The Thriving Farmer Podcast

Michael Kilpatrick
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  • 一周一更
The Thriving Farmer Podcast

If you’re looking to build a profitable farm that works, The Thriving Farmer Podcast is for you. Learn the latest tricks and strategies from successful farmers, strategize with in-depth interviews with leaders in the industry, and connect with stories of farmers just like you. With over 15 years of farming background, your host Michael Kilpatrick has the experience and authority to bring you practical advice, ask the hard questions, tease out the gold nuggets, and help share what it’s really like to build a truly profitable, sustainable farm. In the interviews, we focus on building farms that last, setting up your systems, knowing your customers, building your team, and treading that ever-challenging work/family/life balance.

  1. 5天前

    306. Rebuilding a Community: Alyson Wade on Supporting Farmers After Hurricane Helene

    How can a community come together to restore its local food system after a devastating storm? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Alyson Wade of The Farm Connection, a plant nursery and garden center in Marshall, North Carolina. Alyson co-founded WNC Grassroots Media in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which left much of Western North Carolina’s farming community in need of support. Through WNC Grassroots Media, Alyson and her team are working to uplift local farmers and the regional food system through impactful storytelling and humanitarian projects. Tune in as Alyson discusses the aftermath of the storm, the critical importance of community solidarity, and the ongoing efforts to rebuild the local food system. Episode Highlights: Storm Impact: How badly did Marshall, NC get impacted by Hurricane Helene’s rains? [1:16] Toxic Aftermath: What were the impacts of substances other than water? [5:51] Relief Efforts: What is being done to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene? [11:06] Navigating Wreckage: How are people getting around logistically through the wreckage? [16:01] Supporting Recovery: What can listeners do to help support the recovery efforts? [18:40] Community Spirit: What is the community like, and how are they banding together? [23:04] Don’t miss Alyson’s insights on the power of collaboration and the ongoing needs of the farmers and communities affected by Hurricane Helene. About the Guest: Alyson Wade is the CEO and Founder of The Farm Connection, an edible, medicinal, and native plant nursery in Marshall, NC. She co-founded WNC Grassroots Media to restore and uplift the Western North Carolina region after Hurricane Helene. Through her work, Alyson focuses on raising awareness and providing support to farmers and local food systems through impactful media and humanitarian projects. Connect with The Farm Connection:  Website: The Farm Connection Instagram: @thefarmconnectionmadco Facebook: The Farm Connection LLC Connect with WNC Grassroots Media: Website: WNC Grassroots Media Instagram: @wncgrassrootsmedia GoFundMe: Support Farmers and Grassroots Food System Organizing in WNC

    31 分钟

  2. 10月15日

    305. Enhancing Food Security: Emma Jagoz on Moon Valley Farm's Food Hub

    How can first-generation farmers successfully build a thriving community-supported agriculture (CSA) program? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Emma Jagoz, founder and owner of Moon Valley Farm in Woodsboro, Maryland. Moon Valley Farm operates on 70 acres, growing specialty and staple vegetables and herbs for a year-round CSA program and restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Tune in as Emma shares her inspiring journey from a beginner farmer to the leader of a successful organic farm dedicated to supporting local food systems and schools.   Episode Highlights: Farming Journey: How did Emma get started in farming? [0:58] Market Growth: How did the market for Moon Valley’s products grow? [6:48] Food Hub Development: What was the process of building out the food hub? [16:50] Production Systems: What is their production system like? [24:49] Organic Certification: What went into the decision to go certified organic? [28:58] Future Plans: What is in store for the future of Moon Valley Farm? [35:45] Don’t miss Emma’s valuable insights on the importance of community connection, team dynamics, and sustainable farming practices. About the Guest: Emma Jagoz is a first-generation organic vegetable farmer and food hub owner who started Moon Valley Farm in 2012 on borrowed suburban land while raising two young children. Today, the farm serves a customizable, year-round CSA program, over 100 restaurants, and multiple school districts across Maryland. Emma is also the Organic seat for the Maryland Agriculture Commission and was awarded 'Farmer of the Foodshed' in 2024 by Future Harvest. Her mission focuses on responsible land stewardship and improving regional food security through regenerative agriculture. Connect with Moon Valley Farm: Website: Moon Valley Farm Instagram: Follow on Instagram Facebook: Like on Facebook   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central! Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden. We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders. Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!

    42 分钟

  3. 10月8日

    304. Noah East on Perennial Farming and Agroforestry

    How can farmers balance idealism with practicality when starting a farm from scratch? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Noah East, a farmer, writer, and educator from Wild East Farm in Western North Carolina. Along with his wife, Lyric, Noah has dedicated his efforts to building a farm focused on perennial production, agroforestry, and fostering community food security.  Tune in as Noah shares the challenges and successes of accessing land, establishing their farm, and diversifying their enterprises with a mix of vegetables, broilers, and agroforestry systems.  Important Update: After recording this episode, Noah’s farm was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, causing significant damage. We’re including a GoFundMe link below to support food relief efforts through the Mother Earth Food Hub, an Asheville-based farm-to-home delivery service working with local farmers to provide fresh food to the community in the aftermath of the hurricane.   Episode Highlights: Farming Roots: What led Noah to farming? [0:59] Land Access: How did Wild East Farm secure its unique lease? [9:29] Blueberry Production: How is the farm managing its blueberries? [15:48] Revenue Streams: Where does Wild East Farm generate income? [20:40] Markets: Where are Wild East’s products sold? [23:37] Vegetable Management: How does the farm handle its vegetable production? [29:59] Advice for New Farmers: How to balance idealism with practicality [34:43] Don’t miss Noah’s valuable advice for new farmers on designing a sustainable farm and balancing big dreams with real-world demands.   Support Wild East Farm & Local Farmers: Donate to support hurricane recovery and local food relief efforts: [GoFundMe]   About the Guest: Noah East is a farmer, writer, and educator based at Wild East Farm in Western North Carolina. Passionate about community and the environment, Noah's work is centered on building relationships and fostering resilience through sustainable agriculture. His farm focuses on agroforestry, perennial production, and providing fresh food to local communities.   Connect with Wild East Farm: Website: Wild East Farm Instagram: Follow on Instagram YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central! Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden. We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders. Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!

    39 分钟

  4. 10月1日

    303. J.R. Odom on Navigating New Challenges in Strawberry Farming

    How can strawberry growers improve soil health and prevent crop diseases for more sustainable production? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by J.R. Odom, a seasoned strawberry grower from Goldsboro, North Carolina, and the president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association. J.R. has been growing strawberries since 2010 and is committed to improving his farm's soil health using practices such as crop rotation, compost application, and planting summer cover crops. He shares his insights on disease prevention and what’s coming up for the industry. Tune in to learn more about how J.R. and other growers are innovating to improve strawberry production while safeguarding their crops against emerging threats!   Episode Highlights: Crop Diseases: What upcoming disease could potentially be damaging to crops? [1:08] Prevention: Recommended methods for disease prevention [6:44] Cutoffs vs. Plugs: What are the differences between these two planting methods? [9:42] Challenges: How dieback on the plugs presents challenges to growers [14:39] Conference: Details on the upcoming NC Strawberry Association conference [20:03]  Resources mentioned in the episode: Takeaways for Cutoff Strawberry Plantings from NC State Extension Recommendations for Fall season treatments for Neo-P About the Guest: J.R. Odom has been growing strawberries in Goldsboro, NC, since 2010. As president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association, J.R. focuses on improving soil health and crop resilience through innovative farming practices like crop rotation, compost application, and the use of summer cover crops. He is dedicated to supporting strawberry growers across the state and advocating for sustainable farming techniques.   Connect with JR Odom or the NC Strawberry Association: Website: Odom Farming Company Strawberry Website: NC Strawberry Association Instagram: Follow on Instagram   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central! Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden. We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders. Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!

    23 分钟

  5. 9月24日

    302. Anna Withers and Kevin Prather on Cultivating Community Gardens

    How can urban farming not only feed a community but also foster connection and education? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Anna Withers and Kevin Prather from Springfield Community Gardens. Together, they dive into the organization’s mission to promote healthy local food access and support aspiring farmers. Learn how Springfield Community Gardens has grown to manage 16 gardens across the city, offering educational programs and farmer incubator opportunities, all while practicing regenerative agriculture and fostering community involvement. Tune in to discover how urban farming initiatives like Springfield Community Gardens are shaping the future of local food systems and inspiring others to connect with the land!   Episode Highlights: Beginnings: Anna and Kevin’s journey into farming [1:03] Mission: What Springfield Community Gardens is all about [4:36] Education: Focus of their farmer incubator program [13:18] Season Extension: Tunnels and hoop houses on the farm [18:04] Land Access: Leasing agreement for state hospital land [20:44] Soil Health: Fertility programs and resolving lead issues [25:55] Support: Where SCG’s funding and support come from [30:46] Youth Program: How SCG engages the next generation [33:51]   About the Guest: Anna Withers is the Farmer and Resource Development Manager for Springfield Community Gardens. She uses her business degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management to help farmers grow and expand their businesses, while also teaching youth about their roles in the food system. Anna is a proud consumer of local food and aims to make it easier for everyday people to access farm fresh goods. After starting as an apprentice at a small farm in Springfield, MO, Kevin Prather has spent the last decade immersed in regenerative ag at multiple farms, teaching what he's learned along the way. He's the founding farmer of Amanda Belle's Hospital Farm, which partners with our city's largest hospital system. Now SCG's farmer educator, he runs the on-site internship program with funding from the EPA environmental justice grant.   Connect with Springfield Community Gardens: Website: Springfield Community Gardens Facebook: Like on Facebook Instagram: Follow on Instagram YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central! Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden. We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders. Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!

    40 分钟

  6. 9月17日

    Don Adams on Creative Freeze Drying: Turning Harvests into Value-Added Products

    Could mastering freeze drying be the next step in enhancing your farm's profitability and sustainability? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Don Adams who, along with his wife Kathy, produce 80 percent of their own food on their farmstead, Jazzberry Farm in Taft, Tennessee. They practice permaculture and organic farming, cultivating a variety of crops, raising goats for milk and cheese, and preserving their harvests through freeze-drying. Don't miss this episode on transforming fresh produce into long-lasting, high-flavor products with the power of freeze drying.   Episode Highlights: Getting Started: Don’s journey into farming [1:44] Range of Operations: What Don does on Jazzberry Farm [9:20] Product Pricing: The price range for Jazzberry’s products [34:43] Marketing and Sales: Where and how Don markets and sells their products [41:59] Goats on the Farm: The purpose of goats at Jazzberry [48:58] Freeze Dryer Tips: More tips from Don on using the freeze dryer [54:17]   About the Guest: Don is a retired band director/musician who has moved back to the land to feed himself and his community at Jazzberry Farm in Tennessee. He and Kathy produce 70-80 percent of their own food. He discovered freeze drying as a way to preserve his own food and add value to his produce.   Learn More About Don: Website: Jazzberry Farm Facebook: Like on Facebook   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden. We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders. Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!

    58 分钟

  7. 9月10日

    300. Shawn and Beth Dougherty on Building a Self-Sustaining Farm

    How can a small farm thrive with minimal off-farm inputs, using only what nature provides to create a sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystem? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Shawn and Beth Dougherty, who have mastered the art of farming by relying on natural systems and resources to sustain their diverse, thriving farm. Using intensive grazing as their primary source of food energy, Shawn and Beth raise a diverse range of livestock producing most of the food, and feed, on their farm. Don't miss this episode where they share valuable insights on regenerative farming, adaptive genetics, and making economically sound decisions for long-term sustainability. Episode Highlights: Fertility Program: What constitutes the fertility program on the property [1:48] Pig Feed: What do they feed their pigs? [7:58] Adaptive Genetics: What they know about adaptive genetics in farm animals [21:04] Pig Breeds: Which breeds of pigs do better than others? [30:33] Book Rationale: The rationale behind writing their book [35:46] Farm Setup: How their farm is currently set up [51:16] Economic Decisions: How Shawn and Beth make the most economically sound decisions on the farm [1:05:14] Trades: How all 8 of Shawn and Beth’s children got into their trades [1:26:45]   300th Episode GIVEAWAY! Enter for a chance to win Shawn and Beth's book, The Independent Farmstead, along with a $100 credit to our store Farm on Central.    About the Guest: Shawn and Beth Dougherty have been farming together since the 1980’s, and for the last twenty years in eastern Ohio, where their 27-acre home farm was designated by the state as ‘not suitable for agriculture’. Using intensive grazing as the primary source of food energy, they raise dairy and beef cows, sheep, farm-fed hogs, and a variety of poultry, producing most of the food, and feed, on the farm.  Concerned that farming is so often dependent upon multiple off-farm resources, from feed, fuel and fertilizer to water and electricity, their ongoing project is to identify and test the means by which farming was done for centuries with a minimum of off-farm inputs. Their research has led them to identify grass conversion, especially the daily conversion of grass into milk by dairy ruminants, as a key to whole-farm sustainability, combined with the integrated nutrient feed-backs that are possible with a community of diverse animal and plant species, domestic and native. They are the authors of The Independent Farmstead, Chelsea Green Press 2016.   Learn More About Shawn and Beth: Website: One Cow Revolution Facebook: Like on Facebook Their Book: The Independent Farmstead - On Amazon   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! Here at the Farm on Central, garlic is one of our staple overwinter crops. We use it in everything—garlic salt, infused honey, fire cider—you name it! But now, you can grow your very own garlic, straight from our farm to your garden. We offer seed garlic with three amazing varieties: Music, German White, and German Red. These varieties thrive in zones 2-7, and with a little extra care, they'll do great in zones 8-9, too. Plus, we’ve got free shipping on our 1lb, 3lb bags, 10 lbs and discounts for bigger orders. Get your seed garlic today at shop.farmoncentral.com and get ready for your own fresh garlic harvest next summer! Happy planting!

    1 小时 37 分钟

  8. 9月3日

    Luke Sheldrick on Growing 30+ Organic Veggie Varieties at Terramor Farm

    How can no-till farming and a focus on soil health create a successful farm that serves top restaurants and local markets? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Luke Sheldrick, Owner of Terramor Farm in Burnstown, Ontario. With a background in the restaurant industry, Luke and his partner Dana Moores have combined their passion for high-quality food and sustainable farming to create a thriving farm that serves top restaurants, markets, and a growing CSA program in the Ottawa Valley. Don’t miss this episode to hear how Luke and Dana use no-till methods, natural amendments, and maintain their focus on soil health to produce 30+ varieties of delicious, nutrient-rich vegetables. Episode Highlights: Beginnings: How Luke started his journey in farming [1:18] Property Search: Key characteristics Luke sought in a property [6:44] Season Extension: Tunnels used at Terramor [19:18] Greenhouse Management: Watering schedule managed by Orisha [30:09] Sales and Distribution: How Terramor sells and delivers its products [35:28] Team Building: Finding and retaining good help [40:46] Weekly Routine: A typical week on the farm [45:09] Future Vision: Luke’s plans for the farm's future [50:39]   About the Guest: Luke Sheldrick is the Owner of Terramor Farm.  With a rich background in the restaurant industry, Luke and his partner Dana Moores have blended their passion for high quality food and entrepreneurship with sustainable farming practices to create a thriving farming business. Their journey began working within some of the finest restaurants in Ottawa, where they developed a deep appreciation for the relationship between sustainable food and dining culture. This background fuels the innovative approach at Terramor Farm, located in Burnstown, ON where they cultivate a diverse range of high quality vegetables and cut-flowers sold directly to consumers.   As an engaging speaker, Luke shares his experiences of starting a profitable small scale farm that has grown quickly through expanding sales avenues, developing systems and building a strong farm team.    Learn More About Luke and Terramor Farm: Website: Terramor Farm Instagram: Follow on Instagram Facebook: Like on Facebook   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! Do you have more tasks on your farm than you have time? Stop interruptions and focus on what matters most. Delegate repetitive duties in your tunnel to Orisha. Sleep better, knowing that they’ll call you if anything goes wrong in your greenhouse. Be sure to check out their ebook with helpful tips to reduce your workload and simplify your days on the farm. Download the ebook here. Learn more about Orisha, including their popular leasing options with no upfront costs on orisha.io

    56 分钟
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If you’re looking to build a profitable farm that works, The Thriving Farmer Podcast is for you. Learn the latest tricks and strategies from successful farmers, strategize with in-depth interviews with leaders in the industry, and connect with stories of farmers just like you. With over 15 years of farming background, your host Michael Kilpatrick has the experience and authority to bring you practical advice, ask the hard questions, tease out the gold nuggets, and help share what it’s really like to build a truly profitable, sustainable farm. In the interviews, we focus on building farms that last, setting up your systems, knowing your customers, building your team, and treading that ever-challenging work/family/life balance.

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