Barnyard Language

Laura Cook is a first-generation farmer who has built her farm from scratch on forested land in New York State. She raises goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and turkeys, and grows mixed vegetables in a large greenhouse. Laura and her husband work together on the farm, with Laura focusing on herd health and marketing, while her husband handles construction and maintenance. They sell their products directly to consumers through their website, farmers markets, and a farm stand on their property. Laura is also involved in community composting, diverting food waste from landfills and using it to create nutrient-rich compost for their farm. Laura Cook and her husband run The Cook Farm, a small-scale farm in New York. They both work full-time on the farm and are also involved in homeschooling their son. They prioritize organization and have weekly family meetings to plan their schedules and priorities. Laura believes that farming and homeschooling go hand in hand, as they provide practical knowledge and opportunities for learning. Raising a strong-willed child is a challenge, but Laura values her son's independence and critical thinking skills. Their future goals for the farm include sustainable growth and profitability that allow them to be on the farm full-time and support their son if he chooses to continue farming.

Connect with Laura Online

• https://www.instagram.com/the_cook_farm/
• https://www.cookfarmny.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/cookfarmny

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Takeaways

• Laura Cook is a first-generation farmer who has built her farm from scratch on forested land in New York State.
• She raises goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and grows mixed vegetables in a large greenhouse.
• Laura and her husband work together on the farm, with Laura focusing on herd health and marketing, while her husband handles construction and maintenance.
• They sell their products directly to consumers through their website, farmers markets, and a farm stand on their property.
• Laura is also involved in community composting, diverting food waste from landfills and using it to create nutrient-rich compost for their farm. Running a small-scale farm and homeschooling require organization and planning
• Farming provides practical knowledge and learning opportunities for children
• Raising a strong-willed child can be challenging but rewarding
• Future goals for the farm include sustainable growth and profitability

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Laura's Farm
• 06:25 Selling Farm Products
• 14:45 Community Composting
• 24:20 Composting and Agriculture
• 30:49 Composting and Sustainability
• 35:55 Balancing Work and Farming
• 39:23 Reasons for Homeschooling
• 43:37 Organization and Planning on the Farm
• 49:13 Parenting a Strong-Willed Child
• 53:01 Future Goals for The Cook Farm

Tanner Winterhof, co-host of the Farm4Profit podcast, discusses the challenges faced by farm families in achieving profitability and balancing farm and family priorities. He emphasizes the importance of treating the farm as a business, tracking financial data, and seeking help from advisors. Tanner also highlights the need for open and honest communication within farm families and the importance of setting clear expectations. He shares his personal experience of becoming a father and the challenges of slowing down and finding balance between work and family. Tanner encourages farmers to embrace the connection and relationship-building aspects of parenting, even if it doesn't always feel productive. In this conversation, Tanner from Farm for Profit discusses the challenges and rewards of being a parent in the farming industry. He emphasizes the importance of creating a stable financial future for his family and the desire for his children to be proud of their family business. Tanner and Caite also share their experiences of balancing parenting and farm work, including the guilt and comparison that often come with it. They discuss the joys of watching their children succeed and the importance of teaching financial literacy. Tanner also shares his frustration with keyboard warriors on social media who use their platform to criticize without understanding the full story.

Connect with the Farm4Profit Podcast Below

• https://www.farm4profit.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw
• https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profit?lang=en
• https://www.instagram.com/farm4profit/

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Takeaways

• Treating the farm as a business and tracking financial data is crucial for achieving profitability.
• Seeking help from advisors, such as bankers and accountants, can provide valuable insights and support in managing farm finances.
• Clear and open communication within farm families is essential for balancing farm and family priorities.
• Parenting on the farm requires finding a balance between work and family, and embracing the connection and relationship-building aspects of parenting.
• Comparing oneself to others can lead to unnecessary pressure and stress. Each family should define their own priorities and make choices that align with their values and goals. Creating a stable financial future for your family is a common goal among parents in the farming industry.
• Balancing parenting and farm work can be challenging, and guilt and comparison often come into play.
• Watching your children succeed and achieve their goals is a rewarding experience.
• Teaching financial literacy to children is important, and using tools like bank accounts and debit cards can help them understand the value of money.
• Keyboard warriors on social media can be frustrating, but it's important to remember that their opinions may not be based on the full story.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
• 08:26 Balancing Farm and Family Priorities
• 14:52 Defining Farm Profitability and Personal Priorities
• 31:44 Becoming a New Parent: Challenges and Adjustments
• 38:22 Defining Your Own Priorities and Avoiding Comparison
• 45:25 Balancing Parenting and Farm Work
• 52:09 Teaching Financial Literacy to Children

Tracy Potter-Fins, a farmer from Montana, discusses her farm and the various crops she grows, including tulips, tomatoes, and garlic. She also talks about her flower business and the different outlets she sells through, such as farmers markets, CSA programs, wholesale accounts, and a farm stand. Tracy also shares her approach to land reparations and her commitment to supporting Indigenous tribes and communities. She discusses the challenges of balancing farming and the administrative side of the business, as well as the dynamics of working with a partner who has a different approach to farming. Tracy also talks about her experience raising her two and a half-year-old daughter on the farm and the flexibility required to manage both farming and parenting. Tracy Potter-Fins discusses the challenges and joys of parenting while running a flower and vegetable farm. She shares how she and her partner celebrate special occasions with flowers and plants, and how flower farming has changed their perspective on holidays. Tracy also talks about their decision-making process for choosing a known donor and the importance of having a donor who already has children. She discusses the distribution of parenting responsibilities and the emotional challenges of parenting a two-year-old. Tracy highlights the benefits of raising a child on the farm, including the opportunity for her daughter to witness their work and experience the wonder of nature. She also shares her frustrations with grant administration and the difficulties of navigating the paperwork and reporting requirements.

Connect with Tracy

• https://instagram.com/countyrailfarm/
• https://www.instagram.com/fieldfiveflowers/

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Takeaways

• Tracy Potter-Fins grows a variety of crops on her farm in Montana, including tulips, tomatoes, and garlic.
• She sells her products through farmers markets, CSA programs, wholesale accounts, and a farm stand.
• Tracy is committed to land reparations and supports Indigenous tribes and communities through a monetary donation program.
• Balancing farming and the administrative side of the business can be challenging, but Tracy is working on refining her processes.
• Raising a child on the farm requires flexibility and a balance between farming and parenting responsibilities. Celebrating special occasions with flowers and plants can be a meaningful and sustainable alternative to traditional gifts.
• Choosing a known donor who already has children can provide a unique and positive relationship for the child.
• Raising a child on a farm allows them to witness and participate in the work, fostering a sense of wonder and connection to nature.
• Grant administration can be challenging and time-consuming, but it's worth pursuing opportunities for funding and support.
• Emotional regulation is a common struggle in parenting, and taking time for self-care and finding healthy outlets for emotions is important.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and What Tracy is Growing
• 02:26 Location and Growing Season in Montana
• 03:39 Size of Farm and Space Occupied by Tulips
• 06:12 Land Reparations and Supporting Indigenous Tribes
• 10:24 Business Model and Selling Channels
• 13:31 Balancing Farming and Administration
• 23:48 Spending Time with Family and Parenting on the Farm
• 31:25 Garlic Braids and Dusting
• 34:09 Gifts for Partner When You Grow Flowers
• 37:57 Celebrating Special Occasions
• 41:45 Choosing a Known Donor
• 49:32 Distribution of Parenting Responsibilities
• 55:51 Raising a Child on the Farm
• 59:30 Emotional Regulation in Parenting
• 01:03:40 Garlic Braids: A County Fair Category
• 01:06:01 Child Labor Laws and Grant Administration

Sean Short, the owner of Blooming Health Farms, shares his experience running an aquaponic chicken farm and utilizing hydroponics. He discusses the scale and physical space required for his operation, as well as the measures taken to protect his chickens from predators. Sean also shares his background in agriculture and how he got started in farming. He explains the concept of hydroponics and the unique setup in his garage, which allows him to grow plants year-round. Finally, he addresses the challenge of scaling hydroponics for home use and making it more than just a novelty. The conversation explores various aspects of hydroponics, including its integration into commercial operations and grocery stores. It also delves into consumer perception of hydroponics and the need to educate children about this farming method. The idea of decentralizing the food system and addressing food deserts is discussed. The conversation also touches on the importance of empowering at-risk youth through agricultural entrepreneurship, driven by the personal experience of the speaker with the criminal justice system. In this conversation, Sean Short shares his journey of personal transformation and how it led him to co-found Blooming Health Farms, an organization that uses agriculture to teach life skills and provide mental health support to at-risk youth. Sean emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions and breaking patterns to avoid prison. He discusses the power of creativity and determination in overcoming challenges and highlights the role of mentorship and positive guidance in helping young people channel their energies into productive pursuits. Sean also encourages adults to be curious, engage with youth, and create safe spaces for exploration and failure.

Connect with Sean Online

• https://www.bloominghealthfarms.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bloominghealthfarms
• https://www.facebook.com/BloomingHealthFarms/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmaoyl_blQY6KhO5eGByCDg

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Takeaways

• Aquaponics combines fish farming and hydroponics to create a synergistic farming system.
• Protecting chickens from predators requires strategies such as using geese as alerts, secure fencing, and night guard solar predator controls.
• Hydroponics allows for year-round plant growth and can be scaled for home use with the right setup and lighting.
• Raising awareness and educating consumers about alternative farming methods like aquaponics and hydroponics is crucial for their wider adoption. Hydroponics is being successfully integrated into commercial operations and is gaining traction in grocery stores.
• Consumer perception of hydroponics can be influenced by the visual representation of traditional farming methods.
• Educating children about hydroponics can help bridge the gap in understanding and acceptance.
• Decentralizing the food system and implementing hydroponics in food deserts can improve food security and access to fresh produce.
• Empowering at-risk youth through agricultural entrepreneurship can provide life skills and mental health support. Making informed decisions requires learning about the law and seeking information to have better-informed choices.
• Breaking patterns and creating stability in life can lead to personal growth and transformation.
• Using agriculture as a tool can teach life skills and provide mental health support to at-risk youth.
• Being open, curious, and engaged with youth can help guide them towards positive pursuits and personal development.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and What Are You Growing?
• 01:38 Scale and Physical Space
• 12:06 Background in Agriculture
• 32:30 Scaling Hydroponics for Home Use
• 37:45 Hydroponics in Commercial Operations
• 39:05 Hydroponic Produce in Grocery Stores
• 40:22 Consumer Perception of Hydroponics
• 43:09 Educating Children about Hydroponics
• 44:28 Decentralizing the Food System
• 46:14 Hydroponics in Food Deserts
• 48:05 Hydroponics in Europe
• 49:29 Food Insecurity in Colorado
• 52:39 Empowering At-Risk Youth through Agriculture
• 01:04:39 Personal Experience with the Criminal Justice System
• 01:16:22 Learning about the law and making informed decisions
• 01:17:22 Taking a different path and avoiding prison
• 01:18:17 Breaking patterns and creating stability
• 01:19:17 Using agriculture as a tool for transformation
• 01:21:40 Forming Blooming Health Farms and focusing on youth
• 01:23:31 Breaking the cycle of youth crime
• 01:24:30 Combining skill sets to transform individuals
• 01:25:52 Recognizing the potential in individuals
• 01:26:23 Using teaching experience to facilitate personal growth
• 01:27:20 Using creativity and determination to overcome challenges
• 01:28:14 Using metaphors and analogies to teach life skills
• 01:29:11 Weaving business building and mentorship with youth
• 01:30:09 Networking and finding kids in need of help
• 01:31:07 Focusing on at-risk youth in the community
• 01:32:31 Teaching life skills through agriculture
• 01:33:02 Using questions and curiosity to guide interactions with youth
• 01:35:15 Being a guidepost and encouraging exploration
• 01:36:26 Being vulnerable and sharing personal experiences
• 01:39:54 Helping young people channel their energies into positive pursuits
• 01:45:04 Encouraging exploration and failure in safe environments
• 01:48:21 Focusing on successes and positive aspects of life
• 01:51:14 Being open and curious, and engaging with youth
• 01:53:53 Dominating the homestead chicken category

Kerissa, a farmer from Kansas, discusses her experiences with farming and parenting. She talks about the challenges of raising children on a farm, including sibling dynamics and the need for childcare. Kerissa also shares her insights on marketing and the impact of urbanization on rural areas. She discusses the importance of infrastructure and the availability of resources in remote locations. Additionally, Kerissa highlights the challenges of processing animals during the pandemic and the transition to a shipping model for selling products. The conversation also touches on the balance between authenticity and professionalism in farm marketing. Finally, Kerissa and the hosts discuss the struggles and joys of parenting on the farm.

Follow Kerissa Online

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coveyrisebeef/
• Website: https://coveyrisebeef.com/

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Takeaways

• Raising children on a farm comes with unique challenges, including sibling dynamics and the need for childcare.
• Marketing in a remote area requires creativity and a shift to a shipping model for selling products.
• The impact of urbanization on rural areas includes the loss of infrastructure and resources.
• Processing animals during the pandemic presented challenges, such as limited availability of processing facilities.
• Authenticity in farm marketing is important, but finding a balance between authenticity and professionalism can be challenging.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and What Are You Growing?
• 01:00 Age of Kids
• 01:39 Potty Training and Chaos
• 03:29 Stage of Sibling Relationship
• 04:08 Number of Cows
• 05:30 Moving to Kansas
• 15:26 Dealing with Change
• 15:53 Urbanization and Infrastructure
• 16:22 Availability of Infrastructure
• 18:15 Rural Living and Schooling
• 19:46 Challenges of Rural Living
• 20:57 Essential Workers in Agriculture
• 22:50 Processing Animals During the Pandemic
• 24:21 Challenges of Processing Animals
• 25:23 Transitioning Away from Direct Sales
• 28:04 Marketing Challenges in a Remote Area
• 30:29 Starting Over with Livestock
• 31:48 Background in Agriculture
• 34:46 Rapid Growth in Farming
• 35:12 Chicken Math
• 38:29 Childcare on the Farm
• 41:56 Marketing Challenges in a Remote Area
• 43:09 Food Photography Challenges
• 44:12 Balancing Farm Work and Marketing
• 47:59 Parenting Challenges on the Farm
• 49:38 Authenticity in Farm Marketing
• 50:30 Garbage in Fields
• 52:37 Cleaning Up Garbage
• 54:36 Childcare in Rural Areas
• 01:00:05 Childcare Challenges on the Farm
• 01:03:15 Transition to Parenthood
• 01:05:03 Parenting Challenges on the Farm
• 01:06:40 Stain Treatment Tips
• 01:07:43 Parenting Expectations
• 01:09:33 Encouraging Experiential Learning
• 01:10:07 Dominating a Category at the County Fair
• 01:11:09 Cussing and Discussing: Sticky Mess
• 01:12:04 Cussing and Discussing: Exploded Sheep Electrolytes
• 01:13:55 Cussing and Discussing: Garbage in Fields
• 01:14:02 Cussing and Discussing: Cleaning Up Garbage
• 01:15:14 Cleaning Up Garbage
• 01:16:36 Conclusion

Brea Willette, a farmer from Maine, discusses her diverse farm and homestead. She raises pigs, sheep, poultry, and grows vegetables. Brea shares her experiences with different livestock breeds and the challenges of farming. She talks about the size and structures of her farm, as well as the involvement of her family, including her young children. Brea also discusses the history of farming in her family and her lifelong passion for agriculture. She shares her goals for the homestead and the importance of bartering and supporting local farms in her community. In this conversation, Brea Willette shares her experiences and insights on various aspects of farming and parenting. She discusses the benefits of starting a bartering group and encourages others to do the same. Brea also talks about her successes with raising pigs and the challenges of selling meat at farmers markets. She shares her decision to drop halves and wholes of pork due to profitability issues. Brea reflects on the balance between farming and parenting, highlighting the resilience and common-sense intelligence of farm kids. She also discusses the importance of family support and childcare in farm life. Brea shares her motivation for sharing farming skills and interacting with others in the agriculture community. Lastly, she reveals her favorite category to dominate at the county fair: the most lovable pigs.

Connect with Brea on Instagram or YouTube

• https://www.instagram.com/wickedquailporkhomestead/
• https://www.youtube.com/@wickedquailandpork537

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Takeaways

• Starting a bartering group can be a great way to connect with others and trade goods and services.
• Raising pigs can be more profitable than other livestock, but it's important to consider market demand and pricing in your area.
• Farmers markets may not always be the most effective sales channel for meat farmers, as customers may not be willing to pay the higher prices.
• Balancing farming and parenting can be challenging, but farm kids often develop resilience and common-sense intelligence.
• Teaching kids how to have conversations with adults is an ongoing process that helps them develop social skills and empathy.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Farm Overview
• 01:34 Livestock: Pigs and Sheep
• 06:06 Farm Size and Structures
• 07:36 Family and Children
• 10:27 Family Farming History
• 12:31 Early Interest in Farming
• 14:09 Transition to Pigs and Learning Curves
• 16:25 Agriculture in the Local Community
• 21:34 Off-Farm Jobs and Income
• 21:43 You-Pick Vegetable Crops
• 22:58 Bartering and Local Farming
• 30:29 Starting a Bartering Group
• 31:05 Areas of Success and Failure
• 31:25 Profit from Pigs
• 32:55 Challenges with Farmers Markets
• 33:07 Dropping Halves and Wholes of Pork
• 35:14 Balancing Farming and Parenting
• 37:30 Childcare and Work-Life Balance
• 38:43 Teaching Kids Farming and Parenting
• 44:35 Motivation for Sharing Farming Skills
• 47:12 Dominating the Most Lovable Pigs Category
• 52:26 Weather Challenges
• 53:26 Teaching Kids to Have Conversations with Adults
• 54:20 Where to Find Brea Online

In this conversation, Lexi Wright shares her experience of balancing work, family, and the transition of a family farm. She discusses the challenges and importance of communication in farm transitions, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and planning. Lexi also talks about the pressure of leaving a legacy and the realities of juggling work and childcare. The conversation highlights the need to let go of expectations and prioritize what works best for each individual family. In this conversation, Lexi Wright shares her experiences as a working mom on a farm and provides insights into transitioning from work to family life. She also offers valuable marketing tips for farm businesses and discusses the challenges and joys of raising kids on the farm. Lexi highlights the importance of managing different personalities and needs within the family and shares her struggles with sleep as a parent. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion on cussing and discussing dirty dishes and weird kid obsessions.

Connect with Lexi

• https://backpocketsocial.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wrightatthemoment
• https://pod.link/1652386715
• https://www.facebook.com/backpocketsocial
• https://www.youtube.com/@wrightatthemoment/videos

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Takeaways

• Open communication is crucial in farm transitions to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Planning for the future of the farm and discussing it with family members is essential.
• Balancing work and family can be challenging, and it's important to prioritize and let go of expectations.
• Leaving a legacy involves working towards financial security and setting goals for the future. Transitioning from work to family life can be challenging, especially for working moms on a farm. Finding ways to shut off work brain and create a clear separation between work and family time is important.
• When marketing a farm business, clarity and knowing your goals and audience are key. Focus on creating content that aligns with your goals and resonates with your target audience.
• Raising kids on the farm offers unique opportunities for them to learn and be involved in farm activities. Seeing their faces light up when they contribute and accomplish something meaningful is a rewarding experience.
• Managing different personalities and needs within the family can be a struggle. Simplifying routines and finding ways to spend one-on-one time with each child can help address individual needs.
• Sleep can be a major challenge for parents, and each child may have different sleep patterns and difficulties. It's important to find strategies that work for your family and prioritize self-care.
• Dirty dishes can pile up quickly, but finding efficient ways to wash and dry them can help save time and make the task more manageable.
• Kids often develop unique and sometimes unexpected obsessions. Embrace their interests and enjoy their enthusiasm for the things they love.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and What Are You Growing?
• 01:35 Livestock and Kids
• 07:29 Transitioning the Family Farm
• 12:10 Balancing Work and Family
• 16:31 Leaving a Legacy
• 23:10 Managing Work and Childcare
• 27:23 The Reality of Balancing Work and Family
• 32:01 The Stories We Tell Ourselves
• 35:10 Kids' Understanding of Work
• 38:20 Transitioning from Work to Family Life
• 43:05 Marketing Tips for Farm Businesses
• 53:17 Transitions in Parenthood
• 59:23 Managing Different Personalities and Needs
• 01:02:57 Raising Kids on the Farm
• 01:05:00 Parenting Struggles: Sleep
• 01:08:10 Cussing and Discussing: Dirty Dishes
• 01:09:28 Cussing and Discussing: Weird Kid Obsessions

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Follow Carmen & AgriFocused Online

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

Website: https://agrifocused.com.au/

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

In this conversation, Caite & Arlene interview Carmen Quade, a farmer and business owner from Australia. They discuss Carmen's farming background, her business AgriFocus, and the challenges farmers face in office management. They also talk about the importance of financial planning and succession planning in agriculture. Carmen shares insights on incorporating kids into farm businesses and teaching them about finances and business management. They also discuss the transition to parenthood and balancing the needs of a large family with farm responsibilities. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing the needs of children of different ages and personalities. It delves into the difficulties of managing the needs of teenagers and younger children in a household. The speakers discuss the benefits of having children of similar ages and the joys of the golden stage of two primary school-aged children. They also touch on the pressures of succession and the importance of creating a comfortable and enjoyable life on the farm to attract potential successors. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the convenience of grocery delivery and the challenges of driving with teenagers.

Takeaways

• Financial planning and succession planning are crucial for the long-term success of farm businesses.
• Incorporating kids into farm businesses can teach them valuable skills and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship.
• Teaching kids about finances and business management from a young age can help them develop important life skills.
• The transition to parenthood can be challenging, but finding a balance between family and farm responsibilities is possible.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and What Are You Growing?
• 01:14 Carmen's Ag Background and AgriFocus Business
• 08:30 Challenges Farmers Face in Office Management
• 09:56 Importance of Financial Planning and Succession Planning
• 18:15 Incorporating Kids into Farm Businesses
• 26:17 Teaching Kids about Finances and Business Management
• 32:21 Transition to Parenthood and Balancing Family and Farm
• 44:30 Balancing the Needs of Different Ages and Personalities
• 45:25 Managing the Needs of Different Ages
• 46:33 Accommodating Different Needs in a Household
• 47:41 The Benefits of Having Children of Similar Ages
• 48:30 The Golden Stage of Two Primary School-Aged Children
• 52:17 Raising Suburban Kids in a Rural Environment
• 53:39 Different Types of Farm Kids
• 57:13 The Pressure of Succession and Handing Over the Farm
• 58:19 Selling Agriculture to Future Farmers
• 59:14 The Challenges Faced by Those without Successors
• 01:02:32 Childbirth: A Unique Skill
• 01:06:53 Grocery Delivery: A Game Changer
• 01:09:14 Driving with Teenagers

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

In this conversation, Arlene and Caite interview Jen Colby, a farmer from Vermont, about her experiences in agriculture and agritourism. Jen shares her journey into farming and the various businesses she runs, including a podcast, farm stays, and an Airbnb. She discusses the challenges and rewards of hosting farm stays and the importance of managing profitable farm businesses. Jen also highlights the lessons she has learned from first and skip generation farmers and the considerations and regulations involved in starting farm stays. In this part of the conversation, the topics discussed include farmstay structures and privacy, advice for couples in farming relationships, parenting challenges on the farm, raising an only child on the farm, parenting advice, and Jenn's dominant category at the county fair: swine obstacle course. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to personal experiences and interests. They cover unconventional animal agility, repetitive motion injuries from parenting, the frustrations of aging, supporting children's interests, and the art of info dumping and special interests.

Connect with Jenn Online

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

Podcast: https://www.choosingtofarm.com/

Takeaways

• Farm stays and agritourism can be a profitable and rewarding addition to a farming business.
• Hosting farm stays requires careful consideration of time commitments, marketing, and maintenance.
• First and skip generation farmers bring unique perspectives and creativity to the agricultural industry.
• Succession planning can be a complex and emotional process, requiring open communication and honest discussions.
• Navigating bureaucracy and regulations is an important aspect of starting and managing farm stays. Farmers face unique challenges when it comes to hosting farmstay guests due to the layout and privacy of their farms.
• Communication and understanding are key in relationships where one partner is a farmer and the other is not.
• Parenting on the farm can be isolating, but finding ways to spend quality time with your child and following their interests can help strengthen the relationship.
• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, and it's important to respect and support your child's individuality and interests.
• The county fair can be a fun and competitive event for farmers, with unique categories like swine obstacle courses. Unconventional animal agility, such as pig and rabbit agility, can be a delightful and entertaining activity.
• Parenting can lead to repetitive motion injuries, as the body undergoes changes and strain from carrying and caring for children.
• Aging can bring about unexpected aches, pains, and limitations, which can be frustrating but also a reminder of the wisdom gained.
• Supporting children's interests, even if they are not personally engaging, is important for fostering their happiness and growth.
• Info dumping, or sharing extensive knowledge about a special interest, can be a way for individuals to express their passion and connect with others.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and What Jen is Growing
• 01:17 Jen's Businesses
• 03:22 Agritourism and Farm Stays
• 10:11 Jen's Background and Journey into Agriculture
• 17:14 Lessons from First and Skip Generation Farmers
• 25:14 Challenges of Succession Planning
• 28:18 Agritourism and Farm Stays: Considerations and Experiences
• 37:27 Expanding into Retreat Centers and Cabins
• 40:17 Considerations for Starting Farm Stays
• 41:34 Bureaucracy and Regulations in Farm Stays
• 42:15 Farmstay Structures and Privacy
• 45:10 Advice for Couples in Farming Relationships
• 49:22 Parenting Challenges on the Farm
• 50:53 Isolation and Loneliness as a Parent on the Farm
• 57:02 Raising an Only Child on the Farm
• 59:12 Parenting Advice: Following Your Child's Interests
• 01:06:50 Jenn's Dominant Category at the County Fair: Swine Obstacle Course
• 01:20:30 Delighting in Unconventional Animal Agility
• 01:22:11 Repetitive Motion Injuries from Parenting
• 01:23:18 The Frustrations of Aging
• 01:26:18 Supporting Children's Interests
• 01:30:43 Info Dumping and Special Interests

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Diane Bergsma shares her experience of raising a family on a farm and the challenges and joys that come with it. She also discusses the loss of her son, Dallas, and how it inspired the creation of Three Oaks Cabin, a retreat for farmers and first responders. The cabin provides a space for reflection and rejuvenation, with the goal of preventing tragedies and promoting joy and purpose in life. Diane emphasizes the importance of community support and the role it played in making the project possible. The conversation explores the contributing factors for suicide among first responders and farmers, the importance of supporting someone in crisis, creating space for mental health conversations, growing hope and redefining identity, prioritizing self-care in agriculture, rebuilding intimate agricultural communities, and recognizing the importance of volunteer fire departments.

Connect with Three Oaks Cabin

Learn more here: https://www.threeoakscabin.com/

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083395868106

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3oakscabin/

Takeaways

• Raising a family on a farm provides opportunities to teach children about the beauty of life, the value of hard work, and the fragility of life.
• Parenting involves creating a sense of security and trust in children, while also preparing them to stand on their own and think for themselves.
• The loss of a child can be a catalyst for positive change and the creation of meaningful projects that benefit others.
• Community support and partnerships are crucial in bringing a vision to life and making a positive impact on the lives of others. First responders and farmers are more likely to contemplate or die by suicide due to factors such as mental fatigue, isolation, and trauma.
• Creating a supportive environment and normalizing mental health conversations can help individuals seek help and support.
• It is important to reach out to friends and family members who may be struggling and offer support and resources.
• Self-care and prioritizing mental health are crucial for individuals in the agriculture industry.
• Building strong and supportive agricultural communities can help combat isolation and provide a network of support.
• Volunteer fire departments play a vital role in rural areas and deserve recognition and support.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Growing
• 03:13 Childhood and Background
• 04:21 Military Life
• 05:46 Moving and Family
• 08:21 Navigating and Directions
• 09:15 Transition to Farm Life
• 11:10 Parenting Advice
• 12:24 Raising Kids on the Farm
• 15:26 Lessons from Farm Life
• 21:57 Loss of a Child
• 28:06 Three Oaks Cabin
• 36:10 Progress and Programs
• 41:51 Community Support
• 45:13 Supporting a Cause
• 46:05 Creating a Restful Space
• 47:52 Contributing Factors for Suicide Among First Responders and Farmers
• 51:33 Supporting Someone in Crisis
• 56:49 Creating Space for Mental Health Conversations
• 01:02:07 Growing Hope and Redefining Identity
• 01:05:17 Prioritizing Self-Care in Agriculture
• 01:12:22 Rebuilding Intimate Agricultural Communities
• 01:15:12 Recognizing the Importance of Volunteer Fire Departments