Like author Simon Sinek, Daniel Austin of Green Sprig Ag and Little Hen Farm encourages people to start with their “why.” Doing so will help people understand their motivation and refine their purpose in life and work. Knowing both the “why” and the “how” of farming and building soil health is critically important to economic viability, community well-being, and true sustainability. Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt continue their conversation with Daniel by phone to learn more about his “why” and “how” of farming and growing local grains.

Daniel emphasizes that farmers need to know and understand their "why" for all aspects of their farm operation. On his farm, he aims to care for and rebuild the soil while also maximizing the number of farm enterprises the land can sustain. Daniel also encourages farmers to continually surround themselves with positive mentors and peers. Similarly, he desires to be a good mentor for others in the same way that key mentors have been instrumental in his own journey

Green Sprig Ag is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains.in Franklin County, Virginia. To learn about the Common Grain Alliance and the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair and Conference, please visit https://www.commongrainalliance.org/mid-atlantic-grain-fair

Learn more about the Virginia Soil Health Coalition and pledge your support for soil health at https://www.virginiasoilhealth.org/ and https://4thesoil/take-the-pledge

4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.

Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.

To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today’s program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.