What are the challenges and rewards of transitioning a hobby into a thriving business?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Craig Odem who runs a retail nursery in northwest Alabama. Starting with just a few dozen plants six years ago, Craig and his family have taken their business to a full-scale production and propagation nursery without any background in the industry. He also shares about their nursery growth on YouTube as the Savvy Dirt Farmer.

Tune in to hear how Craig documents their growth and teaches others how to start their own thriving nurseries. 

• How Craig got interested in plants 1:43
• About the process of taking cuttings and making new plants with them 9:13
• Why Craig recently moved 18:44
• What a typical year in a nursery looks like 20:10
• How Craig runs his clearance sales 28:32
• What specific nursery mix does Craig prefer, if any 40:29
• Where Craig expects his business to look like in 2 years 43:08
• About his nursery’s checkout system on the farm 47:04
• What Craig’s favorite tool on the farm is 47:46

Craig Odem runs a retail nursery in northwest Alabama with his family. The most unique part of their story is that they started their nursery and Youtube with no experience in either field. What began as a backyard hobby turned into a full-time career, and they share the ups and downs, successes and failures as they learn on YouTube as the Savvy Dirt Farmer.

His YouTube Channel: Savvy Dirt FarmerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_dirt_farmer/

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases. 

Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.

You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org

Could you embrace the "Reverse Pioneer" Lifestyle?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jill Winger, The Homestead Mentor of The Prairie Homestead. Jill has taught thousands of people how to cook nourishing homemade meals, grow food in their backyards, and find joy in a simpler, slower life. Her new book Old Fashioned on Purpose releases today and is a rallying cry for a less industrial, more intentional life.

Tune in to hear how Jill sees herself as a Reverse Pioneer and how you also could start to return to your roots. 

• Why Jill sees herself as a “Reverse Pioneer” 1:32
• About what the homesteading movement is like right now 2:55
• What it looks like to “return to our roots” 5:04
• How consumer culture is harming society 10:18
• About what the human zoo is 14:36
• How the Chugwater Soda Fountain got started 17:03
• What the biggest lessons and takeaways were from starting that business 19:48
• About their beef business 25:25
• More about her blog and new book 29:08
• About what topics people are interested in right now 30:47
• About the next frontier 40:03

Jill Winger is the founder of The Prairie Homestead, one of the foremost homesteading websites since 2010. She is dedicated to helping others learn how to grow their own food and live a more fulfilling, old-fashioned life. Her new book, Old Fashioned on Purpose, is a rallying cry for a less industrial, more intentional life. 

Her practical and authentic style of teaching and storytelling has won the hearts of hundreds of thousands of homesteaders across social media and through the top-ranked Old Fashioned on Purpose podcast and the best-selling Prairie Homestead Cookbook.

Website: www.theprairiehomestead.com Her new book: Old Fashioned on PurposeTheir grass-fed & finished Beef Business - Genuine Beef Co (They ship nationwide!)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Instagram: http://instagram.com/jill.winger

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases. 

Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.

You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org

Has the quality of food you’ve consumed ever affected your health? 

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Taylor Ayers, co-owner of Ayers Valley Farm located in Russellville, OH. After experiencing health issues that no doctor could pinpoint, Taylor, and her husband Josh, started digging deeper into how their food was raised. Seven years later, they are running their own regenerative farm offering a range of high quality meats to loyal customers all around the country. 

Tune in to hear how this health scare prompted a return to the farm and how they manage a thriving operation.   

You’ll hear:

• What Taylor and Josh’s course of action was when their health issues got out of control 1:45
• What they feed to their pigs and chickens 6:42
• How they process their animals 11:45
• What Taylor expects the future of the farm to look like 21:36
• How does Ayers Valley communicate the necessary cost of good food to their customers 28:08
• What Taylor’s favorite farming tool is 38:26

Taylor Ayers is co-owner and operator of Ayers Valley Farm located in Southern Ohio. In 2016, Taylor started experiencing health issues that no doctor could really pinpoint.  Frustrated with the lack of answers, Taylor and her husband took matters into their own hands and started digging deeper into how their food was raised. 

After learning more about regenerative methods, they decided to return to the land and raise their own food by finishing cattle on grass and rotating the animals to also feed the soil microbes. Seven years later, they are running their own regenerative farm offering a range of high quality meats to loyal customers all around the country. 

Website - https://ayersvalleyfarmmeats.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/AyersValleyFarm/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ayersvalleyfarm

This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well. 

Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”

Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.

To learn more, visit:  GrowingFarmers.com today!

Want more access to local meat? We need your help!

On this special time-sensitive episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Pete Kennedy of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Pete is sharing about the Prime Act which is an important piece of legislation that will empower states to decide their meat inspection protocols. The ultimate aim? Making local meat procurement simpler and cost-effective. 

Tune in today to hear how you can help small farmers to push this PRIME Act through with this year's Farm Bill.

We’re encouraging all of our US listeners to make three calls - one to your Representative and a call to each of your Senators. Mention your support for H.R. 2814 and Senate bill is S.907 respectively. 

• About Pete’s background with Weston A Price Foundation 1:23
• What the state of meat processing is like right now in the US 2:12
• More about what the Prime Act is 10:38
• How you can help make this Prime Act pass 12:45

Call today! The deadline to add this to the farm bill is soon and we need your voice to push for more co-sponsors to get this added to the 2023 Farm Bill. The U.S. food system needs reform, and while no solution is perfect, the Prime Act takes a significant step forward. Carve out a few minutes, connect with your elected officials, and champion the cause of affordable local meat.

Tell Congressmen to Cosponsor the PRIME Act 

Find your Representative and urge them to co-sponsor the bill! The bill number is H.R. 2814.

Find your Senator and press for their support. The bill number is S.907.

Pete Kennedy is an attorney and served as president of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. He has assisted and represented dairy farmers facing possible enforcement action in various states as well as helped others to get started in the business of distributing raw dairy products. Pete compiled the state raw milk law summaries posted at www.realmilk.com and has since written articles for Wise Traditions on raw milk distribution.

Is there really a way to make sourdough simple?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by his wife, Savannah, to talk all about sourdough at The Farm on Central. The Farm on Central is a small family farm located in Carlisle, Ohio and provides the community with a wide array of vegetables, meats, and horticultural products. 

Join us today to hear how Michael and Savannah incorporate sourdough bread into their home life and as an income stream for their farm.

• About Savannah’s main roles on the Farm 1:59
• Why they love sourdough 3:56
• About Savannah's sourdough-making process 4:43
• About the advantages of a stiff sourdough starter 11:25
• How long should a sourdough loaf rest between making and baking 16:29
• Why Savannah decided to offer Sourdough classes 26:33
• On why sourdough can be a grounding experience 32:01

Michael & Savannah Kilpatrick are farmers and educators in Carlisle, Ohio. Together they run the Farm on Central, where they pursue their passion of providing fresh and local food to the community.

In addition to co-running the farm, Savannah teaches cooking, canning, and baking classes from her kitchen. Meanwhile, Michael is also the founder of Growing Farmers and is dedicated to providing educational resources for farmers.

Together, they reach a community of over 60,000 farmers, homesteaders, and families!

Upcoming Sourdough Startup Workshop: http://sourdoughstartup.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases. 

Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.

You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org

How can land trusts support the next generation of farmers? 

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Susan Koehler and Nathan Boone. Susan is the Farmland Preservation Program Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. She is working alongside Nathan who is a seasoned organic farmer and agricultural consultant. Together, with the help of the NWA Food System Initiative,  they are providing support to new and beginner farmers through the preservation and enhancement of wild and farmed land.

Tune in to hear about their mission to preserve and enhance the land and farming community in Northwest Arkansas through the permanent protection of land. 

You’ll hear:

• What the NWA Land Trust does 1:52
• About Nathan’s background and more about his involvement in the project 5:12
• What their long-term intentions for the property are 9:58
• About the types of farmers they are looking for 18:10

Susan Koehler is the Farmland Preservation Program Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust located in Fayetteville AR. Susan works to help farmers who want to voluntarily protect their operations with agricultural focused conservation easements. In addition, her programs are geared to provide support to new and beginning farmers trying to access farmland. Susan works with a number of farms and local food advocates in her community through the NWA Food System Initiative. 

Nathan Boone is a seasoned organic farmer with more than 20 years of experience in specialty vegetable, flower and grain production in New Mexico, California, Indiana and Southern Turkey.  He also works as an agricultural consultant in beginning farm business planning and financial management, food safety training and transitioning to organic production. 

Website - The Farmland Lease Program Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nwalandtrust/

This week’s podcast episode is sponsored by Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. 

Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases. 

Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.

You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org

How much do you know about mechanical weeding? 

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Sam Oschwald Tilton who is the organizer of the upcoming Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day in Ohio. After earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, Sam has worked many roles in vegetable farming from tool development to teaching on sustainable horticulture. He currently serves as a Direct Market Vegetable Educator offering education and support to Milwaukee-area vegetable growers. 

Tune in to hear all about the latest in weeds and cultivation.  

You’ll hear:

• About Sam’s inspiration to get started in farming 1:40
• How a farmer would get started in mechanizing their farm work 4:03
• What is in Sam’s weed seed bank 8:56
• About the roles of extension offices in farming 23:24
• All about the upcoming Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day 30:22
• About the many different weed control vendors that are attending the Field Day 35:09

Sam Oschwald Tilton serves in a shared position between FairShare and UW-Madison Extension as a Direct Market Vegetable Educator offering education and support to Milwaukee-area vegetable growers.  He also organizes the annual Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day. 

Sam has worked in many roles on vegetable farms in Wisconsin – as a field hand, running his own CSA, and managing an educational farm in Sheboygan. He has a Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, where he researched organic weed control. And for three years, he was an instructor of Sustainable Landscape Horticulture at Lakeshore Technical College. Sam especially appreciates sharing his love of plants with children in his community.

Field Day Website - 2023 Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day

FairShare CSA Coalition - https://www.csacoalition.org/about-us

This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well. 

Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”

Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.

To learn more, visit:  GrowingFarmers.com today!

How do business acumen and regenerative farming practices shape tomorrow's agriculture? 

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Miller who is the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Lick Skillet Farm in East Tennessee. Alex is a seventh-generation farmer and a chaired professor of Business at the University of Tennessee. Along with his children and grandchildren, he farms a 104-year old family farm using regenerative practices and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of farmers on business and sustainable agriculture. 

Tune in to hear how Alex merges business lessons and his farming experience to mentor tomorrow's farmers.

You’ll hear:

• About how their family farm got the name Lick Skillet 1:39
• Alex’s unique farming journey 4:00
• Why there is such a sustained loss of farms in the USA 6:23
• About the products Lick Skillet Farm sells 16:07
• How Alex sets up the different enterprises and crews on the farm 18:43
• What Alex thinks are the most important parts of farming 33:47
• If Alex could go back and change something about when he started in farming 44:20
• What Alex’s favorite farming tool is 47:53

Alex Miller, PhD, is a seventh-generation farmer and a chaired professor of business at the University of Tennessee.  He farms a 104-yr old family farm with his children and grandchildren using regenerative practices and sells pasture-raised proteins direct to the public. If he’s not on the farm, he can usually be found at the University of Tennessee where he is a chaired professor in the Haslam College of Business. He holds degrees from Tennessee Tech, Dartmouth, and the University of Washington. He has been recognized as an outstanding conservationist and is a former Tennessee Cattleman of the Year. 

Website - https://lickskillet.farm/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lickskilletfarm/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lickskilletfarmtn

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Peter Hatch who has served as the Director of Gardens and Grounds at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. During his 35 years there, he managed 2,500 acres and the restoration of Jefferson's Grove and Monticello's 8 acre fruit and vegetable garden. 

He also developed many educational programs on the practice of historic garden preservation and has written four books, including A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson's Revolutionary Garden at Monticello.

Tune in today to hear about Peter’s dedication to Monticello and the history of Thomas Jefferson’s love for gardening.

You’ll hear:

• About what work Peter did that led to his role at Monticello 1:47
• What the condition of Monticello was when Peter first arrived 5:40
• How extensive was the garden restoration Peter undertook 13:57
• About Jefferson’s process of restoring the soil 21:53
• How Peter’s book was researched 27:52
• About Thomas Jefferson’s true stance on slavery 43:45
• How the Monticello gardens today compare to Jefferson’s day 50:38
• What Peter would change (if anything) given the opportunity to restart his career 53:46

About the Guest:

Peter J. Hatch served as Director of Gardens and Grounds at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello for 35 years. He was responsible for the care of 2,500 acres owned by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and managed the restoration of Jefferson's Grove and Monticello's 8 acre fruit and vegetable garden. Peter has lectured in 38 states on the gardens of Monticello and the history of garden plants. He has written four books including A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson's Revolutionary Garden at Monticello which won Book of the Year of the American Horticultural Society in 2012.

Website: https://www.peterjhatch.com/

His book: A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary Garden at Monticello

This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well. 

Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.”

Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business.

To learn more, visit:  GrowingFarmers.com today!

What does it take to run a successful flower farm? 

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Jessica Hall who is the Owner, Visionary, and Weeder-in-Chief at Harmony Harvest Farm. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, her farm is known for pioneering nationwide direct-to-consumer bouquet shipping. With over 15 years in the industry, Jessica is driven by the belief that #FreshFlowersRule and everyone can live a better life through flowers. 

Tune in today to hear all about the evolution of Harmony Harvest Farm and how they enhance their community and thrive as a result!

You’ll hear:

• How Jessica discovered her calling to be a flower farmer  2:20
• When Jessica knew she wanted to switch gears from weddings 13:06
• About the Harmony Harvest Victory Garden and how it’s doing today 27:30
• More about The Mum Project  49:55
• How Jessica keeps track of all their inventory and production 58:44
• How Harmony Harvest keeps their mother plants in their greenhouse 1:05:40
• What gives their farm true business freedom 1:08:02

Jessica is the Owner, Visionary, and Weeder-in-Chief of Harmony Harvest Farm. Harmony Harvest Farm is known for pioneering nationwide direct-to-consumer bouquet shipping and its impressive collection of heirloom chrysanthemums. This year, Jessica and her team launched The Mum Project, a collaborative initiative to revitalize American agriculture through heirloom mums. With over 15 years in the industry, Jessica is driven by the belief that #FreshFlowersRule and everyone can live a better life through flowers. 

Website - https://www.hhfshop.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harmonyhrvst/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/harmonyhrvst

GrownBy is the farmer-owned online marketplace. In the last three years, their 200 farmers have sold over $2M of products to shoppers on the GrownBy app.

GrownBy works for all scales and types of farm sales. Spring Plant Sale? Yup. Annual Freezer Meat Emptying? Check. Multi-season, multi-farm 300 member CSA operation? Absolutely. GrownBy supports it all.

As a cooperative, farmer success is their #1 priority. They are the first farmer-owned cooperative ecommerce platform in the world. With auto-payments, built-in customer notifications, CSA subscriptions, and customers helping to pay site fees, GrownBy is a tailored fit for your farm’s online sales. Upcoming, GrownBy will be the first online platform accepting SNAP/EBT with authorized farms.

Startup is free, and pricing is transparent and affordable. The cooperative collects 2% of each transaction, but customers often contribute to this fee and bring down farmer costs significantly.

Listeners to the Thriving Farmers Podcast get 50% off their first three months on GrownBy. Just email [email protected] to get this offer. You can learn more at GrownBy.com, or download the app on the Google Play or Apple App stores.