This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University

In this conversation, Katie Olthoff shares her experiences as a turkey farmer and the operations of her farm in Iowa. She discusses the logistics of raising turkeys, the importance of biosecurity, and the impact of avian influenza on the industry. Katie also introduces her business, Chop Local, which connects farmers with consumers for direct meat sales, and highlights the educational resources offered through Chop Local University. The discussion covers consumer preferences, shipping challenges, and the diverse market for meat products, emphasizing the need for farmers to adapt to changing demands. In this conversation, Katie Olthoff shares her journey from being a teacher to becoming an author of children's books focused on agriculture. She discusses the challenges of parenting, particularly with neurodivergent children, and the importance of understanding and supporting their needs. The conversation delves into the realities of parenting teenagers, the impact of ADHD on decision-making, and the complexities of managing mental health issues, including suicidal ideation. Katie emphasizes the significance of finding the right support and resources for both parents and children, highlighting the need for open communication and understanding within families. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges and joys of raising children on a farm, the expectations placed on farm kids, and the generational perspectives on farming careers. They also share humorous anecdotes about their experiences with exotic pets and the seasonal challenges of dealing with bugs in rural life. The conversation flows naturally through various themes, providing insights into the complexities of rural parenting and the unique experiences that come with it.

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

About Blooming Health Farms

Calling all chicken keepers who want to turn their passion into egg profits. Whether you’ve never had chickens or are a pro, we provide the tools, guidance, and support your need to grow.

You’ll discover how to save time, reduce costs, and grow your flock into a money-making egg machine.

We offer novel hydroponic methods for managing and scaling your egg sales and connect you with a thriving community of small-scale egg farmers who want real results, not an echo chamber

• 📅 Live Weekly Q&A Sessions
• 🎥 Exclusive Videos
• 🏆 Chicken Pimp Roadmap

In Pimp Your Flock we’re sowing the seeds of change in the chicken world. And you’re at the heart of this revolution...

Join Now: https://www.skool.com/pimp-your-flock/about

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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

• Katie Olthoff raises 200,000 turkeys annually and mini Herefords.
• The logistics of turkey farming involve multiple barn sites and cycles.
• Biosecurity is crucial in preventing avian influenza outbreaks.
• Chop Local connects farmers with consumers for direct meat sales.
• Chop Local University offers educational resources for farmers.
• Consumer preferences are shifting towards local and sustainable meat options.
• Shipping meat requires careful planning to ensure quality.
• The market for diverse meat products is growing, including specialty items.
• Farmers face challenges in adapting to consumer demands and logistics.
• Katie emphasizes the importance of community and supporting local agriculture. Katie transitioned from teaching to writing children's books about agriculture.
• Her books aim to provide accurate portrayals of farming for children.
• Parenting is a journey filled with unexpected challenges and joys.
• ADHD can influence impulsive decisions in parenting.
• Teenage years bring new and complex challenges for parents.
• Understanding neurodiversity is crucial for supporting children.
• Medication can play a vital role in managing mental health.
• Finding the right providers for children's mental health is essential.
• Open communication about challenges can foster understanding in families.
• Parents often need to balance being supportive with encouraging independence. Raising kids on a farm offers unique opportunities and challenges.
• Expectations for farm kids can be unrealistic and pressure-filled.
• Generational perspectives on farming influence career choices.
• Life decisions often come with significant financial implications.
• County fairs can be a fun way to showcase diverse talents.
• Exotic pets require special care and sourcing can be difficult in rural areas.
• Bugs can be a nuisance in rural living, especially in spring.
• Parenting stages bring different joys and challenges.
• Community support is vital for rural families.
• Finding humor in everyday challenges can help navigate rural life.