The Thriving Farmer Podcast

How can homesteaders successfully raise dairy sheep for milk, fiber, and more?

In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Rachel Hester, sustainable sheep farmer and author of The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep. Rachel and her husband, Kyle, started farming in 2017 after purchasing an abused, foreclosed 8-acre property. Passionate about sustainable farming and inspired by her family's health journey, Rachel advocates for the benefits of sheep-based products like milk, wool, and heirloom-quality textiles, blending tradition with modern farm life.

Whether you're considering dairy sheep for your farm or just curious about their role in sustainable agriculture, this episode is packed with insights!

• Getting Started: How did Rachel begin her sheep farming journey? [1:00]
• Breed Selection: What are the best dairy-specific sheep? [3:10]
• Lamb Nutrition: How does Rachel ensure proper nutrition? [11:08]
• Mixed Breeds: Why does she maintain a diverse flock? [14:44]
• Parasite Management: What strategies help keep her flock healthy? [18:02]
• Marketing & Sales: How does she sell sheep products like milk and wool? [23:00]
• Challenges & Realities: Who is homestead sheep farming not for? [37:49]

Don't miss Rachel's insights on choosing the right dairy sheep breeds, managing parasites in a small flock, and how sheep milk and wool can add value to a homestead farm.

Rachel Hester is the author of The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep, the only book in print dedicated to raising sheep for milk. Based in Central Kentucky, she and her family manage an 8.5-acre homestead with a flock of 20-30 sheep. Passionate about the benefits of sheep milk and wool, Rachel also handspins and knits wool into heirloom-quality textiles.

• Website: Whoopsy Daisy Farm
• Her Book: The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep
• Instagram: Follow Whoopsy Daisy Farm
• Facebook: Like Whoopsy Daisy Farm
• YouTube: Subscribe to Whoopsy Daisy Farm

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

Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal.

For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.

👉🏼 Learn more about Seedtime today!

How can regenerative farming practices help address the challenges facing almond farmers in California?

In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Jimmy Simonian, owner of Simonian Production Services in Fresno, California. Jimmy and his wife, Jennifer, started farming with no prior experience. However, through dedication and a commitment to organic and regenerative practices, they've built a thriving almond farm.

From navigating California's water challenges to improving soil health with innovative techniques, Jimmy shares his insights into the evolving landscape of farming.

Tune in to hear Jimmy's journey and the challenges and innovations shaping modern almond farming!

Episode Highlights:

• Diverse Crops: What crops does Jimmy grow on his farm? [2:15]
• Optimizing with Bees: How does Jimmy work with bees on the farm? [6:50]
• Cover Crops: How does Jimmy implement cover crops? [10:22]
• Soil Biology: What steps does Jimmy take to enhance soil biology? [12:16]
• Labor on the Farm: How many H2A workers are employed at Simonian Production Services? [21:48]
• Water Management: How does Jimmy manage water on the farm? [24:28]
• Almond Industry Challenges: What's happening with the California almond industry? [32:43]
• Sap Testing: What is the sap test, and how does it improve almond quality? [39:59]
• Long-Term Goals: What are Jimmy's long-term goals for Simonian Production Services? [55:20]

Don't miss Jimmy's insights on how sap testing is helping to improve almond quality and why regenerative practices are the future of sustainable farming.

About the Guest: Jimmy Simonian is the owner of Simonian Production Services, located south of Fresno, California. With no prior farming experience, Jimmy and his wife, Jennifer, took on the challenge of organic almond farming, earning their certification after three years of dedication. Today, they focus on regenerative farming techniques that prioritize soil health, microbial activity, and nutrient-dense food production. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture has led them to innovative solutions like sap testing, compost teas, and eliminating fungicides in favor of mineral nutrition. Jimmy is passionate about growing high-quality food and believes that consumers deserve better.

If you'd like to connect with Jimmy, please email him at [email protected].

Looking for high-quality, organic almonds grown with regenerative practices? Farm on Central's online shop has partnered with Simonian Production Services to offer premium, nutrient-dense almonds straight from their farm in California's San Joaquin Valley. With a focus on soil health and sustainable farming, Jimmy and his team ensure that every almond is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Whether you're a chef, retailer, or just love great almonds, reach out today to learn more about bulk ordering and direct farm-to-consumer sales!

👉 Click here to order bulk almonds!

What innovative strategies help farms thrive as community hubs in urban and tropical settings?

In this episode, Michael chats with Karl Wiegandt, owner of The Berry Farm in Miami, Florida. As a third-generation farmer, Karl has transformed his family's farm into a vibrant community hub, offering seasonal festivals, u-pick experiences, and family-friendly activities. From strawberries to sunflower fields and even a wedding venue, The Berry Farm is designed to offer something for everyone, blending tradition with innovation to connect visitors with agriculture in a meaningful way.

Tune in as Karl shares how they manage crop rotations, host large-scale events, and create a unique farm experience in an urban, tropical setting. Episode Highlights:

• A Family Legacy: What brought the Wiegandt family to Florida? [1:11]
• Strawberry Seasons: When and how does The Berry Farm grow strawberries? [7:53]
• Crop Rotations: How do they adjust crops according to the weather? [10:39]
• Event Hosting: What kinds of events does The Berry Farm offer? [11:23]
• Biggest Attractions: Which events draw the largest crowds? [17:21]
• Wedding Venue Management: How do they handle their wedding operations? [26:09]
• Top Sellers: What's the most profitable food offering at the farm? [27:18]
• Lessons Learned: What would Karl do differently if he could start over? [33:03]

Don't miss Karl's insights into creating a farm that is as much an experience as it is a thriving business!

About the Guest: Karl Wiegandt is the owner of The Berry Farm, located in Miami's Redland area. With deep roots in farming, Karl has revitalized his family's operation into a leading agri-tourism destination. By combining u-pick crops, seasonal festivals, and immersive farm activities, Karl continues to bring "a piece of country to Miami," making The Berry Farm a cherished part of the community.

• Website: The Berry Farm
• Instagram: Follow The Berry Farms
• Facebook: Like The Berry Farms

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

Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal.

For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.

👉🏼 Learn more about Seedtime today!

What does it take to scale a business, streamline operations, and keep your books in check?

In this episode, Michael chats with Nathan Hirsch, a lifelong entrepreneur and co-founder of multiple successful ventures, including FreeUp and EcomBalance. Nathan shares how he went from selling textbooks on Amazon to building systems and processes for hiring remote talent and transitioning into bookkeeping services tailored for entrepreneurs.

Tune in to learn how Nathan's focus on clean bookkeeping, efficient systems, and virtual assistants can help you make smarter business decisions and reduce stress as you grow your business.

• Entrepreneurial Beginnings: How did Nathan get started in business? [1:39]
• Building Systems: What systems and processes helped him scale his ventures? [5:51]
• From FreeUp to Bookkeeping: Why did Nathan transition into bookkeeping after selling FreeUp? [8:38]
• Banking Solutions: Which online banks does Nathan recommend for entrepreneurs? [19:59]
• How to Connect: Where can listeners learn more about Nathan's services? [22:51]

Don't miss Nathan's insights into scaling a business, simplifying financial management, and the key role of virtual assistants in entrepreneurial success.

Nathan Hirsch is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for simplifying business operations for entrepreneurs. He is the co-founder of FreeUp, EcomBalance, and Outsource School, where he shares his expertise in remote hiring, bookkeeping, and scaling businesses through streamlined systems and processes.

• Website: EcomBalance
• LinkedIn: Nathan Hirsch

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

Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal.

For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.

👉🏼 Learn more about Seedtime today!

What does it take to create a thriving, sustainable farm in an urban environment?

In this episode, Michael talks with Alicia Brown and Ben Stein, co-owners of Edible Uprising Farm in Troy, New York. Since 2019, Alicia and Ben have been transforming their 1.5-acre no-till vegetable farm into a powerhouse of productivity and sustainability, growing over 250 varieties of vegetables and flowers. Guided by their motto, "everything with intention," they thoughtfully approach each decision to maximize short-term efficiency while safeguarding long-term health for the land, their team, and their community.

Tune in to hear their inspiring journey, from starting a farm from scratch to overcoming challenges like the pandemic and extreme weather, all while building a thriving business and family.

Episode Highlights:

• Starting Fresh: What inspired Alicia and Ben to start Edible Uprising Farm? [3:32]
• Urban Farming: How does their farm operate in the heart of Troy, NY? [5:11]
• Growing with Intention: What crops do they grow, and how do they adapt to challenges? [11:02]
• Creative Sales: How do they tackle selling tricky crops like eggplant? [17:26]
• Balancing Family and Farming: How did they manage parenting while farming? [23:57]
• Building a Team: What have they learned about managing a small, resilient team? [30:50]
• Scaling with Purpose: What lessons did they take from scaling up and scaling back down? [41:31]
• Fertility Focus: What does their soil fertility program look like? [44:29]

Don't miss this engaging conversation as Alicia and Ben share how they've built a thriving farm with sustainability and intention at the forefront.

About the Guest:

Alicia Brown and Ben Stein are the co-owners of Edible Uprising Farm, a 1.5-acre no-till vegetable farm in Troy, New York. Since 2019, they've grown over 250 varieties of vegetables and flowers on raised beds, all while adhering to organic techniques and prioritizing sustainable farming practices. Their motto, "everything with intention," guides every aspect of their work, from soil health to community impact.

• Website: Edible Uprising Farm
• Instagram: Follow @edibleuprisingfarm
• Facebook: Like Edible Uprising Farm

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

Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.

👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!

What does it take to inspire a movement toward homegrown food while mastering digital marketing?

In this episode, Michael chats with Marjory Wildcraft, founder of The Grow Network. Marjory shares her journey from engineering to homesteading, driven by the need for local food production. She discusses the power of backyard food production for financial and nutritional independence, along with key marketing strategies for reaching your audience, understanding customer psychology, and expanding your reach.

Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to gardening, Marjory's insights are a must-listen!

• Backyard Food Production: Why is growing food at home important for self-sufficiency? [9:02]
• Digital Marketing for Farmers: How can farmers effectively use online marketing to reach their audience? [14:10]
• Understanding Customer Psychology: How does Marjory use customer psychology to improve her marketing? [24:59]
• Effective Marketing Strategies: What tips does Marjory have for farmers looking to build a digital presence? [34:05]
• Simplifying Food Production: What advice does Marjory have for beginners growing their own food? [49:15]
• Building Trust with Your Audience: Why is trust crucial in marketing and growing a food business? [32:36]

Here is the link for the website Marjory and Michael discuss during the episode:

http://www.backyardfoodsystem.com/

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Marjory Wildcraft as she shares her mission to make homegrown food accessible to everyone and how you can be part of the movement.

About the Guest:

Marjory Wildcraft is the founder of The Grow Network and a global advocate for homegrown food. She's been featured by National Geographic and has inspired hundreds of thousands to embrace self-sufficiency. Marjory's work has won Reuter's Food Sustainability Media Award and she is the author of the best-selling book The Grow System: The Essential Guide to Modern Self-Sufficient Living. Through her platform, Marjory teaches people how to grow their own food, make medicine, and live off the land.

Connect with Marjory:

• Website: The Grow Network
• Instagram: Follow MarjoryWildcraft
• Facebook: Like The Grow Network

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

Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.

👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!

What does it take to turn a traditional family farm into a thriving hub of agritourism, sustainability, and empowerment?

In this episode, Michael chats with Shelby Watson-Hampton, a passionate advocate for women in agriculture and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland. Shelby shares how her family transitioned their farm from traditional crops to a flourishing vineyard and winery, blending sustainable practices with community-driven events.

Shelby also dives into her advocacy work, her book Grace, Grit & Lipstick, and the importance of celebrating women in agriculture. Tune in to hear insights on everything from the lifecycle of a grape to managing a wedding venue, packed with tips for farmers aiming to diversify and strengthen their community connections.

• From Hogs to Grapes: Why did Robin Hill Farm transition to wine grapes? [1:03]
• The Vineyard Lifecycle: How long does it take to grow and harvest grapes? [4:13]
• Community Harvest Days: How do they involve the community during harvest? [9:31]
• Driving Winery Traffic: What strategies bring visitors to the vineyard? [18:18]
• Barn Weddings: What does it take to run a successful wedding venue? [25:38]
• Overcoming Wedding Challenges: What's the wildest wedding story Shelby has? [27:50]
• Celebrating Women in Ag: What inspired Shelby's book Grace, Grit & Lipstick? [30:39]

Don't miss Shelby's incredible journey, from farming roots to vineyard innovation, and her mission to empower the next generation of women in agriculture.

About the Guest: Shelby Watson-Hampton is a fourth-generation farmer, agricultural journalist, and author of Grace, Grit & Lipstick. She co-owns Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland, where she grows wine grapes, hosts weddings, and creates community-focused events. Shelby is also the creator of The Farmed Life, a platform dedicated to connecting and celebrating women in farming and rural business.

• Website: The Farmed Life
• Instagram: Follow @the_farmed_life
• Facebook: Like The Farmed Life on Facebook
• Farm Website: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards
• Farm Instagram: Follow @robin_hill_farm_vineyards

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

Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal.

For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.

How can a family farm balance tradition, innovation, and community connections?

In this episode, Michael chats with Regan Joehl, owner of Greene Fields Farm in Greenfield, Illinois. Regan, a fourth-generation farmer, has transformed his family's 30-acre farm into a thriving seasonal destination for thousands of visitors each fall. From pumpkins and gourds to apple picking and premium mums, Greene Fields Farm offers an unforgettable experience while fostering a deeper connection to the land.

Tune in as Regan shares insights on crop management, marketing strategies, and creating a farm environment that keeps customers coming back year after year.

• A Family Farm Legacy: How did Greene Fields Farm begin? [1:24]
• Diversification Decisions: Why did they start raising pigs? [11:15]
• Mum Production Tips: What size pots do they use for their mums? [15:26]
• Land Management: What kind of land and acreage are they working with? [21:39]
• Marketing Success: How does Greene Fields market their farm? [26:06]
• The Farm Team: What does the Greene Fields team look like? [30:56]
• Navigating Regulations: What challenges have they faced with government policies? [41:57]

Don't miss Regan's expert insights into creating a thriving farm business that combines tradition, family values, and innovative practices.

About the Guest:

Regan Joehl is a fourth-generation farmer and owner of Greene Fields Farm in Greenfield, Illinois. What began as a small pumpkin patch in 2016 has grown into a 30-acre farm that welcomes over 30,000 visitors each fall. Regan, his wife Christie, and their six children grow a variety of pumpkins, gourds, squash, premium mums, and apples, all while running a bustling seasonal farmstand. Dedicated to reconnecting families with the land, Greene Fields Farm has become a beloved destination for those seeking a slice of rural life.

Connect with Green Fields Farm:

• Website: Greene Fields Farm
• Facebook: Like Greene Fields Farm
• Instagram: Follow Greene Fields Farm

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

Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.

👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!

How can farmers make seeds a profitable part of their farm business?

In this episode, Michael chats with Dan Brisebois, expert seed farmer, educator, and author of The Seed Farmer. Dan is a founding member of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Les Cèdres, Quebec, where he grows organic seeds and vegetables while sharing his knowledge through his podcast, blog, and Farmer Spreadsheet Academy.

Tune in as Dan discusses the ins and outs of seed farming, germination testing, and his tips for first-time seed growers, plus how he juggles the many hats he wears in the farming world.

• A Seed Farmer's Journey: How did Dan get started with seed farming? [1:37]
• Tomato Growing Tips: How does Dan approach growing tomatoes for seed? [10:01]
• Challenging Crops: What does Dan consider the hardest vegetables to grow for seed? [14:56]
• First-Time Growers: Dan's advice for those starting with seed production [20:04]
• Germination Testing: How does it work, and what should growers pay attention to? [28:35]
• Flower Seed Harvesting: Are flowers a viable option for seed production? [34:18]

Don't miss Dan's expert insights into seed farming and his mission to help farms diversify and thrive with seed production.

About the Guest:

Dan Brisebois is a farmer, educator, and advocate for seed farming. He is the author of The Seed Farmer and co-author of Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers. As a founding farmer of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Quebec, Dan grows organic seeds for both an online seed store and wholesale rack program while also producing organic vegetables for CSA baskets. He shares his expertise through his blog, podcast (The Seed Growers Podcast), and the Farmer Spreadsheet Academy.

Connect with Dan:

• Website: Dan Brisebois
• Instagram: Follow @danbrisebois.farm
• Dan's new Book: The Seed Farmer

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

Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.

👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!

How can farmers thrive in extreme climates while focusing on storage crops and winter sales?

In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Sam Knapp who is the co-owner and primary farmer at Offbeet Farm in Fairbanks, Alaska. With a master's degree in plant ecology and years of experience on vegetable farms, Sam built his farm from the ground up to focus entirely on storage crops and winter sales through a winter CSA and local markets.

Tune in to hear how Sam navigates permafrost and water access as well as the unique challenges and rewards of farming in a cold climate.

• From Physics to Farming: What led Sam to leave engineering for agriculture? [1:27]
• Alaskan Soil Challenges: What has Sam learned about permafrost and soil conditions? [7:50]
• Storage Solutions: How does Offbeet Farm design its facilities to optimize crop preservation? [22:02]
• Carrot Longevity: What allows carrots to remain fresh for so long in storage? [27:07]
• Pest Control Strategies: How does Sam manage vermin on the farm? [30:27]
• Writing Beyond the Root Cellar: What inspired Sam to write his book, and what's inside? [37:17]

Don't miss Sam's insights into farming in one of the most extreme climates in the U.S. and his innovative approach to creating a sustainable, hand-powered farm that feeds the Fairbanks community year-round.

About the Guest:

Sam Knapp hails from northern Wisconsin but now lives and farms in Fairbanks, Alaska. After earning his chops working for others in Sweden, Alaska, and Wisconsin, Sam ran a part-time farm in the UP of Michigan for three years before moving to Alaska and building Offbeet Farm from the ground up. Offbeet Farm is a 1-acre veggie farm focus entirely on storage crops and wintertime sales, selling primarily through a winter-CSA but also some winter markets and wholesale.

Connect with Sam Knapp:

• Website: Offbeet Farm
• Facebook: Like on Facebook
• Book: Beyond the Root Cellar

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

Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today.

👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!