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,...
316. Farming with Intention: Alicia Brown and Ben Stein on Edible Uprising Farm
What does it take to create a thriving, sustainable farm in an urban environment? In this episode, Michael talks with Alicia Brown and Ben Stein, co-owners of Edible Uprising Farm in Troy, New York. Since 2019, Alicia and Ben have been transforming their 1.5-acre no-till vegetable farm into a powerhouse of productivity and sustainability, growing over 250 varieties of vegetables and flowers. Guided by their motto, “everything with intention,” they thoughtfully approach each decision to maximize short-term efficiency while safeguarding long-term health for the land, their team, and their community. Tune in to hear their inspiring journey, from starting a farm from scratch to overcoming challenges like the pandemic and extreme weather, all while building a thriving business and family. Episode Highlights: Starting Fresh: What inspired Alicia and Ben to start Edible Uprising Farm? [3:32] Urban Farming: How does their farm operate in the heart of Troy, NY? [5:11] Growing with Intention: What crops do they grow, and how do they adapt to challenges? [11:02] Creative Sales: How do they tackle selling tricky crops like eggplant? [17:26] Balancing Family and Farming: How did they manage parenting while farming? [23:57] Building a Team: What have they learned about managing a small, resilient team? [30:50] Scaling with Purpose: What lessons did they take from scaling up and scaling back down? [41:31] Fertility Focus: What does their soil fertility program look like? [44:29] Don’t miss this engaging conversation as Alicia and Ben share how they’ve built a thriving farm with sustainability and intention at the forefront. About the Guest: Alicia Brown and Ben Stein are the co-owners of Edible Uprising Farm, a 1.5-acre no-till vegetable farm in Troy, New York. Since 2019, they’ve grown over 250 varieties of vegetables and flowers on raised beds, all while adhering to organic techniques and prioritizing sustainable farming practices. Their motto, “everything with intention,” guides every aspect of their work, from soil health to community impact. Connect with Edible Uprising Farm: Website: Edible Uprising Farm Instagram: Follow @edibleuprisingfarm Facebook: Like Edible Uprising Farm The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts! Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today. 👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!
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315. Farm Marketing & Self-Sufficiency: Marjory Wildcraft's Digital Strategy
What does it take to inspire a movement toward homegrown food while mastering digital marketing? In this episode, Michael chats with Marjory Wildcraft, founder of The Grow Network. Marjory shares her journey from engineering to homesteading, driven by the need for local food production. She discusses the power of backyard food production for financial and nutritional independence, along with key marketing strategies for reaching your audience, understanding customer psychology, and expanding your reach. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to gardening, Marjory’s insights are a must-listen! Episode Highlights: Backyard Food Production: Why is growing food at home important for self-sufficiency? [9:02] Digital Marketing for Farmers: How can farmers effectively use online marketing to reach their audience? [14:10] Understanding Customer Psychology: How does Marjory use customer psychology to improve her marketing? [24:59] Effective Marketing Strategies: What tips does Marjory have for farmers looking to build a digital presence? [34:05] Simplifying Food Production: What advice does Marjory have for beginners growing their own food? [49:15] Building Trust with Your Audience: Why is trust crucial in marketing and growing a food business? [32:36] Here is the link for the website Marjory and Michael discuss during the episode: http://www.backyardfoodsystem.com/ Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Marjory Wildcraft as she shares her mission to make homegrown food accessible to everyone and how you can be part of the movement. About the Guest: Marjory Wildcraft is the founder of The Grow Network and a global advocate for homegrown food. She’s been featured by National Geographic and has inspired hundreds of thousands to embrace self-sufficiency. Marjory’s work has won Reuter’s Food Sustainability Media Award and she is the author of the best-selling book The Grow System: The Essential Guide to Modern Self-Sufficient Living. Through her platform, Marjory teaches people how to grow their own food, make medicine, and live off the land. Connect with Marjory: Website: The Grow Network Instagram: Follow MarjoryWildcraft Facebook: Like The Grow Network The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts! Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today. 👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!
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314. Shelby Watson-Hampton on Wine Grapes, Weddings, and Women in Agriculture
What does it take to turn a traditional family farm into a thriving hub of agritourism, sustainability, and empowerment? In this episode, Michael chats with Shelby Watson-Hampton, a passionate advocate for women in agriculture and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland. Shelby shares how her family transitioned their farm from traditional crops to a flourishing vineyard and winery, blending sustainable practices with community-driven events. Shelby also dives into her advocacy work, her book Grace, Grit & Lipstick, and the importance of celebrating women in agriculture. Tune in to hear insights on everything from the lifecycle of a grape to managing a wedding venue, packed with tips for farmers aiming to diversify and strengthen their community connections. Episode Highlights: From Hogs to Grapes: Why did Robin Hill Farm transition to wine grapes? [1:03] The Vineyard Lifecycle: How long does it take to grow and harvest grapes? [4:13] Community Harvest Days: How do they involve the community during harvest? [9:31] Driving Winery Traffic: What strategies bring visitors to the vineyard? [18:18] Barn Weddings: What does it take to run a successful wedding venue? [25:38] Overcoming Wedding Challenges: What’s the wildest wedding story Shelby has? [27:50] Celebrating Women in Ag: What inspired Shelby’s book Grace, Grit & Lipstick? [30:39] Don’t miss Shelby’s incredible journey, from farming roots to vineyard innovation, and her mission to empower the next generation of women in agriculture. About the Guest: Shelby Watson-Hampton is a fourth-generation farmer, agricultural journalist, and author of Grace, Grit & Lipstick. She co-owns Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland, where she grows wine grapes, hosts weddings, and creates community-focused events. Shelby is also the creator of The Farmed Life, a platform dedicated to connecting and celebrating women in farming and rural business. Connect with Shelby: Website: The Farmed Life Instagram: Follow @the_farmed_life Facebook: Like The Farmed Life on Facebook Farm Website: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards Farm Instagram: Follow @robin_hill_farm_vineyards The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Seedtime! Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal. For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.
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313. Growing Agritourism: Regan Joehl on Crafting Family Farm Experiences
How can a family farm balance tradition, innovation, and community connections? In this episode, Michael chats with Regan Joehl, owner of Greene Fields Farm in Greenfield, Illinois. Regan, a fourth-generation farmer, has transformed his family’s 30-acre farm into a thriving seasonal destination for thousands of visitors each fall. From pumpkins and gourds to apple picking and premium mums, Greene Fields Farm offers an unforgettable experience while fostering a deeper connection to the land. Tune in as Regan shares insights on crop management, marketing strategies, and creating a farm environment that keeps customers coming back year after year. Episode Highlights: A Family Farm Legacy: How did Greene Fields Farm begin? [1:24] Diversification Decisions: Why did they start raising pigs? [11:15] Mum Production Tips: What size pots do they use for their mums? [15:26] Land Management: What kind of land and acreage are they working with? [21:39] Marketing Success: How does Greene Fields market their farm? [26:06] The Farm Team: What does the Greene Fields team look like? [30:56] Navigating Regulations: What challenges have they faced with government policies? [41:57] Don’t miss Regan’s expert insights into creating a thriving farm business that combines tradition, family values, and innovative practices. About the Guest: Regan Joehl is a fourth-generation farmer and owner of Greene Fields Farm in Greenfield, Illinois. What began as a small pumpkin patch in 2016 has grown into a 30-acre farm that welcomes over 30,000 visitors each fall. Regan, his wife Christie, and their six children grow a variety of pumpkins, gourds, squash, premium mums, and apples, all while running a bustling seasonal farmstand. Dedicated to reconnecting families with the land, Greene Fields Farm has become a beloved destination for those seeking a slice of rural life. Connect with Green Fields Farm: Website: Greene Fields Farm Facebook: Like Greene Fields Farm Instagram: Follow Greene Fields Farm The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts! Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today. 👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!
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312. The Seed Farmer: Insights from Dan Brisebois
How can farmers make seeds a profitable part of their farm business? In this episode, Michael chats with Dan Brisebois, expert seed farmer, educator, and author of The Seed Farmer. Dan is a founding member of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Les Cèdres, Quebec, where he grows organic seeds and vegetables while sharing his knowledge through his podcast, blog, and Farmer Spreadsheet Academy. Tune in as Dan discusses the ins and outs of seed farming, germination testing, and his tips for first-time seed growers, plus how he juggles the many hats he wears in the farming world. Episode Highlights: A Seed Farmer’s Journey: How did Dan get started with seed farming? [1:37] Tomato Growing Tips: How does Dan approach growing tomatoes for seed? [10:01] Challenging Crops: What does Dan consider the hardest vegetables to grow for seed? [14:56] First-Time Growers: Dan’s advice for those starting with seed production [20:04] Germination Testing: How does it work, and what should growers pay attention to? [28:35] Flower Seed Harvesting: Are flowers a viable option for seed production? [34:18] Don’t miss Dan’s expert insights into seed farming and his mission to help farms diversify and thrive with seed production. About the Guest: Dan Brisebois is a farmer, educator, and advocate for seed farming. He is the author of The Seed Farmer and co-author of Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers. As a founding farmer of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Quebec, Dan grows organic seeds for both an online seed store and wholesale rack program while also producing organic vegetables for CSA baskets. He shares his expertise through his blog, podcast (The Seed Growers Podcast), and the Farmer Spreadsheet Academy. Connect with Dan: Website: Dan Brisebois Instagram: Follow @danbrisebois.farm Dan's new Book: The Seed Farmer The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts! Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today. 👉🏼 Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!
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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