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

K. Castrataro
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This podcast tells the stories of women farmers around the world who grow produce and ornamentals, raise animals, and engage in agritourism. Join us for some honest talk--and lots of laughter--about the unique challenges women in agriculture face when balancing the different aspects of farm living: land, crops, livestock, business, family relationships, and personal well-being. Our guests include a cassava grower from Cameroon, an agroforester from North Carolina, a snail farmer from Nigeria, a “chicken midwife” from California, a dairy farmer from New York, a llama farmer from Australia, and many, many more. You won’t want to miss an episode! Your host, Kristen “K” Castrataro, comes from a fifth-generation Rhode Island farm family. She has a rich background in agriculture as a producer, Extension Agent, and farm advisor. She is passionate about farmer mental health and is driven by the conviction that the people feeding our bodies and souls should not feel as if they are starving themselves. K is the founder of Pen Light for Farmers, a business that helps farmers (especially farm women) create purposeful farm lives rich in time, energy, and abundance. You can find her at www.penlightfarmers.com.

  1. 20h ago

    Competing in Canning, Cucurbits, and Chickens with Michele Burns

    Recording date: October 13, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-five features Michele Burns of MSB Poultry as we discuss: Using social media as a tool for keeping farm records Participating—and winning—in pickling and canning competitions Recycling appliances for container growing Growing giant pumpkins, luffas, birdhouse gourds, and other cucurbits in Texas And much, much more… You will love this enthusiastic and competitive 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 Michele: Born and raised on the South Shore of Boston in Braintree, Massachusetts, Michele has found her way via the U.S. Army to Mineral Wells, Texas. 2 Cows and 1 Bull along with 6 Goats, 5 Ducks and 3 Turkeys and a plethora chickens, Michele with her husband James, also a veteran, have made their gratifying homestead in the North Texas area. Connect with Michele at:  Website: https://www.msbpoultry.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele41173 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msbpoultry/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelesullivanburns6589 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 Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

    Competing in Canning, Cucurbits, and Chickens with Michele Burns

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    Gifts That Support Women Farmers & Artisans Around the World | 2026 LIVE: Part 2

    Recording date: November 3, 2026, 7PM Eastern In this LIVE, join K Castrataro to learn about and purchase gifts/services from farmers featured in the podcast "Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world". See product descriptions and links below. NOTE: Products, prices, and availability may change as farmers' businesses evolve. Be sure to check out their ONLINE STORE link for the most up-to-date information. #IYWF2026 #bestgifts   🌾Washington Gardener Magazine Subscription: https://www.washingtongardener.com/index_files/subscribe.htm Washington Gardener Magazine is the publication for MD, DC, & VA area gardeners. Learn more at http://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/ . 👩‍🌾 Podcast episode: Urban and Community Growing with Kathy Jentz: https://youtu.be/m5zF7qKlBsA     🌾Premium Farm-Raised Mangalitsa Pork: https://regenerativeagdesigning.com/ Discover the exceptional flavor of Mangalitsa pork, a heritage breed often referred to as the Wagyu of Pork. Prized for its beautiful marbling, rich flavor, and luxurious fat, Mangalitsa offers a tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience unlike conventional pork. Raised on our small homestead in the foothills of Western North Carolina, our Mangalitsa pigs are part of our commitment to thoughtful farming and quality food. Whether you're preparing a slow-roasted shoulder, sizzling pork chops, or rendering its prized fat into flavorful lard, Mangalitsa pork brings old-world quality and exceptional taste straight from our farm to your table. Heritage raised. Rich in flavor. Naturally exceptional. 👩‍🌾 Podcast episode: Living and Farming Regeneratively with Sydney Raym: https://youtu.be/ulOCEX6oUBo   🌾Aliza’s Honey: https://alizashoney.com/ Honey, Whipped Honey, Hot Honey, Beeswax skin care Want to support Food, Flowers, & Fun? Just put 10%K beside your name when you order, and 10% of your purchase will support the podcast and the work of Pen Light for Farmers. 👩‍🌾 Podcast episode: Creating Bee Havens with Aliza Stanton: https://youtu.be/8ihjyNNgEQg   🌾Clade Dahlia Software: https://useclade.com/ Clade is a tool we built to make growing dahlias a little easier! It helps you keep track of your dahlia collection, plan your garden beds, and manage your wishlist. We also have a searchable catalog of over 50,000 dahlia varieties. Whether you're growing a handful of dahlias or running a flower farm, Clade helps keep everything organized in one place so you can spend less time on spreadsheets and more time growing. 👩‍🌾 Podcast episode: Designing Flowers, Workshops, and Software with Holly Park: https://youtu.be/Alu23rhiknc   🌾PT Testing: https://www.msbpoultry.com/ PT Testing/ NPIP for shipping live eggs and poultry 👩‍🌾 Podcast episode: Competing in Canning, Cucurbits, and Chickens with Michele Burns: https://youtube.com/shorts/N0VQXP14TkE   🌾Red Hen App: https://www.redhenapp.com/ An app that lets you buy and sell farm products in just a few clicks, either local or shipped! 👩‍🌾 Podcast episode: Restoring Bodies, Land, and Farm Systems with Lauren Lovejoy: https://youtu.be/3g0LyE26sug   🌾Futuresteading – Live like tomorrow matters & Huddle – Creating a tomorrow of togetherness: https://www.amazon.com/Futuresteading-tomorrow-matters-Practical-recipes/dp/1911668269/ref=zg_bsnr_4313_14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NGHBRDWQSM0XH562C4YD Together, Futuresteading: Living Like Tomorrow Matters and Huddle: Creating a Tomorrow of Togetherness offer a practical and hopeful invitation to rethink how we live, what we value and how we connect. One explores the everyday choices that help us build a more meaningful, resilient life; the other reminds us that we’re not meant to do it alone. Both are about growing a future shaped by enoughness, connection, and care for the world we leave behind. 👩‍🌾 Podcast episode: Forging Community through a Heritage of Land, Food, and Humanity with Jade Miles: https://youtu.be/IMwG8wG3Y5I   🌾The “Founding Five”: Email “Founding Five” by November 6, 2026 to jess@rewildher.org Five farms anywhere in the world are invited to this limited-time offer for a customized marketing package by Jess Evans, award-winning filmmaker, organic growth expert, and rancher. While you stay focused on farming, Jess will dig into your unique farm story, create a strategy for how to tell it, and work with you on a 90-day marketing plan and customer path tailored to your farm.  👩‍🌾 Podcast episode: Cowboying, Conservation, and Community with Jess Evans: https://youtu.be/umYA1RY7LaY   🎁K’s GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer or aspiring farmer? 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 our LIVE Events: We feature different podcast guests and topics LIVE each quarter on the first Tuesday of: February (Topic TBD) May (Topic TBD) August (The Food, Flowers & Fun Anniversary Extravaganza) November (Gifts That Support Women Farmers & Artisans Around the World) Don't miss a single podcast episode! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x Remember to LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT. Who knows? Your topic could be highlighted in our next live stream.   💬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  Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

    Gifts That Support Women Farmers & Artisans Around the World | 2026 LIVE: Part 2

  3. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    Gifts That Support Women Farmers & Artisans Around the World | 2026 LIVE: Part 1

    Recording date: November 3, 2026, 7AM Eastern In this LIVE, join K Castrataro to learn about and purchase gifts/services from farmers featured in the podcast "Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world". See product descriptions and links below. NOTE: Products, prices, and availability may change as farmers' businesses evolve. Be sure to check out their ONLINE STORE link for the most up-to-date information. #IYWF2026 #bestgifts   🌾Four Acres Poncho: https://fouracresliving.com/knitted-poncho/  This poncho is made from the super soft alpaca fiber our own alpacas produce. We worked with a knitwear designer for a year to create a garment that showcases the beauty and functionality of alpaca and can be worn by anyone anywhere. It’s lightweight and drapes beautifully and can be worn as a casual accessory or dress up a more distinguished look. It’s available in six custom blended, natural alpaca colors. ONLINE STORE: https://fouracresliving.com/ 👩‍🌾Podcast episode: Growing a Sustainable Alpaca Business with Liz Ferguson: https://youtu.be/UM73VfqT6ss.   🌾Have Fun At Work! - Customers & Agriculture: https://sites.google.com/view/customerexperienceinsights/home Author Zeke Miller is a Customer Experience professional with a passion for farming. Sign up for his weekly Insights newsletter "Have Fun At Work! - Agriculture", showcasing how we can have fun in our shared experiences with our customers. Follow him on LinkedIn to see examples of previous works and publication references: www.linkedin.com/in/zeke-miller-016a01330 👩‍🌾Podcast episode: Experiencing the Farm as a Customer with Zeke Miller: https://youtu.be/59dUmE-qsNE   🌾Clade Dahlia Software: https://useclade.com/ Clade is a tool we built to make growing dahlias a little easier! It helps you keep track of your dahlia collection, plan your garden beds, and manage your wishlist. We also have a searchable catalog of over 50,000 dahlia varieties. Whether you're growing a handful of dahlias or running a flower farm, Clade helps keep everything organized in one place so you can spend less time on spreadsheets and more time growing. 👩‍🌾Podcast episode: Designing Flowers, Workshops, and Software with Holly Park: https://youtu.be/Alu23rhiknc   🌾Weekend Stay Package or Gift Certificate towards a Stay at Graceful Acres Farmstay: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML867RTJ2694W/checkout/R5HJ23OTSSU23UXAYI6O4ALI PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Enjoy a stay on the farm overlooking 465 beautiful acres of pastures and forest in Johnsonville, NY. Relax and unwind from the busy world with a book and bottle of wine or a hike across the farm. Enjoy a Saturday Farm Tour during your visit and learn all about how we raise animals, care for our soils and produce nutrient-dense food. Your stay will include a Breakfast Basket which includes breakfast sausage (Wiley Family recipe), eggs, kale, fresh baked bread and butter. Meats and eggs are raised on the farm and veggies are sourced locally. Check-in Friday 1pm and Check-out Sunday 5pm. For more information about the site please visit: https://www.gracefulacresfarmstay.com/ $300 Weekend Friday 1pm- Sunday 5pm -Saturday Farm Tour included! https://square.link/u/E8hqiGNW   Gift Certificate for any amount- applied to an overnight stay or used in the Farm Shop. https://square.link/u/z2YsNqFr 👩‍🌾Podcast episode: Farming on Purpose with Elizabeth Collins Part 1: https://youtu.be/nU-Wtzt5W2E and Part 2: https://youtu.be/ygrGoC34Vd8   🎁K’s GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer or aspiring farmer? 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 our LIVE Events: We feature different podcast guests and topics LIVE each quarter on the first Tuesday of: February (Topic TBD) May (Topic TBD) August (The Food, Flowers & Fun Anniversary Extravaganza) November (Gifts That Support Women Farmers & Artisans Around the World) Don't miss a single podcast episode! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x Remember to LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT. Who knows? Your topic could be highlighted in our next live stream.   💬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 Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

    Gifts That Support Women Farmers & Artisans Around the World | 2026 LIVE: Part 1

  4. Season 2 Trailer

    Competing in Canning, Cucurbits, and Chickens with Michele Burns: TRAILER

    Recording date: October 13, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-five features Michele Burns of MSB Poultry as we discuss: Using social media as a tool for keeping farm records Participating—and winning—in pickling and canning competitions Recycling appliances for container growing Growing giant pumpkins, luffas, birdhouse gourds, and other cucurbits in Texas And much, much more… You will love this enthusiastic and competitive 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 Michele: Born and raised on the South Shore of Boston in Braintree, Massachusetts, Michele has found her way via the U.S. Army to Mineral Wells, Texas. 2 Cows and 1 Bull along with 6 Goats, 5 Ducks and 3 Turkeys and a plethora chickens, Michele with her husband James also a veteran have made their gratifying homestead in the North Texas area. Connect with Michele at:  Website: https://www.msbpoultry.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele41173 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msbpoultry/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelesullivanburns6589 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  Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

    Competing in Canning, Cucurbits, and Chickens with Michele Burns: TRAILER

  5. Oct 30

    Women in Agriculture: K Shares the Story, Purpose, and Vision Behind Food, Flowers, & Fun

    Recording date: October 23, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! In episode forty-four, host K Castrataro indulges in a heart-to-heart chat with YOU, her farm family, about: The behind-the-scenes origin story of the Food, Flowers, & Fun podcast The unique needs, roles, and realities of global female farmers The opportunities and abundance when farmers learn from different types of farming systems and farmers The vision for supporting women in ag   And much, much more… Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a farmer (or farmer fan) that you know. Chapters and timestamps: 00:00 The podcast’s origin story: a way for K to share farmers’ stories in their own voice and fulfill her childhood DJ dream 06:53 The decision to focus on the unique experiences of women farmers 15:25 K’s passion for farmer mental health as an effect her family’s struggles with depression, grief, and chronic stress 19:44 The benefits of connecting with diverse farmers around the world 33:13 The future vision for building community and opportunities for participation for farmers and non-farmers alike #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you looking for a more purposeful farm life rich in time, energy, and abundance? Here are some steps you can take today…it’s your time to grow! Download “Your Purpose in Lists,” a short guide to re-orienting yourself to your deepest values and goals so you can live the farm life you always wanted: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/purpose Check out the Midweek Refuel Farmers’ Circle, where you—and farmers just like you—get to share the challenges in their farm lives, hear how others have overcome them, and refresh themselves so they can finish the week strong. We meet every Wednesday on Zoom at 10AM Eastern (NY) time. Use the code FARMERSFIRST to get your first week free of charge: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/booking-calendar/get-more-time-energy-and-abundance?referral=service_list_widget Schedule a Farm Life Strategy Session with K to gain more clarity on where you currently stand in your farm life, where you’d like to go, and how to get there: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/booking-calendar/farm-life-strategy-session?referral=service_list_widget About K: Kristen “K” Castrataro is a farmer support specialist with nearly five decades’ experience in livestock, fruit, and vegetable production, harvesting, and marketing, including agritourism. (At six months old, she was in a play pen in the cornfield. At six years old, she was running the farm stand!) In addition to her practical background as a producer, she served as the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Agent for the University of Rhode Island, providing whole-farm consulting services for the state’s commercial land agriculture producers. K’s formal training in education, therapeutic writing, and mediation combined with a decade of work in child protection and mental health and psychosocial support allow her to go beyond farm business planning to addressing the whole farmer’s unique needs at individual, family, and community levels. K specializes in: Supporting farmers to clarify their personal and farm goals Co-developing action plans to achieve farmers’ personal and professional goals Fostering healthy relationships between farmers and their families, partners, customers, and communities Breaking large goals into small, easily achievable micro-steps Strengthening farmers’ mental health and overall quality of life Driving her work is K’s deeply held belief that the people who feed our bodies and souls should not feel as if they are starving themselves. 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 Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

    Women in Agriculture: K Shares the Story, Purpose, and Vision Behind Food, Flowers, & Fun

  6. Season 2 Trailer

    Women in Agriculture: K Shares the Story, Purpose, and Vision Behind Food, Flowers, & Fun: TRAILER

    Recording date: October 23, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! In episode forty-four, host K Castrataro indulges in a heart-to-heart chat with YOU, her farm family, about: The behind-the-scenes origin story of the Food, Flowers, & Fun podcast The unique needs, roles, and realities of global female farmers The opportunities and abundance when farmers learn from different types of farming systems and farmers The vision for supporting women in ag And much, much more… Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a farmer (or farmer fan) that you know. #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you looking for a more purposeful farm life rich in time, energy, and abundance? Here are some steps you can take today…it’s your time to grow! Download “Your Purpose in Lists,” a short guide to re-orienting yourself to your deepest values and goals so you can live the farm life you always wanted: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/purpose Check out the Midweek Refuel Farmers’ Circle, where you—and farmers just like you—get to share the challenges in their farm lives, hear how others have overcome them, and refresh themselves so they can finish the week strong. We meet every Wednesday on Zoom at 10AM Eastern (NY) time. Use the code FARMERSFIRST to get your first week free of charge: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/booking-calendar/get-more-time-energy-and-abundance?referral=service_list_widget Schedule a Farm Life Strategy Session with K to gain more clarity on where you currently stand in your farm life, where you’d like to go, and how to get there: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/booking-calendar/farm-life-strategy-session?referral=service_list_widget About K: Kristen “K” Castrataro is a farm life advisor with nearly five decades’ experience in livestock, fruit, and vegetable production, harvesting, and marketing, including agritourism. (At six months old, she was in a play pen in the cornfield. At six years old, she was running the farm stand!) In addition to her practical background as a producer, she served as the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Agent for the University of Rhode Island, providing whole-farm consulting services for the state’s commercial land agriculture producers. K’s formal training in education, therapeutic writing, and mediation combined with a decade of work in child protection and mental health and psychosocial support allow her to go beyond farm business planning to addressing the whole farmer’s unique needs at individual, family, and community levels. K specializes in: Supporting farmers to clarify their personal and farm goals Co-developing action plans to achieve farmers’ personal and professional goals Fostering healthy relationships between farmers and their families, partners, customers, and communities Breaking large goals into small, easily achievable micro-steps Strengthening farmers’ mental health and overall quality of life Driving her work is K’s deeply held belief that the people who feed our bodies and souls should not feel as if they are starving themselves. 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  Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

    Women in Agriculture: K Shares the Story, Purpose, and Vision Behind Food, Flowers, & Fun: TRAILER

  7. Oct 23

    Increasing Soil Health and Access to Quality Food with Jessica Breaux

    Recording date: September 29, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-three features Jessica Breaux of Piney Woods Farm as we discuss: The emotional and professional impact of spinning and other fiber arts The healing power of agriculture and nature The relationship between commercial farmers, non-profit agriculture, and food insecurity The connection between soil health, living soil, biocomplete compost, and food quality And much, much more… You will love this inquisitive and compassionate 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 Jessica: Jessica Breaux is the Executive Director of Piney Woods Farm in LaGrange, Georgia a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational center and USDA Certified Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified® farm dedicated to soil health, community well-being, and ecological stewardship. Jessica studied vocal performance at Florida State University and Shorter College before discovering her deeper calling in regenerative agriculture, traditional arts, and community-based learning rooted in heritage practices. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) program and has completed advanced training through the Crescive Method, including the Advanced Training and Microscope Master Class. In recognition of her leadership in regenerative agriculture and community impact, Jessica was named the 2025 recipient of the Rodale Institute Organic Stewardship Award. Her work blends agricultural science with traditional craft. Jessica holds numerous certifications from the John C. Campbell Folk School in spinning, weaving, knitting, soap making, natural dyeing, pottery, food preservation, and mushroom cultivation—skills she integrates into educational programming that honors both heritage knowledge and modern ecological science. Driven by curiosity and grounded in soil biology, Piney Woods Farm explores innovative regenerative practices designed to increase biodiversity and restore living soil systems. Through education, food production, and community partnerships, Jessica’s work helps demonstrate how small farms can serve as powerful centers for environmental stewardship, health, and local resilience. Connect with Jessica at:  Website: https://pineywoods.farm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PineyWoodsFarmLaGrange/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piney_woods_farm_ga/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@regenerativepineywoodsfarm 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  Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

    Increasing Soil Health and Access to Quality Food with Jessica Breaux

  8. Season 2 Trailer

    Increasing Soil Health and Access to Quality Food with Jessica Breaux: TRAILER

    Recording date: September 29, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-three features Jessica Breaux of Piney Woods Farm as we discuss: The emotional and professional impact of spinning and other fiber arts The healing power of agriculture and nature The relationship between commercial farmers, non-profit agriculture, and food insecurity The connection between soil health, living soil, biocomplete compost, and food quality And much, much more… You will love this inquisitive and compassionate 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 Jessica: Jessica Breaux is the Executive Director of Piney Woods Farm in LaGrange, Georgia a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational center and USDA Certified Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified® farm dedicated to soil health, community well-being, and ecological stewardship. Jessica studied vocal performance at Florida State University and Shorter College before discovering her deeper calling in regenerative agriculture, traditional arts, and community-based learning rooted in heritage practices. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) program and has completed advanced training through the Crescive Method, including the Advanced Training and Microscope Master Class. In recognition of her leadership in regenerative agriculture and community impact, Jessica was named the 2025 recipient of the Rodale Institute Organic Stewardship Award. Her work blends agricultural science with traditional craft. Jessica holds numerous certifications from the John C. Campbell Folk School in spinning, weaving, knitting, soap making, natural dyeing, pottery, food preservation, and mushroom cultivation—skills she integrates into educational programming that honors both heritage knowledge and modern ecological science. Driven by curiosity and grounded in soil biology, Piney Woods Farm explores innovative regenerative practices designed to increase biodiversity and restore living soil systems. Through education, food production, and community partnerships, Jessica’s work helps demonstrate how small farms can serve as powerful centers for environmental stewardship, health, and local resilience. Connect with Jessica at:  Website: https://pineywoods.farm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PineyWoodsFarmLaGrange/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piney_woods_farm_ga/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@regenerativepineywoodsfarm 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  Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

    Increasing Soil Health and Access to Quality Food with Jessica Breaux: TRAILER
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About

This podcast tells the stories of women farmers around the world who grow produce and ornamentals, raise animals, and engage in agritourism. Join us for some honest talk--and lots of laughter--about the unique challenges women in agriculture face when balancing the different aspects of farm living: land, crops, livestock, business, family relationships, and personal well-being. Our guests include a cassava grower from Cameroon, an agroforester from North Carolina, a snail farmer from Nigeria, a “chicken midwife” from California, a dairy farmer from New York, a llama farmer from Australia, and many, many more. You won’t want to miss an episode! Your host, Kristen “K” Castrataro, comes from a fifth-generation Rhode Island farm family. She has a rich background in agriculture as a producer, Extension Agent, and farm advisor. She is passionate about farmer mental health and is driven by the conviction that the people feeding our bodies and souls should not feel as if they are starving themselves. K is the founder of Pen Light for Farmers, a business that helps farmers (especially farm women) create purposeful farm lives rich in time, energy, and abundance. You can find her at www.penlightfarmers.com.

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