Curious Steward Podcast

Ben Davies
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The Curious Steward Podcast explores the art, science, and business of working land.

  1. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    Field Notes: Can AI Help Farmers?

    Introducing Field Notes: Mini episodes with unique insights from thoughtful leaders, entrepreneurs, land stewards and farmers. This spring I sat down with Jeff Tkach, the CEO of the Rodale Institute. One of the topics that we discussed was AI on farms. Listen in to hear what he had to say. Resources The Rodale Institute: www.rodaleinstitute.org Ben Davies: www.bendaviesrealestate.com Wild Fox Farm: www.wildfoxfarm.com Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations. If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

  2. Oct 20

    Brian Bruno: Small Farm Enterprise Stacking

    Apple Ridge Farm has been a valued partner for years. We supplied them with organic rye and rolled oats for their bakery, and later with napa and green cabbage for their fermented products. Brian Bruno has always been one of the most enjoyable people to talk business with—his curiosity about enterprise models and genuine commitment to supporting new and beginning farmers is infectious. In this conversation, Brian shares his path from growing up on the family land and treating farming as more of a hobby to building Apple Ridge into a tightly stacked, diversified operation in Saylorsburg, PA. We dig into how a modest acreage can support pastured livestock, Naturally Grown produce, a wood-fired sourdough bakery, value-added products, and collaborative ventures, all under the guiding idea of “sustainability through diversity.” We cover the practical decisions behind diversification and enterprise stacking, the role of value-added products in improving farm margins, shifting food trends, and what adaptability actually looks like on a working farm. Brian also talks through business decision-making, the value of apprenticeships and collaborative models, and how technology—including emerging AI tools—might fit into the future of small and mid-scale sustainable agriculture. It’s a grounded, forward-looking discussion for anyone thinking about building a more resilient farm business while staying rooted in place and people. Resources: Apple Ridge Farm: https://appleridge.net Wild Fox Farm: ⁠⁠https://www.wildfoxfarm.com⁠⁠  Ben Davies Real estate: ⁠⁠https://www.bendaviesrealestate.com⁠⁠  Edited by Austin Bright  Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations. If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

  3. Oct 8

    Mayor Matt Tuerk: Showing Up for Allentown

    Mayor Matt Tuerk was a longtime customer of ours at the Emmaus Farmers Market for years before he became mayor of Allentown. Seeing him there on many Sundays, I saw how naturally he connected with people, and I admired the authenticity and care that he showed.  When he began running for mayor, both literally and politically, I watched these same qualities carry him into public life. In a moment when distrust of politicians runs deep, he stands out as a clear example of what servant leadership actually looks like. I’m not a resident of Allentown, but I’ve made countless trips into the city over the years, delivering CSA shares, restaurant orders, and products to stores. The city plays an integral role in the surrounding counties, so who better to sit down with than the mayor himself to dig into the complexities of authentic leadership, economic development, and land use? Resources: Mayor Tuerk: ⁠https://www.allentownpa.gov/en-us/Government/Elected-Offices/Mayors-Office⁠ Wild Fox Farm: ⁠⁠https://www.wildfoxfarm.com⁠⁠  Ben Davies Real estate: ⁠⁠https://www.bendaviesrealestate.com⁠⁠  Edited by Austin Bright  Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations. If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

  4. Sep 22

    Amanda Staples: Revitalizing Urban Soil: Part 2

    In this episode, I join Amanda at Germantown Kitchen Garden to pickup where we left off in our last recording. She shares insights on urban agriculture opportunities, weather's impact on farming, the value of mentorship and the importance of community connections. We discuss many things including how microclimates, self-awareness, and how storytelling shapes her approach to urban farming. If you're reading this, you should send her an email requesting a copy of her book. You will not be disappointed. Resources: Germantown Kitchen Garden @germantownkitchengarden Wild Fox Farm Ben Davies Real Estate Edited by Austin Bright Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice.While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations.If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

  5. Sep 15

    Dr. Richard Tegtmeier: Agroforestry and Tree Genetics

    Dr. Richard Tegtmeier is the Orchard Scientist at Rodale Institute in Kutztown Pennsylvania. Farmers and land managers face many challenges in the North East. The diversity of diseases, pests and weather challenges are second to none. Now combine that with the fact that the cost of land access is skyrocketing. It is for these reasons that any tools for profitability, efficiency, productivity and diversification of income are essential. Ricky and the Rodale Institute are a great resources for this and the scientific research that Ricky is doing is sure to open a lot of doors for farmers. I always enjoy his excitement and passion for all things trees, technology and genetics. In this episode, we explore the innovative work at the Rodale Institute on regenerative agriculture, focusing on tree crops like hazelnuts, chestnuts, and apples. We discuss genetic research and innovations in breeding, organic fruit growing challenges in the North East, robotics and cutting-edge technological tools that are transforming sustainable farming practices. Dan Schantz Agroforestry Center: https://rodaleinstitute.org/science/organic-agroforestry-center/ Rodale Institute & Third Place Processing: Agroforestry Round Table Event: https://rodaleinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/0.RodaleInstitute_AgroforestryRoundtable_Discussion.pdf Rodale Institute: https://rodaleinstitute.org Wild Fox Farm: https://www.wildfoxfarm.com Ben Davies: https://www.bendaviesrealestate.com Edited by Austin Bright Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations. If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

  6. Sep 8

    Terry Brett: Building a Local Food Legacy

    Terry Brett, founder, co-owner, and CEO of Kimberton Whole Foods, joined me for a sunny afternoon in the trees to share his story. One that is an unlikely journey of a business rooted in community rather than scale. What began in the late 1970s as a small cooperative buying club started by his wife, Pat—purchasing directly from small distributors—has grown into a successful chain of natural food stores that still prioritizes the original mission of supporting local agriculture. In a world obsessed with economies of scale, Terry makes a compelling case for why small vendors and farms are often overlooked, and why that oversight undermines the very purpose of local food systems. Kimberton deliberately meets small producers where they are, creating direct sales channels and a supportive distribution channels around sustainable practices. This commitment has become a powerful differentiator against larger retailers that favor efficiency over relationships. The conversation explores the broader evolution of grocery shopping—from personalized service to fulfillment centers—and the cost of losing human connection. Terry reflects on how reducing personalization can erode brand loyalty, and why Kimberton has resisted that trend by keeping customer relationships and vendor support at the center of its model.  Equally striking is the origin story itself: the founders didn’t launch with a formal business plan. They found themselves running a grocery store and approached it with a survival mindset grounded in community needs. That adaptive orientation, paired with a growing understanding of the economic realities required to sustain a retail business, proved more valuable than rigid strategy or passion alone.  As Kimberton Whole Foods marks a milestone anniversary, Terry’s story illustrates a larger truth: fostering genuine community connections is not just idealistic—it can be a durable competitive advantage. By mentoring other small businesses and consistently elevating local farmers, Terry has turned relationship-building into a source of identity, resilience, and lasting impact on the food system. Resources Terry Brett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-brett-96612076/ Kimberton Wholefoods: https://www.kimbertonwholefoods.com Ben Davies: www.bendaviesrealestate.com Wild Fox Farm: www.wildfoxfarm.com Edited by Austin Bright Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations. If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

  7. Aug 31

    Lisa Calvo: Cultivating an Oyster Renaissance

    Lisa Calvo is the founder of Sweet Amalia Oyster in New Jersey, where she produces high-quality oysters on the Delaware Bay. Her background in biology and years of experience in shellfish research shaped her path from marine science into oyster farming, giving her a rare perspective on both the ecology and the business of aquaculture. I first got to know Lisa through her oysters and through time spent around the Delaware Bay oyster community. I had heard about Sweet Amalia through Nich Bazik of Provenance, who spoke highly of her oysters, and I later spent time volunteering on the farm, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the care and precision that goes into her work. In our conversation, we talk about what drew Lisa to oyster farming, how oyster farming actually works in New Jersey, and why her farm is so closely connected to the surrounding watershed. We also discuss the role oysters play in water quality and habitat, the differences between farmed and wild oysters, the challenges of leasing and regulation, and how she markets directly to restaurants that value consistency, quality, and presentation. Along the way, Lisa shares her experience as both a scientist and a farmer, which makes the conversation feel both practical and deeply grounded in stewardship. Resources: Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm Rutgers University Shellfish Research Lab Northeast SARE Provenance Wild Fox Farm Ben Davies Real Estate Edited by Austin Bright Disclaimer: Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations. If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

  8. Aug 21

    Amanda Staples: Revitalizing Urban Soil: Part 1

    Amanda Staples is the owner of and full time farmer at Germantown Kitchen Garden.  We first met back in 2005 while she was farming in Camden, NJ and Kensington, Philadelphia.  It has been fascinating to watch her take an abandoned lot in Germantown and transform it from overgrown rubble to beautiful gardens that feed the community. As one of the only for-profit produce farmers in Philadelphia, Germantown Kitchen Garden is simultaneously innovative and a case study for what an urban agricultural business can look like. In this episode, Amanda shares insights on urban farming techniques, urban land access, creative approaches to diversifying revenue on a limited land base, and building resilient local food systems in Philadelphia. Towards the end of the recording the camera over heated and shut off. So we are calling this "Part 1" and I will be sitting down with her to cover some more topics this fall. So stay tuned! Resources: Germantown Kitchen GardenWild Fox Farm Ben Davies Real Estate Edited by Austin Bright Disclaimer:Welcome to the Curious Steward Podcast. The content of this show is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, real estate, or any other form of professional advice.While we strive for accuracy, real estate markets, laws, and other information can change rapidly. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this podcast, by our guests, or on any linked resources. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organizations.If you have questions about your specific legal, financial, or real estate situation, or how any information discussed here may apply to you, please consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, or other appropriate expert.

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The Curious Steward Podcast explores the art, science, and business of working land.

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