In this episode, we sit down with Doug and Kayleigh fromBreadseed Farm, who share their inspiring journey of leaving salaried farm management positions tostart their own one-acre, no-till, human-powered farmin Vermont. They open up about the challenges and rewards ofmaking the leap to farm ownership, including thefear of financial instability and the excitement ofbuilding something from the ground up.

We discuss the realities ofmaking a living as small-scale farmers, how they grew their farm to nearly$200K in revenue in just a few years, and the importance of creatingefficient systems to maximize productivity.

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Timestamps

[10:47] Leaving salaried farm management to start their own farm

[15:17] Acquiring land and starting Breadseed Farm during COVID

[20:51] HowThe Market Gardener book inspired their no-till transition

[26:25] Managing a farm crew: Lessons in communication and efficiency

[30:40] The importance of community engagement and on-farm experiences

[38:06] Breaking into farmers markets and building strong sales channels

[44:12] Why community-driven markets drive farm success

[50:15] Balancing work-life and avoiding burnout as farmers

[58:39] Expanding revenue streams: Flowers, CSA, and microgreens

[1:06:04] Greenhouse production and extending the growing season

[1:14:13] The financial impact of selling flowers and value-added products

[1:21:21] Kayleigh’s wreath-making and value-added farm products

[1:36:24] Rapid Fire Q&A - East Of Edenby John Steinbeck &The Orchard by Adele Crockett Robertson

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Guest Social Media Links

Breadseed Farm:

Website:www.breadseedfarm.com

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/breadseedfarm/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/breadseedfarm/ 

JM:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier