In this episode, we sit down with David Berning of Cardiff Tiny Farm for a return conversation, two years after his first appearance on the podcast.

David shares what has unfolded since stepping fully into stewardship of the farm, and what it’s been like to grow not just food, but a business, a community space, and a deeper relationship with the land. What began as a small, uncertain venture has evolved into a thriving micro-farm model - one that challenges assumptions about scale, profitability, and what’s possible on a tenth of an acre.

We explore the intersection of heart and business - what it means to hold integrity while also making something financially viable, and the realities of running a farm as both a livelihood and a calling.

David also opens up about the uncertainty of the farm’s future, as the land he’s stewarding is temporary. With the possibility of losing the space at any time, he shares how he’s approaching this season with intention, focusing on building community, expanding his CSA program, and creating something that can live beyond the land itself.

We also touch on Harmonize, a data-tracking tool David built to support farmers in the field, and his vision for how technology and agriculture can coexist in a more intentional, human-centered way.

More than anything, this episode is a reflection on what it means to devote yourself to something uncertain, and to choose to create beauty anyway.

In this episode, we talk about:

• David’s journey from tech into agriculture and the origins of Cardiff Tiny Farm
• What it looks like to run a farm as a real business
• The balance between integrity, community, and profitability
• The concept of “farming in public” and transparency in small farm economics
• How a 1/10 acre farm can feed a community
• The realities of scaling a small farm sustainably
• Navigating uncertainty and impermanence in land access
• Building a CSA model that goes beyond food into education and connection
• The importance of local food and its impact on personal and community wellbeing
• Harmonize: a tool for farmers to track data simply and efficiently
• Why creating beauty anywhere is meaningful work

Connect + Learn More: 

• Follow David on Instagram: ⁠@cardifftinyfarm
• Learn more about Cardiff Tiny Farm ⁠⁠https://www.cardifftinyfarm.com⁠⁠
• Try Harmonize (data tracking tool)⁠⁠ https://harmonize.one⁠⁠

• Connect with Hannah: ⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠

Foundations in Land Stewardship:

If you’ve been feeling called to deepen your relationship with land, food, and community, we are currently enrolling for Foundations in Land Stewardship - a 3-month in-person farm school here in San Diego.

This program is designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone wanting to reconnect with food systems in a meaningful way.

• Saturdays from 9-2
• May 2nd through August 1st
• Full scholarships available

David will be one of our teachers throughout the program.

You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠d