Kendall and Rebecca discuss succession planning in agriculture with Seth Wilner, an Extension specialist with 26 years of experience. Seth defines succession planning as the strategic transfer of farm management and ownership to the next generation, emphasizing its importance in minimizing taxes, reducing family conflict, and ensuring business sustainability. He highlights the need for farmers to start planning early, maintain basic records, and assemble a trusted team of advisors. Seth also stresses the emotional and logistical challenges, particularly when dealing with family dynamics and remote stakeholders. He advocates for patience, grace, and the support of experienced mentors to navigate this complex process.

Show notes:  

Seth Wilner – [email protected]

Farm Credit East – www.farmcrediteast.com

Environmental Mediation Center – www.emcenter.org/nhamp/

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0  

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Kendall and Rebecca discuss the experiences of young farmers in New Hampshire with Lindsay Matras, who runs a small dairy and sugaring business, and Gracie Phillips, who manages an organic orchard and educational center. Both farmers share their challenges and successes, highlighting the importance of family influence, the need for diversification, and the impact of technology and community support.

Show notes:  

Lindsay Matras – [email protected]

The Sudsy Cow – www.thesudsycow.com

Matras Maple Sugarhouse & Dairy – www.matrasmaple.com

Gracie Phillips – [email protected]

Heartsong Farm and Lost Nation Orchard – www.heartsongfarmlostnationarchard.com

‘The Apple Guy’ – Michael Phillips - The Apple Grower: A Guide for the Organic Orchardist

NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan - https://www.nhfoodalliance.org/new-hampshire-food-agriculture-strategic-plan

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu

The Little Red Hen Farm & Market - https://www.littleredhenfarm.net/

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Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

In the first episode of Season Three of the Shared Soil podcast, Kendall and Rebecca discuss the North Country Farm Trail, an initiative by Kate Savage to promote agritourism and local agriculture in the North Country of New Hampshire. The Farm Trail aims to connect local consumers with a wide range of agricultural products and services, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and local services like insurance and maple syrup production. The initiative offers three promotional packages for farmers, from a free basic package to more comprehensive options.

Show notes:  

North Country Farm Trail: www.northcountryfarmtrail.com

Kate Savage: [email protected]

WREN (Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network): www.wrenworks.org

Will Hastings: [email protected]

Olivia Saunders: [email protected]

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu

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Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

We wanted to create a bonus episode for this season, kind of like a holiday card, thanking all of the farmers and people who work in agriculture in New Hampshire and beyond. So we’ve gathered a bunch of people to share what they are thankful to New Hampshire agriculture for.

Show notes: 

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected] 

Rebecca Dube – [email protected] 

Carl Majewski – [email protected] 

Caroline Beaton – [email protected] 

Jeremy Delisle – [email protected] 

Sarah Allen – [email protected] 

Mary Choate – [email protected] 

Amber Vinchesi-Vahl – [email protected] 

Katrina McKay – [email protected] 

Seth Wilner – [email protected] 

Amy Loader – [email protected] 

Depreciation is the reduction in the value of business equipment over time, which impacts both taxes and financial statements. Kendall Kunelius and Rebecca Dube review depreciation with Sam Stoddard from Farm Credit East. They discuss special depreciation methods, building leases, and the importance of accurate record-keeping and financial management for farmers.

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Show notes:  

Farm Credit East: https://www.farmcrediteast.com/ 

Samantha Stoddard: [email protected] 

Harvesting a Profit: https://www.farmcrediteast.com/en/FINANCING/Beginning-Farmer-Programs/Harvesting-a-Profit 

Cornell Cooperative Extension: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension 

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu 

Generation Next at Farm Credit East: https://www.farmcrediteast.com/en/FINANCING/Beginning-Farmer-Programs/GenerationNext 

SCORE: https://www.score.org/ 

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Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Summary: Kendall and Rebecca discuss the New Hampshire tree fruit industry with UNH Extension fruit and vegetable field specialist Jeremy Delisle. They explore the challenges farmers face, including extreme weather events and market shifts. They also discuss the resilience of New Hampshire farmers, the use of integrated pest management, and the impact of community and grower associations.

Show notes:  

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/integrated-pest-management-ipm

Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) in NH: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/network-environment-weather-applications-newa-new-hampshire

Poverty Lane Orchards (Farnum Hill Ciders): https://farnumhillciders.com/orchards

Apple Hill Farm: https://applehillfarmnh.com/

UNH Extension – https://www.extension.unh.edu

Multi-Cultivar Grafting Trap Trees Report: https://portal.nifa.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/1020950-multi-cultivar-grafting-a-novel-low-cost-grower-friendly-attract-and-kill-approach-to-manage-key-apple-pests.html

Natural Resources Conservation Service - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0  

Jeremy Delisle – [email protected]

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Thumbnail Photo for episode:

Apple close-up.jpg

Kendall and Rebecca discuss disaster preparedness in agriculture with Olivia Saunders. The conversation underscores the importance of preparedness and community resilience in agriculture.

Show notes:  

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/integrated-pest-management-ipm

Wholistic Management Institute Training - https://www.holisticmanagement.org/programs

Wendy Johnecheck – [email protected]

USDA Floodwater vs. Pondwater - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/FloodingFrequency_Maximum.pdf

NH Emergency Preparedness - https://www.readynh.gov/

https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery

UNH Extension – https://www.extension.unh.edu

Farm Service Agency (FSA) - https://www.fsa.usda.gov/

Natural Resources Conservation Service - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

                Disaster Recovery Assistance - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/ewp-emergency-watershed-protection/ewp-disaster-recovery-assistance

NY Center for Agricultural Health and Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) - https://www.nycamh.org/

Disaster Animal Response Teams (DART) - https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/new-hampshire-disaster-animal-response

NH Climate Assessment 2021 - https://scholars.unh.edu/sustainability/71/

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Kendall and Rebecca discuss agritourism with Jada Lindblom and Gail McWilliam Jellie from UNH Extension. They take a look at its community and economic impact, as well as its many safety considerations. They stress the importance of proper planning, staff training, and community relations.
 

Show notes:  

Jada Lindblom – [email protected]

Gail McWilliam Jellie – [email protected]

Farm Mapper App - https://farmmapper.org/

NH State Law RSA508:14 - https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/2023/title-lii/chapter-508/section-508-14/

Farm Day Celebration in Sullivan County - https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7e410e5326a3434ab9fa69b11da0654a

Equipment Safety - https://necenter.org/

NETTRA Tourism Conference - https://www.nettra.org/2025-annual-conference.html

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Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Insights into Lending

Kendall and Rebecca speak with Charley Cummings, CEO of Walden Mutual Bank. They discuss the concept of "voting with your dollars" and its impact on sustainable finance and agriculture. He shares insights on lending practices, stressing the importance of long-term relationships and understanding the unique challenges of multi-generational farms. Cummings emphasized the need for farmers to understand cash flow, accrual accounting, and amortization.

Show notes:  

Walden Mutual Bank - www.waldenmutual.com

EBITDA = Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0  

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Kendall and Rebecca discuss the production and handling of eggs with UNH Extension livestock Field Specialist Katrina Klobucher. They discuss the need for proper sanitation throughout the process, from ventilation to the baskets eggs are gathered in. They also discuss factors affecting shell color and size, and choosing a breed that best matches your goals.  How do you like your eggs?

Show notes:  

University of Florida Extension Fact Sheet on Egg Quality. The table starts on page 9: https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/42/62/00001/PS02000.pdf

NH Dept of Agriculture, Markets and Food

Guidelines for Selling Eggs from: https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/shell-egg-guidelines.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions – Eggs: https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/divisions/regulatory-services/faq-eggs.htm

UNH Extension Resources:

Producing Your Own Eggs: https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource000472_Rep494.pdf

5 Unique and Rafe Chicken Breeds to Consider for Your Backyard Flock: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2024/04/5-unique-rare-chicken-breeds-consider-your-backyard-flock

What does a good quality egg look like? Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/unhextension/reel/C7E_1llsMAf/

Colorado State Extension – Cleaning Eggs: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/nutrition-food-safety-health/home-produced-chicken-eggs-9-377/

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Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]