Hands in the Soil

Hannah Keitel
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Food
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Hands in the Soil, the podcast that dives deep into all things food, farming, and our intricate connection to the planet. We’re shining the spotlight on all those who work closely with the Earth – from farmers and ranchers, backyard gardeners and forestry workers, to indigenous seed keepers, waterway protectors and more. Together, we'll be uprooting the unseen, and learning from stewards at the frontlines of creating solutions to the existential threats we face in the era of climate change, food scarcity, and exploitation of our finite natural resources.

  1. Jun 23

    62. The Efficiency Trap: Why Doing More Isn't Doing Better w/ Andrew Flachs

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Andrew Flachs, associate professor of anthropology at Purdue University and author of two books that ask some of the most clarifying questions in food systems discourse: Cultivating Knowledge: Biotechnology, Sustainability, and the Human Cost of Cotton Capitalism in India and his most recent, Feeding the World as if People Mattered: How Small Farms Produce Value Beyond Yields. Andrew grew up in a small Pennsylvania town with a grandmother's garden he admittedly didn't love as a kid, and found his way into this work through a chance encounter with urban gardening research, a student meal cooperative, and an advisor who sent him to India at exactly the right moment. Andrew brings the kind of rigor to this conversation that comes from years in the field with farmers across three continents, combined with a willingness to question the assumptions baked into how we talk about food.  Tune in to learn more about: How Andrew went from hating picking beans as a kid to becoming a leading anthropologist of food and agricultureWhy the fight to prove that small farms can match conventional yields is the wrong fight entirelyThe "iceberg economy" and all the care work, infrastructure, and labor that lies beneath the visible surface of our food systemWhat his research across the US Midwest, Bosnia, and South India revealed about what small farming families actually share across different contextsThe explosion of GM cotton seeds in India, from three brands in 2002 to over a thousand by 2012, and what that did to farmers' knowledge, livelihoods, and mortality ratesWhy farmers on organic cotton programs kept farming even when the economic math didn't add up, and what that reveals about what farming is actually forThe true costs of "cheap" food: what isn't being counted in environmental degradation, public health, labor exploitation, and soil lossWhy efficiency is often a trap, and how efficient technologies without systemic change just lead us to do more of the same harmful thingHow the current Farm Bill debate and the Iran war oil disruptions reveal the fragility of just-in-time global supply chainsWhat a resilient food system would require, and what we already know how to do Books & Resources Mentioned By Andrew Flachs: Feeding the World as if People Mattered: How Small Farms Produce Value Beyond Yields(Use code AZFLR for 30% off. If cost is a barrier, email Andrew directly.)Cultivating Knowledge: Biotechnology, Sustainability, and the Human Cost of Cotton Capitalism in IndiaInteractive Story Map: Cotton in Indiahttps://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/20f488863e4a41a892f0dd7a346180c0 Referenced in conversation: Small Is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered - E.F. Schumacher (1973)The Labor of Lunch: Why We Need School Food and How to Get It - Jennifer GaddisBeginning to End Hunger: Food and the Environment in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and Beyond - Dr. Jahi Chappell Connect with Andrew Website: andrewflachs.comInstagram: @drflachsophoneEmail: aflachs@purdue.eduUniversity of Arizona Press: @azpress on Instagram Connect with Hannah: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠⁠⁠

    52 min

  2. Jun 9

    61. The Real Price of Food w/ Greg Reese

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Greg Reese, first-generation farmer and farm manager at Fox Point Farms - a working agrihood community in Encinitas, California. Greg didn't grow up on a farm. He grew up in the suburbs, stumbled into organic food through a farm-to-table restaurant job in his mid-twenties, and spent the next decade piecing together an education from backyard gardens, WWOOFing trips to Costa Rica, rainwater harvesting work, school gardens, indigenous land partnerships, and small urban farms. That winding, mentor-rich path eventually led him to the farm he manages now: a two-and-a-half-acre regenerative operation embedded in a 250-home community, with a restaurant, market, brewery, and apothecary all on site. Tune in to learn more about: The moment Greg realized organic food tasted and felt different, and what that curiosity unlockedThe difference between gardening and farming, and how scale, markets, and business thinking change everythingWhat an agrihood is, why the concept resonates deeply, and how Fox Point Farms came to beWhy cutting out the supply chain middleman is one of the most powerful things a small farmer can doThe true cost of food: land, labor, water, machinery, government subsidies, and why "cheap" conventional produce is only cheap on the surfaceWhy Americans spend less of their income on food than almost any other developed nation, and what that says about our prioritiesThe race to the bottom on food prices, and why Greg refuses to participateGreg's step-by-step advice for anyone who wants to get started in farmingHow agritourism (farm dinners, animal encounters, U-picks, school visits) is becoming essential to the small farm business model Connect + Learn More: Follow Greg’s Instagram: @farmergreg_official Check out Fox Point Farms: @foxpointfarms Website: foxpointfarms.com  Connect with Hannah: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠⁠⁠

    1h 2m

  3. May 19

    60. The Need for Systemic Change in the Food System w/ Chuck Samuelson

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Chuck Samuelson, recovering chef, tribal member of the Assiniboine Nation, founder of Kitchens for Good, and founder of his current nonprofit, Heal the Earth. Chuck's path into food systems work started with a question he couldn't stop asking: why does perfectly good food get thrown away while people go hungry? That question followed him out of professional kitchens and restaurants, through decades in food service, into a life where Chuck is now stewarding 43 acres of avocado groves in San Diego while building a regional food hub, an AgTech accelerator, and a co-packing manufacturing facility designed to fill the missing middle of the local food system.  His work sits at the intersection of food access, farmer support, and community sovereignty, and his vision is as practical as it is bold. In this conversation, we go deep on what it actually means to work on a system rather than just within it. We talk about the difference between charity and sovereignty, the four A's of hunger relief, and why doubling down on the same hunger solutions isn't working. We talk about co-ops, farm stops, and we talk about dreams - the big, hairy, audacious kind - for what the food system here in San Diego could become. Tune in to learn more about: Chuck's journey from dishwasher at 13 to chef, restaurateur, and nonprofit founderHow watching a grocery store employee discard bruised apples became the seed for Kitchens for GoodWhat food insecurity actually means, and why over 800,000 people in San Diego, including more than 200,000 children, are affected by itWhy Chuck believes charity creates an "unfortunate power dynamic,” and what sovereignty in the food system looks like insteadThe four A's of hunger relief: accessible, affordable, appropriate, and awesomeHow cooperatives changed Chuck's understanding of what a local food economy can look likeThe Adopt an Avocado Tree program - how it started, how it works, and why it's expanding to other farmers and cropsThe role of storytelling and community in small farm successChuck's Big Hairy Audacious Dream for San Diego's food future, and what he's asking each of us to do right now Connect + Learn More: Chuck Samuelson / Heal the Earth: healtheearth.info Instagram: @healtheearthfarm  Kitchens for Good: kitchensforgood.org Connect with Hannah: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠⁠⁠

    44 min

  4. May 5

    59. The Art of Minimizing Waste w/ Hamid Pezeshkian

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Hamid Pezeshkian, founder of FlameTree Farms, to explore what it looks like to find your way back to the land - sometimes unexpectedly. Hamid didn’t grow up in agriculture, but his earliest and most vivid childhood memories were rooted in time spent in nature, surrounded by fruit trees and family. Years later, after a career in the corporate world, he found himself called to a small orchard in San Diego, a place that would ultimately reshape his relationship with work, creativity, and life itself. In this conversation, Hamid shares the reality of caring for an orchard, the constant learning curve of farming, and the deeper philosophy that guides his approach: using everything the land offers. From turning fallen fruit into new products to repurposing pruned wood into art, his work reflects a commitment to regeneration, resourcefulness, and curiosity. We also explore the emotional and creative shifts that can happen when we slow down, step away from the screen, and reconnect with nature, and how that connection can ripple into entirely new projects, communities, and ways of living. Tune in to learn more about: Hamid’s journey from city life and corporate work into farmingHow FlameTree Farms began and what it looks like todayThe reality of orchard care, and why it’s far more work than most people realizeWhat it means to farm regeneratively in a small-scale orchardCreative ways to reduce waste and use every part of the landEdible “weeds” and overlooked plants and their nutritional valueHow pruning, composting, and mulching can become part of a closed-loop systemThe role of curiosity and creativity in sustainable farmingWhy challenges and mistakes are essential to growth in farming (and life)How reconnecting with nature can unlock deeper purpose and creativity Connect + Learn More Hamid's Instagram: ⁠@flametreefarmConnect with Hannah: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠⁠⁠ Foundations in Land Stewardship Hamid is one of the farm teachers in the Foundations in Land Stewardship program here in San Diego. This in-person farm school is designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone looking to deepen their relationship with land and food systems. Throughout the program, participants will learn directly from experienced growers like Hamid and explore different approaches to regenerative agriculture in real-world settings. You can find more details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠

    39 min

  5. Apr 28

    58. Raising Chickens & Building Soil w/ Michelle Bearmar

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Michelle Bearmar of Black Mountain Farm, a diversified farm rooted in pasture-raised poultry, eggs, vegetables, and regenerative land stewardship. After years of raising chickens, gardening, and learning alongside her family, she found herself pulled deeper into small-scale agriculture through Wild Willow Farm’s Winter School and sustainable agriculture studies. What began as a backyard pursuit eventually became a full-time farm business. We talk about why chickens became the heart of her farm, what pasture-raised poultry actually looks like in practice, and how animals, soil, and vegetables all function together as one living system. Michelle shares the realities of raising birds on pasture, from feed costs and predator protection to geese as guard animals and building healthier soil through rotational systems. We also dive into the less glamorous but equally important side of farming: business, record keeping, and learning how to make a farm financially sustainable. This conversation is full of practical wisdom for anyone dreaming of starting a farm, and a reminder that farming is as much about community and long-term learning as it is about growing food. Tune in to learn more about: Michelle’s journey from engineering into full-time farmingWhy chickens became the foundation of Black Mountain FarmWhat pasture-raised poultry really means, and how it differs from conventional systemsThe role of supplemental feed, custom grain mixes, and why feed is one of the biggest farm expensesHow geese became unexpected protectors against aerial predatorsRotational grazing, chicken tractors, and how birds improve pasture healthHow poultry and vegetables work together to build soil fertilityThe importance of feeding soil microbes instead of just feeding plantsThe challenge of learning the business side of farmingWhy mentorship, community, and starting small matter so much for new farmers Connect + Learn More Visit Black Mountain Farm:https://farmblackmountain.com/Instagram: @black_mtn_farmConnect with Hannah: ⁠⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠⁠ Foundations in Land Stewardship Michelle is one of our farm teachers in the upcoming Foundations in Land Stewardship program here in San Diego. This 3-month in-person farm school is designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone looking to deepen their relationship with land and food systems. Throughout the program, we’ll be visiting farms and learning directly from experienced growers and land stewards—including Michelle at Black Mountain Farm. We’re so excited to begin and to get to learn from her in person soon. You can find more details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool

    35 min

  6. Apr 21

    57. Reimagining the CSA: Farming in Community w/ Alyssa Frutos

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Alyssa Frutos, co-owner of Ranchito Milky Way, a small organic vegetable farm in Bonita, California. Ranchito Milky Way operates across multiple urban plots, growing seasonal produce and distributing it through a unique, farmstand-style CSA designed to bring people directly onto the land. Rooted in organic and regenerative practices, Alyssa and her husband Christian are creating a space where people can reconnect with their food, their farmers, and the ecosystems that sustain them. Alyssa shares her journey into agriculture, from dairy farming and international work in the Peace Corps to co-creating a thriving, community-centered farm business. We explore the realities of small-scale farming, low-to-no-till soil practices, and the evolution of their farmstand CSA model. This conversation is both practical and deeply human, offering insight into what it looks like to build a farm rooted in relationship, curiosity, and care. Tune in to learn more about: Alyssa’s path into agriculture, from WWOOFing and dairy farming to international work and farming in San DiegoWhat it looks like to operate a farm across multiple urban plots, and the challenges and opportunities within that modelHow Ranchito Milky Way reimagined the traditional CSA into a flexible, farmstand-style experienceThe intention behind bringing customers onto the farm, and how it deepens connection to foodLow-to-no-till soil practices, composting strategies, and the use of Korean Natural Farming (Jadam) inputsWhy ongoing education (through courses, mentorship, and community) is essential for farmersThe relationship between growing and eating food, and why both are necessary for a thriving food cultureA reframe on pests, biodiversity, and what it means to farm in partnership with nature Connect + Learn More Visit Ranchito Milky Way: www.ranchitomilkyway.farmInstagram: @ranchito.milkyway.farmstandFarm Stand Hours: Sundays, 10am - 2pm (7275 San Miguel Rd, Bonita, CA 91902)Connect with Hannah: ⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠ Foundations in Land Stewardship: Alyssa will be one of the teachers in the upcoming Foundations in Land Stewardship program in San Diego, a 3-month, in-person farm school designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone looking to deepen their relationship with land and food systems. Applications close on April 25th, with limited spots remaining and full scholarships available. You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠d

    54 min

  7. Apr 14

    56. The Evolution of Cardiff Tiny Farm w/ David Berning

    In this episode, we sit down with David Berning of Cardiff Tiny Farm for a return conversation, two years after his first appearance on the podcast. David shares what has unfolded since stepping fully into stewardship of the farm, and what it’s been like to grow not just food, but a business, a community space, and a deeper relationship with the land. What began as a small, uncertain venture has evolved into a thriving micro-farm model - one that challenges assumptions about scale, profitability, and what’s possible on a tenth of an acre. We explore the intersection of heart and business - what it means to hold integrity while also making something financially viable, and the realities of running a farm as both a livelihood and a calling. David also opens up about the uncertainty of the farm’s future, as the land he’s stewarding is temporary. With the possibility of losing the space at any time, he shares how he’s approaching this season with intention, focusing on building community, expanding his CSA program, and creating something that can live beyond the land itself. We also touch on Harmonize, a data-tracking tool David built to support farmers in the field, and his vision for how technology and agriculture can coexist in a more intentional, human-centered way. More than anything, this episode is a reflection on what it means to devote yourself to something uncertain, and to choose to create beauty anyway. In this episode, we talk about: David’s journey from tech into agriculture and the origins of Cardiff Tiny FarmWhat it looks like to run a farm as a real businessThe balance between integrity, community, and profitabilityThe concept of “farming in public” and transparency in small farm economicsHow a 1/10 acre farm can feed a communityThe realities of scaling a small farm sustainablyNavigating uncertainty and impermanence in land accessBuilding a CSA model that goes beyond food into education and connectionThe importance of local food and its impact on personal and community wellbeingHarmonize: a tool for farmers to track data simply and efficientlyWhy creating beauty anywhere is meaningful work Connect + Learn More:  Follow David on Instagram: ⁠@cardifftinyfarmLearn more about Cardiff Tiny Farm ⁠⁠https://www.cardifftinyfarm.com⁠⁠Try Harmonize (data tracking tool)⁠⁠ https://harmonize.one⁠⁠Connect with Hannah: ⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠ Foundations in Land Stewardship: If you’ve been feeling called to deepen your relationship with land, food, and community, we are currently enrolling for Foundations in Land Stewardship - a 3-month in-person farm school here in San Diego. This program is designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone wanting to reconnect with food systems in a meaningful way. Saturdays from 9-2May 2nd through August 1stFull scholarships availableDavid will be one of our teachers throughout the program. You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠d

    57 min

  8. Apr 7

    55. Small-Scale Farming Tools, Systems, and Strategy w/ Hernan Cavazos

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, I’m joined by Hernan Cavazos, co-founder of Solidarity Farm and a longtime grower, mentor, and community builder in San Diego’s farming ecosystem. Hernan shares his journey into agriculture, which began with a desire to grow nourishing food for his family and evolved into over a decade of cultivating diversified crops, raising animals, and helping train the next generation of farmers. What started as a small project has grown into a place of learning, experimentation, and community. We explore what human-scale farming means, why it matters, and how it offers a path toward more resilient, localized food systems. Hernan speaks to the importance of having many small farms working together, rather than relying on large-scale industrial systems, and the role that cooperation plays in building a sustainable future for agriculture. This conversation also touches on tools, efficiency, and the realities of farming today. We talk about how small farms can thoughtfully use technology without losing connection to the land, and what tools actually make a difference in day-to-day operations. In this episode, we talk about: Hernan’s journey into agriculture and the origins of Solidarity FarmWhat “small-scale” or “human-scale” farming really meansWhy localized, cooperative farming systems are key to resilienceThe role of tools and technology in small farm efficiencyFavorite tools for small farms (including seeders, prep rakes, and two-wheel tractors)The current state of regenerative agriculture, and why it must remain farmer-ledChallenges facing new farmers, especially in CaliforniaThe importance of mentorship, experience, and “playing the long game”The role of co-ops and collaboration in the future of farming Connect + Learn More:  Follow Solidarity Farm on Instagram: @solidarityfarmConnect with Hannah: @hannahkeitel Foundations in Land Stewardship: If you’ve been feeling the call to get your hands in the soil and learn in community, we are hosting an in-person farm school program here in San Diego called Foundations in Land Stewardship. This is a three-month immersive program for those looking to get into farming, land stewardship, or deepen their relationship with land and food systems. We begin on May 2nd, and Hernan will be one of the farm teachers throughout the program, offering a rare opportunity to learn directly from his years of experience. You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠

    32 min
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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to Hands in the Soil, the podcast that dives deep into all things food, farming, and our intricate connection to the planet. We’re shining the spotlight on all those who work closely with the Earth – from farmers and ranchers, backyard gardeners and forestry workers, to indigenous seed keepers, waterway protectors and more. Together, we'll be uprooting the unseen, and learning from stewards at the frontlines of creating solutions to the existential threats we face in the era of climate change, food scarcity, and exploitation of our finite natural resources.

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah Keitel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hannah Keitel
  • Show Website
    Hands in the Soil

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