We have been drinking delicious herbal teas from Katydid Hill Farm for many years. We love giving them as gifts and serving them to friends and family. It has been fun and intriguing to watch the evolution of her business from a wide variety of very niche products to a well established catalogue of herbal teas. The quality is top notch. All first generation farm businesses need someone to will them into existence and keep them moving forward despite of all the challenges that face small business as well as agricultural operations. Katelyn has achieved that.

In this episode, Katelyn shares her journey from herb garden enthusiast to successful small farm tea producer. She discusses land acquisition, farm management, product development, marketing strategies, and navigating local regulations. 

Resources

Katydid Hill Farm

PA Vitality Grant

FSA Loans

Pennsylvania Right to Farm Act

Editing: Austin Bright

Disclaimer:

Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice.

While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations.

If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

Having operated in the hemp industry since 2018, I understand firsthand how challenging it is to build and grow a business while the entire sector is still being invented around you. Although Cameron and I have worked in very different segments of the industry, we’ve always connected through candid conversations, healthy debate, and mutual encouragement about the best path forward.I believe Americhanvre is one of the most successful and impactful hemp companies in the United States. Cameron McIntosh and his wife Melissa are a true power couple whose accomplishments have benefited the entire hemp industry, not just their own company. Cameron brings a remarkable depth of expertise in hemp, building materials, natural building techniques, and business strategy.In this episode, we explore the innovative use of hemp in sustainable building materials, focusing on hempcrete, its history, applications, and the future of hemp in construction. Cameron shares insights into the industry, technical advancements, and the importance of regulatory support.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Resources

Americhanvre

BioBased Material Collective (BBMC)

Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast

SBIR.gov

US Hemp Building Association

Disclaimer:

Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice.

While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations.

If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

Maria's experience spans the worlds of art, agriculture, corporate and nonprofit leadership, publishing, gardening, and writing. I have always admired her ability to embrace technology and modern innovation while keeping an eye out for ancient wisdom and nature's guidance. In this episode, we explore the legacy of the organic movement, family succession in business, the challenges of authorship in the modern era, the future of land stewardship and sustainable agriculture, and so much more.

Resources

Maria Rodale

Love, Nature, Magic (Book)

Life Unfiltered by Maria Rodale

Disclaimer:

Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice.

While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations.

If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

Sam Nana-Sinkam is the founding partner of Third Place, Bloom Farm, Third Place Processing, and serves on the boards of the Rodale Institute and Bucknell University. 

I will admit that when I first heard of Bloom farm, I was skeptical. As a career farmer in Berks County, PA, I tend to be protective of the family farms in the region because I see how hard they work to scrape together an agricultural income. So, when folks come from outside the community with grand ideas and start buying up land, my radar gets triggered. However,I have gotten to know Sam, over the past year, as a servant leader who builds teams around innovative ideas, is willing to takes risks by coming alongside farmers, and seeks only to empower our blossoming local food system here in PA. That is why I was excited to spend an hour with him, in the shade of a magnolia tree at Bloom Farm, discussing his journey from the tech industry to agriculture, listening to his passion about agroforestry, chestnut trees, nut oil processing, and learning about his unique perspective on investment strategies, and much more. 

Resources:

Bloom Farm

Third Place Processing 

Yellow Bud Farm

Shelterwood Forest

Rodale Institute

Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. I’m Ben Davies and in addition to my work as a farmer I also work as a real estate agent through Century 21 Longacre Realty. The content of this show is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional real estate advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets are subject to change. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of myself or Century 21 Longacre Realty. Please consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.

Amanda Burkard-Sell is Berks County's Deputy Director of Agriculture. She previously served for over a decade as the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Coordinator for Berks County, PA.

I have worked with her for over a decade as we have gone through the process of preserving multiple farms.

She has a very collaborative and patient approach to working with farms and individuals. She is a wealth of knowledge on land preservation, farming legislation, and I have learned a lot from her over the years.

In this episode we cover her background in criminal justice, how she wound up switching to farmland preservation, how Berks County and PA are leaders in the nation for farmland preservation; the basics of farmland preservation and why landowners decide to preserve their land; the pros and cons of farmland preservation; how data centers are becoming a bigger issue in farmland conservation and more

I hope you enjoy this episode.

Berks County Farmland Preservation

Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. I’m Ben Davies and in addition to my work as a farmer I also work as a real estate agent through Century 21 Longacre Realty. The content of this show is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional real estate advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets are subject to change. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of myself or Century 21 Longacre Realty. Please consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.

Austin Unruh is the founder of Trees For Graziers and Co-host of the podcast Agrarian Futures.

Austins passion about agroforestry, silvopasture and diversified agricultural systems shows. He has many fascinating ideas about how integrating trees into pasture systems can enhance farm productivity, conservation, and economic viability. In this episode, we cover these as well as insights into funding, genetic advancements, and practical implementation.

In 2023 his team planted 5 acres of hybrid hazelnuts, 3 acres of riparian buffer native species and 2 acres of hybrid black locust on our farm. In this recording we got a chance to sit amongst the locust trees that his team planted.

Trees for Graziers

Agrarian Futures Podcast

Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. I’m Ben Davies and in addition to my work as a farmer I also work as a real estate agent through Century 21 Longacre Realty. The content of this show is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional real estate advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets are subject to change. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of myself or Century 21 Longacre Realty. Please consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.

Jeff Tkach is the CEO of the Rodale Institute and author of a new book: The Farm is Here. 

I have known Jeff for 8 years, first as a customer at the farmers market and then as a friend. It is always fascinating to sit down and talk with Jeff about the Rodale Institute as well as his professional development as a leader. It was a privilege to do something different by sitting down and having a more formal chat. In this episode, we explore Jeffs journey to becoming CEO of the Rodale Institute; we delve into the science behind regenerative organic farming and land management; we discuss the impact of AI on agriculture, and the importance of diverse voices in the regenerative movement. We also discuss Jeffs new book: The Farm is Here.

Rodale Institute

The Farm is Here

Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. I’m Ben Davies and in addition to my work as a farmer I also work as a real estate agent through Century 21 Longacre Realty. The content of this show is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional real estate advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets are subject to change. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of myself or Century 21 Longacre Realty. Please consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.

Dominic Bruzzese is the founder of Tomorrows Homestead and has an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering. He works full time as an engineer and manages rental properties, as well as runs Tomorrows Homestead. I have enjoyed getting to know him over the past 2 years and learning more about his innovative approach to investing in agricultural land. His fascination with farming as well as his willingness to mentor the farmers at Tomorrows Homestead is an inspiration that I hope others can learn from.

In this episode of The Curious Steward, Dominic shares his journey from engineering to farming, his innovative approach to land investment, and how community and resilience play vital roles in sustainable agriculture. Discover practical insights on land preservation, creative revenue streams, and advice for aspiring farmers.

Tomorrows Homestead

Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. I’m Ben Davies and in addition to my work as a farmer, I also work as a real estate agent through Century 21 Longacre Realty. The content of this show is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional real estate advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets are subject to change. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of myself or Century 21 Longacre Realty. Please consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.