A Note from Michael:

The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey.

How do you build—and keep—a thriving farm team?

On this special Farm in Focus episode, Michael is joined by Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow, co-founders of Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett, New York. Known for their vibrant farm, educational programs, and deep commitment to community, Katie and Amanda share how they manage one of the most dynamic farm teams in the region.

From hiring with intention to setting clear expectations, training the next generation, and keeping morale high during peak season, this conversation offers bite-sized wisdom for any farmer looking to improve their team culture and daily operations.

Whether you're managing two people or twenty, their insights will help you strengthen communication, create systems that serve your farm, and build a workplace people want to return to each day.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

Building the Team: • What goes into hiring for enthusiasm, not just experience [2:26] • How Amber Waves builds a diverse farm crew each year [4:16]

Training the Next Generation: • Structuring an apprenticeship program that truly prepares new farmers [9:13] • Teaching financial literacy and business planning as core skills [10:05]

Leadership & Management: • Why clarity and communication matter more than you think [13:10] • How they use scheduled feedback to support apprentices [21:00] • Keeping morale high through "gamifying" tasks and building community [18:00]

Looking Ahead: • How mentorship shapes their farm's vision for the future [21:00]

Bio:Amber Waves began in 2008 when Amanda Merrow and Katie Baldwin met during a farm apprenticeship, sparking a friendship and a shared dream to feed their local community. A year later, they launched their farm on seven conserved acres behind the Amagansett Farmers Market, drawn to the land's unique coastal terroir, which inspired the name Amber Waves. In the early days, they personally connected with every visitor, cultivating a community that found comfort, inspiration, and empowerment through the farm. By 2016, with the support of dedicated locals and visionary women before them, Amanda and Katie secured ownership of the farmland and reunited it with the historic farmstand. Today, Amber Waves spans over 30 acres, operates a vibrant market and kitchen, and stands as a nationally recognized educational farm serving hundreds of families and visitors each year.

Links:

👩🏻‍🌾 Visit Amber Waves Farm's website: Amber Waves Farm 📺 YouTube: @amberwavesfarmNY 📷 Instagram: Amber Waves Farm 👍 Facebook: Amber Waves Farm

Looking to get your farm systems dialed in for 2026? The Small Farm Business Intensive is a two-day, on-farm event hosted by Michael Kilpatrick in Ohio on February 20–21.

Participants will walk through the same frameworks used at Farm on Central, covering planning, pricing, profitability, team management, and more. The goal is clarity—leaving with a plan and practical tools you can actually use to move your farm forward.

Learn more and save your spot at growingfarmers.com.

What does it take to turn six acres into a destination for food, flowers, and connection?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Julie Warpinski, founder of Rosewood Farm in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Drawing on her background as a chef, Julie has transformed six acres into a vibrant destination for seasonal produce, fresh flowers, and memorable events. From CSA programs and farm camps to weddings and cooking classes, Rosewood blends the beauty of farm life with the joy of gathering.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• From Kitchen to Field – How Julie's culinary roots inspired her journey into farming [0:57]
• Hands-On Learning – The types of classes and educational programs offered at Rosewood [8:07]
• Seasonal Growing – How Rosewood produces fresh vegetables and flowers throughout the year [10:31]
• Marketing the Farm – The strategies Julie uses to reach and engage her customers [16:18]
• Life on the Farm – What a typical day looks like and how Julie manages her time [27:47]
• Sustainability in Practice – Julie's perspective on long-term living and working on the farm [31:02]
• Serving the Community – Where Rosewood's customers come from and how they connect with the farm [40:50]
• Words of Wisdom – Julie's advice for leaving a corporate job to start a farm [43:38]

Don't miss this episode if you're curious about blending good food, community spirit, and sustainable farming into one thriving business.

About the Guest:

Former chef turned passionate farmer, Julie founded Rosewood Farm to reconnect people with the source of their food. What began as a personal journey has grown into a thriving community hub focused on naturally grown produce, fresh-cut flowers, and hands-on education. Rosewood Farm hosts seasonal events, farm camps, and cooking classes to inspire a deeper appreciation for sustainable living.

Connect with Rosewood Farm:

🖥️ Website: Rosewood Farm 📷 Instagram: Follow @rosewfarm👍 Facebook: Like Rosewood Farm

How can farming protect culture and sustain communities in the midst of conflict?

Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Karmel Abufarha, Marketing Manager of Canaan Palestine. Since 2013, Karmel has worked alongside his father and Palestinian smallholder farmers to create a route-to-market for ancient olive groves and traditional crops. What started as a local effort to safeguard livelihoods has grown into a global movement, connecting Palestinian farmers with consumers who value sustainability, social responsibility, and regenerative practices.

Tune in to hear how Karmel and the team at Canaan are preserving cultural heritage, uplifting farming families, and building hope for the next generation.

• Returning to Palestine: What led Karmel to leave Wisconsin and join his family's farming mission [1:11]
• Water Conservation: Is mulching an effective method for olive groves? [11:47]
• Co-op Structure: What does the average family farm look like in Palestine? [13:46]
• Farming Amid Conflict: How current events impact Palestinian farmers' work and livelihoods [17:17]
• Global Markets: Where is Canaan's olive oil sold, and who are their customers? [23:02]
• Farmer Support: How Canaan provides resources and opportunities for their farming partners [26:32]

Don't miss this episode to learn how regenerative farming can protect cultural heritage and create lasting economic and ecological impact.

Karmel Abufarha is the Marketing Manager for Canaan Palestine, a pioneering initiative supporting smallholder Palestinian farmers and preserving the ancient olive groves of the region. Raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Karmel returned to Palestine in 2013 to embrace his heritage and pursue regenerative agriculture. He now plays key roles in marketing, farmer education, and building global connections that sustain both the land and its people.

🌍 Website: Canaan Palestine📸 Instagram: Follow @canaan.palestine👍🏼 Facebook: Like Canaan Palestine▶️ TikTok: Follow @canaan.palestine

What happens when we slow down, listen to nature, and "learn something old"?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kaylee Richardson, Virginia-based herbalist, beekeeper, and author of The Beekeeper's Apothecary. With roots in Appalachia and a heart for old-world wisdom, Kaylee shares her journey from the medical field to full-time homesteading.

Tune in to learn how she integrates herbalism and beekeeping to build a thriving, intentional lifestyle—and how you can begin to "learn something old" each day.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Getting Started with Bees: How Kaylee got into beekeeping and what drew her to working with honey bees. [0:54]
• Growing Herbs at Home: Kaylee's insights into growing herbs—what's easy, what's tricky, and how to get started. [7:19]
• Beekeeping on the Homestead: What Kaylee does with her bees and how they fit into her larger homesteading lifestyle. [17:54]
• Herbal Bee Care: How Kaylee uses herbs to support and treat her colonies naturally. [25:12]
• Selling from the Homestead: The different ways Kaylee shares her farm products and creations with the public. [28:38]
• Homesteading with Kids: How Kaylee involves her children in the day-to-day rhythm of farm life. [32:50]
• Go-To Herbs: The herbs Kaylee reaches for most often in her home and apothecary. [42:09]

Don't miss this episode if you're curious about the powerful connections between bees, herbs, and intentional living—straight from the homestead.

About the Guest:

Kaylee Richardson is a beekeeper, herbalist, homemaker, and author based in the mountains of Virginia. She and her husband live a life grounded in intentionality—raising livestock, growing food, foraging mushrooms, and using herbal remedies rooted in tradition. Through her platform The Honeystead, she shares practical tips on homesteading and encourages others to reconnect with nature by "learning something old."

Resources & Links:

📘 Preorder The Beekeeper's Apothecary: Homestead Living Shop 🌿 Visit Kaylee's website: The Honeystead 📺 YouTube: Subscribe to The Honeystead 📷 Instagram: Follow @the_honeystead 👍 Facebook: Like The Honeystead

What happens when the interviewer becomes the guest?

This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, the mic flips as Rodger Wasson, longtime advocate for farmers and host of the Farm to Table Talk Podcast, interviews our own Michael Kilpatrick. From behind-the-scenes systems to current hurdles, Rodger dives deep into the day-to-day of Michael's farm, business, and mindset as a leader in the regenerative agriculture space.

Tune in for a rare peek into what's working (and what's not) at the Farm on Central farm and store — and why Michael remains committed to helping small farms succeed.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Product overview – What the Farm on Central store offers and what's produced on the farm [2:57]
• Mushroom production – Does the team grow fungi on site? [8:19]
• Local sourcing – How much of their product lineup is grown at home vs. sourced [11:28]
• Marketing strategy – How they reach customers and spread the word [18:10]
• Current challenges – The biggest hurdles facing Michael and the team right now [28:30]
• Food access – Can SNAP/EBT be used on the farm? [32:32]
• Housing and labor – What the team structure looks like and if they use H2A housing [40:26]
• Small-acreage potential – Michael's outlook on what's possible with limited land [52:44]

Don't miss this episode if you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a diversified, modern farm—from managing products and marketing to tackling regulation and building a resilient business model.

Michael Kilpatrick's Farm:

🌐 Website: www.farmoncentral.com Online Store: https://shop.farmoncentral.com/

About the Guest:

Rodger Wasson is host of the Farm to Table Talk podcast. Raised on a livestock farm in Central Illinois, he's spent his career advocating for farmers both nationally and internationally. With experience spanning commodity boards, global food systems, and grassroots storytelling, Rodger bridges the gap between producers and consumers in powerful ways.

Connect with Rodger Wasson: 🌐 Website: www.farmtotabletalk.com

What happens when two forward-thinking Iowa farmers team up to help others grow better businesses?

This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tanner Winterhof and Corey Hillebo, hosts of the Farm4Profit Podcast. With backgrounds in finance, crop and livestock production, and agribusiness leadership, Tanner and Corey are on a mission to help farmers treat their operations like profitable, resilient businesses.

Through the Farm4Profit platform, they share tools, technology, and mindset shifts to help farms succeed in today's complex ag economy. Tune in to hear how they balance tradition with innovation, and why they're passionate about sharing the lessons they've learned along the way.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Why Farm4Profit?: How they chose their name and why profit is a key focus for farmers [1:26]
• Crop Innovation: How real crop farming has changed in recent years [3:56]
• Tech & Inputs: The evolving role of technology and chemical use in modern agriculture [9:37]
• Farm as a Business: What trips farmers up and how to stay focused on profitability [19:50]
• Family Farm Dynamics: The challenges and opportunities of working within a family operation [27:06]
• Looking Ahead: Corey and Tanner's plans for future crops and business growth [32:57]

Don't miss this episode if you want practical, honest insights into treating your farm like a business while staying grounded in stewardship and legacy.

About the Guests:

Tanner Winterhof grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa and has blended his passion for agriculture with a successful career in banking and agribusiness. He co-hosts the Farm4Profit Podcast, helping farm businesses grow through financial literacy, innovation, and sustainability.

Corey Hillebo is a fourth-generation farmer in Polk City, Iowa. As Farm Manager for Hillebo Family Farms and President of Big Creek Seed, Corey brings leadership and technical knowledge to both his operation and the Farm4Profit Podcast. His focus includes row crops, swine, and seed production, as well as helping other farmers embrace new opportunities.

Connect with Farm4Profit: 🌐 Website: Farm4Profit 📸 Instagram: Follow @farm4profit 👍 Facebook: Like Farm4Profit

What does it look like to steward a diversified organic farm across six generations?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by John Bell, managing owner of Elmwood Stock Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. John and his wife Melissa are raising the farm's seventh generation while managing over 400 acres of USDA Certified Organic vegetables, poultry, pork, and grass-fed beef.

Since becoming certified organic in 2000, Elmwood Stock Farm has focused on sustainable rotations of crops and livestock to build soil health, reduce off-farm inputs, and nourish their community with nutrient-dense food.

Tune in to hear how this legacy farm continues to thrive in a modern marketplace.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Farm history – When Elmwood Stock Farm was established and how it's evolved [0:59]
• Animal integration – How and when livestock were added to the operation [8:29]
• Customer base – Who buys their diverse organic products and how they connect with their market [21:17]
• Vision for the future – John's thoughts on where Elmwood is headed in the coming years [29:49]
• Location advantage – Why their Kentucky location works for organic sales [33:28]
• Team dynamics – What their year-round and seasonal staffing looks like [40:59]
• Favorite tool – The tool John relies on most in his daily work [42:59]

Don't miss this episode if you're curious about running a truly diversified, multi-generational organic farm that continues to innovate while staying true to its roots.

About the Guest:

John Bell has spent his life working on Elmwood Stock Farm, a sixth-generation family farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. As a managing owner, John leads organic vegetable production and oversees their pastured pork and grass-fed Wagyu-Angus cattle operations. He's an active voice in regional agricultural leadership and a past board chair of the Organic Association of Kentucky. Alongside his wife Melissa, John is raising the farm's next generation while advancing a vision of ecological farming and community nourishment.

Connect with Elmwood Stock Farm: 🌐 Website: Elmwood Stock Farm 📸 Instagram: Follow @elmwoodstockfarm👍🏼 Facebook: Like ElmwoodStockFarm ▶️ YouTube: Subscribe to Elmwood Stock Farm

What does it look like to transform land, community, and food systems—all at once?

This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Zeb Horrell, Chief Regenerative Officer at Mangaroa Farms in Whitemans Valley, New Zealand. Zeb is a third-generation farmer turned regenerative land steward, working to reimagine what farming can be through bioregional resilience, collaborative land models, and deep ecological awareness.

At Mangaroa Farms—a community food hub and living laboratory—they're transitioning former dairy and pine operations into regenerative agriculture and native forest systems.

Tune in to hear how Zeb is integrating education, community events, and hands-on ecological practices to build a thriving, resilient future from the ground up.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Early background – What Zeb was doing before joining Mangaroa Farms [3:22]
• Farm enterprises – The mix of operations they manage, from animals to vegetables [4:46]
• Leadership role – What Zeb's work as Chief Regenerative Officer involves [8:23]
• Market garden crops – What they grow and how long their season lasts [14:00]
• Volunteer programs – How they're engaging the community in hands-on learning [18:18]
• Events & outreach – The kinds of educational events they host on the farm [23:15]
• Spreading the word – How Mangaroa Farms gets the word out about their programs [27:01]
• Animal processing – How they manage ethical and localized animal processing [31:02]
• Favorite farm tool – The tool Zeb can't live without on the farm [36:40]

Don't miss this episode if you're interested in how regenerative farming can strengthen communities, heal ecosystems, and reconnect people with the land—no matter where in the world you farm.

About the Guest:

Zebulon Horrell is a regenerative land steward and community weaver based in Southland, New Zealand. After transitioning his family's 1,000-acre sheep farm to more ecological practices, he founded the Future Whenua Collective to support land-based solutions through education, collaboration, and events. Today, Zeb works as the Chief Regenerative Officer at Mangaroa Farms, a resilient community food hub and educational center that integrates market gardening, native forest regeneration, and regenerative grazing practices. His mission is to foster bioregional resilience and ecological awareness for future generations.

Connect with Mangaroa Farms: 🌐 Website: Mangaroa Farms 📸 Instagram: Follow Mangaroa Farms 👍🏼 Facebook: Like Mangaroa Farms

The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.

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What role does security play in building a thriving homestead?

Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim Eng, a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and real estate expert who now helps families transition into resilient, self-sufficient homesteads. After years in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the U.S., Tim and his family made the leap to homesteading in Tennessee.

With a background in military engineering and a passion for regenerative living, Tim now teaches homesteaders how to build security into their land, homes, and communities—from the ground up.

Tune in to hear how Tim combines military strategy and permaculture to help others protect what matters most.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Why security matters: Why should every homesteader take security into account?
• Axis Control: What it means and how it applies to protecting your land [12:05]
• Preparedness Planning: What emergency preparedness really looks like for homesteaders [19:23]
• Smart Land Buying: What to consider when purchasing a homestead property [22:22]
• Lessons from Experience: Tim's personal examples and the mindset shift behind homestead security [27:25]

Don't miss this episode if you're building a homestead and want to ensure your property, family, and food systems are secure and resilient.

About the Guest:

Tim Eng is a West Point graduate and former Army combat engineer who served in Iraq before becoming a top real estate agent in the San Francisco Bay Area. After relocating to Tennessee with his wife and children, Tim answered the "Call to Farms" and now lives a regenerative homesteading lifestyle. Through his platform The Homesteading Agent, he combines military expertise, real estate insight, and a passion for preparedness to help others find and secure land for resilient living.

Connect with Tim Eng: 🌐 Website: The Homesteading Agent 📸 Instragram: Follow on Instagram 👍 Facebook: Like on Facebook 🎧 Podcast: Call to Farms Podcast

The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.

Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag's easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what's most important—growing.

For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25

👉 Try out Gripp today!

How can homesteaders empower the next generation through practical, real-world learning?

Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kody Hanner, a homesteader, author, and educator based in North Idaho. As the founder of The Homestead Education, Kody helps families integrate homesteading and self-sufficiency into their homeschooling journey. What began as a personal health journey turned into a life-changing homestead and a mission to equip children with the tools they need to thrive outside the traditional classroom.

Tune in to hear how Kody's family healed, homesteaded, and built a thriving educational business to help others do the same.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

Health Journey: What led Kody to rethink her family's lifestyle and food choices? [1:41] Healing at Home: How the Hanners reversed a terminal diagnosis with food and farming [3:47] Moving Without a Map: What gave Kody the courage to leap into homesteading with no clear plan? [13:33] Hands-On Learning: How Kody's curriculum brings homestead science into kids' daily lives [24:28] Raising Show Pigs: What goes into producing high-quality, pasture-raised pork? [27:55] Health Differences: How do naturally raised pigs compare to conventional ones? [33:38] Finding Her Audience: When did Kody realize her work could reach beyond her farm? [37:53] Homestead Topics: What does Kody cover on The Homestead Education Podcast? [45:35] Kid Engagement: How does she keep her kids involved and excited about homesteading? [56:26]

Don't miss this episode if you're passionate about teaching kids where food comes from, living with purpose, and making homesteading part of your family's education.

About Kody Hanner:

Kody Hanner is a homesteader, proud homeschool mom, and the creator of The Homestead Education; a company that provides educational resources that aim to teach children self-sufficiency through hands-on learning. The Hanner Family runs a direct-to-consumer pork operation in North Idaho and enjoys educating across the country.

Connect with Kody Hanner:

🌐 Website: The Homestead Education 📸 Instagram: Follow @homesteadeducation👍🏼 Facebook: Like @homesteadeducation📺 YouTube: Subscribe to HomesteadEducation 🎧 Podcast: The Homestead Education Podcast

The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.

Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag's easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what's most important—growing.

For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25

👉 Try out Gripp today!