36: Balancing Motherhood & Farming At The Raddest Farm Around | Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch
In this episode we sit down with Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch, whose colorful “punk rock” style meets old-school farming roots and new motherhood. Jaymie shares her journey of taking over a “left for dead” property and turning it into a beautiful thriving market garden, right in the community where she and her husband grew up. She details how her farm's success is tied to key initiatives, including a self-serve farm stand that is open seven days a week and a woodchip boiler system that heats their greenhouses for early tomato production. Jaymie reflects on raising a baby on the farm, both the joys and challenges, and how it has reshaped both her life and her leadership. Throughout, themes of community, culture, heritage, and family are highlighted in this wide-ranging and delightful conversation.Timestamps[4:11] “New rurals” vs “old school” conventional farmers[10:04] Story of Rutabaga Ranch and acquiring the farmhouse[12:12] Interconnectedness of rural life and relying on neighbors[17:25] Farm overview[20:10] The joy of working with family and building a lasting legacy[24:25] Unexpected community support for the farm stand [28:51] Self-serve farm stand breakdown [33:41] Innovative waste-wood heating system[55:08] Using “waste material” and the ecological benefits of wood chips[1:04:31] The importance of showing that farming can be fun and not “miserable”[1:10:15] Balancing a profitable farm with motherhood and quality of life[1:22:35] Profitability of early tomatoes and their role in the farm’s income[1:32:57] Is participating in local agricultural fairs “punk rock”?[1:39:44] How Jaymie got into market gardening[1:53:58] Rapid-fire Q&A including book recommendations, advice, and failuresSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcastLinks/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksJaymie Thurler: Website: https://rutabaga-ranch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rutabagaranch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rutabagaranch JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier
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35: Eliot Coleman Legendary Organic Farmer | What Is the True Meaning of Organic Farming?
In this episode, we speak with legendary organic farmer Eliot Coleman. Recorded live at the Canopy Retreat with an audience of growers, Eliot reflects on how processes—not products—hold the key to truly regenerative agriculture. He shares how his farm no longer uses external inputs and why growing your own organic matter through green manures is the path toward clean, self-sustaining fertility. Eliot recounts his early days learning from European farmers and agrarian elders, explains the science behind plant resilience and soil biology, and issues a cautionary critique of industrial compost, seaweed, and the co-opting of terms like “regenerative.” The conversation dives into the philosophical and practical tensions between tillage and no-till farming, and the importance of rejecting guilt-based marketing in favor of science, intuition, and lived experience. The episode wraps with a call to action for the next generation of growers to resist commodification, prioritize clean food, and reclaim the agrarian wisdom that has guided organic farming for over a century.Eliot’s new book, The Self-Fed Farm: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/797560/the-self-fed-farm-and-garden-by-eliot-coleman/ Learn more about our Canopy program: https://themarketgardener.com/canopy-leadership-program/Timestamps[0:00] Intro[3:05] Jean-Martin on Eliot’s influence and legacy[6:49] How Eliot built fertile soil from spruce forest without outside compost[10:36] Learning from European organic pioneers in the 1960s[15:24] Tapping into nature vs. chasing “progress”[17:28] Root exudates, soil biology, and natural pest resistance[20:02] The radical roots of the organic movement[23:15] Why sharing knowledge became Eliot’s mission[30:59] Inside Eliot’s rare 2,500-volume organic farming library[35:02] Processes over products: the case for green manures[44:34] Eliot’s critique of the no-till trend and regenerative greenwashing[58:17] Fighting for the soul of organic through the Real Organic Project[1:04:05] Why we must fight to preserve the integrity of organic farming[1:22:31] What farming taught Eliot Coleman about life, meaning, and satisfactionSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions BelSerre: Contact Belserre at 819-816-4620 to discuss your next project. Servicing Quebec & Ontario. New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all booksBCS: Visit BCS website for current sales and promotions.Links/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksEliot Coleman: Website: https://www.eliotbarbara.com/ Farm Website: https://www.fourseasonfarm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourseasonfarm/#JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier
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34: Meet The Grower Behind Our Farm-To-Table Michelin Guide Restaurant | Angie Warner
In this episode, we sit down with Angie Warner, farm manager at the Old Mill and an eighth-generation farmer. Angie shares her journey from working as a pastry chef in Montreal restaurants to growing specialty crops at the Old Mill, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning and the lessons found in mistakes. She reflects on the unique challenges of farming for a restaurant’s tasting menu, explains how radicchio is “forced” to enhance its flavor, and opens up about what it means to be the eighth generation striving to preserve her family’s land. Driven by a deep respect for the past and a commitment to a sustainable future, Angie’s mission is to make the Old Mill a lasting institution—one that reconnects people with the origins of their food for generations to come.Old Mill Restaurant: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Timestamps[0:00] Intro[5:47] Discussion on "forced radicchio" and other unique farming techniques. [14:11] The unique challenges of farming for a restaurant versus a market. [27:36] Generational farming, protecting agricultural land, and family history. [42:15] Learning through mistakes and continuous personal growth in farming. [53:27] Aspirations for Michelin recognition and the Old Mill's future potential. [1:07:17] Ecological soil practices and experimenting with mushroom compost. [1:14:58] Angie's inspirations and mentors in the farming world. [1:34:04] Sap analysis and foliar sprays for precise nutrient management. [1:36:55] What brings Angie the most joy in farming and her long-term vision. [1:41:47] Rapid Fire Q&A.SponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcastNew Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all bookshttps://newsociety.com/?utm_source=The%20Market%20Gardener%20Podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Sponsorship Links/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksAngie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angie.warner7Old Mill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espaceoldmill/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier
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33: How Do We Scale Small-Scale Farming? | JM Fortier
In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier reflects on the question: How do we scale small-scale farming? Fresh from the Canopy leadership retreat, he shares insights on building resilient, human-scale farms rooted in ecology and community. Highlighting the wisdom of guest speakers like Eliot Coleman and others, Jean-Martin critiques the industrial co-opting of terms like “organic” and “regenerative,” emphasizing instead the need to multiply small, autonomous farms that feed local communities. He calls for collective action, not through industrial reform, but by creating a global ecosystem of interconnected growers working toward a more vibrant and sustainable food system.Timestamps[0:00] “How do you scale small scale?”[2:11] Reflections on the Canopy leadership retreat and guest speakers[5:34] Eliot Coleman’s visit and his philosophy: “Process over products”[8:03] The purpose of the Canopy program and building a global network[10:33] Jean-Martin’s evolving mission: multiplying impact beyond his farm[12:13] Organic vs. regenerative: concerns about industrial co-optation[15:35] The power of small-scale farms to feed communities[20:03] Replacing industrial food systems with local farm networks[22:48] Building ecosystems to support 100,000+ farms[26:25] Ecology, social ecology, and the forest as a metaphor for resilienceSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions BelSerre: Contact Belserre at 819-816-4620 to discuss your next project. Servicing Quebec & Ontario. New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all booksLinks/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksJM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier
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32: Why Small Local Restaurants Matter In Our Globalized World | David McMillan
In this episode, we welcome David McMillan back to the show, co-founder of Montreal’s famed Joe Beef restaurant, and now winemaker in the countryside of Quebec. In this wide ranging conversation, we discuss the growing industry of locally made wines, farmland access, indigenous growing practices, David’s evolving diet, cooking advice, and what it means to support “true” local agriculture and business. David advocates for small, heartfelt, chef-owned restaurants, criticizing luxury excess and corporate influence. With Michelin arriving in Quebec, he warns against the loss of local food identity. His solution? A welcoming family restaurant with affordable meals, and news of his upcoming cookbook launch in Montreal and New York.David’s new book: Spilled: Natural Winemakers Stories & Recipes https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847844005/Timestamps[0:00] Intro[03:12] Winemaking & the evolution of Quebec terroir and hybrid grape varieties[09:45] Farmland access[21:05] Re-wilding on Dave’s farm[28:59] Iroquois growing practices, Oyster history of NYC, metal detecting[47:50] David’s evolving diet[57:33] Cooking advice [1:23:05] David’s new project & vision: $5-soup, accessible family bistro[1:29:47] How corporate chains are squeezing out small, soulful restaurants[1:36:51] Critique of fine dining excess and luxury obsession[1:42:08] Thoughts on the Michelin Guide - “True” local food & economy[1:54:06] Rapid Fire Q&A, The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips[2:09:41] Wrapping up with his new cookbook Spilled and launch plansSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions Links/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksDavid:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcmillanmtl JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier
Welcome to The Market Gardener Podcast!
Join hosts JM Fortier and Chris Moran as they engage with influential members of the global small-scale farming and organic regenerative agriculture community.
Our podcast is your gateway to insightful conversations about farming, food, small businesses, and thought leadership in the world of sustainable agriculture.
We're here to shine a positive light on the practices and principles that drive small-scale farming, agroecology, and community building. Tune in for high-level discussions that inspire and empower a new era of positive farming.
Ireland