In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm sittin' down with James Cornwell of Nine Pines Farm — a farmer through and through who went from milking cows and smelling like silage to the Navy, then right back to the land where he belongs. We talk about what it really takes to build a profitable farm-to-table business without drowning in debt, why direct marketing beats begging at farmers markets, and how knowing your numbers is the difference between a farm and an expensive hobby. James breaks down pastured poultry, egg pricing, wholesale vs retail, and even the truth about "organic" chicken. We also get into faith, family, and the mindset shift that changed everything: it's not your farm… it's God's. If you want to feed people, build community, and make farming sustainable again, this one will light you up.

______________________________________________

Episode Highlights: farm-to-table, pastured poultry, food freedom, direct marketing, small-scale farming, pricing your products, chicken math, egg profitability, wholesale vs retail, farming without debt, faith-based farming, family farms

Takeaways:

• Treat your farm like a business or it becomes a money-sucking hobby
• Know your true cost per dozen eggs and price like you mean it
• Direct-to-consumer sales build stronger customers than markets do
• Education is marketing and marketing is what keeps the farm alive
• "Organic" doesn't always mean access to outdoors or better welfare
• Scaling often requires adjusting ideals while keeping your standards
• Faith, family, and teamwork are fuel when farming gets hard

______________________________________________

Links & Resources Mentioned

Nine Pines Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Ninepinesfarm717

Nine Pines Website | https://ninepinesfarm.com/

Nine Pines Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/Ninepinesfarm

______________________________________________

Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!

______________________________________________

Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started!

Book Your FREE Call Today!

Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/

Dawn Dirt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/

Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/

______________________________________________

Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com