Amber Waves Farmcast: Growing Better Every Day Through Food, Farming and Community

Amber Waves Farm
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What if farming wasn't just about growing food, but growing community? Join Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow co-founders of Amber Waves Farm as they explore the frontier of community farming through weekly conversations with chefs, policy experts, fellow farmers, and curious community members. Whether you're a food enthusiast or aspiring farmer, tune in every Friday for insights that help people, communities and our planet grow better everyday.

  1. JAN 28

    EP21 How Farms Improve: Our Season Review Process

    00:00 - The Long-Term Experiment of Farming00:19 - Welcome to the Farmcast at Amber Waves00:53 - The Concept of Season Review01:19 - Crop Review: Winners and Losers02:25 - "Chef's Choice" Tomatoes and Contentious Conversations03:31 - Emotional Attachments to Tomato Varieties04:40 - Matt's Wild vs. Jasper Cherry Tomatoes05:30 - Long-Term Farm Experiments: Garlic Plastic Trials06:12 - Challenges with Crop Planning Variables06:58 - The Speckled Roman Tomato07:48 - Choosing Crops for Flavor and Biodiversity08:52 - Financial and Intrinsic Value of Crops09:20 - Celery Passion09:42 - Celery and Parsley: Preventing Mistakes11:03 - Celery: The Hardest Crop to Grow12:44 - Systems Review and Apprentice Feedback13:55 - The Apprenticeship Rotation Program14:56 - Inefficiency of Training and Efficiency of Long-Term Ag16:41 - The Future of Farming and Financial Risk18:34 - Success and the Amber Waves Family19:32 - Fundraising: Paying for the Apprenticeship Program21:32 - The Workforce Crisis in Agriculture23:03 - Removing Barriers with Paid Training24:37 - The Scholarship Model25:14 - The Conductor of Plants and PeopleIn this episode of the Amberwaves Farm Cast, farm manager **Amelia** takes you inside one of the most important (and least seen) parts of farming: the **season review**.On our 35‑acre vegetable, grain, herb, and flower farm on Eastern Long Island, season review is where the team gets brutally honest about what worked, what failed, and what needs to change before next year.👩‍🌾 About the Amberwaves ApprenticeshipAmber Waves runs a **paid, housed apprenticeship program** designed to train the next generation of farmers. Apprentices rotate through all parts of the farm: seeding, transplanting, harvest, flowers, wash/pack, CSA, markets, equipment, and more.The goal: graduates who can step into meaningful roles on other farms or start their own operations with real-world skills, not just theory.**Learn more / apply:**https://www.amberwavesfarm.org/jobs **Amberwaves Farm** is a **501(c)(3) nonprofit educational farm** in Amagansett, NY. Your support helps train new farmers and strengthen regional food systems.**👉 Join the CSA / visit the farm:**Subscribe for more conversations with the people growing our food—and the systems behind what ends up on your plate.

    30 min

  2. JAN 21

    EP19 Who Farms Now?

    At Amber Waves Farm on the eastern end of Long Island, hiring season is more than sorting résumés. It is a window into who wants to become a farmer in 2026—and what they are running toward.In this episode of the Amber Waves Farmcast, farm manager and hiring lead Amelia sits down in the greenhouse to talk through:- The difference between 9‑month apprenticeships and short‑term field crew roles.- Why applicants are leaving office jobs, marketing agencies, and graduate programs to work in the dirt.- How climate anxiety is pushing 20‑ and 30‑somethings toward hands‑on climate solutions.- What it really looks like to manage a crew of 20+ people, 12 tractors, and 45 acres.- How Amber Waves is building a work culture that’s sustainable for bodies and minds, not just the soil.If you have ever wondered:- Could I really make farming my career?- What does an apprenticeship on a teaching farm actually look like?- How are small farms part of a climate solution?…this episode is for you.👉 Learn more about Amber Waves Farm and the apprenticeship program: https://www.amberwavesfarm.org/👉 Support farmer training and local food access: https://amberwavesfarm.networkforgood.com/projects/261881-2025-end-of-year-gift?hid=NTYxNDk4MDc%3D&utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_4325715👉 Subscribe for more stories from women farmers during the International Year of the Woman Farmer: https://www.youtube.com/@amberwavesfarmNY#InternationalYearOfTheWomanFarmer #WomenInAg #AmberWavesFarm #Farmcast #FarmingApprenticeships

    23 min
  3. EP18 From a Manhattan desk job to managing a 35 acre farm

    JAN 9

    EP18 From a Manhattan desk job to managing a 35 acre farm

    00:00 Introduction to Amber Waves Farm 00:19 Meet the Hosts: Katie and Amanda 00:36 Interview with Amelia: From Art to Agriculture 02:51 Amelia's Early Influences and Farming Journey 05:38 Discovering Amber Waves and the Farming Community 07:12 Building Bonds and Overcoming Challenges 11:30 The Realities of Farm Work14:06 The Challenges of Farming in Harsh Conditions 14:12 Memorable Moments with the Crew 15:30 The Never-Ending Cycle of Farming Tasks 16:25 The Unique Dynamics of an All-Women Farming Team 18:16 The Importance of Emotional Support and Teamwork 19:43 The Role of Retention and Management Style in Farming 22:52 The Communal Culture of Lunchtime on the Farm 25:44 Diverse Lunchtime Routines and Reflections 26:31 Where to Find More Content Featuring Amelia Amelia turned 30 in a New York City art‑world consulting job and realized she wanted a life that actually matched her values. On company time, she started Googling “farming apprenticeships near me”—and that search led her to Amber Waves, a 35‑acre teaching farm on Eastern Long Island.In this Farmcast episode, Amelia shares how she went from no agricultural experience to becoming a farm manager at Amber Waves, what it felt like to arrive as a 30‑year‑old apprentice, and how hard, physical days in the field forged lifelong friendships. You’ll hear:- How growing up with food‑photographer parents and being surrounded by vegetables planted early seeds of curiosity- The moment she realized that farmers at NYC greenmarkets were “real people with real jobs” she could imagine herself doing- The freezing, windy row‑cover day with Mari that turned into a “May 9th” story they celebrate every year- Why she says farming is mostly “moving things from one place to another over and over and over again”- How an all‑women management team at Amber Waves built a culture of emotional attunement, care, and conflict resolution- What peak‑season lunch really looks like when 22 people share one kitchen and everyone’s running on 4,000 calories and weird snacksThis story also lands as the United Nations prepares to observe **2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer**, highlighting how crucial women are in food systems and how often their contributions go unseen.[[1]]({{https://www.fao.org/woman-farmer-2026/en}})[[2]]({{https://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/1682465/}}) Amelia’s experience at Amber Waves shows what happens when women farmers not only grow food, but also grow each other—through mentorship, shared work, and a culture that keeps people on the land.---👉 Learn more about Amber Waves Farm and the apprenticeship program: https://www.amberwavesfarm.org/👉 Support farmer training and local food access: https://amberwavesfarm.networkforgood.com/projects/261881-2025-end-of-year-gift?hid=NTYxNDk4MDc%3D&utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_4325715👉 Subscribe for more stories from women farmers during the International Year of the Woman Farmer: https://www.youtube.com/@amberwavesfarmNY#InternationalYearOfTheWomanFarmer #WomenInAg #AmberWavesFarm #Farmcast #FarmingApprenticeships

    27 min

  4. 12/29/2025

    EP 17 How We Built A Community Farm

    Join us for part two of our year-end conversation as we reflect on 16 years at Amber Waves Farm – from crawling with extension cords and a single outlet to training the next generation of farmers, building soil health, and proving that small farms have a vital place in our food system and our communities.In this episode, we dive into:- Our humble beginnings: one outlet, a toaster oven, and 300-foot garden hoses- The best early advice we got: "Don't spend money on anything" and "Do three things well"- Why we're "organic practicing" but not certified organic- What regenerative farming actually means (and how it differs from organic)- Carbon sequestration, soil health, and the challenge of low-till vegetable production- Why we grow 60 different crops (spoiler: it's like having 60 children)- Our partnership with Rodale Institute on farmer training curriculum- Small farms vs. large farms: the Main Street bookstore vs. Amazon analogy- Why only 1% of Americans are farmers – and how you can support the ones who are- What we're most grateful for after 16 yearsResources:- Apprenticeship program: Still accepting applications! https://www.amberwavesfarm.org/our-programs- Visit us: www.amberwavesfarm.org- Support our work: https://www.amberwavesfarm.org/giving-1Credits:Hosted by Katie and Amanda, co-founders of Amber Waves FarmProduced by Peconic PicturesAmber Waves Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community farm in Amagansett, NY

    32 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    EP 16 Holiday Lights & What We Do All Winter

    In this special bonus episode, Katie and Amanda sit down in the teaching barn to talk about the bright shining elephant on the farm: our holiday lights display.For those driving by, you'll see tractors and equipment lit up in the fields, greenhouses framed in lights, and falling snow tube lights high up in the trees. It takes 200 human hours over two to three weeks to create this free display – but why do we do it?In this episode, we share:- Why we light up the farm every December (and it's about more than just holiday cheer)- What it takes to create a holiday light display: 200 hours, lifts, and pockets full of bulbs- The deeper meaning: bringing light during the darkest and sometimes saddest time of year- What "who's left" means as the farming season winds down- What we actually do all winter: seed catalogs, field planning, hiring apprentices, and tucking in the farm- Why December is when the real planning happens- Sneak peek: next week's conversation with Amelia about farm operationsResources:- Visit our holiday lights display (free!): Amber Waves Farm, Amagansett, NY- Lights are on a timer starting at 3pm- Apprenticeship program: Still accepting applications! https://www.amberwavesfarm.org/our-programs- Visit us: www.amberwavesfarm.org- Support our work: https://www.amberwavesfarm.org/giving-1Credits:Hosted by Katie and Amanda, co-founders of Amber Waves FarmProduced by Peconic PicturesSpecial thanks to 5th and Dune for the lift rentalAmber Waves Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community farm in Amagansett, NY

    11 min
  6. EP15: All About Our Field To Soup To Pantry Program

    12/17/2025

    EP15: All About Our Field To Soup To Pantry Program

    Join us as we reflect on 2025 at Amber Waves Farm – a year defined by our Save Our Soup campaign, vertically integrated food access, and building a community farm that employs year-round staff while fighting food insecurity here on Long Island's East End. Show NotesEpisode 15: 2025 Year-End Wrap Join co-founders Katie and Amanda for a conversation about what defined 2025 at Amber Waves Farm: soup. When federal funding cuts threatened our soup program in January, we faced a choice. We chose to grow the soup anyway – a nine-month journey from seed to bowl that would employ our year-round staff, feed neighbors facing food insecurity, and become what Katie calls "liquid glue" for our entire organization. In this episode, we share:- Why soup became the through-line for every program at our farm- How soupons work and why 33 out of 60 market customers used them yesterday- The reality of food insecurity in one of America's wealthiest zip codes- What vertical integration really means when we grow, harvest, cook, and serve- Training apprentice farmers to build food access into their DNA- Teaching kids to make soup from carrots they just pulled from the ground- Our Giving Tuesday campaign that made a huge dent in replacing $1.3M in lost federal funding- Building something bigger than ourselvesResources:- Support Save Our Soup: https://amberwavesmarket.com/products/show-your-support-with-your-goat-pin-today- Visit us: www.amberwavesfarm.org- Come to our farm market & kitchen- Learn about CSA membershipsCredits:Hosted by Katie and Amanda, co-founders of Amber Waves FarmProduced by Peconic PicturesAmber Waves Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community farm in Amagansett, NY

    18 min
  7. EP14 How we are tackling food insecurity together with Springs Food Pantry

    11/12/2025

    EP14 How we are tackling food insecurity together with Springs Food Pantry

    In this episode of the Amber Waves Farm Cast, we sit down with Holly Reichart Wheaton from the Springs Food Pantry and Jess Tonn to discuss the collaborative efforts between the farm and the food pantry to provide fresh, nutritious produce to families in need on the East End of Long Island. Covering everything from the origins of the Springs Food Pantry to the logistical challenges faced by both the farm and the pantry, this episode sheds light on the pressing issues of food insecurity in a predominantly wealthy community. They also delve into the impact of recent federal grant cuts and how the community can rally together to support these crucial programs. Learn more about the extraordinary lengths both organizations go to in order to ensure no one in their community goes hungry, especially as they prepare for increased demand during the winter months.00:00 Introduction to the Family Model and Financial Struggles00:31 Welcome to Amber Waves Farm Cast00:44 Meet the Guests: Jess Tan and Holly Reihart Wheaton01:27 Federal Grant Cuts and Their Impact02:19 Understanding SNAP Benefits and Local Needs03:12 Holly's Journey with the Springs Food Pantry04:39 Jess's Path to Becoming a Farmer06:38 Changes and Challenges at the Springs Food Pantry07:15 Jess's Responsibilities at Amber Waves09:05 Farm to Food Pantry Program11:41 Effective Models and Community Needs15:56 The Importance of Fresh Produce20:06 Addressing Misconceptions About Food Insecurity24:05 Seasonal Economic Challenges24:49 Anticipating Increased Demand26:03 Financial Needs of the Food Pantry26:25 The Complex Economy of Food Distribution31:15 Soup Program Initiative35:43 Logistics of Food Storage and Distribution37:02 The Human Element and Call to Action44:06 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

    46 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    EP 13 Ever wanted to be a farmer? Hear from two of our apprentices

    What does a modern farming apprenticeship really look like? On this episode of the Amber Waves Farmcast, hosts Amanda and Katie sit down with apprentices Maya and Natalie to unpack a full season on a 35‑acre organic vegetable, grain, and flower farm on the eastern end of Long Island. From learning to drive tractors before a DMV road test to bulk harvests of winter squash and sweet potatoes, they share the skills, surprises, and community that define life on a working, teaching farm. You’ll also hear why apprenticeships matter right now as the average American farmer nears retirement, and how on‑the‑ground experience can shape future paths in food justice, education, and urban agriculture.What you’ll learn:- How a paid, 9–10 month farming apprenticeship works at Amber Waves, from weekly classroom topics to hands-on rotations across equipment, flowers, CSA, and wash/pack[[1]]- The difference between August “harvest, harvest, harvest” and fall’s heavy, bulk storage crops like winter squash, popcorn, and sweet potatoes- Confidence-building firsts: irrigation fixes with an impact driver, running implements, and working with a 20+ person seasonal crew- Why apprenticeships are critical: the average U.S. farmer is 58, and the country is losing roughly a million acres of farmland per year - Urban ↔ rural bridges: taking full‑season field experience back to city gardens, school programs, and food access workChapters:0:00 Welcome to Amber Waves Farmcast0:40 What is a farming apprenticeship?3:30 Inside the Amber Waves curriculum and rotations8:00 Apprentices’ origin stories: city roots, WWOOFing, and scaling up14:30 Tractor firsts, irrigation saves, and crew life21:00 August intensity vs. fall bulk harvests27:00 Cooking from the field: squash, tomatoes, radicchio32:30 Why apprenticeships matter now: pipeline, land, and livelihoods38:00 Urban agriculture, education, and what’s nex00:00 Reflecting on New Friendships and Community00:35 Introduction to Amber Waves Farm Cast01:11 Defining a Farming Apprenticeship03:21 Natalie's Journey to Farming04:18 Maya's Path to Amber Waves06:55 The Challenges and Rewards of Farming13:03 The Intensity of August Harvest15:31 The Joys of Fall Farming20:39 Applying Farm Experience to Urban Life23:51 Advice for Future Apprentices24:18 Preparing for the Apprenticeship25:22 Choosing the Right Farm27:30 The Learning Experience31:15 Economic Considerations34:34 Cooking and Community41:10 Looking AheadCall to action:- Enjoyed this episode? Please like, subscribe, and share to support the show.- Interested in Amber Waves’ apprenticeship program? Apply or learn more on our website.- Join our CSA, visit the farm market, or donate to support farmer training and food access.Hashtags:#FutureOfFarming #OrganicFarming #FarmApprenticeship #AmberWaves #RegenerativeAg #CSA #Farmcast #FoodJustice #sustainablefarming Farming apprenticeship, Amber Waves Farm, organic farming, CSA, East Hampton, Long Island agriculture, farm education, soil health, harvest, winter squash, sweet potatoes, WWOOF, urban farming, food justice, sustainability, beginning farmers, farm university

    44 min
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About

What if farming wasn't just about growing food, but growing community? Join Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow co-founders of Amber Waves Farm as they explore the frontier of community farming through weekly conversations with chefs, policy experts, fellow farmers, and curious community members. Whether you're a food enthusiast or aspiring farmer, tune in every Friday for insights that help people, communities and our planet grow better everyday.

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