By Michael Kilpatrick
The podcast currently has 298 episodes available.
Why has hemp, with its vast potential and numerous sustainable uses, faced so many challenges and misconceptions?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Shawn Patrick House, CEO of Lancaster Trading House and creator of Hempzels, the original hemp pretzel. With over 30 years in the hemp industry, Shawn has pioneered innovative hemp products, from pretzels to dairy-free ice cream, and is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and industrial hemp.
Tune in to hear about Shawn Patrick House's journey in the hemp industry.
Episode Highlights:
About the Guest:
Shawn Patrick House is an old school hempentrepreneur and might be the Forest Gump of hemp. A political activist who ran for Congress in 2016, he's been advocating for true cannabis hemp almost half of his life. He has survived the government hemp food ban from 2000-2004 and he has quite an interesting story and angle when it comes to the future of hemp.
Connect with Shawn:
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor Growing Farmers!
Are you tired of guessing how to price your farm-fresh vegetables? Stop second-guessing and start maximizing your profits with our Vegetable Pricing Guide and Calculator.
Whether you sell at farmers markets, a farm store, or anywhere else, our resources and tutorials will help you set prices based on your production costs and desired profit margins.
Don’t let uncertainty dictate your pricing strategy. Join countless farmers who’ve transformed their pricing game with the Vegetable Pricing Guide.
Visit us now at growingfarmers.com/veggieguide and take control of your profitability!
How can diversifying a farm business lead to greater resilience and sustainability?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Garrett Miller who is the owner behind Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm. Garrett is dedicated to organic practices, offering visitors artisan ciders, locally-sourced meals, and u-pick experiences in a vibrant, musical setting amidst New York’s beautiful apple country.
Tune in to hear Garrett share his journey in organic apple farming, the challenges he faces, and how he diversifies his farm business to create a thriving community hub.
Episode Highlights:About the Guest:
Garrett Miller is the owner and operator of the Good Life Farm and Finger Lakes Cider House in New York. He describes the farm and cider house as the sum total of his life’s work. He started the farm at 22 without much of a plan, with less experience than was responsible and basically no money. These initial challenges turned out to be some of their greatest strengths. With any luck, he hopes to leave this piece of land a little better than when he found it.
Connect with Garrett:
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor Growing Farmers!
Are you tired of guessing how to price your farm-fresh vegetables? Stop second-guessing and start maximizing your profits with our Vegetable Pricing Guide and Calculator.
Whether you sell at farmers markets, a farm store, or anywhere else, our resources and tutorials will help you set prices based on your production costs and desired profit margins.
Don’t let uncertainty dictate your pricing strategy. Join countless farmers who’ve transformed their pricing game with the Vegetable Pricing Guide.
Visit us now at growingfarmers.com/veggieguide and take control of your profitability!
How can homesteading and food sovereignty reshape our approach to personal and community resilience?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Lucy Brenton who is an activist dedicated to promoting freedom over our bodies and the food we eat. After running twice for the US Senate in Indiana, Lucy is now transforming 6 acres into a self-sufficient homestead and building a community of like-minded homesteaders focused on independence and sustainability.
Tune in to learn how Lucy Brenton combines homesteading and political advocacy to promote personal freedom and sustainability.
Episode Highlights:Don't miss this episode where Lucy Brenton shares her journey into homesteading and political advocacy for food and body freedom.
About the Guest:
Lucy Brenton is an activist working for freedom in the areas it matters most... over our own bodies and the food we eat. Lucy ran for US Senate in 2016 and 2018, campaigning for medical and agricultural freedom, advocating for the right to grow and use hemp and cannabis products on the individual level. She moved her family from the 'burbs to the country and is transforming 6 acres into a self supporting homestead. Currently she is growing and selling edible, medicinal and culinary plants, building a community of homesteaders that want to be self-sufficient and independent of the system.
Connect with Lucy Brenton:
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
How can engaging the community through farming transform lives?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Gabe Madison who is the President of Bonton Farms, a transformative urban farm in South Dallas. Gabe provides strategic oversight for the farm's expanding operations and community programs, leveraging over two decades of corporate leadership experience to disrupt inequitable systems and foster community growth. Tune in to hear how Gabe Madison leverages her corporate leadership experience to guide Bonton Farms' transformative urban farming initiatives and community programs in South Dallas.
Episode Highlights:
Don’t miss this episode on the transformative power of community engagement through farming!
About the Guest:
Gabe Madison is the President of Bonton Farms, a South Dallas farm and community resource dedicated to disrupting inequitable systems. With over two decades of corporate leadership experience, Gabe provides strategic oversight to the farm's expanding operations and community initiatives. Prior to this role, she served as Director of Community Relations and HR Manager at Thomson Reuters. Gabe graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, and currently lives in Frisco with her wonderful family.
Connect with Bonton Farms:
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
What advice would a seasoned farmer give to those aspiring to start their own farm?
Find out in this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast where Michael is joined by Julie Rawson who is co-owner of Many Hands Organic Farm in Barre, Massachusetts. After growing up on a conventional farm in Illinois, Julie, along with her husband Jack, transitioned to organic farming in 1982, where she has become a pioneer in soil fertility and carbon sequestration.
Tune in to hear Julie Rawson's journey from conventional to organic farming and her insights on sustainable practices.
Episode Highlights:Don't miss this episode about the journey from conventional to organic farming, where Julie Rawson shares her insights on soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and sustainable farming practices.
About the Guest:
Julie has been farming at Many Hands Organic Farm since 1982 with her husband, Jack, her kids, many employees, apprentices, volunteers and working shareholders over the years. Their farm is certified organic, no-till, run a CSA since 1992, and also raises chicken, turkey and pork.
Connect with Julie’s Farm:
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
Has the homesteading movement finally peaked?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael explores this question and more with Melissa K. Norris who is a fifth-generation homesteader, author and educator in Washington state. Melissa inspires and guides thousands of fellow homesteaders through her website, podcast, and books on creating a self-sustaining home and kitchen to help further preserve the old ways of farm-to-table living.
Tune in to hear about the transformational power of sustainable living and the value of a supportive homesteading community.
Episode Highlights:
About the Guest:
Melissa K. Norris helps hundreds of thousands of people each month raise their own food and create a homemade and homegrown kitchen, home, garden and barnyard through her website, popular Pioneering Today Podcast, the Pioneering Today Academy and her books. She is a co-founder of the Modern Homesteading Conference as well as owner of Norris Farmstead.
Melissa is a 5th generation homesteader and lives with her husband and two kids in their own little house in the big woods in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains.
Connect with Melissa:
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
Why is it important to share the stories of small-scale farmers?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Olivia Schoentrup, a sixth-generation farmer who has transitioned from traditional farming to RV living and farm touring. Olivia shares her unique journey, shedding light on the challenges of scaling up a small farm and the critical importance of sharing the stories of small farmers.
Tune in to learn more about Olivia's transformative journey and the innovative practices shaping the future of farming.
Episode Highlights:
About the Guest:
Olivia Schoentrup is a 6th generation farmer from Indiana. She and her husband, Paul, farmed together on 5 acres raising beef, pork, and chicken to sell directly to consumers. After farming for 6 years, they sold everything, moved into a 5th wheel camper, and are now traveling the country visiting small farms and homesteads to share their story on our YouTube Channel, Breaking New Roots.
Connect with Breaking New Roots:
Instagram: Follow on Instagram Facebook: Like on Facebook YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube
Don't miss this episode on Olivia’s experiences and perspectives on modern agricultural practices and the evolving landscape of small-scale farming across the US.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Growing Farmers!
Are you ready to transform your strawberry growing skills? We want to share our 16 years of experience with growing and profiting from strawberries with you in our free 3-day Strawberry Workshop.
Learn proven techniques for boosting yield and flavor, tips for managing your harvest and even developing your own U-pick operation.
This workshop is perfect for farmers, homesteaders and gardeners looking to extend your strawberry growing season and make some money in return.
The 3-day online workshop is offered weekly but register now as it’s only available for a few more weeks. Sign up at www.strawberrysuccess.com
Have you ever wondered how traditional oxen power can transform modern farming?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Melanie Cunningham of Shakefork Community Farm in Northern California. Along with her husband, Kevin, they grow a variety of vegetables, strawberries, and pasture-raised livestock using permanent raised beds, low-till methods, and draft oxen power.
Tune in to hear about this oxen-powered and diversified regenerative market & CSA farm!
Episode Highlights:
About the Guest:
Melanie Cunningham farms 85 acres in the Van Duzen River floodplain in far Northern California with her husband, Kevin, 10 year old son, Clyde and a crew of committed farmhands. Shakefork Community Farm is a highly diversified CSA and market garden AND pasture based operation, growing a variety of vegetables and strawberries, pasture raised eggs, chicken and turkey, grass-fed beef and a home dairy.
Melanie moved to Humboldt County in 2004 to learn to farm, and within a week landed her first farm job. Shakefork was launched in 2008 and has become an anchor of their thriving rural farming community.
Connect with Shakefork Community Farm:
Don't miss this episode on the innovative practices and inspiring journey of Melanie Cunningham and Shakefork Community Farm, from using draft oxen power to achieving strawberry success.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farmhand!
When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management?
In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms.
The best part? Farmhand’s ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.
How do you successfully balance family and farm life?
Find out in this episode of the podcast with Ray Tyler! Ray has previously been on the podcast and he also participated in our Thriving Farmer Vegetable Summit this past January. Ray is an inspiring figure in the world of sustainable agriculture and is a dedicated family man, self-made farmer, and innovative educator at Rose Creek Farms.
Tune in to learn how to balance farming with family life and make a meaningful impact.
Episode Highlights:
About the Guest:
Ray Tyler, along with his wife Ashley, embarked on a farming journey fueled by passion and determination. Despite starting with zero savings and facing numerous challenges, including navigating stringent regulations and their daughter's battle with cancer, they persevered. By transitioning to focus solely on produce and refining their farming practices, they tripled their income while working fewer hours.
Today, they operate a successful, near weed-free farm with year-round production, emphasizing quality and sustainability. Ray's story underscores the transformative power of resilience, innovation, and prioritizing what truly matters in life: love, family, and contentment.
Connect with Rose Creek Farm:
Don't miss this episode on the importance of disconnecting farm problems from family life, engaging children without forcing them to work, and still increasing farm profitability.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farmhand!
When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management?
In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms.
The best part? Farmhand’s ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.
How can shifting from profit-driven farming to a nonprofit model enhance food production and community well-being?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Jim Sander of Wildflower Lane Farm in North Carolina. After a successful career selling to local markets and CSAs, Jim shifted his farm’s focus to growing produce exclusively for local food relief groups using regenerative techniques, increasing both food production and personal fulfillment.
Tune in to hear how Jim has transformed his passion for farming into a powerful force for community good.
Episode Highlights:
About the Guest:
Jim began farming at Wildflower Lane Farm in 2010 after attending an introductory farming course at the Breeze Farm in Hillsborough. After successfully farming there for a year, Jim converted 3/4 acre of pasture land at his 24 acre farm into a small organic farm.
For the first 7 years, Jim grew organically-certified produce and sold it to local markets, including Whole Foods, Weaver Street Market, Eastern Carolina Organics and numerous restaurants and CSA's.
At the end of year 7, Jim decided to partner with Table to feed local kids who are food insecure. Jim now volunteers 20 hours each week supervising Table volunteers and couldn’t be more fulfilled doing just what he loves, farming and providing fresh produce to locals.
Connect with Wildflower Lane Farm:
Don't miss this episode on how Jim Sander's innovative approach is transforming farming and making a significant impact on local food relief efforts.
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farmhand!
When it comes to buying a truck, you don't look for parts and try to build it yourself. You want something ready to ride. So why settle for parts when it comes to your farm management?
In a world filled with parts vendors, Farmhand is the only all-in-one virtual assistant built by and for independent farmers. With one single platform, Farmhand helps ensure that even small, local farms can access the same level of support and technology typically reserved for larger factory farms.
The best part? Farmhand’s ready-to-ride platform comes with zero startup costs or long-term commitments. Learn more and take the quiz to see how much you can save at farmhand.partners/podcast.
The podcast currently has 298 episodes available.