249. Taylor Ayers on Regenerating Health and Farmland

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 crops (nearly 40 different crops) on over 30 acres. About 95% of their sales are B2B, selling directly to a range of grocery stores, school districts, universities, hospitals, corporate kitchens, food banks, etc. Beyond being certified organic, they are certified with Real Organic Project to differentiate their soil-focused growing practices.

Resources:

Website - www.brisaranch.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brisaranch
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/brisaranch

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Unlock the potential of elderberry farming with Growing Farmers! Elderberries, thriving even on marginal land, offer a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Not just the berries, but also sticks, flowers, and leaves are in demand, diversifying income streams. 

With initial investments as low as $12.75 for cuttings, the path to a profitable agribusiness is within reach. This resilient crop can be your gateway to tapping into a growing market for health-conscious consumers. 

Start your elderberry venture today and cultivate success. For more details, visit shop.growingfarmers.com.

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 husband, Dan, Theresa Podoll runs Prairie Road Organic Seed in Fullerton, ND where they focus on providing their customers with strong, resilient seeds of 'work-horse' varieties. They’ve been seed producers and contract growers for other garden seed companies since 1997 and all of Prairie Road’s seed is grown on their farm which has been certified organic since 1977.

Resources:

Website - https://www.prairieroadorganic.co/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PrairieRoadOrganicSeed
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theresa_at_prairie_road/

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Unlock the potential of elderberry farming with Growing Farmers! Elderberries, thriving even on marginal land, offer a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Not just the berries, but also sticks, flowers, and leaves are in demand, diversifying income streams. 

With initial investments as low as $12.75 for cuttings, the path to a profitable agribusiness is within reach. This resilient crop can be your gateway to tapping into a growing market for health-conscious consumers. 

Start your elderberry venture today and cultivate success. For more details, visit shop.growingfarmers.com.

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 operations executive who previously designed digital products for a range of companies from startups to Fortune 500. At Propagate, Jeremy leads technology development & operations. Jeremy holds a B.A. in Entrepreneurship from Miami University. Having worked on organic farms, and being a part of a 3rd generation family timber products business, he is focused on the systemic interplay between agricultural, economic, and cultural paradigms.

Resources:

Website - propagateag.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/propagateag/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/propagate_ag/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/propagateag/

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Unlock the potential of elderberry farming with Growing Farmers! Elderberries, thriving even on marginal land, offer a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Not just the berries, but also sticks, flowers, and leaves are in demand, diversifying income streams. 

With initial investments as low as $12.75 for cuttings, the path to a profitable agribusiness is within reach. This resilient crop can be your gateway to tapping into a growing market for health-conscious consumers. 

Start your elderberry venture today and cultivate success. For more details, visit shop.growingfarmers.com.

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 of Virginia. She is an herbalist, avid gardener, and modern day milkmaid as well as the founder of Homesteaders of America. 

Resources:
Website - https://thefewellhomestead.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amy.fewell
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thefewellhomestead

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Explore new revenue opportunities with Harvest Hosts! List your farm and connect with a community of more than 250,000 RVers eager to support small businesses! You only need to provide space for at least one RVer to stay overnight. In exchange, the RVers will patronize your farm. No hook-ups or RV services required! Ready to add 15K+ in extra revenue with minimal time investment? Visit us at HarvestHosts.com today!

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 corporate conventional farming, Tim Joseph, Founder of Maple Hill Creamery, chose a different path. He made the decision to leave his corporate job and embark on a journey of owning a farm and raising his four young boys. That same year, Maple Hill Creamery's mission, focusing on "better for the cows, consumers, land, and farmers," began to resonate with a wider audience across the U.S., with this vision going beyond profit margins, seeing dairy farming as a lifestyle to him and hundreds of family farms they work with. 

Resources: 

Website - https://www.maplehill.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maplehillcreamery/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MapleHillCreamery/

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Unlock the potential of elderberry farming with Growing Farmers! Elderberries, thriving even on marginal land, offer a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Not just the berries, but also sticks, flowers, and leaves are in demand, diversifying income streams. 

With initial investments as low as $12.75 for cuttings, the path to a profitable agribusiness is within reach. This resilient crop can be your gateway to tapping into a growing market for health-conscious consumers. 

Start your elderberry venture today and cultivate success. For more details, visit shop.growingfarmers.com.

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 small grain farm, mill and business. Along with her father, Alex, Alexis is now focused mainly on producing and milling small grains to produce something that was really lacking in their region and community. This father-daughter team shares a strong passion for organics, the environment, and small businesses.

Resources: 

Website - https://www.mudrunfarmorganics.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mudrunfarmorganics
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mudrunfarmorganics

Resource mentioned: Artisan Grain Collaborative

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Explore new revenue opportunities with Harvest Hosts! List your farm and connect with a community of more than 250,000 RVers eager to support small businesses! You only need to provide space for at least one RVer to stay overnight. In exchange, the RVers will patronize your farm. No hook-ups or RV services required! Ready to add 15K+ in extra revenue with minimal time investment? Visit us at HarvestHosts.com today! 

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 47:50
  
  

About the Guest: 

Jodi Roebuck is a world-renowned contemporary market gardener with 20+ years experience in sustainable growing and coaches the essentials of a profitable market garden business. Jodi’s philosophy is clear: true sustainability must also be profitable. He firmly believes that being “green” is only achievable if you’re not “in the red,” emphasizing the importance of economic viability in sustainable agriculture.

Resources: 

Website - https://www.roebuckfarm.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jodiroebuck/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RoebuckFarm
Podcast Mentioned: The Profitable Mini Farm

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.

You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.

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 in the age-old tradition of chestnut farming where Chestnuts in the Ozarks was born. Brad grew up with a profound respect for nature and an unwavering passion for sustainable agriculture. Brad and Sandy’s journey in the world of chestnut farming would become a testament to their love for each other, the earth, and their deep connection to their farm. It has become their determination to sustain an age-old legacy that has been long forgotten here in the United States. 

Resources: 

Website - https://www.chestnutsintheozarks.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chestnutsozark/
Facebook - Chestnuts in the Ozarks

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement that provides an add-on certification held by over 1,000 certified organic, family-owned operations across North America. Real Organic Project strives to uplift farms working within the spirit, not just the letter, of organic principles. Real Organic certified farmers use practices that are centered around the foundational organic principles of soil-based crop production and pasture-based livestock agriculture. To remain accessible to all types of farmers, Real Organic Project fundraises year round to keep this certification available at no cost to farmers.

You can apply today at realorganicproject.org/thrivingfarmer.

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
  
  

About the Guest:

Ann is a first-generation homesteader who manages her small family farm in southern Middle Tennessee. She is the author of The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest and the content curator for her website, A Farm Girl in the Making. Ann is a teacher by trade but has left the school system to teach individuals how to achieve a simpler and more traditional way of life. 

Resources: 

Website - https://afarmgirlinthemaking.com/
Facebook - A Farm Girl in the Making
Instagram - A Farm Girl in the Making
Her Book The Farm Girl’s Guide to Preserving the Harvest

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

The 2024 Thriving Farmer Vegetable Summit is in the books. Did you miss it? No worries! You still have the chance to catch all the invaluable insights and expert advice. Grab your All-Access Pass today and learn at your own pace about innovative farming techniques, effective marketing strategies, and how to maximize yields and profits on your farm or homestead. Visit farmsummits.com now to get your All-Access Pass and start your journey to a more successful and sustainable farming future!

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, they run the Farm on Central, where they pursue their passion of providing fresh and local food to the community.

In addition to co-running the farm, Savannah teaches cooking, canning, and baking classes from her kitchen. Meanwhile, Michael is also the founder of Growing Farmers and the Thriving Farmer Online Summits and is dedicated to providing educational resources for farmers.

Together, they reach a community of over 60,000 farmers, homesteaders, and families!

Resources: 

Website - Register here for the Vegetable Summit

And if you want to keep the conversation going, join us in our Facebook Group to connect with us and other farmers looking to grow their business!

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Explore new revenue opportunities with Harvest Hosts! List your farm and connect with a community of more than 250,000 RVers eager to support small businesses! You only need to provide space for at least one RVer to stay overnight. In exchange, the RVers will patronize your farm. No hook-ups or RV services required! Ready to add 15K+ in extra revenue with minimal time investment? Visit us at Harvest Hosts.com today!