As part of our special "Women Caring for the Land" series, we're talking today with Thelma Heidel-Baker of Bossie Cow Farm in Wisconsin. Thelma shares how she detoured from an academic career in entomology—she’s actually a bug doctor with her Ph.D.—to return to her family farm to re-craft a livelihood for her young family. Thelma’s passion for conservation shines as she gives us practical advice on setting up conservation strategies, noting that land stewardship is a journey. She encourages us to follow what naturally fascinates us...which, in her case, is insects.

Thelma Heidel-Baker and her husband, Ricky Baker, run Bossie Cow Farm, a small, diversified organic dairy farm amidst the rolling hills of southeastern Wisconsin. Using managed rotational grazing to take care of the land and feed their livestock, Thelma and Ricky also sell organic farm products such as beef, eggs, chicken, and pork direct to local customers.

Thelma Heidel-Baker on Caring for the Land

The re-release of In Her Boots shares and highlights the stories of Black and Brown women who traditionally have not had a platform to use their voice. Learn about the life and work of powerful women in agriculture through their conversations with new host Tiffany LaShae.

Tiffany is a farmer, researcher, educator, and activist with a diverse background in food justice, regenerative agriculture, afroecology, agroecology, ‘permaculture’ &amp; more.

This is a production from Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

In today's episode, Dr. Akilah Martin shares about her journey with soil and agriculture. She also reflects on her experiences attending an an HBCU (Historically Black College & University) vs. a PWI (Predominately White Institution), her work with DePaul University, and her current projects in Chicago. Dr. Akilah Martin is a soil enthusiast, soil scientist and the author of 'Miseducation of a Farmer.'
Miseducation of a Farmer: https://www.humansandnature.org/miseducation-of-a-farmer

Episode 5 with Dr. Akilah Martin: Miseducation of a Farmer

In today’s episode, Maryan Abdinur shares childhood memories from growing up in Somalia. Maryan works with Hope Communities Inc as Food, Land and Community Program Lead, aka "the weird person that carries around plants and seeds."
https://hope-community.org/

Episode 4 with Maryan Abdinur - 'An East African In Minnesota'

In today's episode, Tiffany chats with KaZoua about her role with Minnesota Food Association, nonprofit farming, and the exclusivity of organic farming. KaZoua discusses her memories as a Hmong refugee and her life as the mother of mixed races (Black & Hmong) children. After the killings of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, KaZoua bravely used her voice to challenge white-led organizations to act against systemic racism and police brutality.
Big River Farms: https://bigriverfarms.thefoodgroupmn.org/

KaZoua Berry: A Call to Action

In part II of Tiffany's conversation with Dani Pieratos, Dani talks about her connection to the earth and discusses the goals and challenges of the food, agriculture, and land access projects she's working on.
Dani Pieratos is a mother, water protector, and advocate for Indigenous communal sufficiency, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture. She works with organizations such as Harvest Nation, The Land Access Alliance, Bois Forte Food Sovereignty, and the Sustainable Agriculture Community Advocacy Group.

Bootless with Dani Pieratos, Part II: Mino chige

Dani Pieratos is a mother, water protector, and advocate for Indigenous communal sufficiency, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture. She works with organizations such as Harvest Nation, The Land Access Alliance, Bois Forte Food Sovereignty, and the Sustainable Agriculture Community Advocacy Group.
In this episode, Dani describes the harmful impacts of intergenerational trauma endured by the Indigenous Community, some of which she's seen manifest in her own life.


Blog: White farmers blocked a much-needed federal relief program for Black farmers. 



Thelma Heidel-Baker on Caring for the Land

Download our free app to listen on your phone