Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world

K. Castrataro
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This podcast celebrates the stories of women farmers around the world who are engaged in food production, ornamentals, and agritourism. Join us for some honest farm talk--and lots of laughter--about the unique challenges faced by female farmers as they try to balance their farm and personal lives, support their mental health and well-being, and sustain healthy relationships on and off the farm. The first season’s guests include a cassava grower from Cameroon, an agroforester from North Carolina, a ”chicken midwife” from California, the Grass Whisperer, and many, many more. You won’t want to miss an episode! Your host, Kristen ”K” Castrataro, is a fifth-generation farm kid from Rhode Island. She has a rich agricultural background as a producer, Extension Agent, and farm consultant. She is driven by the conviction that the people feeding our bodies and souls should NOT be starving themselves. K is the founder of Pen Light for Farmers, a business that helps farmers (especially farm women) build a farm life and relationships that meet their deepest needs and values. You can find her at www.penlightfarmers.com.

  1. Season 2 Trailer

    Farm Succession as Women’s Legacy of Love with Diane McKenzie: TRAILER

    Recording date: September 8, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-eight features Diane McKenzie of McKenzie Hereford Farms Ltd. as we discuss: Women’s experiences with farm succession Women’s and men’s different roles in perpetuating the family farm Women as legitimate continuers of the farm legacy The increased need for research on women in agriculture And much, much more… You will love this inspiring and investigative farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Diane: Diane McKenzie is a family farmer from Southern Aberta. She brings an insider view to her studies about how women participate in the intergenerational transfer of family farms. As she pursues her doctoral degree at the University of Regina, she is exploring how the historical reproduction of gender norms impede and/or facilitate women’s participation in the intergenerational transfer of the family farm. Diane takes a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding how women participate in the agriculture industry, drawing on Psychology, History, Sociology, and Women and Gender Studies. Her aim is to further understand women’s contributions to the agriculture industry and bring those conversations to the agriculture community. Connect with Diane at:  Website: https://www.dianemckenzie.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/familyfarmerreseacher/ Email: dianemckenzieca@gmail.com   Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

    Farm Succession as Women’s Legacy of Love with Diane McKenzie: TRAILER

  2. 4d ago

    From Vertical Aeroponics to Small-scale Biogas with Kathy Puffer

    Recording date: August 28, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-seven features Kathy Puffer of The Biogas Education Hub as we discuss: Harnessing the benefits of agriculture for children with autism Using small-scale anaerobic digesters to power your home and farm Keeping your purpose in mind when making decisions in your farm life and business Learning from people around the world who have more expertise than we do in small-scale biogas And much, much more… You will love this curious and observant farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Kathy: Kathy Puffer is an award-winning educator and advocate for small-scale biogas systems, committed to advancing sustainable, community-driven energy solutions. A certified permaculture designer and lifelong educator based in Tillson, NY, she founded the Biogas Education Hub to make biogas knowledge accessible across cultures and climates. Kathy teaches in the US, Haiti, and Belize, and leads online programs with participants from several African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and beyond. In 2023, she received the Women in Biogas Award from the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) and the World Biogas Association (WBA) for her global leadership in biogas education. At home, Kathy cooks using biogas and solar cookers—transforming household waste into clean, self-sustaining, and emission-free cooking energy. She works closely with others, especially women, to reclaim food, waste, and energy as tools for regenerative living and climate resilience. She is also co-founder of the Northeast Biogas Initiative, which promotes safe, affordable small-scale biodigesters to help Northeastern US communities reduce fossil fuel impacts and build a regenerative, carbon-neutral economy. Are you “biogas curious”? If so, sign up for Kathy’s class, “Biogas Curious: Turn Waste into Energy & Fertility,” at https://www.biogaseducation.com/. Connect with Kathy at:  Website: https://www.biogaseducation.com/ and https://kathypuffer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-puffer-91597947/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiogasMaven Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathy.puffer/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathypuffer3365 Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

    From Vertical Aeroponics to Small-scale Biogas with Kathy Puffer

  3. Season 2 Trailer

    From Vertical Aeroponics to Small-scale Biogas with Kathy Puffer: TRAILER

    Recording date: August 28, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-seven features Kathy Puffer of The Biogas Education Hub as we discuss: Harnessing the benefits of agriculture for children with autism Using small-scale anaerobic digesters to power your home and farm Keeping your purpose in mind when making decisions in your farm life and business Learning from people around the world who have more expertise than we do in small-scale biogas And much, much more… You will love this curious and observant farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Kathy: Kathy Puffer is an award-winning educator and advocate for small-scale biogas systems, committed to advancing sustainable, community-driven energy solutions. A certified permaculture designer and lifelong educator based in Tillson, NY, she founded the Biogas Education Hub to make biogas knowledge accessible across cultures and climates. Kathy teaches in the US, Haiti, and Belize, and leads online programs with participants from several African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and beyond. In 2023, she received the Women in Biogas Award from the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) and the World Biogas Association (WBA) for her global leadership in biogas education. At home, Kathy cooks using biogas and solar cookers—transforming household waste into clean, self-sustaining, and emission-free cooking energy. She works closely with others, especially women, to reclaim food, waste, and energy as tools for regenerative living and climate resilience. She is also co-founder of the Northeast Biogas Initiative, which promotes safe, affordable small-scale biodigesters to help Northeastern US communities reduce fossil fuel impacts and build a regenerative, carbon-neutral economy. Are you “biogas curious”? If so, sign up for Kathy’s class, “Biogas Curious: Turn Waste into Energy & Fertility,” at https://www.biogaseducation.com/. Connect with Kathy at:  Website: https://www.biogaseducation.com/ and https://kathypuffer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-puffer-91597947/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kpuffer2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathy.puffer/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathypuffer3365 Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

    From Vertical Aeroponics to Small-scale Biogas with Kathy Puffer: TRAILER

  4. Sep 4

    Being Open to Opportunities, Change, and People in Your Farm Life with Nicola Westlake

    Recording date: July 22, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-six features Nicola Westlake of Westy and Worzel as we discuss: Finding the opportunities in “voluntary redundancy” Integrating into an established farm family as the “in-law” Negotiating farm rental agreements Creating new meaning and purpose post-farming And much, much more… You will love this persistent and adaptable farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS (FROM NICOLA): Homeopathy for the Stressed-Out Farmer: Natural Remedies for Mental and Emotional Well-being (No cost to attend) ‘Homeopathy for the Stressed-Out Farmer’ is a 1.5-hour webinar presented by experienced homeopath Sara Kernohan and retired dairy farmer Rafe Nauen. The webinar provides guidance on selecting appropriate remedies for various life and farm stresses, self-prescribing, managing your own case, recognizing when professional medical help is needed, and exploring additional support options. The webinar includes lifetime access to the recording and downloadable course notes. Access the webinar here: https://learning.wholehealthag.org/webinar-homeopathy-for-the-stressed-out-farmer About Nicola: From a career in training and development for conservation, nature and culture, Nicola met her husband, who was farming with his brother on the south Devon "Jurassic Coast" in the UK. They met in 2004, and Nicola became increasingly involved in the farming business, which is currently a 250-acre organic beef farm with around 50 breeding cows and followers. The farm is mostly permanent pasture of fairly high nature conservation value owned by the National Trust. In the past couple of years, they have had to focus on succession and planning for the future, which has presented challenges. Throughout this, it has been important for her to retain her identity and connection to the land. Connect with Nicola at:  Westy and Worzel Website: https://westyandworzel.co.uk/ Whole Health Agriculture Website: https://wholehealthag.org/ Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

    Being Open to Opportunities, Change, and People in Your Farm Life with Nicola Westlake

  5. Season 2 Trailer

    Being Open to Opportunities, Change, and People in Your Farm Life with Nicola Westlake: TRAILER

    Recording date: July 22, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-six features Nicola Westlake of Westy and Worzel as we discuss: Finding the opportunities in “voluntary redundancy” Integrating into an established farm family as the “in-law” Negotiating farm rental agreements Creating new meaning and purpose post-farming And much, much more… You will love this insightful and personable farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS (FROM NICOLA): Homeopathy for the Stressed-Out Farmer: Natural Remedies for Mental and Emotional Well-being (No cost to attend) ‘Homeopathy for the Stressed-Out Farmer’ is a 1.5-hour webinar presented by experienced homeopath Sara Kernohan and retired dairy farmer Rafe Nauen. The webinar provides guidance on selecting appropriate remedies for various life and farm stresses, self-prescribing, managing your own case, recognizing when professional medical help is needed, and exploring additional support options. The webinar includes lifetime access to the recording and downloadable course notes. Access the webinar here: https://learning.wholehealthag.org/webinar-homeopathy-for-the-stressed-out-farmer About Nicola: From a career in training and development for conservation, nature and culture, Nicola met her husband, who was farming with his brother on the south Devon "Jurassic Coast" in the UK. They met in 2004, and Nicola became increasingly involved in the farming business, which is currently a 250-acre organic beef farm with around 50 breeding cows and followers. The farm is mostly permanent pasture of fairly high nature conservation value owned by the National Trust. In the past couple of years, they have had to focus on succession and planning for the future, which has presented challenges. Throughout this, it has been important for her to retain her identity and connection to the land. Connect with Nicola at:  Westy and Worzel Website: https://westyandworzel.co.uk/ Whole Health Agriculture Website: https://wholehealthag.org/ Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

    Being Open to Opportunities, Change, and People in Your Farm Life with Nicola Westlake: TRAILER

  6. Aug 28

    Maximizing Your Farming Ability with Kate Bowen

    Recording date: July 20, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-five features Kate Bowen of Meadowdale Farm as we discuss: Managing Lyme as a musician, mother, and farmer Supporting veterans who want to transition into farming Overcoming physical challenges with AgrAbility Creating a farm life that adapts to differing levels of staffing and ability And much, much more… You will love this persistent and adaptable farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Kate: Kate is a Tennessee poultry farmer and agriculture program specialist working at the intersection of food systems, infrastructure, and land-based enterprises. She operates a growing poultry farm specializing in pastured holiday turkeys, with a focus on seasonal production, direct marketing, and efficient farm logistics. Kate’s experience also includes silvopasture, agroforestry systems, and small-scale forest products. Through hands-on work and formal training in forest products business, she has developed a working understanding of how land, livestock, and timber-based enterprises can be integrated into viable operations. Connect with Kate at:  Website: https://www.meadowdalefarm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-bowen-meadowdalefarm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meadowdalefarmtn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meadowdale_farm Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

    Maximizing Your Farming Ability with Kate Bowen

  7. Season 2 Trailer

    Maximizing Your Farming Ability with Kate Bowen: TRAILER

    Recording date: July 20, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-five features Kate Bowen of Meadowdale Farm as we discuss: Managing Lyme as a musician, mother, and farmer Supporting veterans who want to transition into farming Overcoming physical challenges with AgrAbility Creating a farm life that adapts to differing levels of staffing and ability And much, much more… You will love this persistent and adaptable farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Kate: Kate is a Tennessee poultry farmer and agriculture program specialist working at the intersection of food systems, infrastructure, and land-based enterprises. She operates a growing poultry farm specializing in pastured holiday turkeys, with a focus on seasonal production, direct marketing, and efficient farm logistics. Kate’s experience also includes silvopasture, agroforestry systems, and small-scale forest products. Through hands-on work and formal training in forest products business, she has developed a working understanding of how land, livestock, and timber-based enterprises can be integrated into viable operations. Connect with Kate at:  Website: https://www.meadowdalefarm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-bowen-meadowdalefarm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meadowdalefarmtn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meadowdale_farm Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

    Maximizing Your Farming Ability with Kate Bowen: TRAILER

  8. Aug 21

    Maximizing Opportunities in Snail Farming with Ajoke Lawon

    Recording date: July 13, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-four features Ajoke Lawon of Joks Snail Farm as we discuss: Comparing the life cycles of Giant Nigerian Land Snails and dairy cattle Starting snail farms in small spaces with minimal capital Learning from others’ mistakes…and your own Integrating family and farming And much, much more… You will love this enterprising and energetic farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Ajoke: In 2016, Ajoke Lawon set up a small snail pen in her student apartment, shortly after graduating from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. What started as a single pen has grown into a full agribusiness, greenhouse-farmed snails, farmer training programs, consultancy, and circular economy solutions through The Calcium Hub, which was also founded by Ajoke and has gained funding from Lagos State. Today, Joks serves thousands of customers across Nigeria and ships worldwide. Ajoke has trained and mentored thousands of farmers, turned snail shell waste into calcium supplements, and built a business that lives up to its own tagline: Beyond Snail Farming. Connect with Ajoke at:  Website: https://jokssnailfarm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajoke-lawon-b1399a123/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jokssnailfarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joks_snailfarm/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jokssnailfarm    Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

    Maximizing Opportunities in Snail Farming with Ajoke Lawon
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About

This podcast celebrates the stories of women farmers around the world who are engaged in food production, ornamentals, and agritourism. Join us for some honest farm talk--and lots of laughter--about the unique challenges faced by female farmers as they try to balance their farm and personal lives, support their mental health and well-being, and sustain healthy relationships on and off the farm. The first season’s guests include a cassava grower from Cameroon, an agroforester from North Carolina, a ”chicken midwife” from California, the Grass Whisperer, and many, many more. You won’t want to miss an episode! Your host, Kristen ”K” Castrataro, is a fifth-generation farm kid from Rhode Island. She has a rich agricultural background as a producer, Extension Agent, and farm consultant. She is driven by the conviction that the people feeding our bodies and souls should NOT be starving themselves. K is the founder of Pen Light for Farmers, a business that helps farmers (especially farm women) build a farm life and relationships that meet their deepest needs and values. You can find her at www.penlightfarmers.com.

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