Today we’re out in the orchard with Nora D’Antuono from the Ecdysis Foundation, talking real‑world regenerative agriculture: soil health that sticks, biodiversity that pays back, and farmer‑led research through the 1000 Farms Initiative. We dig into tools like the BugBox and Xerinx, why insects are powerful indicators of farm health, and how community + data help farmers move from “hope” to “proof.” Recorded at EBB Farms (Western Kentucky)—the chestnut-growing testbed powered by the United Chestnuts movement. You’ll hear:

• What 1000 Farms is measuring—and why it matters to your bottom line
• Simple biodiversity practices that fit real schedules and budgets
• The role of the BugBox/Xerinx in tracking ecosystem health
• How growers are sharing data, stories, and momentum

Resources: unitedchestnuts.com/resources
Resources: ecdysis.bio
Connect: United Chestnuts Community (FB), Ecdysis Foundation, Blue Dasher Farm Tags: #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #1000Farms #Ecdysis #Chestnuts #UnitedChestnuts #EBBFarms

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🎙️ Branching Out: Growing Together

At EBB Farms, our Grow-Bag Strategy makes all the difference. We raise each seedling in a three-gallon breathable grow bag inside protected nurseries. They’re watered daily, weeded, and carefully staked — building a dense, fibrous root system that establishes quickly once planted. Before shipping, we gently shake off the soil and send the tree dormant, so you get the very same strong, orchard-ready trees we plant ourselves. In this episode, we explain why it pays to reserve your chestnut trees early. Demand is high, and these bare root seedlings are already in motion. Learn how they’re raised, what sets them apart, and why they often show faster growth in the field. 👉 Reserve now, and be ready to plant success.  Details at unitedchestnuts.com/ebb-farms

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At Pick N Grin Farm in western Kentucky, Willie Huston is doing more than raising crops—he’s cultivating a way of life rooted in observation, resilience, and joy. From silvopasture to biomimicry, mob grazing to music, Willie shares how tending the land has shaped his livelihood, his family, and his community. This episode is a reminder that restoring the earth begins with paying attention to what’s already there. What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Willie blends chestnuts, livestock, and wildflowers into a thriving farm ecosystem
• The role of curiosity and observation in regenerative farming
• Why diversity—of crops, community, and skills—creates resilience
• The link between music, creativity, and land stewardship
• Tips for starting your own small-scale farm with purpose

Listen in, and let’s grow together.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

What drives you to grow chestnuts—not just in year one, but year ten? In this episode, Melanie revisits a question that keeps surfacing in our orchard, at conferences, and in every email from new growers:

“What’s your why?” Drawing from personal experience and stories from growers like Brad and Sandy Russell, we explore what happens when you follow your reasons all the way down. Plus, Melanie shares a simple, powerful reflection tool you can download to clarify your own path. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your “why” matters more than your business plan
• How surface reasons often evolve into deeper ones
• Real motivations that keep chestnut growers going
• What to ask yourself when things get hard
• How to use the 7-question “Find Your Why” exercise

More Resources to Explore

• Listen to: Finding Our Why: Why Chestnuts, and Why Now
• Download the Seven Whys Reflection Tool
• Read: The Advantages of Tree Crops
• Watch: Brad + Sandy Rusell on The Branching Out: Growing Together podcast or Brad Russell on The Branching Out: Growing Together podcast

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

🎙️ You’re listening to Branching Out: Growing Together, and I’m your host, Melanie Jones.

Today’s solo episode is all about starting with your why—a nod to the wisdom of Simon Sinek, and a principle we live by here at EBB Farms and United Chestnuts. Because when it comes to choosing what to grow—especially tree crops—your reason matters.

Maybe you want to improve your soil. Maybe you want to plant a long-term food source, build a family sanctuary, support wildlife, or leave a legacy that’s nutrient-rich and carbon-smart. Whatever your why, tree crops offer something powerful: a regenerative, perennial path forward. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the most common reasons people are turning to chestnut orchards and tree crops—and share how they connect to broader movements in agroforestry, food security, and land stewardship.

If you’re just starting out—or even just dreaming—this is a great place to begin. 📍 You can read the full blog and explore our other tools and resources at unitedchestnuts.com. Let’s grow something good, together.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

This Small Business Week, we’re digging deep into how chestnuts can power more than just your pantry — they can build a business.Melanie shares what she’s learned from financial advisor and grower Joel Hubbard and Propagate’s Jeremy Kaufman about building real business models around chestnut orchards. From land structure and taxes to agroforestry and next-generation planning, this episode is packed with insight for farmers, landowners, and dreamers alike.

You’ll hear:

• Why Joel believes chestnuts belong in your investment portfolio
• How Jeremy is helping farmers scale agroforestry across the U.S.
• Funding, planning, and structure tips for your chestnut orchard
• The emotional and financial power of planting for future generations

If you’re thinking about how to grow smarter, this one’s for you.Learn more and subscribe at unitedchestnuts.com and follow Branching Out: Growing Together for more interviews, field notes, and stories from the chestnut community.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

This offshoot episode is based on our recent conversation with Dave Skinner of Whitetal Properties, where we discuss "How to Buy Land with Purpose: Strategies from Dave Skinner."

What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to take the next step.

You’ll learn:

• What shifted in land buying trends post-COVID
• How to choose the right real estate agent for land
• Ideas for generating income from rural property (beyond farming)
• The real ROI of land compared to traditional investments
• Why passion for the outdoors still drives the best decisions

Want to learn more about land and chestnuts? Subscribe to the podcast and visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources, nursery info, and upcoming events and subscribe to the United Chestnuts YouTube channel. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to take the next step.You’ll learn:

• What shifted in land buying trends post-COVID
• How to choose the right real estate agent for land
• Ideas for generating income from rural property (beyond farming)
• The real ROI of land compared to traditional investments
• Why passion for the outdoors still drives the best decisions

Want to learn more about land and chestnuts? Subscribe to the podcast and visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources, nursery info, and upcoming events.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Podcast Description: In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, Scott Smith shares his journey from growing up in the chestnut industry to running a successful orchard in Michigan. We dive into the realities of modern chestnut farming, including harvesting methods, marketing strategies, and why diversification is the key to success.Episode Highlights:

• The transition from handpicking to mechanized harvesting
• How Scott built a market for his chestnuts (now in 17 grocery stores!)
• The role of grower collaboration and cultivar registration
• How breweries are using chestnuts—and what that means for farmers
• Why chestnut farming is as much about community as it is about crops

Tune in now to learn how to grow, sell, and thrive in the chestnut industry.Join the conversation! Visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources and follow us on social media for more chestnut farming insights.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore the evolving landscape of chestnut farming and industry collaboration through United Chestnuts and EBB Farms.🌰

United Chestnuts is expanding beyond just one farm—it’s becoming a national platform to support chestnut growers who want to focus on farming without the burden of branding and marketing. We discuss how this initiative aims to unite growers, streamline sales, and educate consumers about chestnuts.

🌱 EBB Farms continues to stand as a leading example of hands-on, chestnut cultivation. We talk about the farm’s role in both growing premium chestnuts and educating the next generation of farmers.

If you're interested in growing, selling, or simply enjoying chestnuts, this conversation is packed with insights into how we can all grow together!🔔

Subscribe for more stories from farmers, innovators, and industry leaders shaping the future of chestnut farming.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.