The Thriving Farmer Podcast

How can suburban spaces transform into sustainable farming hubs? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Bri Bosch who runs Blossom & Branch Farm in Colorado. On 1.7 acres in the suburbs of Denver, Briana and her husband have been blending budget-friendly farming with environmental stewardship, and offering educational classes and sustainable wedding florals. Listen in to hear how Bri incorporates cover crops, plastic-free practices, and holistic animal grazing to produce healthy soil and beautiful flowers. You’ll hear: What it’s like to farm in the suburbs 1:39 Why and how Bri’s farm has gone plastic-free 14:34 About the mulch they use on their garden 17:23 More about their unique seed starting process using wool 21:44 What the current main focuses are on the farm right now 29:53 About the types of classes they offer 32:22 More about how Briana manages the farm’s social media 58:04 About the Guest: Briana is a fifth generation farmer running her own regenerative flower

Does a farm run by its workers affect its success and how it operates? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Hannah Breckbill, who helped start Humble Hands Harvest. This organic farm in Northeast Iowa is run by its workers. Now in her 12th year, Hannah and her team practice no-till farming, showing their dedication to sustainable food and supporting the local community. Listen in to find out how Hannah runs this community-focused, worker-owned farm. You’ll hear: How Hannah got started in sustainable agriculture 1:00 About Humble Hands’ journey to owning land  5:01 What Certified Organic means to Hannah 8:51 About what the help on the farm is like as a worker-owned farm 11:06 More about the biggest challenges Humble Hands faces with their business model 18:37 About what kind of education/encouragement they offer the queer farming community 29:38 What Hannah’s advice is for beginning farmers 31:43 About the Guest: Hannah is starting her 12th season with Humble Hands Harves

What are the key benefits of integrating advanced technology into greenhouse construction? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Josh Holleb who is the Systems Integration Specialist at Ceres Greenhouse Solutions. Josh combines his construction and farming expertise to help create sustainable growing spaces that blend technology with smart design. Tune in to hear about sustainable greenhouses that blend technology with smart design. You’ll hear: How Josh got into greenhouses 0:51 More about the types of greenhouses they build 2:29 About the estimated costs for Ceres’ greenhouse designs 13:07 What are the biggest principles Josh has learned while working with Ceres 17:44 About the new markets Ceres has been exploring 22:17 More about The Vesta 23:46 How Ceres’ practices integrate with permaculture 30:12 About the Guest: Josh Holleb has been working at the intersection of construction and agriculture for over 15 years. From running organic farms to building permaculture sites

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 (

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 a

How does the health of soil directly impact global hunger solutions? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Abram J. Bicksler, Ph.D., who is President and CEO of ECHO, a global Christian organization focused on empowering the undernourished through sustainable hunger solutions. With over 15 years of international experience, Abram leads the charge to help foster sustainable agricultural practices and holistic missions worldwide. Tune in to hear how Abram leads ECHO to help small farmers thrive around the world! You’ll hear: How Abram got started in his career 1:02 More about Abram’s time working with government agencies  3:49 About some of the problems facing small farmers around the world 13:02 How ECHO helps farmers maintain organic matter in their soil 23:53 More about how ECHO provides pertinent information to people regarding conventional fertilizers 35:02 About the Guest: Abram J. Bicksler, Ph.D., is the President/CEO of ECHO, a global Christian technical resourcing and

How can SEO transform your farm's online visibility? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Julia Bocchese, a SEO Consultant for agriculture and horticulture businesses and founder of Homegrown Reach. With a deep passion for supporting local agriculture, Julia focuses on making businesses easily discoverable to their ideal customers through tailored optimization strategies. Tune in to hear how you can utilize SEO to reach more farm customers. You’ll hear: About what SEO is 2:19 How you should showcase your images 8:46 Whether people should use AI to generate their ad copy 13:34 More on what platforms Julia recommends 14:35 What specific SEO services Julia offers 19:12 What Julia’s advice is for someone who wants to dive into SEO 22:38 About the Guest: Julia Bocchese is an SEO Consultant for agriculture and horticulture businesses at Homegrown Reach and is the first SEO professor at Drexel University. Her goal is to make SEO strategies approachable and easy to implement for al

How can small farms compete in a wholesale market dominated by large agricultural businesses? On this episode, Michael is joined by Cole Mazariegos-Anastassiou who co-runs Brisa Ranch in California's Pescadero area. Together with his farm partners, their farm offers a variety of crops grown regeneratively on ecologically rich farmland for mainly local wholesale distribution.  Tune in to hear how Cole’s farm is successfully geared to wholesalers than direct to consumer. You’ll hear: About where Brisa Ranch is located 0:56 More about how they make their deliveries 3:16 What a typical week on the farm is like 5:22 About the soil fertility on the farm 8:35 More about their two irrigation systems they have 16:13 About the other owners and the kind of crew they maintain 24:50 What the biggest challenge has been since Brisa Ranch started  35:37 About the Guest: Cole Mazariegos-Anastassiou, along with Cristóbal Cruz Hernández and Verónica Mazariegos-Anastassiou, co-own Brisa Ranch which grows a diverse range of

How many plants does it take to get a pound of tomato seeds? On this episode we’re joined by Theresa Podoll from Prairie Road Organic Seed in Fullerton, North Dakota. Since 1997, Theresa and her husband, Dan, have been passionate about providing resilient, organic seed varieties with a focus on taste and abundance for their customers.  Tune in to hear about the important need for regional seed supplies and the role of seed companies in providing resources and support to gardeners. You’ll hear: How Theresa got started in farming and seed production 0:50 What Real Certified Organic means to Theresa 7:53 More about which seed crops use the most nutrients 13:48 About the methods they used to harvest their seeds 17:08 What is the hardest part of seed production, according to Theresa 26:54 What advice Theresa would give someone starting in seed production 35:09 About how many plants does it typically take to get a pound of tomato seed 41:17 More about their biggest challenges 42:31 About the Guest: Along with her

Can agroforestry boost farm profitability? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jeremy Kaufman who is Chief of Operations at Propagate, a leader in Agroforestry. Along with his team, Jeremy is fully committed to integrating agroforestry into farming to increase farm profits, decrease erosion and nutrient loss, and promote the broad use of sustainable farming methods.  Tune in to hear how integrating agroforestry into traditional farming practices can transform the agricultural landscape. You’ll hear: How Propagate Ag got started 1:03 About some of the large projects Propagate is currently working on 4:20 More about the motivation behind moving entirely to agroforestry 15:17 How Propagate aims to create a domestic wholesale market for chestnuts 18:42 About Propagate’s partnership with Rodale Institute 20:51 How Propagate handles marketing and buyer engagement 36:38 What Jeremy’s favorite tool is on the farm 44:43 About the Guest: Jeremy is an entrepreneur, designer and operati

Are you looking for more community and education on homesteading? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Amy Fewell, who is the visionary behind Homesteaders of America. As a published author, herbalist, and modern-day milkmaid, Amy nurtures her passion for self-sufficiency on her family’s farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  Tune in to hear more about herbalism and community cultivation from this inspiring homesteader. You’ll hear: When Amy got into homesteading 1:24 Some of Amy’s suggestions for getting kids to eat healthier 4:59 How Homesteaders of America creates a sense of community 15:39 About Amy’s favorite herbs 20:33 What Amy’s advice is for someone just getting into homesteading 25:45 More on the future plan for Homesteaders of America 42:07 What Amy’s favorite homesteading tool is 44:24 About the Guest: Amy Fewell is the author of two published books, and runs a homestead alongside her husband and three children in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

How long do you think it takes to get a cow from grain fed to fully grass-fed? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim Joseph, the pioneering founder of Maple Hill Creamery, the largest 100% regenerative, grass-fed organic dairy farm in the U.S. After leaving his corporate job, Tim positioned Maple Hill at the forefront of the dairy industry, championing grass-fed organic dairy and regenerative farming practices. Tune in to hear all about Tim and Maple Hill’s dairy farming journey. You’ll hear: How Tim got started in farming 1:26 Where all the milk went after the first 60 cows 5:12 About the decision on whether they needed a second farm 16:37 What allowed Maple Hill to scale so smoothly 20:43 More about when Tim knew he needed an experienced management team 26:12 Why don’t they make chocolate milk anymore (everybody loves it, nobody buys it!) 39:11 What Tim’s advice is for someone considering getting into dairy farming 40:49   About the Guest: In a world dominated by corpor

What are the unique challenges of growing and milling your own grains?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Alexis Dragovich, co-operator of Mud Run Farms in northeast Ohio. What started out as a 1st generation dairy farm has turned into a father daughter team working hard to make certified organic grains and fresh stone-ground flours more commonplace. Tune in to hear about Alexis’ passion for healthy grains, small business and their local community.  You’ll hear: How Mud Run Farm got started in growing grains 1:21 About the kind of mill Mud Run uses 3:11 What the difference is between hard red wheat and soft red wheat 6:38 More about how Mud Run Farm markets their products 12:07 What Alexis’ advise would be to herself at the start of her journey 18:37   About the Guest: Alexis Dragovich is co-operating Mud Run Farm, a small, certified organic farm in Northeast Ohio. What started out as a 1st generation 6-head family dairy farm has turned into a certified organic, diverse s

How does your local climate influence your agricultural decisions?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jodi Roebuck who is the trailblazing market gardener and mentor at Roebuck Farm in Taranaki, New Zealand.  With over two decades of experience, Jodi guides fellow growers toward more economically viable farming practices, embodying his belief that when environmental and financial health go hand in hand, true sustainability is achieved. Tune in to hear all about farming in windy and wet New Zealand!    You’ll hear:  What farming is like in New Zealand 1:55 How Jodi got started in farming 3:43 What a high-wind hoop house/greenhouse looks like 12:02 About what a typical day looks like on Jodi’s farm 20:53 What Jodi’s thought process was leading up to the big greenhouse project 28:29 What key principles Roebuck Farm follows to sustain their success 39:17 More on what the next years hold for Roebuck Farm 45:19 What would Jodi do differently given the opportunity to start over 47

What unique challenges and rewards come with chestnut farming? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Brad Russell of Chestnuts in the Ozarks in Omaha, Arkansas. Brad’s lifelong respect for nature along with his dedication to sustainable agriculture has guided him and his wife, Sandy, to revive and sustain the long-forgotten legacy of chestnut farming in the United States.  Tune in to hear all about Chestnuts in the Ozarks and the world of chestnut farming! You’ll hear: How Brad got started in chestnuts 0:49 What varieties of chestnuts does Brad’s farm work with 8:13 About the care methods for chestnut trees 12:29 How someone who wants to plant chestnut trees would need to plan 14:03 About which insects people should watch out for 18:19 About what bare roots trees typically cost 22:31 How you can learn more about Chestnuts in the Ozarks 27:37 About the Guest: In the picturesque countryside of the Ozarks in Omaha, Arkansas, Brad and Sandy Russell discovered their farm’s purpose

How do you take your homestead from beginner to profitable?    On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Ann Accetta-Scott, a dedicated first-generation homesteader and the author behind "The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest." While managing her family farm in Middle Tennessee, Ann shares her journey from self-taught beginnings to becoming a community cultivator and advocate for a simpler, more sustainable way of life. Tune in to hear how Ann teaches others how to establish a life centered around clean eating, food ownership, and homesteading skills. You’ll hear: About why Ann got started in farming 0:47 What their biggest challenge was when increasing their farm’s acreage 2:18 What Ann’s goal was when she started the garden 12:04 What challenges Ann experienced when moving cross country 14:44 How Ann designed her garden for preservation 20:08 Ann’s tips for making a homestead profitable 39:03 What is covered in The Farm Girl’s Guide to Preserving the Harvest 54:19 Ab

Are you ready to take your vegetable farming to the next level?     On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael shares about this year’s Thriving Farmer Summit and this year is all about Vegetables. The Summit is a free event happening January 12-14th and features a lineup of expert speakers covering topics from fertilizer-free farming methods and winter production to balancing family and farming, soil tests, compost and much more.   Tune in to hear about how this year’s Summit offers valuable insights and practical tips for farmers to improve their farming practices and grow better quality vegetables. Click here to register for the Vegetable Summit. You’ll hear: About what the Thriving Farmer Vegetable Summit is all about  Some details about each of this year’s Session Speakers What some of Michael’s biggest takeaways were from his interviews How to register for the Vegetable Summit About the Guest: Michael Kilpatrick is a farmer and educator in Carlisle, Ohio. Along with his wife, Savannah,

Do you take the time to reflect on the past year of your farm?    On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by his wife, Savannah. Together, they chat about how this past year went at their farm in Ohio called The Farm on Central. From building a farm store to strawberries and sourdough, they share the up's and down's of 2023. Tune in to hear about this Year in Review and how they are taking the lessons they learned into the New Year. You’ll hear: Why they started The Farm on Central 1:01 About what all has changed with their store this year 5:19 What they’ve been doing with sourdough bread 11:35 About how they did their hiring and team management 15:17 An update on their farm’s soil and water 24:47 What is currently going on with their wellness line 29:52 An update on some new land they recently leased 39:35 About the Guest: Michael & Savannah Kilpatrick are farmers and educators in Carlisle, Ohio. Together they run The Farm on Central, where they pursue their passion of p

What lessons can Southern gardeners learn from Melissa Smith's experience with dahlias?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Melissa Smith of Fraylick Farm who is a passionate gardener, dahlia enthusiast, and experienced flower farmer. As a Clemson certified Master Gardener and a self-taught expert in the art of cut flower cultivation, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for nurturing beauty in every bloom.  Tune in to hear how Melissa markets her flower farm and her passion for dahlias.  You’ll hear:  How Melissa got started with growing flowers 0:56 What Fraylick Farm’s marketing looks like 7:30 How does their wholesale model work 11:30 About Melissa’s criteria for covering versus not covering the flower buds 32:36 How much fertilizer farmers should use on dahlias 43:06 What Melissa’s advice is for someone looking to get started in flower farming 49:47 About Melissa’s favorite farming tool 54:01 About the Guest: Melissa Smith is a seasoned gardener and far

What can you learn from a food hub model of connecting local producers with chefs and consumers?   On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jeff Bednar, the innovative force behind Profound Foods in North Texas. Since 2014, Jeff and his wife, Lee, have been revolutionizing local food systems and specializing in hydroponic produce. Jeff connects consumers directly to locally-grown food through his online marketplace, all while fostering community education and supporting future food entrepreneurs.  Tune in to hear all about how Jeff built a farm and food hub with a solid reputation for quality, consistency and education.   You’ll hear: About how Jeff got started in farming  0:58 How they started selling to chefs and restaurants 6:05 About how the food hub pricing model works 10:20 What their marketing looks like 14:28 How Jeff has assembled the Profound Foods team 18:10 About how the Profound Foods dinners work 23:06 What Jeff would do differently if he could start over again 33:08