The Thriving Farmer Podcast

A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. How do you build—and keep—a thriving farm team? On this special Farm in Focus episode, Michael is joined by Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow, co-founders of Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett, New York. Known for their vibrant farm, educational programs, and deep commitment to community, Katie and Amanda share how they manage one of the most dynamic farm teams in the region. From hiring with intention to setting clear expectations, training the next generation, and keeping morale high during peak season, this conversation offers bite-sized wisdom for any farmer looking to improve their team culture and daily operations. Whether you're managing two people or twenty, their insights will help you strengthen communication, create systems that serve your farm, and build a workplace people want to return to each day.   In this episode, you'll hear about: Building the Team: • What goes into hiring for enthusiasm, not just experience [2:26] • How Amber Waves builds a diverse farm crew each year [4:16] Training the Next Generation: • Structuring an apprenticeship program that truly prepares new farmers [9:13] • Teaching financial literacy and business planning as core skills [10:05] Leadership & Management: • Why clarity and communication matter more than you think [13:10] • How they use scheduled feedback to support apprentices [21:00] • Keeping morale high through "gamifying" tasks and building community [18:00] Looking Ahead: • How mentorship shapes their farm's vision for the future [21:00]   Bio:Amber Waves began in 2008 when Amanda Merrow and Katie Baldwin met during a farm apprenticeship, sparking a friendship and a shared dream to feed their local community. A year later, they launched their farm on seven conserved acres behind the Amagansett Farmers Market, drawn to the land's unique coastal terroir, which inspired the name Amber Waves. In the early days, they personally connected with every visitor, cultivating a community that found comfort, inspiration, and empowerment through the farm. By 2016, with the support of dedicated locals and visionary women before them, Amanda and Katie secured ownership of the farmland and reunited it with the historic farmstand. Today, Amber Waves spans over 30 acres, operates a vibrant market and kitchen, and stands as a nationally recognized educational farm serving hundreds of families and visitors each year. Links: 👩🏻‍🌾 Visit Amber Waves Farm's website: Amber Waves Farm 📺 YouTube: @amberwavesfarmNY 📷 Instagram: Amber Waves Farm 👍 Facebook: Amber Waves Farm   This episode is brought to you by Growing Farmers: Looking to get your farm systems dialed in for 2026? The Small Farm Business Intensive is a two-day, on-farm event hosted by Michael Kilpatrick in Ohio on February 20–21. Participants will walk through the same frameworks used at Farm on Central, covering planning, pricing, profitability, team management, and more. The goal is clarity—leaving with a plan and practical tools you can actually use to move your farm forward. Learn more and save your spot at growingfarmers.com.  

What does it take to turn six acres into a destination for food, flowers, and connection?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Julie Warpinski, founder of Rosewood Farm in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Drawing on her background as a chef, Julie has transformed six acres into a vibrant destination for seasonal produce, fresh flowers, and memorable events. From CSA programs and farm camps to weddings and cooking classes, Rosewood blends the beauty of farm life with the joy of gathering. In this episode, you'll hear: From Kitchen to Field – How Julie's culinary roots inspired her journey into farming [0:57] Hands-On Learning – The types of classes and educational programs offered at Rosewood [8:07] Seasonal Growing – How Rosewood produces fresh vegetables and flowers throughout the year [10:31] Marketing the Farm – The strategies Julie uses to reach and engage her customers [16:18] Life on the Farm – What a typical day looks like and how Julie manages her time [27:47] Sustainability in Practice – Julie's perspective on long-term living and working on the farm [31:02] Serving the Community – Where Rosewood's customers come from and how they connect with the farm [40:50] Words of Wisdom – Julie's advice for leaving a corporate job to start a farm [43:38]   Don't miss this episode if you're curious about blending good food, community spirit, and sustainable farming into one thriving business.   About the Guest: Former chef turned passionate farmer, Julie founded Rosewood Farm to reconnect people with the source of their food. What began as a personal journey has grown into a thriving community hub focused on naturally grown produce, fresh-cut flowers, and hands-on education. Rosewood Farm hosts seasonal events, farm camps, and cooking classes to inspire a deeper appreciation for sustainable living.   Connect with Rosewood Farm: 🖥️  Website: Rosewood Farm 📷 Instagram: Follow @rosewfarm👍 Facebook: Like Rosewood Farm  

How can farming protect culture and sustain communities in the midst of conflict? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Karmel Abufarha, Marketing Manager of Canaan Palestine. Since 2013, Karmel has worked alongside his father and Palestinian smallholder farmers to create a route-to-market for ancient olive groves and traditional crops. What started as a local effort to safeguard livelihoods has grown into a global movement, connecting Palestinian farmers with consumers who value sustainability, social responsibility, and regenerative practices. Tune in to hear how Karmel and the team at Canaan are preserving cultural heritage, uplifting farming families, and building hope for the next generation. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Returning to Palestine: What led Karmel to leave Wisconsin and join his family's farming mission [1:11] Water Conservation: Is mulching an effective method for olive groves? [11:47] Co-op Structure: What does the average family farm look like in Palestine? [13:46] Farming Amid Conflict: How current events impact Palestinian farmers' work and livelihoods [17:17] Global Markets: Where is Canaan's olive oil sold, and who are their customers? [23:02] Farmer Support: How Canaan provides resources and opportunities for their farming partners [26:32] Don't miss this episode to learn how regenerative farming can protect cultural heritage and create lasting economic and ecological impact. About the Guest Karmel Abufarha is the Marketing Manager for Canaan Palestine, a pioneering initiative supporting smallholder Palestinian farmers and preserving the ancient olive groves of the region. Raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Karmel returned to Palestine in 2013 to embrace his heritage and pursue regenerative agriculture. He now plays key roles in marketing, farmer education, and building global connections that sustain both the land and its people.   📲 Connect with Canaan Palestine: 🌍 Website: Canaan Palestine📸 Instagram: Follow @canaan.palestine👍🏼 Facebook: Like Canaan Palestine▶️ TikTok: Follow @canaan.palestine

What happens when we slow down, listen to nature, and "learn something old"? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kaylee Richardson, Virginia-based herbalist, beekeeper, and author of The Beekeeper's Apothecary. With roots in Appalachia and a heart for old-world wisdom, Kaylee shares her journey from the medical field to full-time homesteading. Tune in to learn how she integrates herbalism and beekeeping to build a thriving, intentional lifestyle—and how you can begin to "learn something old" each day. In this episode, you'll hear: Getting Started with Bees: How Kaylee got into beekeeping and what drew her to working with honey bees. [0:54] Growing Herbs at Home: Kaylee's insights into growing herbs—what's easy, what's tricky, and how to get started. [7:19] Beekeeping on the Homestead: What Kaylee does with her bees and how they fit into her larger homesteading lifestyle. [17:54] Herbal Bee Care: How Kaylee uses herbs to support and treat her colonies naturally. [25:12] Selling from the Homestead: The different ways Kaylee shares her farm products and creations with the public. [28:38] Homesteading with Kids: How Kaylee involves her children in the day-to-day rhythm of farm life. [32:50] Go-To Herbs: The herbs Kaylee reaches for most often in her home and apothecary. [42:09] Don't miss this episode if you're curious about the powerful connections between bees, herbs, and intentional living—straight from the homestead.   About the Guest: Kaylee Richardson is a beekeeper, herbalist, homemaker, and author based in the mountains of Virginia. She and her husband live a life grounded in intentionality—raising livestock, growing food, foraging mushrooms, and using herbal remedies rooted in tradition. Through her platform The Honeystead, she shares practical tips on homesteading and encourages others to reconnect with nature by "learning something old."   Resources & Links: 📘 Preorder The Beekeeper's Apothecary: Homestead Living Shop 🌿 Visit Kaylee's website: The Honeystead  📺 YouTube: Subscribe to The Honeystead 📷 Instagram: Follow @the_honeystead 👍 Facebook: Like The Honeystead  

What happens when the interviewer becomes the guest? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, the mic flips as Rodger Wasson, longtime advocate for farmers and host of the Farm to Table Talk Podcast, interviews our own Michael Kilpatrick. From behind-the-scenes systems to current hurdles, Rodger dives deep into the day-to-day of Michael's farm, business, and mindset as a leader in the regenerative agriculture space. Tune in for a rare peek into what's working (and what's not) at the Farm on Central farm and store — and why Michael remains committed to helping small farms succeed.   In This Episode, You'll Hear: Product overview – What the Farm on Central store offers and what's produced on the farm [2:57] Mushroom production – Does the team grow fungi on site? [8:19] Local sourcing – How much of their product lineup is grown at home vs. sourced [11:28] Marketing strategy – How they reach customers and spread the word [18:10] Current challenges – The biggest hurdles facing Michael and the team right now [28:30] Food access – Can SNAP/EBT be used on the farm? [32:32] Housing and labor – What the team structure looks like and if they use H2A housing [40:26] Small-acreage potential – Michael's outlook on what's possible with limited land [52:44] Don't miss this episode if you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a diversified, modern farm—from managing products and marketing to tackling regulation and building a resilient business model.   Michael Kilpatrick's Farm: 🌐 Website: www.farmoncentral.com Online Store: https://shop.farmoncentral.com/   About the Guest: Rodger Wasson is host of the Farm to Table Talk podcast. Raised on a livestock farm in Central Illinois, he's spent his career advocating for farmers both nationally and internationally. With experience spanning commodity boards, global food systems, and grassroots storytelling, Rodger bridges the gap between producers and consumers in powerful ways.   Connect with Rodger Wasson:   🌐 Website: www.farmtotabletalk.com