regenerative farmer

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 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.

 

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 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 - https://farmoncentral.com/
Crowdfunding Page - https://farmoncentral.com/crowdfunding/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/farmoncentral/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/farmoncentral

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!

 

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 farmer, renowned for her deep love for dahlias and an impressive array of cut flowers. With a gardening journey rooted in the South, Melissa has honed her skills to navigate the challenges of Southern horticulture, turning her dreams of lush, bountiful gardens into a vibrant reality. A Clemson certified Master Gardener, she embodies a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach to flower farming, dedicating her time to thinking, planning, and growing an extensive variety of blooms. 

Resources:

Website - www.fraylick.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FraylickFarms
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/flwrtherapy/

 

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

MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products.

In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.

She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.

Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast

 

Ever thought about shifting your farm to a U-Pick model? 

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is diving into the world of agritourism with Megan Neubauer of Pure Land Farm located in McKinney, Texas. Megan literally wrote the book on pick-your-own farming and her farming journey offers invaluable insights into transforming local agriculture into a profitable, community-driven experience.

Tune in to hear about Megan’s thriving U-Pick operation and her new book!

 

You’ll hear:

• How Megan got into farming 0:52
• What led Megan to shift her farm to Upick 4:52
• What the average customer expects when participating in U-pick 10:37
• How their crops are priced 11:42
• About how they package their berries for U-Pick customers 15:08
• What software Megan uses for booking 21:23
• About how they deal with “problem people” 25:00
• About their marketing focus 30:19
• What Megan’s advice is for newer farmers or farmers looking to change things up 38:04

 

About the Guest:

Megan Neubauer is a farmer in North Texas. She graduated with a BS in Biology from Boston University in 2004 and after several years working in biotech and scientific research, Megan and her father created Pure Land Farm in McKinney, TX in 2012. Pure Land Farm uses regenerative growing methods on three acres of thornless blackberries and two acres of diversified fruits and vegetables, exclusively marketing their products using agritourism.

Her new book on Pick-Your-Own-Farming releases December 4th, 2023. 

 

Resources:

Website - www.purelandorganic.com
Megan’s Book - Pick-Your-Own Farming - available NOW
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PureLandFarm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/purelandfarm
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@purelandfarm

 

 

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

MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products.

In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.

She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.

Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast

 

What challenges and opportunities arise when starting a farm and retail venture from scratch?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jacob Towe of Jubilee Farms in Pauline, South Carolina. After helping with his family’s Christmas tree farm from an early age, Jacob launched his own regenerative farm as well as a local grocery store focused on real food and farm-to-table connections.  

Tune in to hear how Jacob boot-strapped his way into a successful farm life!

 

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• How Jacob got started in regenerative farming 0:55
• What his biggest takeaways were from his time at Polyface Farm 3:11
• What kind of farmland Jubilee Farm has 9:16
• More about the farm’s grocery store 10:45
• What Jacob would do differently given the opportunity to start over 24:21
• About their store’s customers and what they purchase most 31:08
• What Jacob’s advice is for newer farmers 32:45

 

About the Guest:

Jacob Towe is the owner of Jubilee Farms and co-owner of Farmfare Grocery in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. He has been involved in agriculture from an early age helping with his grandfather's Christmas tree farm and later getting his own chickens. After a summer at Polyface in 2017 he launched Jubilee Farms as a first generation livestock farmer. Recently he opened his first retail location named Farmfare in partnership with his mother Paula. 

Resources:

Website - Jubileefarmssc.com
Farm’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jubileefarmssc/
Store’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FarmfareLocalGrocery/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jubilee_farms_sc/

 

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

MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products.

In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.

She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.

Subscribe to her show at https://www.mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast

 

Can “regenerative filmmaking” help with our current agricultural challenges?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Josh and Rebecca Tickell who are the filmmakers of the recently released documentary Common Ground. This highly anticipated follow-up to their first film Kiss the Ground is an urgent call to action and offers a plan for how we can save the future, heal our climate, and fix our broken food system – all through regenerative agriculture.

Tune in to hear about their journey with “regenerative filmmaking”. 

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• What got Rebecca and Josh into “regenerative filmmaking” 1:14

• How they realized Kiss the Ground had become such a hit 3:22

• About the impacts conventional farming has made on the earth and our health 14:35

• How they refused to have the movie censored in any way 21:15

• About the project called 100 Million Acres 27:46

• What did they learn the most from the making of Common Ground 31:42

 

About the Guest:

Josh and Rebecca Tickell are Sundance Award-Winning filmmakers of the recent documentary Common Ground, a follow-up to their highly acclaimed documentary Kiss the Ground. Their production company, Big Picture Ranch, creates content that changes the global narrative around important environmental issues.

They’ve won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival with their first film FUEL, premiered their oil spill documentary THE BIG FIX as an official selection at Cannes, and are launching their first scripted feature film, HEARTLAND soon.

Resources:

Film Website - https://commongroundfilm.org/
Host a Screening on your Farm!
100 Million Acres: A Common Ground Project
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/commongroundfilm/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/commongroundthefilm/

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

MyDigitalFarmer.com was created by CSA farmer and marketing specialist Corinna Bench to help farmers learn the marketing fundamentals — so you can stop feeling uncertain, frustrated, guilty, or inadequate when it comes to selling your products. 

In the My Digital Farmer podcast, you'll be exposed to the fundamentals of marketing theory and practice so you can apply them to your own farm and business. She'll cover marketing funnels, copywriting, website messaging, CSA marketing, lead generation, brand building, social media, customer retention, Facebook ads, sales pages, Facebook groups, YouTube, Instagram, email marketing, and stellar customer service.

She also interviews other farmers to find out what’s working (and not working) in farm marketing so you can feel more confident in your ability to convert leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.

Subscribe to her show at https://bit.ly/mydigitalfarmer.

 

How do you keep productivity up on your farm?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by John Arbuckle of Singing Pastures Farm. Along with a network of farm partners, John and his family raise heritage breed pigs in the grassy fields of coastal Maine. Hear more about the day-to-day operations and decisions behind this sustainable farm and the uniqueness of their Roam Sticks..

Tune in as we explore their shift from traditional pork production to a product-centric system.  

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• What John’s farming journey was like growing up 2:34
• About the transition from pork to snack sticks 9:26
• How they set their farm up to be a product-centric system 13:26
• About the big system farm changes to help alleviate John’s workload 17:26
• More on where the pork get processed 23:23
• What a typical day on the farm is like for John 25:15
• John’s advice for new farmers 34:24
• About the farm’s distribution 41:43
• What makes Singing Pastures’ Roam Sticks different from other meat sticks 42:44
• What is John’s favorite tool on the farm? 48:09

 

About the Guest:

John Arbuckle, of Singing Pastures Farm is a 9th generation farmer. Along with a network of farm partners, John and his family raise heritage breed pigs in the grassy fields of coastal Maine where they are changing the food system from the ground up. 

Singing Pastures is a 9th generation farm family focusing on creating the mostly unique and delicious snacks out there! We raise pigs on pasture in ways that create nutrient dense meat, heal ecosystems and nurture wildlife.

 

Resources:

 

Website -  https://singingpastures.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/singingpastures/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/singingpastures/

 

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

Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases. 

Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.

You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org.