The Thriving Farmer Podcast

Could mastering freeze drying be the next step in enhancing your farm's profitability and sustainability? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Don Adams who, along with his wife Kathy, produce 80 percent of their own food on their farmstead, Jazzberry Farm in Taft, Tennessee. They practice permaculture and organic farming, cultivating a variety of crops, raising goats for milk and cheese, and preserving their harvests through freeze-drying. Don't miss this episode on transforming fresh produce into long-lasting, high-flavor products with the power of freeze drying.   Episode Highlights: Getting Started: Don’s journey into farming [1:44] Range of Operations: What Don does on Jazzberry Farm [9:20] Product Pricing: The price range for Jazzberry’s products [34:43] Marketing and Sales: Where and how Don markets and sells their products [41:59] Goats on the Farm: The purpose of goats at Jazzberry [48:58] Freeze Dryer Tips: More tips from Don on using the freeze dryer [54:17]   Abo

How can a small farm thrive with minimal off-farm inputs, using only what nature provides to create a sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystem? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Shawn and Beth Dougherty, who have mastered the art of farming by relying on natural systems and resources to sustain their diverse, thriving farm. Using intensive grazing as their primary source of food energy, Shawn and Beth raise a diverse range of livestock producing most of the food, and feed, on their farm. Don't miss this episode where they share valuable insights on regenerative farming, adaptive genetics, and making economically sound decisions for long-term sustainability. Episode Highlights: Fertility Program: What constitutes the fertility program on the property [1:48] Pig Feed: What do they feed their pigs? [7:58] Adaptive Genetics: What they know about adaptive genetics in farm animals [21:04] Pig Breeds: Which breeds of pigs do better than others? [30:33] Book Rationale: The rationale

  How can no-till farming and a focus on soil health create a successful farm that serves top restaurants and local markets? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Luke Sheldrick, Owner of Terramor Farm in Burnstown, Ontario. With a background in the restaurant industry, Luke and his partner Dana Moores have combined their passion for high-quality food and sustainable farming to create a thriving farm that serves top restaurants, markets, and a growing CSA program in the Ottawa Valley. Don’t miss this episode to hear how Luke and Dana use no-till methods, natural amendments, and maintain their focus on soil health to produce 30+ varieties of delicious, nutrient-rich vegetables. Episode Highlights: Beginnings: How Luke started his journey in farming [1:18] Property Search: Key characteristics Luke sought in a property [6:44] Season Extension: Tunnels used at Terramor [19:18] Greenhouse Management: Watering schedule managed by Orisha [30:09] Sales and Distribution:

How can you use email to build customer relationships and get more sales as a small farmer? In today’s episode, Erika Tebbens returns to the show to talk to us about email marketing. Erika is passionate about relationship-driven, connection-centered sales and marketing practices; and loves being a catalyst for micro enterprises to thrive. She has been running & supporting businesses of all kinds and sizes for 20 years now, from solo-operations to multimillion-dollar companies with teams. Over those two decades she has served hundreds of clients, helping them develop business strategies in alignment with their values. Today you’ll learn how Erika tackles email marketing for farm businesses!  FREE DOWNLOAD:"4 Ways to Gain Email Subscribers and Grow Your Audience"   Episode Highlights: Strategy: Why would farmers want to do email marketing? [3:28] Starting Out: How would you go about getting folks on your email marketing list? [8:39] Choosing Platforms: What platforms does Erika use for hosting emails? [16

How does a family farm in alpine New Zealand use a diverse range of income streams to thrive? On this episode we’re joined by Lisa Johnston, operator of Frog Song Farm, located in Wanaka, New Zealand. Lisa is a farmer who wears many hats, juggling both an organic market garden and orchard pruning business. She also roasts and sells chestnuts at events and markets through her side business Village Nuts. Frog Song Farm’s mission is one of regeneration and revegetation. For years Lisa and her family have studied and explored natural farming, permaculture, terraquaculture and traditional farming of the Asia Pacific. They are convinced that the farming systems of New Zealand need to undergo a paradigm shift from farming dehydrated grassed landscapes to farming diverse polycultures in hydrated, treed landscapes. From industrial farming to artisan farming. Growing better, not bigger.  As the farm emerges from this phase of intensive development, Frog Song is looking forward to welcoming more people to the land, as W

What goes into cultivating healthy, high-yield transplants that take off instead of struggling when transferred to the field? Find out from Sam Tilton, the organizer of the annual Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day. After earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, Sam has worked many roles in vegetable farming from tool development to teaching on sustainable horticulture. Earlier in the year, he joined the Growing Farmers 2024 Vegetable Summit as one of our guest speakers on weed control. Tune in to hear why Sam recommends transplants over direct seeding, and what methods he uses to ensure that transplants are healthy and strong before moving to the field. Episode Highlights: Why Transplants?: What are transplants and why would a farmer want them over direct seeding? [3:39] Scheduling: What should a transplant schedule look like? [9:54] Seed Preservation: How are seeds handled in the process? [13:08] Germ Testing: Does Sam do any individual germ testing? [16:36] Seed Mix: What is

How can a small farm near downtown Orlando implement bio-intensive and regenerative practices to thrive year-round? Find out in this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Mike Garcia of Everoak Farm in Orlando, FL. Together with his wife Nikki, Mike runs a small, bio-intensive, and regenerative family farm where they grow Certified Naturally Grown fruits and vegetables, raise pastured poultry, and maintain a thriving apiary. Tune in to hear Mike Garcia's insights on creating a diverse and sustainable agroecology at Ever Oak Farm in the heart of central Florida. Episode Highlights: Agroforestry: Types of plants grown at Everoak [3:22] Composting: How compost is made at Everoak [12:59] Application: Spraying compost methods [16:26] Market Garden: Crops grown in the market garden [18:05] Pest Management: Strategies for keeping insects at bay [26:30] Succession Planning: Winter planning techniques [27:59] Farm Interest: Methods to bring interest to the farm [36:01] Don't miss this epis

How can small-scale farmers balance sustainability and profitability while building strong community connections? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kat and Kolin who own and operate Starry Ridge Farm, a regenerative hillside farm in Northern New York. In addition to producing vegetables, flowers, maple syrup, and pastured livestock, they are dedicated to building community through events and their soon-to-open farm store. Tune in to hear how Kat and Kolin run their farm business together while creating a local culture and community around organic farming and food.  Episode Highlights: Development: How Starry Ridge Farms started [1:41] Division of Labor: How are responsibilities divided out [3:55] Tunnel Size: Season Extension and Farm Store Construction [15:45] Customer Demographics: Customer Base and Marketing [21:03] Soil Health Improvement: Low-Till and No-Till Methods [26:04] Future Plans: Expansion and Increasing Community Involvement [29:19] Don't miss this episod

Why has hemp, with its vast potential and numerous sustainable uses, faced so many challenges and misconceptions? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Shawn Patrick House, CEO of Lancaster Trading House and creator of Hempzels, the original hemp pretzel. With over 30 years in the hemp industry, Shawn has pioneered innovative hemp products, from pretzels to dairy-free ice cream, and is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and industrial hemp. Tune in to hear about Shawn Patrick House's journey in the hemp industry. Episode Highlights: Introductions: Why Hemp? [0:54] Full Potential: The History of Hemp [2:56] Multi-use: Different Types of Hemp and Their Uses [8:01] Road Blocks: Challenges Faced in the Hemp Industry [11:48] Polyculture: Hemp as a Rotation Crop [28:18] Sustainability: The Versatility of Hemp as a Sustainable Resource [34:23] Products and Distribution: How to find Lancaster products [43:42] Don't miss this episode on the exciting developments in

How can diversifying a farm business lead to greater resilience and sustainability? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Garrett Miller who is the owner behind Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm. Garrett is dedicated to organic practices, offering visitors artisan ciders, locally-sourced meals, and u-pick experiences in a vibrant, musical setting amidst New York’s beautiful apple country.  Tune in to hear Garrett share his journey in organic apple farming, the challenges he faces, and how he diversifies his farm business to create a thriving community hub. Episode Highlights: Farming Beginnings: How Garrett got started in farming [2:48]  Toughest Tasks: Starting with Bare Land and Building Infrastructure [12:17] Team Selection: Onboarding and Managing Employees [29:18]  Funding Methods: Financing and Borrowing for Farm Projects [35:05]  Visitor Numbers: Managing Visitor Traffic and Seasonal Variations [37:13]  Advice for Aspiring Farmers: Garrett’s advice for starting a

How can homesteading and food sovereignty reshape our approach to personal and community resilience? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Lucy Brenton who is an activist dedicated to promoting freedom over our bodies and the food we eat. After running twice for the US Senate in Indiana, Lucy is now transforming 6 acres into a self-sufficient homestead and building a community of like-minded homesteaders focused on independence and sustainability. Tune in to learn how Lucy Brenton combines homesteading and political advocacy to promote personal freedom and sustainability. Episode Highlights: Homesteading Movement: How Lucy got into the homesteading movement [0:57]  Political Aspect: What got Lucy into the political aspect of food [4:45]  Private Land Contracts: How a private land contract operates [9:10]  Land Search: What Lucy was looking for in terms of land [15:47]  Homestead Network: What is the Homestead Network [30:05]   Don't miss this episode where Lucy

How can engaging the community through farming transform lives? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Gabe Madison who is the President of Bonton Farms, a transformative urban farm in South Dallas. Gabe provides strategic oversight for the farm's expanding operations and community programs, leveraging over two decades of corporate leadership experience to disrupt inequitable systems and foster community growth. Tune in to hear how Gabe Madison leverages her corporate leadership experience to guide Bonton Farms' transformative urban farming initiatives and community programs in South Dallas. Episode Highlights: Corporate Background: Gabe’s role before joining Bonton Farms [1:09]  Farm Overview: What Bonton Farms does [5:03]  The “Barndominium”: Its purpose and use [9:56]  Recent Changes: Updates on the farm since Gabe's arrival [13:17]  Staff Size: How big the Bonton Farms staff is [22:55]  Apprenticeships: How apprenticeships work at Bonton Farms [27:00]  Farmer’s Market: What

What advice would a seasoned farmer give to those aspiring to start their own farm? Find out in this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast where Michael is joined by Julie Rawson who is co-owner of Many Hands Organic Farm in Barre, Massachusetts. After growing up on a conventional farm in Illinois, Julie, along with her husband Jack, transitioned to organic farming in 1982, where she has become a pioneer in soil fertility and carbon sequestration. Tune in to hear Julie Rawson's journey from conventional to organic farming and her insights on sustainable practices. Episode Highlights: Conventional Farming: Julie’s journey from conventional to organic [1:04] Farm Goals: Julie’s objectives with her Massachusetts farm [4:28] Orchard Details: More about her farm's orchards [13:14] Tree Mulching: Learn about how Julie mulches her fruit trees [20:44] Medicinal Plants: Hear about the medicinal plants Julie grows [25:29] Tomato Varieties: Julie’s favorite tomatoes [30:20] Educational Offerings: The types of educ

Has the homesteading movement finally peaked? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael explores this question and more with Melissa K. Norris who is a fifth-generation homesteader, author and educator in Washington state. Melissa inspires and guides thousands of fellow homesteaders through her website, podcast, and books on creating a self-sustaining home and kitchen to help further preserve the old ways of farm-to-table living.  Tune in to hear about the transformational power of sustainable living and the value of a supportive homesteading community.  Episode Highlights: Five Generations: More on Melissa’s family history in homesteading [1:05] Health Challenges: The Impact of Food Choices on Health and Holistic Living [7:59] Sharing with Others: About Melissa’s journey to educating others [15:21] Homestead Living: Learn about the magazine Melissa co-founded [17:45] Community Sufficiency: Melissa’s take on the importance of community [21:14] Spousal Support: Getting the Spouse on Board wi

Why is it important to share the stories of small-scale farmers? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Olivia Schoentrup, a sixth-generation farmer who has transitioned from traditional farming to RV living and farm touring. Olivia shares her unique journey, shedding light on the challenges of scaling up a small farm and the critical importance of sharing the stories of small farmers. Tune in to learn more about Olivia's transformative journey and the innovative practices shaping the future of farming. Episode Highlights: Olivia’s Farming Journey: How Olivia’s farming endeavors came to be [1:02] Market Insights: What were the markets for Schoentrup Farms [7:14] Influential Farmers: Learn about some innovative farmers [15:46] Farm Visits: Hear about the smaller farms that Olivia has visited [20:21] Lessons Learned: Hear about what Olivia has learned through her journeys [27:21] Connect with Olivia: Follow Olivia on their travels [31:21] About the Guest: Olivia Schoentrup is

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

How do you successfully balance family and farm life? Find out in this episode of the podcast with Ray Tyler! Ray has previously been on the podcast and he also participated in our Thriving Farmer Vegetable Summit this past January. Ray is an inspiring figure in the world of sustainable agriculture and is a dedicated family man, self-made farmer, and innovative educator at Rose Creek Farms. Tune in to learn how to balance farming with family life and make a meaningful impact. Episode Highlights: All about Ray: Ray Tyler's start into farming [1:13] Essential elements: Basic principles to apply on your farm [6:27] It’s All in the Family: Practical Applications and Family Integration on the Farm [23:26] Sustainability: Transitioning to a Sustainable Farming Lifestyle [32:03] Q&A: Implementing Family-Friendly Farming Practices [36:59] About the Guest: Ray Tyler, along with his wife Ashley, embarked on a farming journey fueled by passion and determination. Despite starting with zero savings and faci

How can shifting from profit-driven farming to a nonprofit model enhance food production and community well-being? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Jim Sander of Wildflower Lane Farm in North Carolina. After a successful career selling to local markets and CSAs, Jim shifted his farm’s focus to growing produce exclusively for local food relief groups using regenerative techniques, increasing both food production and personal fulfillment. Tune in to hear how Jim has transformed his passion for farming into a powerful force for community good. Episode Highlights: Jim's Farming Journey: Discover how Jim’s farming journey began. [1:40] Challenging Beginnings: Hear about Jim’s first year of growing. [4:11] Evolution of Wildflower Lane: Learn how his farm evolved into what it is today. [9:02] Crop Planning Challenges: Discover the difficulties of crop planning at Wildflower Lane. [23:02] Soil Fertility Program: Understand how the soil fertility program works. [24:38] Starting a

How can a zero-waste ecosystem benefit both the environment and the local community? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Will Harris, a fourth-generation farmer and the owner of White Oak Pastures. His regenerative farm maintains a zero-waste ecosystem that supports 10 species of animals and produces everything from high-quality meats to organic fertilizers, demonstrating their commitment to land, livestock, and community. Tune in to hear about Will’s journey from an industrial cattle operation to a zero-waste regenerative farm. Episode Highlights: Will's Farming Journey: Discover how Will’s farming journey began. [2:56] Joining Whole Foods: Explore how Will began his journey with Whole Foods. [6:56] On-Farm Processing: Discover the premise behind White Oak Pastures' on-farm processing [11:24] Their Commitment: Learn how White Oak Pastures implements its zero-waste policy. [21:01] The White Oak Team: Get insights into the size and structure of the White Oak team. [30:01] A

What could you achieve with an extra 10 hours each week on your farm? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Ari Memar, the founder and CEO of Farmhand. Ari combines his tech expertise with a passion for sustainable agriculture to help local farmers boost their profits and cut down their workload, all through innovative technology. Tune in to discover how this unique service can help you save time and money! Episode Highlights: Ari's Farming Journey: Discover how Ari transitioned from tech enthusiast to farming innovator. [1:41] Exploring Farmhand: Learn how Farmhand supports farmers and enhances agricultural practices. [5:53] Farmhand in Action: Hear how farmers use Farmhand to streamline their operations and boost business. [16:17] Simplicity and Accessibility: Find out what makes Farmhand a user-friendly solution for modern farmers. [18:57] Custom Solutions: Dive into the customization options Farmhand offers to meet diverse farming needs. [21:25] Website Building: