The Thriving Farmer Podcast

What does it take to turn six acres into a destination for food, flowers, and connection?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Julie Warpinski, founder of Rosewood Farm in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Drawing on her background as a chef, Julie has transformed six acres into a vibrant destination for seasonal produce, fresh flowers, and memorable events. From CSA programs and farm camps to weddings and cooking classes, Rosewood blends the beauty of farm life with the joy of gathering. In this episode, you’ll hear: From Kitchen to Field – How Julie’s culinary roots inspired her journey into farming [0:57] Hands-On Learning – The types of classes and educational programs offered at Rosewood [8:07] Seasonal Growing – How Rosewood produces fresh vegetables and flowers throughout the year [10:31] Marketing the Farm – The strategies Julie uses to reach and engage her customers [16:18] Life on the Farm – What a typical day looks like and how Julie manages her time [27:47] Sustainability in P

How can farming protect culture and sustain communities in the midst of conflict? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Karmel Abufarha, Marketing Manager of Canaan Palestine. Since 2013, Karmel has worked alongside his father and Palestinian smallholder farmers to create a route-to-market for ancient olive groves and traditional crops. What started as a local effort to safeguard livelihoods has grown into a global movement, connecting Palestinian farmers with consumers who value sustainability, social responsibility, and regenerative practices. Tune in to hear how Karmel and the team at Canaan are preserving cultural heritage, uplifting farming families, and building hope for the next generation. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Returning to Palestine: What led Karmel to leave Wisconsin and join his family’s farming mission [1:11] Water Conservation: Is mulching an effective method for olive groves? [11:47] Co-op Structure: What does the average family farm look like in Palestine? [13:46]

What happens when we slow down, listen to nature, and “learn something old”? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kaylee Richardson, Virginia-based herbalist, beekeeper, and author of The Beekeeper’s Apothecary. With roots in Appalachia and a heart for old-world wisdom, Kaylee shares her journey from the medical field to full-time homesteading. Tune in to learn how she integrates herbalism and beekeeping to build a thriving, intentional lifestyle—and how you can begin to “learn something old” each day. In this episode, you’ll hear: Getting Started with Bees: How Kaylee got into beekeeping and what drew her to working with honey bees. [0:54] Growing Herbs at Home: Kaylee’s insights into growing herbs—what’s easy, what’s tricky, and how to get started. [7:19] Beekeeping on the Homestead: What Kaylee does with her bees and how they fit into her larger homesteading lifestyle. [17:54] Herbal Bee Care: How Kaylee uses herbs to support and treat her colonies naturally. [25:12] Selli

What happens when the interviewer becomes the guest? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, the mic flips as Rodger Wasson, longtime advocate for farmers and host of the Farm to Table Talk Podcast, interviews our own Michael Kilpatrick. From behind-the-scenes systems to current hurdles, Rodger dives deep into the day-to-day of Michael’s farm, business, and mindset as a leader in the regenerative agriculture space. Tune in for a rare peek into what’s working (and what’s not) at the Farm on Central farm and store — and why Michael remains committed to helping small farms succeed.   In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Product overview – What the Farm on Central store offers and what’s produced on the farm [2:57] Mushroom production – Does the team grow fungi on site? [8:19] Local sourcing – How much of their product lineup is grown at home vs. sourced [11:28] Marketing strategy – How they reach customers and spread the word [18:10] Current challenges – The biggest hurdles facing Michael and the team right now [28:

What happens when two forward-thinking Iowa farmers team up to help others grow better businesses? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tanner Winterhof and Corey Hillebo, hosts of the Farm4Profit Podcast. With backgrounds in finance, crop and livestock production, and agribusiness leadership, Tanner and Corey are on a mission to help farmers treat their operations like profitable, resilient businesses. Through the Farm4Profit platform, they share tools, technology, and mindset shifts to help farms succeed in today’s complex ag economy. Tune in to hear how they balance tradition with innovation, and why they're passionate about sharing the lessons they’ve learned along the way.   In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why Farm4Profit?: How they chose their name and why profit is a key focus for farmers [1:26] Crop Innovation: How real crop farming has changed in recent years [3:56] Tech & Inputs: The evolving role of technology and chemical use in modern agriculture [9:37] Farm as a Busi

What does it look like to steward a diversified organic farm across six generations? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by John Bell, managing owner of Elmwood Stock Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. John and his wife Melissa are raising the farm’s seventh generation while managing over 400 acres of USDA Certified Organic vegetables, poultry, pork, and grass-fed beef. Since becoming certified organic in 2000, Elmwood Stock Farm has focused on sustainable rotations of crops and livestock to build soil health, reduce off-farm inputs, and nourish their community with nutrient-dense food. Tune in to hear how this legacy farm continues to thrive in a modern marketplace. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Farm history – When Elmwood Stock Farm was established and how it’s evolved [0:59] Animal integration – How and when livestock were added to the operation [8:29] Customer base – Who buys their diverse organic products and how they connect with their market [21:17] Vision for the future – Jo

What does it look like to transform land, community, and food systems—all at once? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Zeb Horrell, Chief Regenerative Officer at Mangaroa Farms in Whitemans Valley, New Zealand. Zeb is a third-generation farmer turned regenerative land steward, working to reimagine what farming can be through bioregional resilience, collaborative land models, and deep ecological awareness. At Mangaroa Farms—a community food hub and living laboratory—they’re transitioning former dairy and pine operations into regenerative agriculture and native forest systems.  Tune in to hear how Zeb is integrating education, community events, and hands-on ecological practices to build a thriving, resilient future from the ground up.   In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Early background – What Zeb was doing before joining Mangaroa Farms [3:22] Farm enterprises – The mix of operations they manage, from animals to vegetables [4:46] Leadership role – What Zeb’s work as Chief Regenerative Of

What role does security play in building a thriving homestead? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim Eng, a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and real estate expert who now helps families transition into resilient, self-sufficient homesteads. After years in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the U.S., Tim and his family made the leap to homesteading in Tennessee. With a background in military engineering and a passion for regenerative living, Tim now teaches homesteaders how to build security into their land, homes, and communities—from the ground up. Tune in to hear how Tim combines military strategy and permaculture to help others protect what matters most. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why security matters: Why should every homesteader take security into account? Axis Control: What it means and how it applies to protecting your land [12:05] Preparedness Planning: What emergency preparedness really looks like for homesteaders [19:23] Smart Land Buying: What to con

How can homesteaders empower the next generation through practical, real-world learning? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kody Hanner, a homesteader, author, and educator based in North Idaho. As the founder of The Homestead Education, Kody helps families integrate homesteading and self-sufficiency into their homeschooling journey. What began as a personal health journey turned into a life-changing homestead and a mission to equip children with the tools they need to thrive outside the traditional classroom. Tune in to hear how Kody’s family healed, homesteaded, and built a thriving educational business to help others do the same. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Health Journey: What led Kody to rethink her family’s lifestyle and food choices? [1:41] Healing at Home: How the Hanners reversed a terminal diagnosis with food and farming [3:47] Moving Without a Map: What gave Kody the courage to leap into homesteading with no clear plan? [13:33] Hands-On Learning: How Kody’s curriculum bri

How can global trade empower farmers and create a more just food system? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Paul Rice, Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. After spending more than a decade working with coffee farmers in Nicaragua, Paul returned to the U.S. to launch the Fair Trade Certified™ label—transforming the way we think about sourcing coffee, cocoa, produce, apparel, and more. Since 1998, Paul has partnered with over 1,400 companies, from Whole Foods to Patagonia, helping channel billions of dollars into the hands of farmers and workers worldwide. In this episode, he shares the early days of the movement, what’s changed for farmers globally, and how transparency, sustainability, and equity are shaping the future of food and farming. Tune in to hear how Paul’s on-the-ground experience shaped a global movement, why Fair Trade still matters today, and what’s next for ethical sourcing and sustainable farming.   In This Episode, You’ll Hear:  Origins Abroad: What took Paul to Nicarag

What does it take to build a thriving farm business while raising a family and stewarding the land for the next generation? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kyle Becker, owner of Becker Farms in Moorland, Indiana. Since 2007, Kyle and his wife, Emily, have grown their farm from a small freezer beef operation into a diversified livestock farm offering beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, and local milk. In addition to running the farm, Kyle works as a food animal veterinarian, serving dairy and beef farms across Indiana and Ohio. With a deep focus on soil health, responsible stewardship, and producing nutrient-dense food, the Beckers are committed to providing safe, high-quality products to their community. Tune in to hear how Kyle balances farming, veterinary work, and family life — and why soil health is at the root of it all.   In This Episode, You’ll Hear:  Farm beginnings: Kyle shares the story behind Becker Farms and their mission to raise safe, healthy meats [1:32] Land and li

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

What happens when two first-generation farmers decide to team up instead of compete? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jody Prosser and Mady Hastings, co-owners of Urban Roots Collective in Simpsonville, South Carolina. These first-generation female farmers each started out with their own small farms and no prior ag experience—but when they met, they quickly realized they could grow more and serve more together. Now operating as a team, they’re cultivating vegetables, flowers, and animals on regenerative principles and selling through a unique farmstand model that’s as much about community as it is about food. Tune in to hear how they built Urban Roots from the ground up, the lessons they’ve learned in soil health, collaboration, and customer engagement, and what’s next for this dynamic duo.  Episode Highlights: The Origin Story: How did Mady and Jody move from running competing farms to joining forces? [1:45] Soil Strategies: How they approach soil fertility and composting in a toug

How can agritourism deepen community connections and support a diversified farm? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Maren Beard, co-owner of Luna Valley Farm in Decorah, Iowa. Maren and her husband, Tom, run a certified organic regenerative farm, raising 100% grass-fed cattle and sheep while also serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas to their community. Tune in to hear how Luna Valley is creating connection through food and what it really takes to run a thriving pizza farm! Episode Highlights: Origin Story: How did Maren and Tom get started with Luna Valley Farm? [1:41] Turning a Barn into a Pizzeria: What inspired the idea for pizza nights, and how did it grow? [6:49] Day-to-Day Life: What does a typical week look like on Luna Valley? [8:51] Wood-Fired Pizza: What are the most popular pizza offerings, and what makes them so special? [16:47] Cattle Farming: How does the grass-fed cattle operation fit into their regenerative practices? [24:45] Hindsight: What would Maren do diffe

How can urban farming transform communities and increase access to fresh, local food? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Devon Wilson, founder and farmer of Sunlight Gardens, a two-acre organic urban farm in Battle Creek, Michigan. Devon started Sunlight Gardens to increase access to fresh, local food and inspire the next generation of farmers through their fresh corner store, community events, and Farm Squad youth program. Devon’s passion for food justice stems from personal experience—witnessing multiple family members struggle with diet-related illnesses. Now, he’s working toward equitable food systems and sustainable change by bringing fresh produce to his community. Tune in to hear how Devon and his team built Sunlight Gardens from the ground up and what’s next for this thriving urban farm!   Episode Highlights: Getting Started: How did Devon get into farming? [1:33] Land Access: How did Sunlight Gardens acquire its current property? [5:05] Fresh Corner Store: How did Farmac

How does carrot-finished beef set a new standard for flavor and sustainability? In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Pettit, third-generation rancher and co-founder of Santa Carota Beef—the only grass-fed, carrot-finished beef on the market. By finishing cattle on a 95% carrot-based diet, Justin has crafted a nutrient-rich, flavorful beef that’s earned praise from top chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay. Tune in to hear how Justin is redefining high-quality beef with a focus on sustainability, nutrition, and exceptional taste!   Episode Highlights: Ranching Roots: How did Santa Carota Beef get started? [1:45] Nutrient Profile: What makes carrot-finished beef different? [7:33] Life Cycle: What is the journey of Santa Carota’s cattle? [9:56] Availability: How can customers get their hands on this unique beef? [15:05] Future Plans: What’s next for Santa Carota Beef? [18:14] Team and Operations: How big is the Santa Carota team? [23:15] Farm Life: What’s Justin’s favorite part of ranching? [29:02] Do

How can small-scale farmers maximize productivity while staying true to their values? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Sara Krohn and Sam Odin, owners of Village Farmstead, a USDA-Certified Organic farm in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Farming on just one acre, they prioritize human-scale farming, soil health, and a deep connection to their community. Sara and Sam are also part of a 14-acre housing cooperative, where their farm integrates with a broader vision of sustainable living. They rely on hand tools, minimal soil disturbance, and permanent raised beds to create a financially and ecologically sustainable farm. Tune in to hear how they make it all work while maintaining a thriving, small-scale operation!   Episode Highlights: Farming Beginnings: How did Sara and Sam get started in farming? [1:39] Farm Layout: What is the setup of Village Farmstead? [4:24] Soil Fertility: How do they build and maintain soil health? [8:22] Weekly Schedule: What does a typical week look like on their

How can farmers integrate trees into vegetable production to enhance yield, biodiversity, and resilience? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Raskin and Andy Dibben, co-authors of Silvohorticulture, the first detailed guide on agroforestry for vegetable farms. With extensive experience in commercial horticulture and agroforestry design, Ben and Andy provide practical insights into how farmers can successfully integrate trees into their growing systems. Tune in to learn how agroforestry can optimize farm productivity, improve soil health, manage pests, and reduce costs—all while fostering biodiversity and resilience in changing climates. Episode Highlights: Farming Beginnings: How did Ben and Andy get into agriculture? [1:44] Origins of Silvohorticulture: What inspired their book and approach? [3:15] Managing Tree Roots: How do they prevent competition with vegetables? [15:43] Crop Compatibility: What crops thrive in their agroforestry systems? [19:33] Lessons from Other Farms

How can farmers streamline record-keeping and operations management with technology? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Tracey Wiedmeyer, co-founder of Gripp. Growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, Tracey combined his deep-rooted agricultural knowledge with his expertise in technology to create a platform that simplifies farm operations. Gripp centralizes everything from equipment tracking to team communication, making it easier for farmers to stay organized and efficient. Tune in to hear how Tracey and his team are transforming record-keeping, winning industry recognition, and shaping the future of agricultural technology.   Episode Highlights: Farming Beginnings: What was it like for Tracey growing up on a farm? [1:39] Career Path: How did Tracey’s journey lead him to agricultural technology? [3:38] The Birth of Gripp: What convinced Tracey to launch Gripp? [8:25] Organic Farming: Can Gripp be useful for organic record-keeping? [16:50] Ease of Use: How tech-friendly is Gripp

How can farmers and chefs work together to strengthen local food systems? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Trisha Bates, founder of Urban American Farmer in Austin, Texas. Trisha’s background in urban planning and the restaurant industry has shaped her mission to bridge the gap between farms, chefs, and consumers.  Tune in to hear how her work in foodscaping, event planning, and farm education has helped to create a more connected and resilient local food system.   Episode Highlights: Farming Beginnings: How did Trisha get into farming? [1:36] Scope of Work: What is Trisha’s current role and responsibilities? [8:22] Crop Selection: What kinds of crops is she growing? [11:20] Community Engagement: What kinds of festivals and events does Trisha run? [13:19] Foodscaping Approach: What does Urban American Farmer do with foodscaping? [19:44] Lessons Learned: What would Trisha change if she could start her farming journey over again? [27:14] Don't miss this episode on the power of u