker's books WWOOF USA  

Have you ever wondered how traditional oxen power can transform modern farming? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Melanie Cunningham of Shakefork Community Farm in Northern California. Along with her husband, Kevin, they grow a variety of vegetables, strawberries, and pasture-raised livestock using permanent raised beds, low-till methods, and draft oxen power. Tune in to hear about this oxen-powered and diversified regenerative market & CSA farm! Episode Highlights: Melanie's Farming Journey: Hear how Melanie found her passion for farming [1:36] Shakefork Farm: How they run the farm [8:22] Draft oxen power: Learn more about how they incorporated oxen [11:04] No-till: More about their bed preparation process [15:04] Sales Outlets: Some of the places that Shakefork markets their products [23:17] Strawberry Success: Learn more about their growing strawberry process [27:30] Tips for New Farmers: Hear Melanie's advice for new farmers [35:47] Tool Time: Melanie's favorite tool on the farm [36:37] About the Guest: Melanie Cunningham farms 85 acres in the Van Duzen River floodplain in far Northern California with her husband, Kevin, 10 year old son, Clyde and a crew of committed farmhands. Shakefork Community Farm is a highly diversified CSA and market garden AND pasture based operation, growing a variety of vegetables and strawberries, pasture raised eggs, chicken and turkey, grass-fed beef and a home dairy.  Melanie moved to Humboldt County in 2004 to learn to farm, and within a week landed her first farm job. Shakefork was launched in 2008 and has become an anchor of their thriving rural farming community.   Connect with Shakefork Community Farm: Website: Visit Shakefork Community Farm Instagram: Follow on Instagram Facebook:  Like on Facebook YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube   Don't miss this episode on the innovative practices and inspiring journey of Melanie Cunningham and Shakefork Community Farm, from using draft oxen power to achieving strawberry success.   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farmhand! When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management? In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms. The best part? Farmhand's ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.

In this episode, veteran organic farmer Nicolas Donck talks about whether or not a tractor has a place on an organic farm.  Make farming easier with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Farm Efficiency Tools and Equipment at Modern Grower. Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpotco Podcasts by Diego Footer: Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i Small Farm Tools at Modern Grower

In this episode of Fresh Take, we welcome special guests Hank and Jessica from Allison Acres to discuss their journey into organic blueberry farming. Hank, a retired FBI agent, shares his inspiration for transitioning to farming, influenced by his background in law enforcement. Jessica, with a background in Environmental Science, talks about her start in agriculture and her role at Allison Acres. They elaborate on their decision to pursue blueberry farming and shed light on the challenges organic farmers encounter, such as disease management and climate change. Additionally, they delve into soil management techniques, blueberry species selection, and their dedication to environmental stewardship through initiatives like "This Farm CARES" and their involvement in the WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms )program. Hank and Jessica's commitment extends beyond producing delicious, healthy produce; it's about nurturing a healthy planet and community, one blueberry at a time.Additionally, they invite listeners to an upcoming special event in collaboration with Florida Organic Growers' Florida Local Food Project, the Spring Farm Tour a part of Millstone Institute 2024 Farm Tour! This event provides an excellent opportunity to network, learn from experts, and foster meaningful connections with others who are passionate about local food May 18, 2024! Registration is free! Secure your spots at: https://bit.ly/4cU3TAnSupport the Show.We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Small Farms Report with Steve Munno of Massaro Farm in Woodbridge, CT. Entomologist and ecologist Doug Tallamy is professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. Doug discusses the ways we can create sustainable ecosystems by supporting "keystone" and native plants in our back yards that link together with forests and protected parklands. Interview by Richard Hill

REKO rings gained popularity during the pandemic as a way to keep selling direct to the public when markets were shut down. One of the obstacles to more widespread adoption of the REKO system- reliance on closed Facebook groups to communicate with customers- has been eliminated by Tyler Taggart and REKO Hub. They have developed software to facilitate REKO rings without using Facebook, plus the software is free for producers to use. Instead of charging producers, a small fee is charged to customers when they place an order through REKO Hub. In case you aren't already familiar with REKO rings, REKO took the farmers market model and moved the advertising and ordering to a closed Facebook group. Rings correspond to producers in a given geographic area, so during the pandemic, growers from a farmers market that was shut down might have started their own REKO ring to duplicate the farmers market, but in a prepaid format. Buyers perused grower offers and placed orders through the Facebook group, the transactions took place online, and the group of producers in any given REKO ring show up at a predetermined place and time to deliver the pre-ordered goods (think of it like a pre-order farmers market). For more on the REKO model, click here to read the article from Growing for Market Magazine about REKO rings. And to hear more about how REKO Hub has taken much of the friction out of the REKO model for producers and customers, listen to our interview with Tyler Taggart! We talk about how the model is paid for by customer fees, how making a product posting is as simple as making a social media post, and how REKO Hub can help customers find local food and flower growers. Here's a link to the GFM article about REKO rings mentioned in the podcast-Reko Ring: A new way to pre-sell onlinehttps://growingformarket.com/articles/reko-ring-new-way-presell-online Connect With Guest:Email: tylert@thefoodapp.orgWebsite: www.RekoHub.comwww.RekoNow.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/TylerTaggart1Text: 801.404.4307 Podcast Sponsors:Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Johnny's Selected Seeds - Johnny's Selected Seeds has provided superior seeds, tools, information, and service since 1973. Consider us your trusted growing partner when you need proven varieties you can count on and detailed guidance from seeding to harvest. Turning to Johnny's means you can plant high-quality, trial-proven varieties with confidence, knowing that our expert staff is ready to help with first-hand knowledge—because we've grown them ourselves. We're here to help you grow good food. 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 more! Get 15% off marketing services and one premium feature for a year with the code Growing4market at https://hubs.la/Q02bpWQV0 Farmhand - Tired of admin work and technology trouble? You need Farmhand on your team. Farmhand is the all-in-one software platform and virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. Through a simple text or email to Farmhand, you can offload admin tasks, automate your CSA, update your website, and sell more to your customers. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/GFM Neptune's Harvest is a family company that makes organic fertilizers from the by-products of the fishing industry, in Gloucester, MA. Products from the cold, mineral rich, North Atlantic Ocean contain all the nutrients to make your soil and plants healthy. Available in retail and bulk sizes at neptunesharvest.com. Bootstrap Farmer offers a complete range of growing supplies including heat mats, ground cover, frost blankets, silage tarps, irrigation, and trellising. They also make all-metal, all-inclusive greenhouse frames, constructed of steel made in the USA and fabricated in Texas. Their heavy-duty, Midwest-made propagation and microgreens trays will last for years and are available in a full range of colors, great for keeping farm seedlings separate from retail, or just for fun. For all that and more, check out Bootstrap Farmer at bootstrapfarmer.com.Subscribe To Our Magazine - FREE 28-Day Trial:Our Website: www.GrowingForMarket.com

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Northeast Coordinator and Agriculture Specialist Chris Lent talks to Matt Steiman, the Farm Energy and Livestock Manager at Dickinson College Organic Farm in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about the farm's new biodigester. A farm-based biodigester can turn cow manure and food waste into natural gas to produce electricity for the farm to use and to sell to the utility grid.  Matt and Chris discuss Matt's research over the past 14 years on turning waste streams into biofuels and how that research led to the new biodigester's design and its installation at the farm.   The discussion covers the unusual scale of the project, which was designed to manage the manure from 150 dairy cows and up to three tons of food waste daily. The project is meant to demonstrate to mid-sized farms across Pennsylvania and elsewhere that it is possible to manage waste streams in an environmentally sound way bytransforming them into a source of carbon-neutral energy.    Related ATTRA Resources: ·        Biodiesel Use, Handling, and Fuel Quality ·        Micro-Scale Biogas Production: A Beginners Guide ·        Anaerobic Digestion of Animal Waters: Factors to Consider   Other Resources: ·        Biogas – Dickinson College Organic Farm ·        Dickinson College YouTube Channel ·        USDA Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & EnergyEfficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants ·        USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) On-Farm Energy Initiative  Contact Chris Lent at chrisl@ncat.org.          Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.  You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted,practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and otherresources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.  

“And winemaking philosophy really is that the good wines are made in the vineyard. So if your grapes are healthy and ripened to the right state, then the winemaking process becomes quite simple. You only really need to interfere when your grapes aren't that good. We are blessed to be in Margaret River, which climatically, it's a winemaker's dream.” We're in great company with Lara and Jamie McCall, the husband and wife duo behind Burnside Organic Farm, who over the past 25 years along with their three sons, have created and curated a luxury farm stay and winery in the Margaret River Region of Australia, where guests can enjoy genuine “agritourism,” organic wine, friendly farm animals and immersive nature experiences.  While the McCall's pursued numerous career paths before coming across their land, they made an early decision to start and stay organic as they watched their young sons play in the same dirt that would grow their food. Over the following years, they naively, passionately and patiently worked with nature as a teacher to nurture their farm into the bountiful and self-sustaining ecosystem that it is today.  In this episode, Lara and Jamie invite our listeners and their guests alike - to hear their story, step onto their land, and taste their harvest - inspiring others to produce their own food, sharing their ideas about resilience for future sustainable living, encouraging all to take these memories and create their own stories. Top Takeaways [1:40] Lara & Jamie McCall's lives took many tangents before settling down on their farm. From sailing ships to being a journalist for the local newspaper, from being a stockbroker to running a family business making furniture, there are many twists and turns to this tale.   [11:40] The early days raising a young family of 3 boys on a farm meant many hands made lighter but sometimes messier work. Today, their sons have returned with specific passions and areas of expertise to continue to build upon the family business.  [14:30] Jamie shares how the Margaret River region of Western Australia, with its mild Mediterranean like climate, lends to a very naturally immersive architectural style using timber and rammed earth.  [18:10] There's so much to see, smell and savor as you roam the farm finding vineyards, an avocado orchard, a caper plantation, beehives, a market garden, and numerous farm animals that play their role in tending to the land.  [22:00] The decision to start and always stay organic was a personal one, which came with a great need for further education and support from the small but collaborative organic farming community.  [32:40]  Burnside Organic Farm is the perfect starting point on the Organic & Biodynamic Wine Trail where guests can take a taste of the classics in Cabernet and Chardonnay, and alternatives in Zinfandel and Vermentino.   Notable Mentions Edible Gardens Festival Margaret River Farmers' Market Gathered Organics Cabin Fever Fest Cullen Wines Visit For Yourself Book A Stay: Burnside Organic Farm Website Book A Tour, Wine Tasting, Experience @burnsideorganicfarm Stay In Good Company Website

What 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 Bryce's journey into agriculture 0:56 More on Blossom Bluff's average stone fruit yield per acre 9:06 What some of the growing challenges are 13:19 About how the seasons go on the farm 15:22 More about Blossom Bluff's sales venues 21:06 What Bryce's intentions are for the farm's future 33:37 Bryce's advice for people thinking of starting a farm 39:24 About the Guest: Bryce is a fourth generation farmer at Blossom Bluff Orchards. He and his sister Renata grew up in a house on the bluff of the Kings River that their parents (Fran and Ted) still live in today. Bryce and Renata also live on the farm in houses that were acquired from neighbors as the farm grew, and all four work together in various roles and share ownership of Blossom Bluff Orchards. Their farming strategy involves finding niches to fill, developing a brand and a reputation for quality, and selling directly to stores, restaurants and consumers. Resources: Website -  https://blossombluff.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blossomblufforchardsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/blossombluff   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! At our Growing Farmers store, planting season is in full swing! A treasure trove of plant starts and cuttings await. Our team is shipping everything from elderberry and willow cuttings to strawberry starts and potato slips.  So if you've been eyeing that sunny spot by the fence or considering how to fill that quiet corner of your yard, look not further. Visit shop.growingfarmers.com today for the first step towards a greener, more fruitful farmstead or garden.

We step back and look at the big picture in this wide-ranging conversation with Jean-Martin Fortier, talking about the systemic barriers to local food and farmers and strategies to overcome them. We also talk about Jean-Martin's many projects, including the recently-released Heirloom farm planning software, and his forthcoming podcast. We also catch up on his other projects, including the Old Mill farm-to-table restaurant in Quebec, which was named one of the top ten new restaurants in Canada, the Market Gardener Masterclass, Growers and Co. tool and clothing company, and how he works with a team to keep all those plates spinning! Connect With Guest: Websites: https://themarketgardener.com/https://growers.co/https://heirloom.ag/https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Podcast Sponsors:Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Johnny's Selected Seeds - Johnny's Selected Seeds has provided superior seeds, tools, information, and service since 1973. Consider us your trusted growing partner when you need proven varieties you can count on and detailed guidance from seeding to harvest. Turning to Johnny's means you can plant high-quality, trial-proven varieties with confidence, knowing that our expert staff is ready to help with first-hand knowledge—because we've grown them ourselves. We're here to help you grow good food. 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 more! Get 15% off marketing services and one premium feature for a year with the code Growing4market at https://hubs.la/Q02bpWQV0 BCS America 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 - Tired of admin work and technology trouble? You need Farmhand on your team. Farmhand is the all-in-one software platform and virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. Through a simple text or email to Farmhand, you can offload admin tasks, automate your CSA, update your website, and sell more to your customers. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/GFM Neptune's Harvest is a family company that makes organic fertilizers from the by-products of the fishing industry, in Gloucester, MA. Products from the cold, mineral rich, North Atlantic Ocean contain all the nutrients to make your soil and plants healthy. Available in retail and bulk sizes at neptunesharvest.com. Bootstrap Farmer offers a complete range of growing supplies including heat mats, ground cover, frost blankets, silage tarps, irrigation, and trellising. They also make all-metal, all-inclusive greenhouse frames, constructed of steel made in the USA and fabricated in Texas. Their heavy-duty, Midwest-made propagation and microgreens trays will last for years and are available in a full range of colors, great for keeping farm seedlings separate from retail, or just for fun. For all that and more, check out Bootstrap Farmer at bootstrapfarmer.com. Subscribe To Our Magazine - FREE 28-Day Trial:Our Website: www.GrowingForMarket.com 

How 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 how Paul ensures that this large organic farm continues to thrive! You'll hear: How Paul got started in farming 0:59 About the Full Belly team 10:20 More on the history of organic farming and the Real Organic Project 15:48 About Paul's take about soil science 22:28 How Full Belly uses cover crops 34:39 What Paul is doing to bring up the next generation of farmers at Full Belly 46:15 About Paul's advice for new farmers 56:15 About the Guest: Paul Muller farms with family and partners at Full Belly farm, a diversified 450 acre organic farm in North Central California's Capay Valley. For more than 40 years, Full Belly has been seeking to evolve a model farm that is economically stable, honors employees with a business design that creates year round employment, strives to grow more layers of life on a farm for environmental complexity, and seeks to connect with a community of farm supporters for a broader social impact. Resources: Website - fullbellyfarm.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/full_belly_farm/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FullBellyFarm   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! At our Growing Farmers store, planting season is in full swing! A treasure trove of plant starts and cuttings await. Our team is shipping everything from elderberry and willow cuttings to strawberry starts and potato slips.  So if you've been eyeing that sunny spot by the fence or considering how to fill that quiet corner of your yard, look not further. Visit shop.growingfarmers.com today for the first step towards a greener, more fruitful farmstead or garden.

When Satyajit Hange traded the security of a fancy banking career for the unpredictability of organic farming, he didn't just change careers; he transformed his life and ignited a movement. By doing that, he did not merely change professions; he sparked an agricultural revolution. In a candid podcast episode, our guest, who is the co-founder of Two Brothers' Organic Farms, delves into his inspiring transition and its implications for global agriculture and our collective well-being.We cover the following aspects in this eye-opening conversation-- Impact of shifting from chemical dependent farming practices to organic- Why do we pay premium for organic and how it can become a norm and subsequently more affordable- Ravages of chemically grown food on health and well-being- Clean eating, regenerative agriculture and soil microorganisms- Nurturing plant life and sustaining our eco systems- Heirloom seed banks and why they're so scarce- Sustainability and the road ahead in preserving Mother Earth- How nurturing our planet is in turn going to nourish us- Traditional methods of making ghee and why it is important- What is Real Ghee and that vs Clarified butter- Impact of TBOF products globallySatyajit Hange's journey is not just about organic farming; it's about a philosophy that champions the earth and its inhabitants. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in making conscious choices that benefit our health, our planet and the infrastructure for our future generation.It's a reminder that every choice we make in what we eat and how we live can be a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future. It's a worthwhile "selfish step" for "the sake of our children" as our guest rightly puts it !!Support the showVideos available on YouTube channel.Follow host Vai on socials - Instagram , YouTube, Facebook for thought leadership content. Head to my website for enlightening blogs & service offerings.This podcast comes to you from Listen Ponder Change LLC, founded by Vai Kumar.Every support the show contribution is much appreciated !!Subscribe https://www.buzzsprout.com/1436179/support and help us amplify our voice and reach!

Small farms—like Miller's Organic Farm—are under attack. Does the way we raise our animal meats make a different for our health? Does God have anything to say about it?   Miller's Organic Farm   Hope for Your Health: A Simple Cheat Sheet for Getting Started with Holistic Health God's Way (free) www.herholistichealing.com/free   Free Community www.facebook.com/groups/herholistichealing   Book (Discover God's Health Wisdom: Exposing 8 Common Myths That Keep You Sick) www.herholistichealing.com/book   Holistic Health Coaching www.herholistichealing.com/coaching   Website www.herholistichealing.com   E-mail hello@herholistichealing.com   Related episodes 20: Healing from Autoimmune Disease, Chron's Disease, and More (Part 1) 21: Healing from Autoimmune Disease, Chron's Disease and More (Part 2) 38: One Natural Remedy with Health Benefits That We Probably Have Not Even Identified Yet with Joyce Dales   Disclaimer: This content is not meant to be personal medical advice.

In this week's episode of The Venue Rx podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin welcomes Janet Mckee owner of Sanaview Farms, a 52-acre Historic Landmark farm located in the heart of the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania. Janet shares her story of transforming a historic farm into the beloved wedding venue. From her corporate background to her journey into holistic health and farm ownership, Janet reflects on the challenges and triumphs along the way. Initially envisioned as a space for teaching natural living, the farm encountered financial struggles until weddings emerged as a key source of stability. Janet highlights the significance of energy, mindset, and gratitude in navigating both her personal evolution and business success. Over time, Sanaview Farms has expanded its offerings, introducing amenities such as a cafe, winery, lodging and a space for workshops and retreats. Janet's unwavering commitment to delivering value and fostering positive experiences for clients is what drives her to show up day in and day out.  About Our Guest:  The 52-acre historic landmark farm in Champion, PA, nestled in the Laurel Mountains near Seven Springs and Hidden Valley Mountain Resorts, Ligonier, Falling Water, and Ohiopyle State Park, serves as a picturesque mountain destination attracting thousands of visitors annually. Functioning as a venue for events, weddings, and retreats, the farm offers a space for others to experience and enjoy. With a focus on education and healing, it operates as a teaching farm, providing opportunities for learning and growth. Utilizing sustainable techniques that surpass organic standards, the farm features production gardens, fruit orchards, herb and flower gardens, and greenhouses for year-round cultivation. SanaView Farms boasts an array of workshops and events within its premises. The property, designated as a Pittsburgh Historic Landmark, showcases meticulously restored structures such as the springhouse, bunkhouse, and a grand historic barn, which serve as venues for special occasions, meetings, and overnight stays for guests. The farm offers classes and services encompassing various holistic health concepts aimed at promoting overall well-being, including healthy eating, harmonious living with nature, emotional wellness, stress reduction, yoga, and meditation. Expert gardeners proficient in organic techniques lead classes on gardening and sustainability. Additionally, the farm hosts music, dance events, and themed festivals, enriching the experience for visitors. Find Them Here:  Email:  janet@sanaview.com Tel: (724) 417-6695 Address: 280 Roaring Run Road, Champion, PA  15622 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanaviewfarms/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanaviewfarms/

In this episode, organic inspector Laura Murray talks about what happens when an inspector finds non-certified-organic material and implements in a certified organic farm.  Make farming easier with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/ Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpotco Podcasts by Diego Footer: Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

The attack on Amos Miller's Organic Farm in Pennsylvania's Amish country heats up as the feds EXTEND a cease and desist order for 40 more days, preventing Miller from selling the meats, cheeses and produce more than 4,000 food buyers depend on. Where are Pennsylvania lawmakers? Where's the OUTRAGE?! Plus the Pentagon admits it didn't keep track of more than $1 BILLION of missiles, bombs and other weapons it sent to Ukraine - and the Senate wants to send over about $60B MORE! And - how car rental agency Hertz just blew the lid off the green climate garbage pushed by liberal globalists. Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions 

Jenna Pollard is a timber framer, a farmer, and an advocate for organic agriculture, but at her core, she is a teacher. The list of Jenna's inspiring projects, causes, and interests is too extensive to summarize in a few sentences, but to give you an overview: She hosts workshops for women in which they learn the art of timber framing and build structures as a team from the ground up. She's a team member with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (also known as WWOOF), where she helps to provide opportunities for aspiring farmers to build their careers. She's also a committed traveler, community builder, reader, and all-around inspiring human. - Born and raised in South Dakota, Jenna grew up immersed in the outdoors and various outdoor adventures. After college, she went to work on an organic farm, which began her professional passion for working closely with the land surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals. As you'll hear, she continued to follow her curiosity and has enjoyed a fulfilling and wide-ranging career– she worked as a teacher in Japan, built her own timber-frame home on the South Dakota prairie, and became deeply involved in helping to develop the skills and confidence of future farmers and timber framers. But if there's a thread that connects all of Jenna's work, it's her commitment to building community through hard work and shared purpose– one of my favorite topics to discuss. - I first learned about Jenna through a short film by Patagonia Workwear that profiled her women's timber-framing workshops– I've linked to the film in the episode notes. So I was thrilled that our schedules aligned so that we could have this conversation, and I learned so much for her. We discussed her upbringing in South Dakota and how her outdoor-focused childhood laid the foundation for her career. We discussed the intricacies of timber framing, and why it is such a powerful skill for building community and confidence. We talk a lot about WWOOF and its Future Farming Program, and Jenna offers some ways that aspiring farmers can get involved. We also discuss books, how Jenna accomplishes so much, how Patagonia has encouraged and supported her work, lessons learned from Japan, and much much more. - If you want to connect with Jenna, attend a workshop, or learn more about WWOOF, there are links to everything in the episode notes. Thanks for listening, hope you enjoy. --- REFRAMED | Built by Women | Patagonia Films WWOOF-USA: wwoofusa.org Steger Center - stegercenter.org The Canelo Project - https://caneloproject.com Olympic Outpost - https://olympicoutpost.com Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/jenna-pollard/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:30 - Where Jenna grew up 4:15 - What Jenna did for fun as a kid 6:30 - Turning points in Jenna's life regarding self-sufficiency in the outdoors 8:45 - Post-high school for Jenna 11:00 - How something like WWOOFing drew Jenna's career attention 13:30 - Books and thinkers that influenced Jenna's agrarian lifestyle 16:00 - Defining “timber framing,” and exploring why it captured Jenna's attention 20:00 - When Jenna decided to start teaching timber framing 21:15 - Discussing the process of Jenna building her house in South Dakota 24:45 - How Jenna came to specifically teach women how to timber frame 38:15 - How Patagonia became interested in Jenna's timber framing classes 30:45 - Continuing to explore the importance of Jenna's work with women 33:00 - Jenna's success stories from her classes 37:15 - The relationships that Jenna builds through timber framing 39:15 - Jenna's students' goals 40:45 - Discussing WWOOF 43:15 - Discussing the 2024 Future Farming Program 47:15 - How Jenna manages to do all of this! 48:15 - Jenna's time as a teacher in Japan 52:30 - Whether or not Jenna ever questioned her path 55:15 - Jenna's book recommendations 1:01:15 - Jenna's parting words of wisdom --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts