The Market Gardener Podcast

• 40: Farming in the Land of Walmarts and McDonalds: A New Jersey Reality Check | Chris Adams

  In this episode, we sit down with Chris Adams, New Jersey grower and founder of Eastbound Acres, to explore what it really means to be a small-scale farmer in the most densely populated state in the United States. We dive deep into the challenges of farming in a landscape dominated by suburban sprawl, fast-food chains, and skyrocketing land prices, and we explore Chris’s mission to rebuild local food awareness in a place where agriculture has all but disappeared from daily life. Chris breaks down how he built multiple farms over 13 years; why sales, not production, remain the biggest barrier for growers in his region; and how he’s using tools like Local Line, CSA credit systems, and ultra-efficient market gardening practices to build a viable business on under half an acre.Learn more about Chris’s work at Eastbound Acres: https://eastboundacres.com/Timestamps[2:15] Farming in a densely populated and developed area.[3:29] The need for agriculture education and awareness in New Jersey.[9:57] Historical context of farmland loss in New Jersey due to urban sprawl.[12:23] Chris's journey to farming: from soil science to starting a farm from a class project.[15:20] "Food Inc." documentary as a catalyst for change.[16:58] Evolution of the farm model: transitioning from tractor-oriented to super-small market garden style.[23:00] Achieving high efficiency and streamlining labor (working three hours a week on a half-acre).[27:01] The difficulty of sales and marketing in a densely populated area and the problem with fake farm markets.[30:02] Using local line software for sales, forecasting, and streamlining the business.[41:17] Juggling the farm with a main business and the importance of setting hard boundaries.[1:28:24] Rapid fire Q&A (books, advice, failures, and the link between wrestling and farming discipline)SponsorsReal Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic.Market Gardener Institute: Join the Masterclass waiting list today!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 LinksChris Adams:Website: https://www.eastboundacres.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastboundacres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089652433399LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-adams-a9b451382/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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• 39: The Business Side of Farming: Lessons from The Farmer’s Office | Julia Shanks

  In this episode, we sit down with Julia Shanks, consultant, teacher, and author of The Farmer’s Office, to talk about the crucial role of business acumen in small-scale farming. We dive deep into financial management practices, routine bookkeeping, using QuickBooks, and how to properly deal with debt as a small farm business owner. Julia stresses that farmers are entrepreneurs who must understand their numbers, especially profit, not just revenue, to create sustainable, fulfilling farms. You’ll get loads of actionable advice, relatable stories, and examples of small farm owners who are financially successful and happy. Learn more about Julia’s books, courses, and more at The Farmer’s OfficeTimestamps[2:47] Contrast of business savvy farmers vs. those who ignore their numbers[6:00] Why frequent financial tracking and setting profit goals are essential. [19:38] Julia's journey from aviation and culinary arts to farm financial consultant.[28:10] Advice for new farmers: starting with a clear desired take-home income. [32:14] Navigating cyclical cash flow and the challenge of building a financial runway. [44:28] Deciding what to grow: prioritizing personal goals over sheer lucrativeness.[1:05:15] Strategies for managing debt stress and scenario planning for investments. [1:10:00] The business pivot: how frequent financial checks enable rapid course correction. [1:26:14] Calculating cost of production (e.g., for a tomato) and factoring in labor. [1:43:23] Rapid Fire Q&ALinks Julia mentionedHow to track POS sales in QuickBooks: https://youtu.be/lZKEdZSXHSA?si=piT11k_9jCbF_7aeUpcoming Excel Templates workshop:www.thefarmersoffice.com/excel Free webinar: How to Grow Your Farm Business: More Profits (Not More Production).https://thefarmersoffice.com/freewebinar/ Quickbooks 7-Day Challenge: https://thefarmersoffice.com/qbo-7day/ SponsorsReal Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic.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 LinksJulia Shanks:Website: https://thefarmersoffice.com/ Book: https://newsociety.com/book/the-farmers-office-second-editionInstagram: https://instagram.com/TheFarmersOffice Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmersOffice JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier 

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• 38: Small-Scale Farming Is The Coolest Counterculture Of Our Time

  In this heartfelt solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier reflects on the idea that small-scale farming is the true counterculture of today; a colorful, creative, and deeply rooted way of life that stands in contrast to mainstream consumerism and the obsession with wealth. He explores three key pillars: culture, diversity, and resiliency, highlighting how small farms foster biodiversity, preserve tradition, and offer an authentic alternative to homogenized food systems. Jean-Martin shares his personal journey and observations from farms around the world, emphasizing that these local, human-scale farms are not only feeding communities but also nurturing ecosystems. This is an uplifting, passionate tribute to the global movement of growers fighting back with resilience, creativity, and community.Timestamps[0:00] When did it become cool to get rich? Reflections on what “being cool” used to mean.[4:31] Why small-scale farming is the ultimate counterculture today.[8:06] Farms as colorful, original spaces that resist mainstream homogenization.[13:05] The farm as a lifestyle: freedom, connection, and shared struggle.[21:39] Rediscovering crate art and the creativity of early 20th-century farms.[23:11] Diversity in farming and why it's essential to human health and culture.[34:07] Small farms as key players in restoring biodiversity and rewilding.[39:28] Scaling out, not up: how a network of small farms builds resiliency and food sovereignty.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+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 JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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• 37: Richard Perkins | The Art Of The Small Mixed Regenerative Farm

  In this episode, we speak with Richard Perkins, farmer & educator at Ridgedale Permaculture, and author of Regenerative Agriculture, about the deeper layers of farming, culture, and meaning. Richard shares the story behind his decision to open a historic restaurant, Sillegarden, in rural Sweden as a way to reconnect people to place, food, and each other. He reflects on the role of farmers as community builders, the dangers of seed oils and grain-based diets, and why he’s more interested in soil-building than buzzwords. The conversation dives into mentorship, the mental and emotional toll of farm life, and the joy of doing hard things with people you care about. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire Q&A touching on wild food, trauma, nutrient density, and the classic farming book he's updating for a new generation of land stewards.Sillegarden Restaurant: https://www.sillegarden.com/ Timestamps[2:14] The role of chefs and the fitness industry in changing the food system.[10:13] Richard’s journey into farming, from working in the UK to settling in Sweden.[13:07] Ridgedale Farm's functions: being a profitable farm and a learning platform for new farmers.[16:08] The role of YouTube and social media in Richard's work and documenting his journey.[29:21] The origin story of the Sillegarden restaurant and Richard's goal to create cultural experiences.[44:39] The importance of local, seasonal food and the value of old-fashioned farming methods.[1:00:44] Diet and health journey, animal-based eating and avoiding seed oils, sugar, and unfermented grains.[1:17:30] The co-opting of the word "regenerative" by big agriculture and Richard's perspective on the term.[1:24:10] P.A. Yeomans's keyline design and scale of permanence on farm planning.[1:35:30] REKO Rings model: an efficient, community-driven sales and marketing system for local food.[1:54:42] Rapid Fire: Quick questions on books, advice, and personal experiences.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+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 LinksRichard Perkins: Website: https://www.richardperkins.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@regenerativeagriculture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardperkins.co/?hl=en Ridgedale Farm website: https://www.ridgedalepermaculture.com/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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• 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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