In this Episode of the Growing Farms Podcast I bring in a couple of my friends from around the country to give their perspective on what life is like on their farms in the first quarter of the year. 

We all manage mixed livestock farms, with a diversity of sales avenues for our products. Personally I gain a lot from having these types of conversations with my friends and peers, and I hope you do too. There's something to be said about stepping off your farm for a minute, talking with like-minded people, and remembering that even though all of our farms are individual, we're all in this together.

It’s the year 2050. My grown daughter looks me in the eye and asks what I did to help make the world a better place. What do I tell her?

Belief:  What do you believe in?

When you woke up this morning, you got up with at least one core belief - something in your mind that defines how you see the world. Such core beliefs are unshakable, unmovable, and dictate what actions you take on a day-to-day basis.

Commitment: How committed to that belief are you?

When you head for the door, you are going to act out your day based on your belief. That action represents your commitment.

Everyone’s level of commitment will be different, based on the resources they have available. Resources - time, money, energy, experience, land base, manpower, etc. - are different for each of us. Everyone will have advantages to draw on, and disadvantages to face. But we all have at least some resources to commit, which allow us to put our beliefs into action.

In this episode of the Growing Farms Podcast we will discuss all of the decision-making that goes into raising pigs in 2022. There are a lot of things to think about, and a lot of variables outside of your control.

• where are you going to process?
• what breed should you raise?
• how do you manage them?
• are they profitable for your farm business?

We are joined by Grazing Specialist and all-around nice guy Troy Bishopp -The GrassWhisperer - to add FOUR DECADES of farming experience to the podcast.

In this episode of the Growing Farms Podcast we discuss:

• why email is still foundational to your marketing
• how to get your first 100 subscribers
• what to write in your emails
• how to grow your list over time

Whether you are just starting a farm or you are looking to grow your business, this episode is packed with simple actionable advice to help you along your journey.

In this episode of the Growing Farms Podcast I give you some perspective on what my farm brewery business looks and functions like.

We are all on different paths, and I share these monthly updates to give more depth behind the farming and business advice that I share on other episodes.

 

Many of us know how to use Instagram, but do we know why we use it? What are you accomplishing, and is it worth your time?

In this episode of the Growing Farms Podcast, host John Suscovich discusses Instagram best practices, his strategy on Instagram, and he shares several accounts worth following if you’re in the pastured poultry space.

Today on the podcast I am joined by my friend Dave Shields of Pastured Life Farm in North Central Florida. Dave and his wife Ginger have been raising animals on pasture and direct marketing them to customers for years. It just so happens the farming and sales model they set up is perfectly suited to serving their community in a time of need. 

On today’s farm podcast Dave shares how they got started, why they set up their farm the way they did, and how they have been able to provide healthy food to people while adhering to safety guidelines.

John: Hey there friends and fellow farmers. Welcome to another episode of The Growing Farms podcast. I am your host, John Suscovich, and today's episode is going to be an "Ask APPPA" show, the American Pasture and Poultry Producers Association.

 

At one of the annual APPPA conferences I brought my camera, I brought my microphone, I brought my friend Mike, and we recorded interviews with about two dozen people.  I asked those two dozen people the same four questions. And the wonderful thing about this community is that our heart, the core mission of what we're trying to do, is build healthy soil and we do that by raising animals on pasture. 

 

Now we are all there for the same reason, to learn and grow together, we are all bringing our own level of commitment, our own piece to the puzzle to those annual conferences and that is great. 

 

Today's episode is going to be with Ginger Shields of Pastured Life Farm located in North Central Florida and the first question that I asked Ginger was: 

 

“What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you were starting out? Your advice for the new guy.”

 

Ginger: My name is Ginger Shields, and I am from Pastured Life Farm located in North Central Florida. 

 

I wish that I knew - when we began farming -- That it was okay to say no, that it was okay to say "We don't need to produce chickens year round". 

 

We didn't need to have beef available 100% of the time. We didn't need to have pork available 100% of the time. It wasn't a sustainable model for a small farm to have everything for everyone all the time. We carried a tremendous amount of burden. Like "We have to produce more, we have to produce more", so we don't have to tell people no and we scaled up faster than what we were ready for. 

 

So I really wish that I had known or could go back to my former self and say "It’s okay. You can tell people no. You can explain why we have seasons, why nature has seasons and why we replicate that in our farm model".

 

John: I really love that piece of advice. Something that I have heralded here on Farm Marketing Solutions is the desire, the need, the strategy of pushing consistency in your market. Having chicken available all the time so that when people want chickens you're the go-to person to provide it for them. I thought that was a core fundamental thing to have as part of your farm strategy. You know, especially if you want to get into wholesale accounts.

 

What Ginger highlighted here is that building the model around not only what the customer wants but what you want to do as a farmer is really important for the long-term viability and sustainability of you and your farm. If you're consistent with what you offer, when you offer it, and your messaging is clear, consistent, and concise it will be easy for people to do business with you. That is just a fantastic piece of advice. 

 

If you don't like farming, you are not going to stick with it and that's hard. You know? It's like... why stick with something that you don't like to do? Which brings me into my next question. I asked Ginger: 

 

What is the most enjoyable part about being a farmer.

 

Ginger: For us, for my husband and I - I am speaking for both of us - I believe that the most enjoyable aspect of farming is that we get to work with people that we like. We get to work with our family, we get to work with our kids, and we get to be together. 

 

I am not sending my husband off for his 9-5 job, packing his lunch and he's coming home miserable after spending an hour and a half in traffic, and we're not apart for sixteen hours a day. We're working together. We both want to work on our farm, better our farm, and work with our kids and teach them the values and the morals and things that they can't learn anywhere else but on our farm. 

 

John: That was a great answer, Ginger. I really appreciate the feedback; and for me, that also -- You know, I'm just going to say "ditto". 

 

The fact is that I’m usually working pretty long hours. But I’m always close by so if my family needs me or wants to come find me they know where I am. I get to work with friends, business partners who are my friends, and I love the staff here at the farm or the brewery -- We just have the most amazing people and that makes the day to day very enjoyable. 

 

At times it is a grind. Not every day is a holiday, but the fact that I am a member of APPPA and I have all of those people to turn to, I have a wonderful business here in Western Connecticut; and that  my family is around all the time, I can structure my schedule around people instead of work... 

 

It's a lot of work hours but I can structure my schedule to be around for dinners, to be around for school send-offs... If there is something that needs to get done in the family, my family always comes first; and the fact that I get to work and live around all these amazing people is why I did this in the first place.

 

Being self-sufficient is kind of a farce. You know? Being out in isolation by yourself is depressing and very difficult because you're not going to be able to do everything by yourself. So to surround yourself with wonderful people - I have that community, I have that connection, and I have that strength. 

 

For when I am feeling weak, there is someone there to help prop me up, and when someone else in my community is not feeling 100% I am there to prop them up. There’s been a really good balance through the years. So for me, that has been valuable as well and I appreciate Ginger - your response to that question. 

 

Now my next question - because this is Farm Marketing Solutions and that's what the channel and the podcast is all about - I wanted to know, Ginger: 

 

What is one of your greatest marketing/farm marketing successes and how did you get there, and then what is one of your biggest struggles - and then what do you do about that? 

 

Ginger: For our farm our biggest marketing success has been the ability to put ourselves out there. To become comfortable and confident in what we're doing; thanks to organizations like the American Pasture and Poultry Producers Association we have become confident in our practices, confident that we're bettering our environment, we're bettering the soil, and that the chicken that we're producing is far superior to anything that's available in the grocery stores.

 

Having those tools in our pocket to be able to approach customers, approach people at meetings like at Weston A. Price Chapter meetings, or at a CrossFit gym where we might pop in during a session and talk about our product. We find strength in having those tools, education, and information available for us to share. Also, confidence in our product that we didn't have when we were first starting out. 

Our biggest marketing struggle has been definitely making the time. Marketing - it's another job! You're a farmer, you're a family, you're a mom, you're a dad... but you're also a marketer and a salesman. You have to make yourself make the time to market your farm. You have to schedule that time into your already busy, crazy life. That's our biggest marketing struggle and our biggest marketing failure. It's our area that we plan to improve on the most for the next few years; is to just work on our marketing. 

 

Our markets are changing. Our customers are changing. Our demographics are changing. We have people much younger than us that are having food awakenings - we need to be able to reach them and it's a challenge to keep up with it.

 

John: Now that is a great response because a lot of people get into farming because they're introverted. Being out in the field by yourself, you spend a lot of time alone. A lot of farmers like to grow, fix, nurture, animal husbandry or however you verbalize or verb that, but not all of us are outgoing. 

 

It's amazing that you might hear me say that I -- I have recorded 650 or pushing 700 videos now, and I still get uncomfortable when someone else is just watching me record. I am comfortably down here in my basement, talking to a camera alone with my dog asleep on the floor. That is where my comfort zone is, and it has been a journey for me to be comfortable enough to walk into a room and be like "Hey everybody, how are you doing? My name is John Suscovich". 

 

That is something that I have worked on over time and being comfortable putting yourself out there, sharing that information... You are passionate about agriculture. Otherwise you are not -- Why are you listening to this podcast or watching this video on YouTube? Because you want to do this. There is a reason why you are committed. 

 

You're following Farm Marketing Solutions because you're starting to make a business out of farming or you are looking at a lifestyle change. There is something in you that motivates you. It drives you to get back to the land, to live a healthier lifestyle, to produce food that is nutritious and supports your community, and that is amazing. 

 

That passion, that heart, that fire that you feel right here... share that with people! Don't be afraid. And with me, you know... there's a lot of fish in the sea. I give farm tours every weekend. Sometimes my jokes land and sometimes they don't. I have learned to read a room and see how that conversation is going. 

 

Putting yourself out there... you do it and you're going to fail sometimes. Then you're going to do it, and you're going to succeed sometimes. You're going to be like "That farmer's market rocked!" or "That conversation that I had with that person really went well!" and when it goes well or if it goes poorly, learn from those circumstances. If it went really well, why did it go well? Because you connected around a certain topic or idea. Is that something that you can reach other people with? If it didn't go well, was it because you misstepped or misspoke or maybe it wasn't the right person? 

 

Think about sales as dating. You're not going to date everybody. Not everybody is going to be a perfect match. You're going to have good customers and you're going to have bad customers. You're going to have easy customers and you're going to have hard customers. You shouldn't spend all your time trying to convert people. You should serve the people who want what you already have to offer. It's a little bit easier to sell that way. And you're going to find those people by sharing your passion, sharing your ideals, sharing your story, sharing your name on your website. Please. 

 

It becomes easier over time, but I'll tell you - it can be a struggle. So just have the confidence in yourself to put your heart out there. Get hurt a little bit. Come back from it. Chickens are going to die. Cows are going to die. Crops are going to go bad. Sales are going to be lost. But also... Chickens are going to grow. Cows are going to grow. The grass is going to grow. The sun always shines at some point and it does get a little easier with time. 

 

Now, because I recorded these at an APPPA conference - The American Pasture and Poultry Producers Association, APPPA.org, I wanted to know: 

 

What are the benefits of joining APPPA? What are the benefits of going to the conference? What do people get out of being a part of this organization? 

 

For me, I am a paying member. I have an annual subscription that I renew. I get the newsletters. I am part of the forum. It's amazing! I just learn so much all the time -- And for when I can't answer other peoples' questions, I post questions on the forum and get answers back from people all over the country. It's really amazing. 

 

So I asked Ginger: What is the best part about being an APPPA member and what is the best part about being at the conference?

 

Ginger: The biggest benefit to being an APPPA member is access. You have instant - almost - access to professionals producing twice as much, three times as much, or maybe even a hundred times as many chickens as you are. 

They have been doing it longer, they have experienced the same failures that you have and if you can learn from another farmer's failures and prevent that failure yourself it's going to be so much easier for you in the long run if you can learn from another person's failure. 

 

I can't remember who said this quote: 

 

Anyone can learn from another person's success, but a truly intelligent person can learn from other's peoples' failures. 

 

We all have a sharp learning curve as farmers and so if we are able to maybe lessen that curve, maybe lessen the blow a little bit, and maybe prevent some of those catastrophic things that naturally happen as farmers because we don't control the weather, we don't control the environment, and we don't control so many factors.

 

Who would choose a job where you have so little control over anything? It's like, "Why did I go into this job where there's a hundred outside variables that I have zero control over and still expect to have a good outcome?" What a terrible idea! But we all do it, right? 

 

And that's where the APPPA conference becomes an invaluable tool; you get to see these farmers that you've been interacting with, maybe on the list serve or via email, and you get to be in the same room together. You get to commiserate a little bit together. 

 

You get to shake each other's hands, understand each other's struggles, and nowhere else can you get a bunch of pastured poultry producers who are already kind of out here on the fringe in the same room and just be together - and that's really cool.

 

Nobody needs to have someone - another person - on the pulpit, selling you something, telling you what you should or shouldn't do. We need to be together. We're better together. 

 

John: Ginger, that's a good plug, and I will add that Ginger is on the board of APPPA and has been a big inspiration for me. She is kind, caring, and tough as nails. She is everything you would want in one person, and just a great representation of what I feel the future of agriculture is. 

 

She has been doing it for a while with her husband Dave and all of her children. She is now a good friend of mine. We text back and forth; and just the fact that she put herself out there and recorded the video for me - this was really great - and I want to thank you Ginger and Dave. 

Dave's interview will be coming up in the future.

 

If you want to learn more about APPPA and how to become a member, you can go to APPPA.org. 

 

I have over 100 episodes in the archives. You can find those on Google Podcasts, on iTunes, on Stitcher and on Spotify and probably a bunch of smaller stuff. If you can't find it on your platform, write in and we will submit the feed to that so that you can get it as well.

 

This is a new type of podcast that I am doing. I am going to publish these APPPA interviews as well as some farm updates through the year, now that I have this medium back again. I have fixed all the technical problems which feels really good. 

 

Feel free to leave me an honest review on any of those pod-catching platforms. It helps the podcast get discovered. 

 

Thanks for taking the time to listen and/or watch, because we're releasing this in both video and audio format on YouTube and all of the pod catching things. And until next time, I will see you on the field. 

It can feel like the to do list gets longer before it gets shorter, that at times the world is out to get you, or things aren’t going your way. It is ok to want to quit, but what defines us as people is how we react to being in these situations. Work toward a better life, hang in there, and tomorrow will be brighter.

Think of the reason you do what you do. Whether you are farming or thinking about starting a farm, why are you doing this? The key to keeping a business going, and creating a lasting lifestyle is to find what drives you, and let it keep driving you forward.

I would love to publish the podcast episode or YouTube video where I have the magic bullet to making farms financially viable and “successful” but I do not think a magic bullet exists. It takes a stupid amount of hard work and determination.

When the going gets tough you are going to have to define and hang onto your single motivating purpose. Your kids, the earth, millions of dollars, fame, posterity, free beer, whatever… Find it, take a picture, keep it in your wallet, and look at it every day.

I am personally driven by a desire to provide for my family, combat climate change, be a part of an amazing farm brewery, support a community of honest hard-working people, and maintain my friendships with amazing people like Troy. Do I always succeed at all of that? Oh goodness no, I’m human. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to keep trying to be the best me I can be for all of those people.

Find what motivates you and hang onto it. You’re going to need it. Owning and operating a farm or homestead is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your limited time on this earth, make the most of every day and remember why you toil.

Who are “they” exactly?

They told us it can’t be done. They told us you cannot make money farming. They told us you can’t raise sheep without a heavy parasite load. They said you can’t have 0% mortality in the brooder. They said that you have to farm this way or that.

I’m not saying that educated people are nonsense. That would be a gross misinterpretation of my point. What I am saying, is that there is an inherent flaw in the human to human interpretation of the scientific method in that variables are often isolated and taken out of context. Sure you can get more grass by adding nitrogen, but is that what you farm needs? And are there other ways to add nitrogen into your soil without paying a chemical company?

Today Troy and I discuss what makes an expert. They’re not always right, and they’re not always wrong. They are merely presenting facts based on their research that you as the professional farmer have to take and adapt to your goals, your farm, and your systems.

It all goes back to continually asking the question, “why?”

There is a lot to farming that will keep you awake at night. Is the brooder closed, are all the birds in, are the predators out, is the greenhouse warm enough, did you remember to check this or that?

Then there’s all the life stuff that keeps you up at night. On today’s episode of the Growing Farms Podcast Troy and I cover three areas of concern that are universal to most people.

With all that advice and information floating around how do you tell what is good and what is not? With a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, what’s the best advice? That is what Troy and I tried to capture with today’s farm podcast episode. The best piece of advice we have ever gotten.

The most common question we get here at Farm Marketing Solutions is “how do I start a farm?”. That question comes from all walks of life and all corners of the globe. Seriously, we’re data nerds and our analytics say we get visitors from over 97 different countries.

Because there are 7 billion people in the world inevitably all of our stories and circumstances are going to be different. That is one of the inherent difficulties in agriculture. There is a lot of good information out there on “how to grow stuff” but the real art of farming and being a farmer is adapting that growing information to your specific situation.

Working to find a balance that works for you between farm life, home life, and your personal life is the ultimate goal of sustainability. You want to be a member of your community, a member of your family, and at the same time take some time for yourself. In this episode Troy & John discuss their efforts at a balanced sustainable life.

It is a pleasure to bring back the Growing Farms Podcast with my good friend and mentor Troy Bishopp. In today’s episode we tackle the topic of getting into agriculture as a hobby or profession. What draws people back to the land? Once they are there what keeps them working when things get difficult?

It’s a cliche as this point that “farming is hard”. Yeah, we know. Anyone that has tried to work the land knows full well how ruthless Mother Nature can be and how unforgiving the farm can seem at times.

What gives me hope for the future is that the current generation of farmers getting into agriculture are bringing with them tools of all kinds. Drones, software, new planting innovations, and the knowledge sharing tool that is the internet. We now have the opportunity to farm in ways that have never been done before.

2017 Farm Plan - Camps Road Farm

With each new farm season there are adaptations based on what you have learned from previous years as well as adapting to what your goals are for the coming year. We are making some big changes on our farm this year and I am really happy to be able to share them with you through the Growing Farms Podcast.

I am using the Farm Marketing Solutions website to take notes this year. I am organizing my thoughts, my research, my production numbers into the Resources section of the website.

On the resources page you will find more information on:

• My farm set-up (complete with map)
• Broiler chickens
• Egg layers
• Pigs
• Orchard/Fruit

...and in the works are sections on:

• My equipment
• Marketing Strategies
• Writing a farm business plan
• Whatever you ask me about in the form below

Have a question that you can't seem to find an answer for? On the main resources page you'll find a simple form to submit your question to me and I'll create a piece of content around it. You should drive the direction of this website as much as I do, after all, I'm sharing this stuff for you.

Growing Farms Podcast "Plan" Going Forward

The podcast is back for a while by popular demand. Having taken some time off from podcasting to publish not one, but two books, I'm coming back with simple, straight-forward, and honest podcasts about my farm journey.

In a more rapid succession than my usual pace I'll have episodes on the operations listed above. We're going to cover what I'm doing on all areas of the farm so that you have a good idea of where I am at and what I have learned to date. After we're caught up Kate and I are going to do updates throughout the season so you get a taste of farm life, share in our successes and failures, and continue to grow the community.

Final Notes

It's good to be back. I had a blast recording with Kate for this episode. It's a busy and kind of stressful time on farm right now but at the same time it is really exciting! Thanks for supporting FMS through the years. If you're new here, welcome! 

Let's all work to grow personally, professionally, and as a community. Thanks for stopping in and until next time I will see you out in the field.

Cheers,

John

• Chicken Tractor Plans
• APPPA - American Pastured Poultry Producers Association
• Feed Testing
• Pasture Fencing I Use
• Support the Show on Patreon

This farm podcast episode updates you on my:

• Pastured Poultry
• Pastured Pigs
• Apple Orchard
• Hop Yard
• Book release!!!

Raising pigs has to be one of the most fun things that I do on farm. I truly enjoy almost every part of it. I mean, don't get me wrong, they could smell a little better every once in a while but who can turn their noses up at their floppy ears, curly tails, and curiously happy demeanor?

I get my pigs for the season in less than a week. I'm raising 20 pigs this year for various different markets. It's a step up for me. A far cry from big production, but big enough to feed some serious people. I plan to market and sell through:

• Whole and Half Hog
• Pig Roast
• Retail at Famers' Market and Farm Store
• Restaurants for Beer and Spirits Dinners

Resources from this farm podcast:

• Ethan Book the Beginning Farmer
• The Beginning Farmer on YouTube

Farm Quote of the episode:

"Never wrestle with a pig. You'll both get dirty but the pig will love it..."

—

• Past Episodes
• Support the Show by Giving $1

 

No matter what you've done before you got into farming, it applies. It all applies!!! Granted some of us are going to get into farming full time and run our own farms and others are going to be happy with a backyard garden. The important thing here is that we're all willing to get our hands dirty.

I take a small amount of pride in that I've worked hard over the years to make my life interesting. It sounds a little egotistical perhaps, but I'm alright with that, because it's been fun.

In past years I've biked across the country, worked with Howard Stern, put on plays, worked as a food photographer, web designer and programmer, and so many other odd things. Through it all I have finally learned one important lesson.

That lesson: enjoy the process! Nothing is going to go according to plan and it is certainly not going to happen as quickly as you want it to. And that's OK. If you learn to love the day to day tomorrow will eventually come. Find something you love to do, pursue it, and enjoy "getting there".

That was a major hurdle for me to overcome. I still get stressed. I still get down sometimes. But the majority of my time is spent appreciating what I have and wondering how I can make it even better. If I work to make it better, it usually happens, and guess what? It's even better!!! It all sounds so silly to put into words, and a few years I might have even made fun of the guy I've become. But on the other side of my freak out, I feel good, and I'm ready to get my season really moving.

I have been in love with the idea of more farms appearing in urban settings. That is how we bring food to the masses and help wrangle that ugly beast called food security. Clever uses of otherwise untapped resources.

On today's farm podcast episode we visit one of those urban farms to see how it all fits together.

Items covered or mentioned on today's farm podcast:

• Double N Urban Farm
• Double N on Facebook
• Farm Marketing Solutions on YouTube
• Permaculture Voices Conference

Farm Quote of the episode:

"Don't worry. If plan A fails there are 25 more letters in the alphabet." - Anonymous

—

Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Past Episodes
• Support the Show by Giving $1

• Farm Marketing Solutions on YouTube
• Ask Voices with Diego Footer and Me, John Suscovich
• Camps Road Farm
• Kent Falls Brewing Company
• Neversink Spirits

I'm a day older than I was yesterday, but today I got to use a whole new number. I've made it to 31 and I'm pretty happy about it.

In this podcast episode I talk about what my plans are for the farm this year and why they are that way. Then I go over what's happening on Farm Marketing Solutions and content for the year and I ask you for help.

Ya see, I cannot do this without you. Talking into the abyss of the internet means nothing if there is no one to listen and interact. That's where you come in. I share some of my thoughts for how I think the podcast should go this year but I would much rather do something that you guys and gals are going to want to hear rather than just guessing and hoping to get it right.

That's where the comments section of this post comes into play. Get on there and let me know what you think I should be doing this year for Farm Marketing Solutions. I'm trying to keep it simple so that I can do a little more than I've done in the past, but I don't want it to lose any value to you.

 

There was a problem that I now had a farm stand, I did a lot of work to make my farm beautiful and accessible, but no one was showing up. How do you get people on your farm without breaking your marketing budget? The answer: Farm Crawl

A farm crawl is a one day event where multiple farms in the same area open their doors, hold tours, and cross-market each other to the benefit of all. Customers travel from farm to farm to see what the farms have to offer, get tours, meet the farmers where they work, and become more connected to their food.

My farm is off a back road that’s off a back road. There is no such thing as incidental traffic from someone just driving by. I needed to think of something that would draw people to let them know that I was back here. As usual when looking for inspiration I looked to the other farmers that I know. Ethan Book of Crooked Gap Farm has a great podcast where he talks about his farming journey. Some one those episodes mentioned a farm crawl and BOOM, inspired.

I borrowed the concept from listening to the Beginning Farmer Show with Ethan to start my own farm crawl. In this episode Ethan and I discuss my new farm crawl, his established farm crawl, and how both of them came to be.

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How setting up systems will make your life better
• How to look for efficiencies on your farm
• How to start your own Farm Crawl
• My “first world problems” with getting a new computer

Interview with Ethan Book of Crooked Gap Farm

Ethan Book grew up on a quaint little street in Cedar Falls, Iowa playing with toy tractors on his bedroom floor and pretending to farm with his John Deere pedal tractor in the driveway.

Weekends were often spent on his dad’s farm or the farms of his uncles and extended family. As Ethan grew up his dreams of being a farmer faded a little bit, but never truly went away.

Ethan has pursued that dream of becoming a farmer and has done a great job of documenting his journey through his blog and podcast over at The Beginning Farmer. I am honored to call him a friend. Though we have never met in person I feel like I know so much about him through the stories he shares on his podcast, through his writing, and in conversations I have had with him “off air”.

 

 

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Iowa Farm Crawl
• Western Connecticut Farm Crawl
• Crooked Gap Farm
• The Beginning Farmer
• Camps Road Farm

Take aways:

How are you going to get people onto your farm?

What is one area on your farm that is in desparate need of increased efficiency?

 

Farmer quote of the episode:

“Computers are like Old testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.” – Joseph Campbell

“Never trust a computer that you can’t throw out a window.”- Steve Wozniak

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
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I know we have all learned a lot this year. There have been good times, there have been bad times, and everything in between. This farm podcast episode focuses on five lessons learned by one of the Farm Finance Challenge participants Jonathan Woodford of Sugarwood Acres.

• Better record keeping is the key to success.
• Things don’t always go according to plan.
• It’s important to take time to help others.
• Do what it takes to get the job done.
• A farm is a wonderful place to raise a family.

What is my name?

Jonathan Woodford

What is the name of my farm?

SugarWood Acres

A brief description of my farm:

160 acre certified organic farm on which we produce hay, maple syrup, small amount of grain and corn. We raise couple beef and pork for meat.

Where is my farm located?

388 North Third St. West Farmington Ohio, 44491

What are my main operations?

In 2013, we ran a 700 bucket operation, increased to 1200 buckets for 2014. 2014 we sold small square bales, mostly for horse feed. We also did some large round bales, which sold for a beef operation. We bought two angus heifers to start a breeding stock. We have raised a couple feeder cows in our front yard for a few years prior. This year we started with three feeder pigs. For 2015, we are looking into expanding into bees, more feeder pigs, two dozen chickens and half dozen turkeys.

How big is my farm?

We have about hundred acres of fields and forty acres of woods. My wife and I both work at the local school. I farm to provide my family with food that we know where it comes from and how it was raised. I enjoy farming and try to make a little extra money while doing it.

How would I want people to contact me?

SugarWood Acres on Facebook

@SugarWoodAcres on Twitter

Why am I participating in the Farm Finance Challenge?

I started keeping track of hours spent collecting sap for the past two years. I try to start keeping track of tractor time but failed to do a good job at it. I have wanted to get a better idea of how much time we spend doing things and if we are making our time back in our sales.

What is one thing you are struggling with on your farm?

This year will be the first time doing farm taxes. I have no clue what to expect. I have a hard time pricing my products for sale.

What do you hope to get out of the Challenge by the end?

At the end of this challenge, I hope to have a better understanding of where I spend my time. I also will have a better idea of how much time and money it will cost me to run the farm.

 

Take aways:

How will better records effect your decision making?

How do you create those positive habits that will propel your farm forward?

 

Farm quote of the episode:

“Decisions are the hardest things to make. Especially when it is a choice between where you should be and where you want to be.” – Anonymous

—

Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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I am super pleased to bring Curtis Stone back on the show for another episode to talk all about managing the farm, employees, and growing more farmers for the future. We cover the nitty-gritty of harvesting information on farm and what to do with that information once you have it.

Managing employees can be one of the most emotional and difficult things you can do farming. Forget crop losses, acts of God, and poor markets, other humans have the potential to drive you insane like nothing else. I am finding however that there is a way to mitigate and even eliminate that stress. Data.

Data is the key to most things. Knowing where you’ve been, where you are at, and where you are going using cold hard data to drive your decision making.

Alright, so I have fun writing “cold hard data” because I’m sure I saw it in a movie once. I’m not a cold hard person. Far from it. I mean, have you seen my daughter Mabel? She turns me to mush every time I think of her. The problem I run into as a manager is that at times I need to be cold and hard and without concrete facts that can be very difficult to do.

However you do it, and for whatever reason, tracking things on your farm is critical to growing your business. I get asked all the time, “John, I want to start farming, where do I begin?” Begin by tracking your personal finances, budgeting for yourself, using a calendar to keep organized, and if you do all that go out and try to grow some stuff.

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Spreadsheets don’t have to be scary
• Curtis’s three most used spreadsheets on farm
• It’s good to dork out about data management
• Using data to:
• discovery market trends
• sort out best practices
• maintain a financial picture of your farm

 

Interview with Curtis Stone of Green City Acres

Before starting his urban farm in the fall of 2009, Curtis had absolutely no previous experience in farming or even gardening. Up until 2008, he had been living in Montreal, trying to make a go at being a working musician. It was many years ago, when he heard the old cliche, “if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem”. That was a turning point for him in that he knew that it was important for us to be active participants in our society, rather than just being by-standers.

But it wasn’t until Curtis discovered Permaculture, while searching around on the internet for sustainable building methods, that it opened up a pandora’s box of information and inspiration for him. From there, he knew that he wanted to live in a way that was life affirming, not destructive. He left Montreal in March of 2008 to return to his home town of Kelowna, BC, to try and pursue this kind of life style. It was a bike tour down the west coast from Kelowna to San Diego in fall 2008 where he visited off-grid homesteads, eco villages, and urban farms, that inspired him to try to make a difference through his own actions.

Upon returning from the trip totally inspired and ready to do something involved in sustainable ag, but not exactly sure what yet, a friend of his directed him towards SPIN farming. The stars must have aligned at that movement because once Curtis discovered that there was a way to farm that required very little investment, no need to own land or heavy machinery, he was confident that he could do it. He spent the rest of the fall and winter of 2009 studying SPIN farming and various other gardening and farming books, and then decided to go for it. With a little bit of money saved from a 6 month season of tree-planting, he had everything he needed to start a farm.

After completing a successful and profitable first season in 2010, Curtis is a case study example that the methods taught in the SPIN farming models, are simple and easily transferable to anyone, including those who have no experience.

Through the off-season, Curtis works as public speaker on food related issues, and is a consultant for multiple community food projects throughout Kelowna. In September 2010 he was awarded ‘gardener of the year’ from the city of Kelowna’s Communities in Bloom.

 

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• GFP081: On The Shoulders of Giants
• The Urban Farmer Series on Permaculture Voices
• Green City Acres
• Creen City Acres on Facebook
• Profitable Urban Farming Course
• The Urban Farmer Book

Take aways:

Can you think of at least one stressor in your life that could have been solved by having better information?

Ever want to strangle an employee? Think about it. Was it actually your fault as a manager or theirs as a worker?

 

Farm quote of the episode:

“Efficiency is intelligent laziness.” – David Dunham

—

Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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What separates professionals from amateurs is experience. There’s no getting around experience. You can read all the books, watch all the videos, take all the classes, but until you try and do whatever it is you’re trying to do it’s all just theory. What I cannot help be be fixated on these days is tracking that experience, documenting it, so it is easier to learn from past experiences and work toward my holistic goals on farm.

“Standing on the shoulders of giants” means that you are picking up where someone else left off. Learning from their experiences and building your own. We live in an age where information is processed and passed along at lightning speed, why not take advantage of it and start to share some of your own?

There are two sets of “giants” in your life. The first are the farmers that came before you who have written books, made the videos, set the stage, and carved the path that we’re following now. Those include the people who are discussing what they are doing in real time much the way I am doing with Farm Marketing Solutions.

The second giant is YOU! You have the opportunity every day to gain experience and build on what you have already done. You don’t need to share your experiences with anyone else. Not everyone is comfortable with airing their dirty laundry for everyone to see. But internally, within your farm, you can take pictures, take notes, create records, and detail your actions so that at any time you can go back and see exactly how and why you did something.

You make the best decisions you can at the time based on the tools (which includes knowledge) you have at the time. Looking back and thinking “man I wished I had done that” is pointless. Instead look back and say, “man, I did that and it didn’t work out. Why? What can I do to improve?” Figure out how to improve, and then go do it! Take action! No more theory! Get out there and gain more experience and embrace failure as openly as you do success.

Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• the story of a guy who keeps trying
• $75k on 1/3 of an acre farming
• the benefits of being specialized
• the necessity of being agile
• how being organized can save time, money, and headaches
• DATA, F-ING DATA
• it’s ok to make mistakes

 

Interview with Curtis Stone of Green City Acres

Before starting his urban farm in the fall of 2009, Curtis had absolutely no previous experience in farming or even gardening. Up until 2008, he had been living in Montreal, trying to make a go at being a working musician. It was many years ago, when he heard the old cliche, “if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem”. That was a turning point for him in that he knew that it was important for us to be active participants in our society, rather than just being by-standers.

But it wasn’t until Curtis discovered Permaculture, while searching around on the internet for sustainable building methods, that it opened up a pandora’s box of information and inspiration for him. From there, he knew that he wanted to live in a way that was life affirming, not destructive. He left Montreal in March of 2008 to return to his home town of Kelowna, BC, to try and pursue this kind of life style. It was a bike tour down the west coast from Kelowna to San Diego in fall 2008 where he visited off-grid homesteads, eco villages, and urban farms, that inspired him to try to make a difference through his own actions.

Upon returning from the trip totally inspired and ready to do something involved in sustainable ag, but not exactly sure what yet, a friend of his directed him towards SPIN farming. The stars must have aligned at that movement because once Curtis discovered that there was a way to farm that required very little investment, no need to own land or heavy machinery, he was confident that he could do it. He spent the rest of the fall and winter of 2009 studying SPIN farming and various other gardening and farming books, and then decided to go for it. With a little bit of money saved from a 6 month season of tree-planting, he had everything he needed to start a farm.

After completing a successful and profitable first season in 2010, Curtis is a case study example that the methods taught in the SPIN farming models, are simple and easily transferable to anyone, including those who have no experience.

Through the off-season, Curtis works as public speaker on food related issues, and is a consultant for multiple community food projects throughout Kelowna. In September 2010 he was awarded ‘gardener of the year’ from the city of Kelowna’s Communities in Bloom.

 

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• The Urban Farmer Series on Permaculture Voices
• Green City Acres
• Creen City Acres on Facebook
• Profitable Urban Farming Course
• SPIN Farming
• FFC003: Talking Nonsense
• The Urban Farmer Book

 

Take aways:

What are you doing to document and learn from your mistakes?

Are you making time on farm for record keeping? Is it enough time?

 

Farm quote of the episode:

“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” – Leonard Bernstein

—

Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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Hello everyone! The podcast was on hiatus as we deal with the technical issues of a 3 year old website and podcast. Technologies change and I was unable to farm and keep on top of the changing times.

But that’s OK!

Because the Growing Farms Podcast is back. Back with the every other week schedule. Scott has a new day-job which is monopolizing his time so Farm Fantasy Camp is on hiatus until further notice.

In today’s show I go over what I’ve been up to on farm and with Farm Marketing Solutions as well.

Items Mentioned in Today’s Farm Podcast

• Camps Road Farm
• Permaculture Voices Podcast
• Farm Fantasy Camp Episode 4: Lightbulbs

 

Take aways:

If you had to pare-down to the minimum you needed to do to get by, what would that look like?

Is there anything you can take a break from in order to come back fresher?

—

Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook, or leave a 5 star rating iniTunes if you liked the show.

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Topics covered in this farm podcast:

1. John & Scott do not like Skype
2. Windows 10 might reinvent how we look at garbage
3. John’s going on vacation, Scott too has gone on vacation
4. Is there valor in working long hours?
5. Hours Tracker App on iPhone for logging work hours
6. Accepting that things will not be perfect
7. How many things would fix themselves if I did not touch them?
8. John uses an iPhone 6+ to shoot, edit, and upload videos
9. Lower polish and increased iteration
10. Adjusting what you grow to suit your needs and the needs of your market
11. John goes camping in Canada
12. Why take time off in the summer?
13. Things are going to go wrong, and that is OK!
14. John speaks nonsense…
15. Mabel is the 4th generation going to this camp ground in the Suscovich family
16. Sugar Island of the American Canoe Association
17. Does camping losing its’ novelty when you live on a farm?
18. Scott loves to take trees out of the ground, very exciting.
19. Flame weeders are not sophisticated
20. Work-life blend vs. work-life balance
21. Finding work that you love makes everything easier (surprise)
22. Four lightbulb theory: family, friends, work, health
23. Getting to the core of why John & Scott work together
24. John strokes his ego and thinks he’s super-human
25. How easy is it to “check out” and quiet the chatter in your brain?
26. The E-Myth Revisited
27. Diego and Curtis on The Urban Farmer: Systems
28. John recaps the Farm Crawl, it was a success

Topics covered in this farm podcast include:

• Mistakes made when starting a hop yard
• What hops are
• How hops are grown
• How many plants can you fit per acre for production
• Sometimes there’s just no choice but to spray
• Insight into the Craft Beer Industry’s effect on hop production
• Where do you find good farming information

Interview with Geoff Keating of The Hop Yard

Geoff has spent the majority of his life as a Maine resident, leaving only to earn his bachelor in Communication and study the principles of marketing at colleges and universities in Vermont, New Hampshire and London England. He returned to Maine in his 20’s to co-found Level8 Design Studio, a design and development studio focused on innovative web solutions.

Beyond internet technologies, Geoff’s passion and curiosity has led him into the world of craft beer. Captured by the allure of beers intangible flavors, and retained by the continuous exploration of craft beers industry pioneers, Geoff has embedded himself into this exciting field.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• The Hop Yard
• The Hop Yard on Facebook

Farm Quote of the Episode:

“The basic thing is that I want to do the best work possible, and I can only do that if I’m relaxed and have a lot of energy. And that can only come from taking time off.” – Jason Scott Lee

 

Take aways:

How can you help spread useful information for other farmers?

What mistakes have you learned from that you wish you knew when you were starting out?

 

—

Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating iniTunes if you liked the show.

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1. Scott’s microphone is marginally improved, though slightly robotic
2. John’s feelin’ good post-meltdown and the farm’s running smoothly
3. Bears! A bear on the farm
4. There are B.S. artists out there. Dr. Oz is one. The Food Babe is another
5. The Food Babe makes some pretty outrageous claims
6. John gets questions about “chicken hormones” at the market
7. Among other things, worrying about food trends (e.g. uh oh, eggs are bad for you again) encouraged John to pay closer attention to food
8. John read a book about how information spreads on the internet, Trust Me I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
9. Generating ad revenue from content tends to dilute credibility
10. A portion of the internet runs on “Google University”
11. John started Food Cyclist Farm as a result of reading about how approachable and profitable farming can be
12. We think Joel Salatin is great…
13. … but his is one of the books that paint a rosy picture of farming
14. Poultry farming was tough, but it resulted in an opportunity to manage Camps Road Farm
15. The “farming is easy” content seems to mostly homesteading-skewed
16. Young people getting into farming use the blog posts and books as a means to convince them it’s easily achievable
17. Call to action: share your story. Share your insights with the farming community
18. YouTube has become the great source for how-to; a major change from 10 years ago
19. Hacking/remix culture has been a great way to iteratively improve methods over time

Have you considered diversifying with a commercial kitchen?

Diversifying your farms’ offerings is always a good idea. Many of the guests who have been on this podcast have talked about it, and it is a large part of my business model. Have you considered diversifying with a commercial kitchen?

On today’s episode Laura McKinney of Riverbank Farm talks about how her kitchen got started. She also talks about life on farm, how she got started in AG, and where she sees it all going.

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• triumphs and failures from an experienced farmer
• pros and cons of starting a commercial kitchen on farm
• good advice for farm apprentices
• great advice for dealing with farm apprentices
• perspective on why we toil

Riverbank Farm

Since colonial times, the farm has passed through the hands of four different families who raised crops and milked cows. Currently, Riverbank Farm grows a diversity of certified organic vegetables, cut flowers and hay. Nourished by the fertile bottomland soil of the Shepaug River, the farm uses no herbicides, synthetic fertilizers or synthetic pesticides.

Laura & David, Farm Owners

David Blyn founded Riverbank Farm twenty years ago and was joined by his wife, Laura, in 1996. David originally moved to the farm in 1989 in hopes of running a carpentry business. Although, the barn and house were in poor condition, David was drawn to the landscape and river bordering the farm and decided to call it home.

As David began to work on the barn, he also decided to grow a half acre of vegetables. The half acre increased each year until David began farming full time in 1991. He continued to farm on his own, jumping from tractor to tractor as he managed his small, diversified operation with old cultivating equipment and an array of farm machinery.

In the summer of 1996, while delivering produce during a full moon in Long Island, David met Laura. She had come east for the summer after finishing sustainable agriculture studies in Santa Cruz, CA. Laura knew she wanted to farm, but never anticipated being on the east coast. Their love for farming and each other blossomed into a bountiful farm.

Through hail storms, deer damage, late work nights, frosts, unpredictable weather patterns, and bug and weed outbreaks, they have learned to build a resilient farming operation and truly enjoy the harvest. They now have three children, Lily(8) and Alice(5) and Stella (2) who add love and laughter to each farm day. David and Laura believe that once you eat vegetables from the farm, the farm becomes part of you.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Riverbank Farm
• GFP072: Proper Farm Planning Makes All The Difference
• UC Santa Cruz Apprenticeship Program

 

Take aways:

How can you add value to your unsold harvest?

Do you have an “apprentice guide” that you have new workers sign? Could save you a lot of headaches.

 

Farm quote of the episode:

“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.” – Masanobu Fukuoka

—

Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating iniTunes if you liked the show.

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1. Scott traveled to Iceland and Denmark
2. John tailoring FMS to different situations than New England farming
3. John disliking possessions/responsibilities as it relates to travel
4. Scott taking stock of possessions while moving, realizing there’s very little
5. Micromanagement and preventive measures to extend the life of possessions
6. Having “your name on something” resulting in high standards
7. Soylent follow-up: John had Soylent, Scott might not rebuy, case closed
8. John’s getting a root canal, Scott hadn’t been to a dentist in a long while, Dr. Oppenheimer
9. Mini excavators versus regular ones
10. Dr. Oppenheimer wants some chickens
11. We’re not yet very good at segues
12. John’s still post-meltdown
13. Recycling doesn’t matter? Sustainable farming doesn’t matter?
14. Chipotle is great. Scott even had it three meals in a row

What we are about at Permaculture Voices..

How can you change the world if you can’t make a living in the process?

It’s too common for people within the permaculture and sustainability movement to do work that they care about, but scrape by financially.

And the reality of that is, at the end of the day that type of lifestyle isn’t sustainable – the values are there, but the economics are not.

Can you make a living from a career that aligns with your values?

We believe you can.

Our mission at PV is to help people who embrace permaculture’s ethics to make a profitable and comfortable living doing work that aligns with who they are and what they stand for.

This means doing work that is financially profitable, and looking beyond the numbers to make sure that the work is environmentally, social, and emotionally profitable.  Think of it as whole systems business.  Without looking after each of these components the whole thing falls apart.

And we believe that when more people start doing that type of work, then we change the world.

We are at a point in time where there is a lot wrong out there. And we can either complain about it and accept it and live with it, or we can step out of our comfort zone and change it.

Permaculture Voices is a catalyst for that change.

Many times that change comes in the form of business. Whether we work for someone else or for ourselves we spend a huge part of our lives doing work.

Does that work matter? Does the world care about your work? And more importantly do you care about your work?

On the flipside, are you doing work that matters to you, but is it financially sustainable? Not just now, but into the future. Will the work that you love support the life that you want to live?

These are important questions to ask, and difficult questions to answer. We are here to help you with that process.

We want to see you align your work with your values and grow your business, revenue and impact so your life both purposeful and sustainable.

It’s totally possible.

Stick around for a while and you will hear the real stories of people out there doing it.

Cheers,

Diego

Founder & Head Story Teller

 Right-click here to download the MP3

In This Farm Podcast You Will Learn

• Ideas evolve, keep them in check
• "Behind the Scenes" of Permaculture Voices
• "You are not going to achieve great things flying close to the middle."- Diego Footer

Resources Mentioned in This Farm Podcast

• Permaculture Voices
• Book: Anti-Cancer, A New Way of Life
• Paul Wheaton

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the Show by Giving $1

The Growing Farms Podcast was started to share my journey into agriculture. Like most journeys this one has been made more enjoyable by sharing it with others. One of the people I share my agriculture experiences with is my good friend and business partner Scott.

In this every other week podcast series we talk about the kind of things that come up when one friend lives in the City and the other in the Country. Scott works in advertising in New York City and I manage a 52 acre farm in Connecticut. The dichotomy of our lifestyles is married with our shared values for a better world.

This is an experiment for us without a clear ending. We are counting on you, the listening audience, to provide feedback, share your stories, and if nothing else enjoy being a fly on the wall for a conversation between two good friends who are trying to make sense of what it all means.

Losing your sh** is not an easy thing to talk about. No one is really proud of not being able to keep it together under pressure, yet as small business owners it is something we all go through.

While I do not feel comfortable being this open and vulnerable (yeah, even me) I think that it is an important topic to merit a few episodes about the different elements of why burnout happens. I am bringing on some guests to discuss the topic and we’ll keep it light.

There is a community that has formed around Farm Marketing Solutions of honest hard-working people. You are literally and figuratively out in the weeds just as I am, and you know what it is like to be in my shoes.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast episode you will learn:

• Contributing factors to burnout
• What to do if you feel yourself in the "tornado of negativity"
• How deep the politics can go at a farmers' market
• How Humble Hill Farm has developed over 15 years

Interview with Courtney Sullivan of Humble Hill Farm

Humble Hill Farm is a family-run farm in New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes region, close to Ithaca.

For almost 15 years we’ve been growing flavorful food which is totally free from pesticide residues.

We passionately practice sustainable agriculture by relying only on natural methods to increase our soil fertility and never use chemical fertilizers.

We offer affordable accommodations in the hills of Spencer, just 18 miles south of Ithaca, NY. In less than 30 min you can trade the constant construction, traffic and heat of the city for a peaceful stay in the country.

Humble Hill Lodge is one of the Ithaca area’s longest running culinary agri-tourism destinations.

Fuel up with our delicious breakfasts made from farm fresh foods. If you have special dietary needs or preferences please let us know in advance so we can meet your needs with excellence.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Humble Hill Farm
• Humble Hill Farms' Farm Finance Hub
• Farm Finance Challenge
• Farm Marketing Solutions on Patreon

That's right, you have the opportunity to support and sponsor the podcast. Patreon is like a recurring KickStarter where you donate $1-3 per episode that I publish. That way it is a little easier for me to keep generating content which makes everyone happy.

How do you do it?

1. Visit the FMS Patreon Page
2. Create an account
3. Choose to donate either $1 or $3 per episode
4. Walk through the rest of the set-up (it's easy)
5. Wait for me to publish new episodes

By supporting me on a per-episode basis it encourages me to create more of the shows you have come to enjoy. By having flexible support options (like putting a monthly cap on your donations) it keeps me from abusing our relationship. That, and you can quit any time.

Scott and I plan on maxing out at a once a week podcast to ensure we keep the quality up and to make sure we do not detract from the farm. That's 4 episodes a month tops.

You support will:

• Pay my hosting fees
• Help me repair my equipment
• Help me purchase new equipment to produce better content
• Compensate me (and Scott) for the many hours we commit to serving you
• Help to keep the content free for those who need it but cannot afford it (farming is a tough gig)

Take Aways:

What repetitive stress injuries, physical or mental, can you avoid with a slight shift in your work or mindset?

When is the last time you took time for yourself?

Farm quote of the episode:

You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support." - Sabrina Bryan

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes
• Support the Show by Giving $1

This was a tough podcast episode for me to publish. I have been dealing with burn out lately and that has lead to depression.

I am definitely not the only person to have run a small business and have experienced this. There are high highs and low lows when it comes to small business management and farming is perhaps worse than most.

I wanted to share this story, as vunerable as it makes me feel because:

• This is the stuff you will not find in any text books
• I’m not the only one going through this right now
• If you get into agriculture there is a very good chance you will go through this
• You have my support

Right-click here to download the MP3

Please Do Not Worry

Yes, I have felt lower than I ever have in my life. And no, it's not over yet. I am actively working on changing my mindset and getting myself emotionally back on track. I have already instituted changes that have had a positive effect on my well being.

The day this publishes is a day off for me. Something that I really haven't let myself have this year. I am sleeping in, the farm is covered, and I am going to take it easy.

As low as I felt it never reached complete rock bottom. I am coming back up for air a little quicker than I imagined. I am definitely able to put on a happy face when I need to and part of the vulnerability I feel is the people close to me finding out. But trust me, I'm going to be fine. I just need a readjustment of my goals, my perspective, and my work load.

This All Ends Positively

Most people would not have known about this if I had not said anything. I am only sharing because I have fully embraced transparency with Farm Marketing Solutions. This is my case study of my journey through agriculture. It would not be complete without the lows as well as the highs.

The beautiful part of all of this is that I have an amazing support system. Thanks especially to Kate.

The next podcast episode will be back on track and all positive, I can already feel it. Scott and I have some great stuff in store for the coming months and we are planning to implement them in a way that does not add to my work load. In fact, the new stuff we're going to roll out actually decreases my workload if you'll believe that.

Both on farm and on Farm Marketing Solutions I am regrouping, getting focused, and spending time working on me.

Quote of the episode:

"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become." - Jim Rohn

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes

Is social media all it's cracked up to be? It is still working for some and yet, not for others. I speak with one farmer in this podcast episode who is gaining some attention through his efforts in Social Media. I have found that in particular I have been unhappy with Facebook as a platform. You have to pay to get people to like your page, then, if you have a post that is popular or you want people to see you have to pay to reach all of your "fans". These are people who have liked you page and would like to see your update show up on their home page.

In the end I'm calling shenanigans on the lot of it. Yes, it is still useful, but I have a feeling that we're in for a big shit in how people are using the internet. For me, that shift is going back to a time before Social Media. I am narrowing my scope and my efforts this year not to try and capture everyone on every platform, but to deliver a lot of value on the platforms that I remain active on.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• My opinion on the current state of Social Media
• What hashtags are
• How to find them
• How to use them to get discovered
• What Instagram take-overs are and how they are good for all involved
• The benefits a smartphone can bring to the farm

Interview with Colby Layton of Sandia Pastured Meats

Howdy!

I am Colby.  On the 14th of May, I took over as the full time Farm Manager and the President of the business.

It was outside of the middle of nowhere on a warm day in the midst of the watermelon ripening season  when I was born to a cotton farming family.  Later we then moved to the city where I attended high school learning that people talk back to the teachers and other enlightening aspects of the city.  Before senior year, I enlisted as a medic in the Army and attended basic training with the medic training occurring between high school and college.  Coming from the farm and being in the military influenced my collegiate school choice.  From Texas A&M I gathered a baccalaureate degree in Animal Science, an Army commission in the Medical Services Corps branch, and a wife whom you will meet below.

After Texas A&M, Kelly and I moved to the employ of Sandia Agricultural Enterprises, Inc.  SAEI was a dairy milking purebred Jersey cattle.  This land and family was a part of the former "World's Largest Jersey Dairy, the Knolle farms.  From this chapter in our lives, we determined that we would need to have a career change in order for us to obtain our own piece of the pastoral lifestyle.   In order to achieve this lifestyle, I earned my doctorate in microbiology from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.  With this new piece of paper in hand, our first child, as well as a tour in Iraq during OIF I & II, we moved to New Mexico where I performed research in biodefense areas.  This research moved us to a position in Kansas City, MO.

During our first moths in KC, we searched a 60 mile radius from downtown for a large tract of land.  Our criteria included a small home, outbuildings, fencing, and a nearby country church.  We also talked with the extension agencies in both Missouri and Kansas.  From these talks and the information provided we concluded that our dream of a commodity-cattle-ranch was not feasible for us with having only limited capital.  We then reduced our land size requirements and found the place we now reside, our home.

While settling into our home, we began to learn more about nontraditional, non-commodity ways of agriculture which were not included in our formal nor in our experiential education.  We are now practicing beyond organic, natural animal stewardship to directly bring you the nutritious products you deserve.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Sandia Pastured Meats
• Sandia Pastured Meats FFC Hub Page
• Video Resource: How to link your Instagram Account to Facebook
• If This Than That
• Farm Finance Challenge
• Podcast Archives

Take Aways:

What ways are you approaching farm marketing this season?

What do you think of Social Media and has it had an impact on your farm?

Farm Quote of the Episode:

"There is no passion to be found playing small in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." - Nelson Mandela

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscribe to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

Imagine that you built a business that relied on someone else doing their job well in order to properly satisfy and impress your customers. Sounds like a lot of small businesses right? Now imagine that you lost that important connection and you are suddenly up a creek without a paddle.

There are people in this world more brave than I am who are willing to take a seriously leap of faith and take control of the critical step in their business. One of those people is my guest on the show today. She saw that her business relied too heavily on outside resources, and not only that, she was paying a lot of money to those sources as well.

She took matters into her own hands when she decided to start her own on farm slaughterhouse or abattoir.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• To "go big or go home"
• What it means to "go big"
• What vertical integration can do for your farm
• What happens when you keep hearing "yes"

Interview with Kate Stillman of Stillman's At The Turkey Farm

Kate quite literally grew up in the business of farming- helping on her parents veggie and her grandparents dairy farms- she learned early to embrace her farming roots and hone her skills as an entrepreneur, caretaker, manager, vet, sales person -even undertaker- she has managed to leave no stone unturned.

Kate attended the University of Massachusetts, today she farms her two properties with her sons Trace and Jaide. (They have a little ways to go before they approach helpful!).

Kate has successfully brought Stillman’s at the Turkey Farm to Stillman Quality Meats- developing am extensive CSA network, and creating a vibrant farmers market system.

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Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Stillman's at the Turkey Farm
• Stillman's on Facebook
• Camps Road Farm
• Farm Marketing Solutions on YouTube

Take aways:

What is one thing you currently out-source that is crucial for your business? Would it make sense to take that task over yourself?

If you took no this new project, what would it mean for your farm?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscribe to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

 

Does it feel like sometimes you want to just not have a plan? If you don’t have a plan then nothing can go wrong, right? Let me tell you, it is that time spent planning that helps you figure out what is going to wrong and how you will be able to handle it when things take a turn.

Without my planning time and the time spent researching and organizing I would be a total wreck right now. My farm plans for the year have completely been turned on their heads several times already and we’re only not just about to get into May.

Today I interview two farmers from my area that are taking their planning and analysis to make some very positive changes on their farm. I’m even going to cut the text short today and really encourage you to listen to what Paul and Rebecca have to say.

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Analyzing what your farm goals are
• How farming kicks your butt every year
• How farming is a business if you want to make a living off it (I know that seems obvious, but trust me)
• How the CSA model can end up costing you (the farmer) a lot of money

Interview with Paul and Rebecca of Fort Hill Farm

Paul Bucciaglia

Like many small-scale, direct market farmers, Paul did not grow up on a farm. He grew up gardening at the family home in Naugatuc, CT, and studied agriculture at Penn State University and plant biology at the University of Minnesota. After spending time in mid 1990s working with Paul and Chris Burkhouse on their operation, Foxtail Farm, just northeast of the Twin Cities, Paul decided to leave the laboratory and explore small scale organic farming.

In 1999, Paul returned to New England to apprentice at  Brookfield Farm CSA in Massachusetts, and later mangaged Holcomb Farm CSA in Granby, CT. After two successful seasons at Holcomb, Paul had a clear vision of what his own farm would look like. In the fall of 2002, Paul moved to New Milford and plowed the first four acres of what would become Fort Hill Farm on the sandy soils of the Sunny Valley Preserve.

Now, after many years of cultivation and the hard work of friends and family, Paul and Rebecca continue to work the land with the help of a talented crew of aspiring farmers and workers.

Rebecca Batchie

Rebecca came to farming through her combined love of plants and food. She trained in horticulture at Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring, NY, and then ran her own horticultural business for 10 years. During that time, she became increasingly drawn to vegetable crops and spent much of her time designing, building, and growing vegetable gardens.

Farming was a natural transition for Rebecca. She worked summers with Paul while earning a degree in Critical Social Thought at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. After graduating in 2011, she joined Paul in running Fort Hill Farm. She and Paul joyfully welcomed their son, Luca, into their lives in July of 2013. In her “spare time,” she enjoys hiking, sourdough bread baking, photography, spiritual practice, traveling, and (in her next life), cheese making and fiber arts.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Fort Hill Farm
• Farm Finance Challenge
• Brookfield Farm Crop Planning
• Roxbury Farm Farmer Resources

Take aways:

Are you giving away too much on your farm?

What is one thing you could track better to make your farm more efficient?

Farm Quote of the Episode:

"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort." - Paul J. Meyer

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

This month brings a combo post like you’ve never seen before. The Farm Finance Challenge and the Growing Farms Podcast have landed on the same day. In honor of such an event one of the participating farmers in the FFC is the interview on the podcast this week.

Some of the farmers in the FFC are farming full time, others are homesteading or farming part time. Dan Berube of Berube Farm came on the show today to talk about the balance he has struck between farming vegetables part time and continuing a career off-farm.

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• That life is about balance...
• How to find a balance that includes agriculture
• How I am planning Camps Road Farm's vegetable production
• Tips for keeping your work-flow efficient
• Notes on feedback

Items mentioned in this farm podcast:

• Berube Farm
• Berube Farm on Facebook
• Camps Road Farm
• New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
• --

Spring has Sprung

Amanda McKelvey Hall - Rockin' H Farm's March Report

Everywhere poultry are laying more eggs, grass is starting to grow, buds are emerging on trees, and the season is warming up heading into the summer months. Q1, the first quarter of the year can be hard on some farms, especially in the NorthEast.

It is a tough time of year where farms don't produce much and therefore do not profit that much. You have to plan ahead with your finances to cover the lean months before nature provides the warm summer bounty. The beautiful thing is that summer always comes.

It is also not an ideal time to start publicly sharing your financials. There's not too much to be proud of income-wise when it comes to the past three months. Regardless, the farms involved in the FFC too a leap, accepted the challenge, and have been transparent about their finances hopefully to the benefit of the community as well as themselves.

It is great to see the farm coming alive again hearalding the promises of a wonderful year.

Share the Knowledge

Spencer Curry - Fresh Farm Aquaponics March Report

Whether you are farming conventional, organic, or aquapoinc, we need more farmers. That's a fact. Some people are called to teach as well as grow. Spencer over at Fresh Farm Aquapoincs helps non-profits and other farmers set up their aquaponics systems through consulting and workshops.

It doesn't matter as much how you are farming, just that you are farming. The rest of the details and motivations will fall into place. WhatSpencer is doing is getting a new(er) was of producing food into schools and other institutions.

The Farm Finance Challenge seeks to educate as well. We are publicly working on making our farms better so that our mistakes are not repeated. With aphids destroying crops, egg sales tanking, and hard-drives crashing this has certainly been a month of mistakes. We're not perfect and that is important to note. The beautiful thing is neither are you.

Learn Your Land When Starting a Farm

Scott Stegerwald - Bird Creek Farms March Report

Scott brought up a great point about the Spring thaw on his land. Observation. When you are starting a farm it takes time and observation to learn the land.

• What is the path of the sun?
• What are the water cycles like?
• What areas are full of life on your farm?
• What areas seem like they will never dry out?
• What areas seem like they never get rain?

All of these things are super important to running your farm, and they're questions a real estate agent will not be able to answer for you. It takes time to learn a piece of land. You will grow with that land the way your farm business will, and the way your crops will.

Links to Farm Reports:

Berube Farm

• Vegetables including squash, tomatoes, and beans
• Gross Income: $1,295.00
• Expenses: $1,439.20
• March Report

Bird Creek Farms

• Organic vegetables, 200 chickens, and alfalfa
• Gross Income: $0
• Expenses: $2,175.11
• March Report

Camps Road Farm

• Hops, apples, pasture-raised poultry, and events
• Gross Income:$1,931.00
• Expenses: $7,103.00
• March Report

Fresh Farm Aquaponics

• Aquaponics and consulting
• Gross Income: $2,498.12
• Expenses: $545.00
• March Report

Little River Eco Farm

• Grass-fed beef, fowl, and free-range eggs
• Gross Income: $3,605.00
• Expenses: $3,929.00
• March Report

Rockin' H Farm

• Vegetables, fruit, livestock, eggs, and honey
• Gross Income: $1804.50
• Expenses: $1601.75
• March Report

Sandia Pastured Meats

• Dairy, eggs, and livestock
• Gross Income: $1,438.84
• Expenses: $2,794.30
• March Report

Squash Hollow Farm

• Pastured pork and chicken
• Gross Income: $1,272.00
• Expenses: $581.00
• March Report

SugarWood Acres

• Maple syrup, wood, and hay
• Gross Income: $1,884.00
• Expenses: $4,032.59
• March Report

Take Aways:

As you can see, this was a tough month for everyone. Hopefully April will be a little nicer.

How will you prepare for the lean months?

What are some creative ways to extend your season?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

It is not the small farm's place to count on the grain elevator to set the prices. It is our job to go out, market out products in new and creative ways, and hustle in a way that sees out small businesses succeed (hopefully). This is a topic that I've covered in previous podcasts but since I am currently and constantly refining it, I feel it needs revisiting. I also have a guest on the show who is diversifying her farm not only in production but in marketing as a way to deal with the swings in the market.

Weather, global economies, local economies, food trends, etc... can effect how your farm products are selling. If you put all your eggs in one basket you will be in big trouble if that basket falls. If you build variety in to how your business is supported the likelihood that you will be able to weather a storm increases.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Tips for what to look for when finding land
• One way to design and layout a farm
• How to bring educational value to your apprentices and why.
• The benefits of small farm diversity

Interview with Emily of Anderson Acres Farm

Anderson Acres is located just around "the block" from me here in Kent, CT. Along with us they are participating in the CRAFT program that we have here in Western CT.

CRAFT stands for Collaborative Regional Alliane for Farmer Training

The goal of CRAFT is to promote:

• Training of farm workers and apprentices in the craft of small scale agriculture and horticulture with emphasis on food production.
• Exchange of ideas among farm people.
• Community of farmers, farm workers, and others who are interested in local agriculture.

Over 2015 I will be interviewing different CRAFT farmers from my area to support the CRAFT program.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Anderson Acres Farm
• Anderson Acres on Facebook
• Western CT CRAFT
• Camps Road Farm
• The Permaculture Orchard

Take aways:

Are you covered if one of your sales channels runs dry?

What creative ways can you grow your business?

Farm quote of the episode:

"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same." - Elbert Hubbard

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

Information, like matter, cannot be created or destroyed, just changed. Even the most creative works are just the imaginative reworkings of some artists mind. All of our thoughts are distillations of our life experiences. Knowing that, how would you feel if you knew you had the chance to influence the thought patterns of others with your work in sustainable agriculture. I know how I'd feel, pretty darn cool!

Today's podcast guest is a farm educator who has accomplished some pretty amazing things in his area of the world. In this podcast episode he and I talk about motivations for bringing kids on farm, opening your farm up to the public, and weaving an educational element into farm life. Farm life in and of itself is an education. I know that I learn something new every day.  I am now excited that I can share those experiences with others.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How an educational background and a love of farming can bloom into a successful farm education program
• How bringing kids back for repeat visits keeps them engaged
• What the most popular activities are on farm for kids
• How you can work with schools to bring farming to the kids

Interview with John Belber of Holly Hill Farm

It was great talking to John for the interview. He has done some amazing things as part of the crew over at Holly Hill Farm.

Holly Hill Farm is an organic farm located 25 miles southeast of Boston in the beautiful coastal town of Cohasset MA and has been in the White family for 5 generations. The Farm consists of 140 acres of land which includes 10 acres of open fields of which 3 acres are growing fields, historic buildings, greenhouses and diversified natural areas for educational purposes. We grow organic vegetables, herbs and flowers that are sold at our Farm Stand, at the Cohasset Farmers Market, and to select restaurants. Seedlings are sold at our annual plant sales.

Friends of Holly Hill Farm, is a non-profit educational organization that uses the Farm as its outdoor classroom. Hands-on education programs for children and adults teach the importance of food grown organically – to us and to the environment. We also design curriculum, partner with area schools, and conduct programs for local community organizations.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Holly Hill Farm
• Holly Hill Farm on Facebook
• GFP029 Farm Education with Diane Swanson
• Farm Finance Challenge
• Berube Farm

Take aways:

When you think to how your actions today are going to effect the future, are you inspired to start educating others?

In what way would you farm benefit from trying out some sort of educational programs?

Farm quote of the episode:

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

 “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Isn’t that the truth? 2015 has gotten off to a rocky start but things are really starting to look up. Even with three feet of snow outside I can already see signs of Spring. Birds are starting to sing in the morning, maple sap is slowly slowly starting to run, and my order for baby chickens just went out. It has really been a weird past couple of months. Through a strange turn of events I ended up being the only one running the farm this year in a place that need more than one person to run it. It was a good (albeit stupid) exercise on how far I can push myself in the winter.

That is all about to change. I have adjusted my farm business plan to reflect the changing of the guard and we are moving forward in a more positive direction. We’re going to farm smarter instead of harder. This is a change that would have/should have come anyways, but the situation I was in expedited the process.

On farm this year we are not going to grow any of our operations bigger in terms of production numbers, instead we are going to concentrate on making what we already have more profitable. How are we going to do that? Record keeping and analytics!!! Super fun!!!

Alright, as excited as I am for the Farm Finance Challenge, the reason that it is called a challenge is because it is not coming easy. There are many details to iron out and new habits to form. That being said, it is already working to our benefit.

I’ve gotten to the point where at any given time I can go into QuickBooks and run a report on the financial health of the farm. I can be as vague or as detailed as possible, and man do hard numbers really point out your mistakes!

It is the kind of clarity that any small business needs. It shows you the real financial impact of your actions and allows you to make educated decisions going forward. Money is not why I am doing this, BUT it is the most important tool on my farm if I am to keep farming.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How money is a tool to help your farm move forward
• What to look for when hiring staff
• Not trying to do it all, but finding people with skills that complement your own
• Outsourcing major projects in ways that benefit your farm and the people who are helping you out
• How to get people on your farm when you’re located “off the beaten path”
• How I plan what is going to happen on Camps Road Farm
• What my office looks like
• What a TLA is…
• Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:
• Farm Finance Challenge
• New Milford Youth Agency
• NMYA YouTube Channel
• Free Union Grass Farm Podcast, What breed of chicken to raise for meat?
• FatCow.com/farm for 60% off each month for an entire year
• (Heads up, I’m an affiliate for FatCow so I earn a modest commission if you use this link. My websites have been hosted with them since 2009 and we’re still going strong.)

Take aways:

How are you setting up your farm this year? Are you getting bigger? Are you getting smaller? How and why are you making that decision?

What would you do with detailed knowledge about how profitable your farm is?

Farm Quote:

“Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions don’t change, they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same, and are only scrapped or adjusted as needed. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.” - John C Maxwell 

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

Farm marketing is really funny in that is can be very easy, or it can take a significant amount of effort. Today's podcast showcases a good example of both. My guests today Patti & Rick from Breakwind Farm are a good example of choosing the right farm location as well as some really successful branding centered around humor. Camps Road Farm, my farm, is a good example of poor farm location and I'll be honest, some boring branding.

Good/Bad Farm Location

When you're starting your farm and you're looking for land, an important thing to consider is how many cars pass by that spot in a given day. If it is in your farm plan to have any people acutally come to your farm then natural road traffic or "good road frontage" is pretty critical to getting started. If all you have to do is make your farm look inviting and put up a farm sign with what you're offering you're in good shape.

When you're writing your farm business plan and figuring out how you are going to market your farm products, run some experiments. If you have the time and ability, set up some lawn chairs with a friend on the road in front of your farm and invest a day at different times of the year to count how many cars go by. I'm not kidding. I have been facing my own perceived reality vs. the actual numbers and sometimes it can shock you.

Once you have a number of cars at different some of the year you can calculate, "well, if 500 cars passed by, and I can get 10% of them to stop and spend $20 on average, then I can potentially gross $1000 on a Saturday (or whatever it is)." This can help you get an idea of how much to grow before you make the investment in the seeds and end up with a kitchen full of rotten tomatoes if you over produced.

That's just an idea, I literally just made that up as I'm writing this. Did I do that for my farm? No, because there's virtually no cars that drive by my farm. I've kept an eye on the road throughout the whole year, it never gets busy. Let's get into my situation.

If you live in a backwoods section of town like I do, getting people to actually come to your farm is a whole different story. It is nearly impossible for me to get people to come to the farm on a regular basis. Even though I don't feel the drive is that bad, it is just too far for some. What do I do about that? Enter my unfair advantage(s).

I have been doing a lot to encourage some more people coming to the farm. I've registered the farm location on Google Maps, I've hosted events here, I encourage sales here in the winter when farmers' markets are slow, and I am constantlyinviting people up to "see the chickens". In other words marketing marketing marketing.

I also have an on-farm brewery. We're not currently zoned for brewery tours and tastings, so there's only minor benefit of people randomly stopping in to try and snoop around (yes that happens, we lock our doors at night now). If there comes a day when the brewery is open to tours and tastings then the farm should see some increase of traffic as people are drawn to the brewery. I am working on my farm store and signage to best be able to cross-market to any increase of traffic that may come to the farm as a result of my marketing and the draw of the brewery.

What do do if you don't have a brewery starting on your farm? Events and more complete offerings. I am hosting several events and workshops this year as taking more volunteer groups and doing more farm tours. If I give people a specific reason to get to the farm besides just coming to pick up a dozen eggs then my hope is that they'll have a good time, realize the drive isn't as bad as they thought, and then they'll keep coming back. What I mean by "more complete offerings" is having more for sale than just eggs when they cometo farm. Even if I just grow enough vegetables (or whatever) to supply my farm store, having a more complete offering where people can come and get meat, eggs, veggies, and honey, then they have more of a reason to make the trip. A "one stop shop" if you will.

Although Rick & Patti are known for their home-made baked beans, they have other seasonal products built into their farm to keep people coming back and spending time on their farm. They offer seasonal Christmas tress, pumpkins, mums, seed starting kits, hanging plants, and even gifts/activities for kids. They talk about all of that in the podcast episode.

It is in my farm plan, and I am starting it this year, to grow and offer more variety on farm. Not only do I want to feed my family with the variety of food I'll grow, but I want to be able to provide a more complete diet for the customers who make the effort to come to the farm. Will this all work? We'll find out in time. You can bet I'll be talking about it here.

Funny/Bland Branding

I mean come on, Breakwind Farm, how can you not at least give a little chuckle when you hear that? Rick & Patti have built a fair amount of humor and satire into their farms' branding. That humor has made them approachable, has made them a magnet for media, and has allowed them to sell baked beans with the name FARTOOTEMPTING. What do you get from the first four letters of that?

They are similar to Lucie of Locally Laid Egg Company. "Local chicks are better" and "Get locally laid" I mean, come on now. Their branding is good enough that they're in Minnesota and I've heard of them over here in Connecticut.

Now Camps Road Farm is not bad branding, just a little bland branding. I didn't choose it, and nothing against the guys who did, but it is a bit more work to get people to give a crap about Camps Road Farm. Camps Road Farm is located on Camps Rd. which is half a mile from the more locally famous Camps Flat Rd. I cannot tell you how many times I've had the conversation of, "no no, not Camps Flat Rd., Camps Rd. If you keep going on Camps Flat you'll reach Sawyer Hill and that leads to Camps Rd. a little further East."

Am I saying that I would prefer a funny name? Honestly no, Camps Road Farm (CRF) works really well for our goals, and a brand can be what you make of it. While we're not going to get the buzz of a name that has to do with farts or sex, we'll instead earn our reputation from what we produce and the stories we tell. It takes longer and is more work, but fits well with our holistic goals.

What's the take-away from all this? Pick a brand that you like and fits your personailty and the personality of your farm. A brand is only as good as the people behind it.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• finding an idea and running with it
• accepting a challenge
• the role location and branding play in your farm business
• how to get people on your farm and keep them coming back
• the role humor can have with your farm business (hopefully a big role)

Interview with Rick & Patti of Breakwind Farm

Breakwind Farm is family run business. They started selling fresh vegetables, herbs, seasonal flowers and baskets, pumpkins and wreaths at a stand outside their house in 2009 and more recently at the Contoocook Farmers Market. They have enjoyed welcoming their new and returning customers each year. They concocted the idea of Breakwind Farm's four varieties of FARTOOTEMPTING Baked Beans in the spring of 2011 and started selling them at the Farmers Market where they quickly became a hit.

It wasn't long before their beans were being requested at local fairs, festivals and other venues. They added FARTOOTEMPTING Breakwind Bean t-shirts to their product line by the end of the summer and they too have become a hit. They have four mouth-watering flavors of baked beans, each offering a unique taste, all guaranteed vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and delicious!

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Breakwind Farm
• Breakwind Farm on Facebook
• Farm Finance Challenge HUB
• Permaculture Voices Conference PV2

Permaculture Voices Conference in San Diego March 4th - 8th

PV2 isn’t just another permaculture convergence that focuses on hyper-local DIY skill building and resiliency; we instead decided to look bigger.

We are blending the practical techniques and tactics found in workshops with the entrepreneurial spirit and opportunity of a business conference.

We have brought together a diverse group of creative and innovative doers in a variety of fields looking to share experiences, knowledge, connect, and create in ways that increase passion, purpose and profit. These doers come from a variety of fields both within and outside of permaculture. Each field has its own needs and yields. It is this edge that creates the opportunity for things to happen, and it is this opportunity that offers value to the attendees – how can you fill needs and utilize yields to create more value in your life.

Farm Finance Challenge

Click here for the HUB with all the farms

For the first posting we had some farms that chose to publish late due to whatever reason. Farm life, sick kids, etc... Nothing wrong with that. As we move forward we are all trying to publish as a group on the 15th of every month. So the middle of every month going forward we will have our reports up and to you guys so that we can all grow as a farming community.

Fresh Farm Aquaponics

• Aquaponics and Consulting
• Gross Income: $2210.31
• Expenses: $262.27
• January Report

Humble Hill Farm

• Vegetables and Fruit
• Gross Income: $1043.00
• Expenses: $6365.23
• January Report

Take aways:

Are you maximizing the potential of the traffic you get on your farm? Are you giving them a reason to come back?

What message are you sending with your brand?

Farm Quote of the Episode

"A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well." - Jeff Bezos

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes

What if you could save more money every year just by managing your farm a little better and taking care of your land? What if the strategy that made the most ecological sense made the most financial sense as well? Well, turns out people have been doing it for years! We're talking stockpile grazing. Where basically instead of cutting hay you are leaving the grass on pasture and letting the cows graze longer. Seems simple right? Well yes, the concept is simple, but the actual execution is a little tougher, that's maybe why not so many people do it. Also, there's a bottle neck of information into a few books and not a lot of up to date real time information.

Enter The Grass Whisperer.

Troy Bishopp "The Grass Whisperer" is an experienced farmer and great writer that is taking his skills and filling in that information gap. On today's podcast he talks about saving a whole bunch of money by keeping your cows on grass longer, he drops some words of wisdom about how to learn on farm, and the rest of the interview is jam-packed with helpful tidbits whether you raise animals on pasture or not.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• What is stockpile grazing?
• How do you do it?
• How do you plan?
• What effects does it have on your land?
• Will is save you money?
• How Troy grazed his cattle on pasture until January!
• How being flexible will keep you sane
• The benefits of letting your grass rest
• What it means to keep your microbes well-fed

Interview with The Grass Whisperer

Troy Bishopp, aka “The Grass Whisperer” is an accomplished professional grazier of 27 years, a grasslands advocate, and a voice for grassfed livestock producers to the media, restaurateurs and legislators.  In addition to working with the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Upper Susquehanna Coalition as their regional grazing specialist, Troy is a free-lance writer for a variety of publications, and a popular presenter for workshops and conferences.

Troy is a life-long learner, taking advantage of new knowledge and past experience to bring a holistic approach to grazing planning.  Instead of thinking in terms of grazing 8 inches down to 2 inch residuals, he helps farmers chart a course that pays attention to their personal goals as well as their profits.  Visit his Grazing Help and Speaking & Workshops pages to find out more about what Troy brings to the table (or the pasture).

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• TheGrassWhisperer.com
• OnPasture.com
• American Grazing Lands
• Camps Road Farm
• Farm Finance Challenge
• Greg Judy's Green Pastures Farm
• Kevin Fulton on the Grass Fed Network

Farm quote of the episode:

"I've often been asked what drives me, particularly through the last 50 years of abuse, and ridicule. What has kept me going is one word - care. I care enough about the land, the wildlife, people, the future of humanity. If you care enough, you will do whatever you have to do, no matter what the opposition." - Allan Savory

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes

When it comes to owning and operating a farm business there is a lot of talk about scale. Are you big enough? Are you too big? What is right, what is wrong? There is only one right answer, whatever works best for you is what works best for you. I operate at a large small scale. I mean that I only have 52 acres and at the same time I can't believe I have 52 acres, it's insane. It is not 10,000 acres or even 1,000 acres, but there is a lot that can go on with even just one acre. On the show today is a guy with about 10 acres and he is striking a balance that works for him and his family. He is also approaching farming or homesteading in a very smart way and has a lot of good information to share from doing so.

Is there a right or wrong scale, it depends. It all depends on what your holistic goal is. What are you looking to get out of your hard work on farm. And it will be hard work no matter what scale you operate at. For me personally I have been trying to balance the scale of the many different operations on farm to balance the fact that I am unable to do any one of them at a large enough scale to benefit from the economies of scale.

Not only have I been trying to balance how big or small things need to be to make money on farm, but taking into account that I miss my friends, I love spending time with my family, and I want to have a semblance of a life outside of farming. It all comes down to what your goals are and what life you want to live. Can farming provide that? We'll find out in this episode and throughout 2015.

So, can a homesteader be a farmer? Listen to the podcast episode and find out.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Whether you can consider a homesteader a farmer
• How to start and grow your farm sustainably
• How much time is spent marketing vs. "in the field"
• Different business models for farming
• A great resource for all things homesteading
• A free cow is not free
• Getting time off from farming

Interview with Austin Martin of This Is Homesteady

In Austin's words from his website: "Imagine this scenario. Farm girl moves to city. Farm girl meets surfer boy. Farm girl shows surfer boy country, chickens, and how to shoot. They marry. Surfer boy becomes country boy.

Then came the babies.

After the birth of our son, we quickly realized our third floor apartment was not going to be right for the family we wanted to have. We wanted to find a place where we could put down roots. After a year-long search, we found Squash Hollow.

Surrounded by fields and woods, so began the idea of starting a small farm. With our farm we could provide our family with the freshest food available. Now we grow enough to share our harvest with your family as well!

Our Farms' Mission:

We believe the earth we live on and the animals around us are beautiful gifts to be taken care of!  We strive to give ouranimals the happiest life possible, and enrich the land around us."

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Squash Hollow Farm
• This is Homesteady
• Chicken Tractor eBook
• Homesteady Podcast
• Farm Finance Challenge HUB
• Squash Hollow Farm's Farm Finance Challenge Page

Take aways:

What would be your first step on your farming journey? Or, what is your next step to improve upon your current farm?

What scale do you think you would be most happy operating at?

Answer in the comments section below.

Farm quote of the episode:

"The road is rocky, make Homesteady." - Austin Martin

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes

We live in an increasingly digital age and as farmers we have a lot of options for how to market our farm online. Where do we focus? Where do we spend our time? At the end of the day, where do we make the investment? Today's podcast is not about registering on places like LocalHarvest.org  or similar sites where we can get a posting that people can find. It is about actively engaging our customers so that once they find us they stay informed, engaged, and keep coming back. It takes a lot more effort to get a new customer than to keep a returning customer, but it still takes effort. I want to break it down into what I plan on doing this year. It is more simple than it may appear at first, and since it's my plan and I'm going to be (have been) acting on it, I am happy to share on FMS how it all works.

The way I see it your active online presence is separated into two groups, Primary and Secondary.

Primary:

1. Farm Website
2. Email List

Your Primary is your home base on the internet. "All roads lead to Rome." Every other presence, including your Local Harvest listing, should point back to your farm website. This is your opportunity to educate your customers on everything you are doing and to keep them coming back by continuing to add new content.

Your website should have details on what you grow, how your grow it, and where people can buy it. After that it is up to you as to how much detail you want to go into. The more the merrier as long as you keep it organized.

Your email list is your gateway into peoples homes and cell phones. An email can be a very private and important thing. People are always listening for that little bing that tells them they have a new message. If all the Social Networks in the world fail you will always be able to sell through your email list.

Secondary:

1. Facebook
2. YouTube
3. Instagram

This is the second layer of what you are doing online. These three are great for a couple of reasons.

Facebook is very approachable and there are a lot of people using it. It is a great place to get started with all of your farms' basic info and story. Even though the updates that Facebook has been rolling out has made it a little harder to reach your audience these days you still can reach people AND it links to just about every other network so cross promoting outside of Facebook is easy. Here you can post photos, videos, stories, articles, whatever you want that is relevant to you and your brand. If nothing else it is a good gateway drug to the world of Social Media.

YouTube has been really good for me. While my farms' YouTube page doesn't have a ton of views, the customers that go there because I included a link to a video in an email have come up to me and said how much they loved the video. It is a way to give people a tour of the farm without actually having to host them on farm. From the comfort of their own home people can see what you are doing, how you are doing it, and you have control over the whole interaction. With the Smartphones getting better at not only taking video, but sharing it to the web, uploading videos to YouTube is getting easier and easier.

Instagram for me is one thing, a means to an end. I cannot attribute many sale directly to Instagram, but I can indirectly. Let me explain. I have an Instagram account @foodcyclist. I have friends and family that follow me there. I also have other people involved with the farm that have their own Instagram accounts. The beautiful thing is that we can use the APP to take a photo, edit it, add a fun filter, and all upload it to the farms' Facebook page. The pictures we post get more engagement than anything else. Because it is so easy from my phone I use it as much as I can.

Farm Website Posts on FMS:

• Everything you need to know to set up a farm website (free video tutorial)
• Using Google Analytics to Measure Success With Your Farm Website

Farm Email List Posts:

• How to start an email list (free tutorial)
• Success with email lists at a Winery GFP033
• Leasing Apple Trees GFP016

Other useful links:

• Using video for your farm marketing GFP052
• Engaging customers with Facebook
• Getting started with Facebook video tutorial

Take aways:

The world is getting increasingly digital. How are people going to find you online and what are they going to see?

If you had to start or focus on one thing this year online, what would it be? Let me know below!

Farm quote of the episode:

"That's my only goal. Surround myself with funny people, and make sure everyone has a good time and works hard." - Joe Rogan

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes

2014 was a great year for Farm Marketing Solutions and for Camps Road Farm. On farm we expanded in a few areas, built a lot of infrastructure, and learned a lot about our land and what it is capable of. Online I made a lot of great progress as well. I am constantly listening to hear when farmers are struggling with something or if someone needs some advice or to hear a story about life on the farm. My whole goal with this website is to bring as much value as I can to the readers, listeners, and watchers. I am also learning a lot as well. About farming, about marketing, and about my audience. I then share what I learn here and on my other "channels" so that others may learn with me. Well, 2015 is going to be no different. I have a lot to learn and I want to learn and grow as a group. That is why I have already launched my content plan for 2015. I have been very busy.

Right click here to download the MP3

Farm Finance Challenge:

I have to get better at record keeping and financial tracking. Last year was a growth year, and this year is still kind of a growth year but my budget is way tighter and I have to be really smart about what I do and how I do it. I also need to justify all my decisions to the boss and to myself. Keeping on point with my record keeping will make running the farm easier year to year, it will help me make decisions, and it will help other farmers with their businesses as well.

As part of the 12 Month FFC I will have:

• Monthly Production & Income Reports
• Participating farms reports
• Story about each farm
• Podcast episode with each farm

Growing Farms Podcast:

I will keep the podcast going as it is, same format, and same schedule. I have seen the podcast grow from the very beginning to over 100,000 downloads. Considering every episode is 30-60 minutes, that's a lot of podcast time. During the year I will be interviewing more farms from all over the world, I will be interviewing the participants in the FFC (by the way, it turns out they're really interesting people), and I will continue to openly share my story so that we can all grow our farms together.

• Bi-weekly podcast just the way you like it

Videos on YouTube:

I found that when there was something I needed to learn on farm I turned to video. Now having learned a lot, I still turn to YouTube, haha! I am also creating a lot of videos from around the farm and in the farm office to share what I have learned. The videos are typically 1-3 minutes on a very specific topic. I really don't sell anything on them. The videos are meant to be actionable pieces of advise that you can walk outside and use.

• Lots of video on YouTube and reposting to the blog
• Tips from the Field
• Tips from the Farm Office

Updates to FMS:

Aside from all the fun content there is not quite as fun website maintenance, restructuring, reformatting, etc... There is a whole back-end side to running a website and building a community. At this time I do everything and I farm full time so you can guess that I cannot always get around to everything. I have a few more big ideas and projects in the works but my mission in 2015 is to stay focused, get my farm running smoothly, get Farm Marketing Solutions running more smoothly, and then we'll think about these new big projects.

I will be and have been creating a lot more content and sharing what I have been doing. What works and what is not working. If one thing I post saves you some time and headache then it has been a good day for me.

• Cleaning things up
• Getting the website I want it (will it ever be done?)
• Thinking about a site redesign (maybe next winter)
• Getting book sales on the website
• Publishing more content

Farm quote of the episode:

"Entrepreneurs may be brutally honest, but fostering relationships with partners and building enduring communities requires empathy, self-sacrifice and a willingness to help others without expecting anything in return." - Ben Parr

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

Hindsight is always 20/20. Looking back on 2014 there are a number of things that I would do or manage differently on the farm. There are little things, like how we raise our chickens, or bigger picture stuff like how we communicate as a team to work more efficiently. With the year coming to a close, it is about time I start thinking about the lessons that I learned this year, and how I am going to apply what I've learned in the coming months.

1. Spend more time with family

The first thing that I want to change about 2015 is that I want to spend more time with my family and friends. There is always something more to do on the farm. The laundry list of chores and projects just never seems to get shorter. With what it requires to run a farm, it can be easy to get caught up with what you have to do instead of who you should be spending time with. Setting aside time and making the effort to unplug from the grind of the farm allows your brain to reboot. In 2015 I want to make more of an effort to spend time with my family and friends and to maintain a good work/life balance.

2. Get on top of my record keeping

It kills me to think that my farm could have had a better year, or could have been a little easier if I had just been able to track my production and finances better. But it is true. While my records weren't quite the mess I might make them out to be, they are still far from where I want them. I fully understand the importance of having detailed records for all areas of your farm. It would make the winter decision making easier if I had detailed records of what the year was like. So, going forward into 2015 I am swearing to hone my record keeping skills. I have a few things that I am trying out to keep organized and better collaborate and I get into that in the episode.

3. Get better at outsourcing and delegation

I have a fantastic and dedicated support network involved with the farm. I am humbled to be a part of such a lovely group of people. As part of my support network they are always willing to lend a hand when and if they can. What I need to do is detail out what my tasks are so that my support people can choose an area to help out that best suits their own motivations. I then need to make sure I have the processes figured out so I can effectively delegate that task to that person. This will help me with both #1 and #2. Click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• My strategies to get more time with family and friends
• The tools that I intend to use more of in my record keeping
• A method for outsourcing at least some of your tasks

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Farm Marketing Solutions on YouTube
• The E-Myth Revisited
• GFP Episode 39 Getting Investment to Start a Farm
• Google Docs

Take the 12 Month Farmer Finances Challenge With Me

Starting in 2015 I will be publishing a monthly income report for my farm. To better keep on top of my cash flow I am going to make the commitment to publish it. January's report will come out in February, February's will come out in March, etc... Good or bad I will share it with the FMS community so that we can all learn and hopefully better the moment of sustianable farmers. If you would like to add your own story and transparency to the blog in an effort to improve your record keeping and to serve as a case study for other  farmers then contact me and let me know. I would publish your reports on the blog as well as have you on the podcast to introduce you to the audience. I believe in getting farmers on the land and keeping them there. If sharing my numbers and all of my "behind the scenes" info can help that then I am happy to share. If you feel the same way then I encourage you to make the 12 month commitment with me. It's only 12 reports and it could end up being a really big help to a lot of people.

Take aways:

What are you planning on doing differently in 2015? If you could outsource one thing that you do on a regular basis what would it be? How can you manage to delegate that task in the coming weeks?

Farm quote of the episode:

"The five essential entrepreneurial skills for success: Concentration, Discrimination, Organization, Innovation and Communication." - Harold S. Geneen

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

There are SO many topics to cover when to comes to farming. Each topic reflects on something that the average farmer has to deal with as he or she runs their operation. Today's podcast episode covers it all. The mindset to focus on today is that of the big picture. It is very easy to get caught up in the minutia of each farming task. Exactly what tool to use, exactly how to grow something, or most often exactly how to fix something. As we work through all of the little details, which are super important, we must remember the big picture and our holistic goal.

I have been focusing a lot of my big picture lately. My 2015 budget projections are due. I need to have my plan for next year laid out and I need to have it fairly detailed. With that chore on my plate I have been focused on just how all the pieces are going to fit together and how I am going to properly use my resources to accomplish my goals. Let me tell you, it's a little scary.

As 2014 winds down think of all the things you have done this year in relation to every other thing. What would you change? How could you improve? What are your pain points? What was successful? All of these questions, when thoroughly gone through will help you start the new year on a good foot.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to work with brides to assemble organic flower bouquets
• Collaborate with other farmers for flower bouquets
• How to settle on crops that work for you instead of you for them
• You can’t say yes to everything
• Finding the time/income balance
• How to track profitability of certain crops
• How a computer can me instrumental to record keeping
• Quickbooks as a tool for farm finance tracking

Interview with Robbie & Deena of Sweet Roots Farm

Robbie and Deena grow a variety of vegetables and flowers on roughly four acres in Grass Valley, CA.

They market through a CSA, a local coop, various wholesale accounts, and weddings.

Their mission statement as seen on their website:

We pride ourselves on growing great soil and the quality, flavorful produce that follows.  Through the use of integrated organic systems and the farm’s many microclimates, we produce food, flowers and nursery starts that are healthy and vibrant.  We have a diversity of crops and markets that will build a healthy farm and business.  Farming brings us close to the land, which we will preserve and improve for the future. Our business management and sustainable agricultural practices will eventually support our family while providing equal access for a diversity of community members.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Sweet Roots Farm
• Camps Road Farm
• UC Extension
• Farm enterprise calculator
• Easily build a farm website
• Farm Marketing Solutions on YouTube

Take aways:

Are you actively keeping the big picture in your head?

How are you preparing for next year?

Farm quote of the episode:

"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself." - Henry Ford

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

It takes a long time to figure out what your farm is and what it is going to be. Even if you think you have an idea of exactly what you want to do on your farm that vision is bound to change. Today's podcast talks to this theme with Forrest Prit.

Just like Forrest I am trying, experimenting, documenting, and learning different ways to enjoy my farm while making it profitable. With such an unconventional start-up story it's a little hard to say when it actually started, but for me it really started just about a year ago. I took over management of Camps Road Farm and integrated my farm FoodCyclist Farm. With one business it was time to settle on one vision. But what exactly is that vision?chard, a guy who has tried just about everything to make his farm succeed and is still evolving his vision.

With the help of Alan Savory's book Holistic Management I am making strides in finding out exactly what we're doing here at Camps Road Farm. Sure I know what we're doing now, and I have a good idea of where I want to be in 10 years, it is the getting there safely and securely that is the trick.

It is a weird position to be in to know where you want to future to go, but not really knowing where it is going to take you. There is a lot of excitement, even more anxiety, and a whole lot of wishing for a crystal ball. I take solace in knowing that I am not alone. The smartest farmers that I know never stop experimenting and trying new things. Not every experiment is a success as your goals in life are evolving with your business.

As you start your or continue you journey in agriculture always keep your eyes and ears open, never assume you know it all, and be modest.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to better your customer retention
• Ways to find what farming operation is right for you
• The benefit of celebrating the little triumphs
• Remain connected to your customers
• Tell your story

Interview with Forrest Pritchard of Smith Meadows

Forrest Pritchard is a professional farmer and writer, holding degrees in English and Geology from the College of William and Mary. His farm Smith Meadows was one of the first “grass finished” farms in the country, and has sold at leading farmers’ markets in Washington DC for more than fifteen years. His book Gaining Ground, A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food and Saving the Family Farm was named a Top Read by Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post and NPR’s The Splendid Table.

Forrest’s new book is slated for release Fall 2015, from the award-winning press The Experiment.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Smith Meadows
• Gaining Ground: A Story Of Farmers' Markets, Local Food, And Saving The Family Farm
• NY Times: Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Be Farmers
• Joel Slezak from Episode 58
• The Start Up Podcast

Take aways:

What will be your biggest influences when choosing your farm business?

5 years ago did you think you would be where you are today? (Listening to the Growing Farm Podcast, haha!)

Farm quote of the episode:

"Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective."

- Zoe Zantamata

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

Starting a farm anywhere can be an uphill battle. The thing you have to focus is is that you are (hopefully) doing it with good intentions, and you have to want to live your passions. If you focus on those two things the rest will fall into place. If you want to start a farm at a College or University you may be in luck. We live in a time where more and more people are open to and interested in small scale sustainable agriculture. While it is nerve racking to just jump in and do it, sometimes that is what it takes. If you do decide to go rogue and start gardening in the Quad there's a few things you might want to keep in mind first. Let's start by asking these questions:

• Are there other students on campus who might be interested in helping out?
• What other schools have tried this and succeded/failed? Why?
• How would a garden or farm benefit your school besides being self-serving to you?
• Do you have the experience necessary to start a farm?
• What other areas of the school might be able to build AG into their curriculum?
• What branch of your school would adopt your farm?

Going ahead and starting a farm without permission (which we discuss in the podcast) is all well and good but you should have a plan going into it. When the farm arrests you for vandalism what are you going to say? Where is the food that you're going to grow headed after harvest? Sit down and think through every scenario and then nothing can take you by surprised.

Be warned: There will still be surprises. It will be amazing. You're parents may get pissed.

There is a lot of potential for good in the world, though sometimes you have to give people a visual and tangible example before they will believe it.

Some ideas for incorporating a farm into your school:

• Science experiments
• Supplemental class time
• Traditional food gardens to supports multi-cultural organizations
• Food for dining hall
• Supporting area restaurants
• Buzz-worthy for school marketing

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to start a farm at your College or University
• What can happen when the faculty challenges the dreams of the community
• How to build an adobe home
• What my farm plan for 2015 is
• How my many small scale operations makes up my one large scale operation

Interview with Nai de Gracia of Pamona College Farm

Nai grew up abroad and came to the US from Cairo for college in 2010. She was a student at Pomona College and graduated in 2014, starting as full time farm manager the summer after that. She majored in Biology and was involved with the farm all four years as a student employee and as a member of farm club. Interests include urban farming, the soil food web, composting tea, vermiculture and permaculture. She can be contacted at farmmanager@pomona.edu.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Pomona College Organic Farm
• Pomona College Organic Farm on Facebook
• Pomona College Organic Farm on Instagram
• GFP011: The importance of online farm marketing
• TBF084: Five reasons for an on-farm event
• Google Farmer: Google Calendar
• Out of Milk APP
• Trello
• Adalyn Farm

Take aways:

What would starting a farm do for you?

How do you think your family/friends/school/community respond to you starting a farm?

Farm quote of the episode:

"It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission." - Grace Hopper

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes

The are SO many farming operations to choose from when starting a farm. The one I chose to start with, and that has become the cornerstone of my farming operation is pastured poultry. That specifically means in this instance raising chickens on pasture with the intention of selling them for meat. When raising meat chickens there are a number of factors that you have to take into account when you are choosing a breed. Any option can be a good option as long as it works for you.

There are three options in my eyes for which direction you can go. At least in the United States there is. There's the Cornish Cross which is the production breed used in most larger scale poultry operations. There are Freedom Rangers which are quickly becoming a favorite with small-scale farmers. Then there are dual purpose egg laying/meat birds. Each breed has its' positives and negatives. To determine which breed is going to be best for you and your farm start by asking a few of these questions:

• Is pastured poultry going to be a main focus of your farm?
• Do profits matter to you?
• What kind of production system do you think your land can support? (Can you test it small first?)
• What type of chickens are readily available in your area?
• Can you handle the physical labor of the different types of production systems?

Thoroughly answering these questions will help you get started in choosing a breed. The other thing to try is, well, to try it. Start with 25-50 birds of any given kind. Raise them, take notes, and then try another breed. You will find what works for you and what you think you will be able to scale up and sell. It is not like a cow that can take 2 years to see a result. You will have a case-study in two months time.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• What the main differences in the different types of broiler chickens are
• Typical systems for raising meat chickens on pasture
• Farm business advice on how to get started in agriculture

Interview with Joel Slezak of Free Union Grass Farm

Joel was born and raised on the farm in Free Union. When he was young, his father David milked Jersey dairy cows and “gave away” raw milk to all the neighbors, and also kept a flock of laying hens for eggs. He home-schooled Joel and his siblings, which gave them plenty of time to help out on the farm. Joel took an early interest in the animals and would often help with milking and chicken chores, which laid a foundation for his future as a farmer. He attended high school at Tandem Friends School and received a political science degree at Guilford College in North Carolina. Various adventures on sailboats and yachts followed, but Joel returned home to Free Union and spent a couple years working as a cheesemonger at Feast! in Charlottesville. Selling artisan cheeses and finely cured meats to the masses gave rise to an obsession with quality food and reawakened his life-long love for farming.

While working on an organic farm in Scottsville, Joel came across the now  ubiquitous “Pastured Poultry Profits” by Joel Salatin. He kicked off his career as a farmer by raising and processing several hundred chickens of his own.

Items Mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Free Union Grass Farm
• Free Union Grass Farm on Instagram
• Polyface Farm
• Forest Pritchard
• Camps Road Farm

Take aways:

If you're thinking about adding poultry into your operation, what breed do you think would best suit you?

How can the mentality of "whatever works for my situation" be applied to your farm in the choices that you've made? Explain in the comments below.

Farm quote of the episode:

"The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing."

- Seth Godin

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes

Having people come visit your farm can simultaneously be very stressful and the most fun you've had all year. With how much transparency is playing a part in small farm marketing these days, on farm events are a great way to get your customers (or potential customers) involved in the farm. This farm podcast is about our first annual Hop Harvest Festival at Camps Road Farm. What we did to plan it, how we pulled it off, and what we plan to do differently next year. We had great success this year inviting over 50 people to the farm to take part in our hop harvest, hang out and socialize, eat some great farm food, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. The attendees ran the gamut from long-time dedicated CSA members to people who had just heard about the farm and wanted to come and check it out. Across the board good times were had by all.

Our Hop Harvest Event was more to save our behinds on labor than it was to get people to the farm to sell them stuff. In that case mission accomplished. The "money earned" was the money we saved on labor. It was also great marketing for us in terms of getting people involved and actual press coverage.

We're definitely going to plan more events like this in the future. Some we'll sell tickets or "seats" to classes and workshops, and some we'll have people on as volunteers to help us get stuff done on farm.  I actually have a good one coming up that is going to be great for the farm.

How I topped my best Farmers' Market day for 100th the effort:

In the coming weeks we are having a fleet of school children come to the farm to get the farm experience. We have built a relationship with a couple of the local schools and mutually came up with the idea to get the kids involved in local agriculture.

We were happy to host the kids on farm and the schools insisted that we give the a number, per kid, of what we would charge. We asked around, mulled it over, and gave them a number. They responded right away that it was a reasonable price and we're moving forward. Here's the breakdown:

• 3 groups of kids in one day
• 45 kids in each session
• $12.50 per kid
• Grand total of: $1687.50

Now I've had better Farmers' Markets than that sure, but with months of work leading up to it. There isn't that much we have to prepare on farm that we don't already do to have 135 school kids come visit. We keep the farm beautiful and safe, we have working and clean bathrooms, and there's always plenty of things to look at, talk about, and get involved in. So NET dollars, we are going to blow our best market sales out of the water. That being said, we are going to invest the majority of that into purchasing supplies for hosting big groups like this. I'm very interested in looking into farm events as a serious part of our farm business plan.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• What it takes to host an on farm event.
• How we planned and executed our first harvest festival.
• What we would change in the future to have a better experience for ourselves and our guests.

Interview with Barry Labendz of Kent Falls Brewing Company

Picture of Barry hold a lamb: Check!

Barry is one of the best “go-to” guys on the planet. As co-brewery manager Barry has proven an invaluable resource to the farm as the brewery takes time to go through the licensing process.

Barry has been surrounded by small local businesses his entire life. His grandparents moved to the United States in 1947 and started a small bakery in Lake Hiawatha, NJ, to support their young family. Barry’s father has owned and operated Merit Financial, a small mortgage bank, just down the road from his parents’ still-standing bakery.

After graduating from Muhlenberg College in 2004 with a B.A. in Philosophy and Business Administration, he moved to New York City and began his own career in mortgage banking.  Soon Barry would open and manage a branch of another company in downtown Manhattan. By the end of 2007, with the credit crunch tightening, he decided to exit the mortgage industry. Barry took this time to travel, reassess his priorities and explore what would be next for him.

While traveling, Barry became enthralled with how local environment, cuisine and history shapes a region’s beer styles and traditions. Barry has always enjoyed culinary creativity, whether baking with his grandparents as a child, or hosting dinner parties as an adult. These ideas led Barry to first consider opening a brewery.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Camps Road Farm
• Kent Falls Brewing
• KFB Hop Harvest Blog Post
• Camps Road on Facebook
• Kent Falls Brewing on Facebook
• GFP039: Getting Investment to Start a Farm
• Growing Farms Podcast on Stitcher

Take aways:

What does your farm have to offer for people coming to visit?

Would adding in events be a feasible and viable part of your agricultural venture?

Farm quote of the episode:

I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.

Groucho Marx

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

The hiring of farm workers can be a really tricky process. How do you know you're going to hire the right person? What's the process like if you've never done it before? That's what we're talking about (and more) in today's podcast episode. I have had several changes with staff on farm lately. People moving on, moving up, moving sideways, moving West. I need to fill some spots to ensure that all the work gets done that needs to get done. I have had a pretty successful time hiring new employees, even on a temporary basis.

For general farm labor I look for a couple of things:

• Physically able to do the hard work required on farm
• Willingness to take direction and work as part of a team
• Good attitude and flexibility to handle diversified tasks
• Earnest desire to make the world a better place

Those are pretty hard and fast rules to figure out in the interview process (for me). I've been burned before when someone doesn't hit those points. Note that I didn't necessarily say anything about farm experience or experience with an particular agricultural enterprise. If you know what you are doing on your farm there's a safe bet that you can teach the right person just about any part of it.

I had a lot of luck with searching out local farm help (which solves the housing question) by putting an ad up on Craigslist. I was pretty specific about what I wanted in the ad. Here's the exact text that I included:

Diversified farm specializing in poultry seeks part time farm hands Camps Road Farm in Kent, CT

Job requires: - ability to repeatedly lift 50lbs (feed bags) - comfort working with chickens - work in all types of weather - work well as part of a team or by yourself - punctuality

About the job: We are looking for motivated individuals looking for some extra work throughout the summer and fall with potential for the future. Typical tasks are gathering and washing eggs, putting out feed for chickens, and other poultry-related chores. We also have an apple orchard, hop yard, and some vegetable production that have big projects this fall, but we're mainly looking for pastured poultry help.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to come a couple hours a day to collect and wash eggs.

To apply: All applicants must have appropriate documentation for working in the US. Please respond to this e-mail with some information about yourself while requesting application.

Hablamos un poco de espanol en la granja.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• A simple process for finding farm labor
• What it is like to take over a farm someone else started
• Moving an existing farm to a new piece of land
• How leveraging your network of customers can help you find farm land

Interview with Ruth Blackwell of Mud Creek Farm

Ruthie grew up in Cabot, Vermont, surrounded by dairy farms.  When she was a kid, her parents grew pansies and sold them wholesale to farm stands.  As soon as she was old enough, they had her and her brother out in the field transplanting, boxing, and watering.  They also planted an enormous garden, and she remembers her and her brother being told to “go graze” when they asked for a snack; they would eat dirty carrots and freshly shelled peas for hours.

Once Ruth started working, she had a million different jobs.   She always loved working with her hands and being creative, and she went to art school.  But after floating around doing different things, she went to New Zealand and WWOOFed (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) for half a year, and it reminded  her how much she likes the dirt.  When she came home, her dad and his partner decided to turn the old homestead into a farm again, but vegetables this time.  She moved back to a little house next door and helped get things off the ground, then migrated to the Rochester area, where she worked at PeaceworkFarm for four years.  She fell in love with the CSA model.  She loves knowing the people she's feeding and having that direct connection to the community around her.

In 2013, she started working at Mud Creek as Farmer Erin’s assistant manager.  She learned a whole lot from her, and is proud and humbled that she was taught to take over the farm.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Mud Creek Farm
• Mud Creek Farm on Facebook
• Camps Road Farm
• EasyFarmWebsite.com

Take aways:

If you had to hire someone tomorrow what questions would you ask them to figure out if they would "cut it" on your farm?

What have you learned from past hiring experiences that will help you going forward with new hires?

Farm quote of the episode:

I am convinced that nothing we do is more important than hiring and developing people. At the end of the day you bet on people, not on strategies.

Larry Bossidy

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes

It will never cease to amaze me the amount of things that farmers will take on in a season. There are many factors that play into how that happens, but at the end of the day it is how you deal with it that defines you.

One of the biggest factors that plays into crushing responsibility:

This factor is often over-looked. That factor is your own decisions in the winter that lead to insanity in the summer. The hitch with farming is that most operations are simple or inexpensive to start on a certain scale. The problems start when the 1,000 variables come into play as you reach the scale you have to be at to make a profit. It's very easy to sit down with a spreadsheet to say "I'm going to do this, and this is how much I am going to make in order to keep my farm dream alive." How can I write this sentence, because I am INCREDIBLY guilty of this fault myself. Now that I am into the summer I am regretting some of the decisions I made this winter that are causing some serious stress this summer. The beautiful thing is that I can admit that, and that I am willing to learn from my mistakes and miss-steps. The best thing you can do in any area in life is to take note of all your successes and failures and learn a lesson from each one. I know over the last 2 years I have learned an incredible amount about myself, my farm, and my future. Right click here to download the MP3

Three elements of good management:

1. Organization

Write it down! I have some of my farms information in my head and some written down. I keep my tasks organized primarily through my trusty notebook and our staff dry-erase board. I have been carrying a small notebook in my pocket that has proven to be very helpful in organizing tasks. Also making sure nothing gets over looked. If I see something on farm that needs to be done I do my best to write it down, that way when I sit down with the farm team later I know what needs to get done that day that we may not have already discussed. Getting things written down has been great for keeping me organized. Whether it's in a notebook or on a computer, get it in writing!

2. Prioritization

Episode 50 talked about this. It is importantnot only to create the list of things to do, but to properly prioritize it. Task can break down into the different variable that effect them. Whether or not other people are involved, whether you have to buy something or set it up, or even if it's something that you can live without but it would be nice to have. Every task is going to have its' different level of urgency. It takes time and practice to know what is going to require what. I am definitely still learning.

3. Delegation

This is crucial for getting anything done. Part of writing down the tasks that you have to accomplish is that you can share that list with others. Even people you have known for a long time will surprise you will what they will choose to volunteer for. You have to make sure you ask. Human beings need direction. We love it. It takes the stress of the decision making off of our plates, and at the end of the day if it doesn’t work out, it is someone else’s fault. Now, if you’re the person calling the shots make sure to be clear, concise, and simple simple simple. If you have something complicated make sure you are there to walk people through it.

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Powerful tools for good farm management
• Some dos and don'ts of getting the job done
• Lessons learned from a budding farm entrepreneur (farmepreneur?)

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Alan Savory's Holistic Management Book (On Amazon)
• Alan Savory on the Permaculture Voices Podcast

Quote of the episode:

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” Norman Vincent Peale

Take aways:

How do you plan to overcome your next big obstacle?

What experiences have you had in the past that you can draw from to make better decisions going forward?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

Every farmers' journey through life will be as uniquely theirs as their farm will be. Today's podcast episode shares a great story of how a vegetable farm was started in Missouri not just by one woman, but by a community of people working to support that one woman. I found out very early on that it is not the individual that succeeds, but the group. I could not be where I am today, and I know I couldn't go where I am headed without the support of those people around me.

Sometimes that support means they will tell you not to do something, like the recent NY Times article stating "Don't let your children grow up to be farmers."

I think that article raises some good points, but is mis-titled. We should not let our children grow up to be farmers that farm like we do today. In this instance I'm not talking about organic or conventional, small or large scale. I am talking about farming within a system built against the farmer where we are faced with often insurmountable tasks on top of the challenge of farming.

At its' very base level farming provides people with the basic elements that people need for survival. Food. Even as a tech-friendly guy it baffles me that more time and money is spent on iPhones than learning and investing in what we eat. How is something so necessary so often swept aside.

It is our job as small farmers, who are intimately connected to our communities, to help educate and empower others so that they will help fight the food fight for our team.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to plan for success in your farm business
• What role community plays in starting your farm
• Tips and tricks for record keeping
• Getting your organic certification
• What it means to be part of the food fight

Interview with Liz Graznak of Happy Hollow Farm

Happy Hollow Farm is nestled among the rolling hills along the Missouri River. The primary growing fields border the Little Splice Creek bottom and thus benefit from beautiful silt loam soils that are rich in organic matter. The farming techniques used on this farm are a combination of highly managed cover cropping, crop rotations, the application of compost, mulch and small quantities of minerals and nutrients. Liz's goal is to give back more to the soil than she take.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast:

• Happy Hollow Farm
• Happy Hollow Farm on Facebook
• EasyFarmWebsite.com
• NY Times Against Farming

Take aways:

How are you contributing toward making our world a better place through food?

What do you think our biggest obstacle is? How do you think we'll overcome it?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month
• Past Episodes

"The riches are in the niches." Or so I've been told. The problem is often that there is a lot of consumer educating involved with introducing a niche product onto the market. What do you do when no one knows how to use what you have to offer, but you know it's going to be a good business? One of the answers that I have found is to try everything. And I mean everything to get the information in front of your customers. If you are in multiple forms of media you will be able to reach people in the way that best fits their learning style.

To date I've tried (and had success with):

• Traditional media (newspaper)
• Hanging fliers
• Farm website
• YouTube
• Facebook
• E-mail newsletter

I had/have plans to try other media as well, but quite frankly, it's July on a farm and I don't have time for it. Instead of spreading myself too thin my plan is to concentrate on those areas, measure my results as best I can, and see what happens.

Maybe in the future I will try Google Ads, Facebook Ads, taking an ad in the paper, getting on radio, getting on tv, etc... But right now I don't see it happening any time soon. (Quick aside, yes I have experience getting on Radio and TV, I'll cover that in another episode.)

What can you do now?

Pick one area that you are not already focusing enough attention on from the list above and put more effort into it.

As farmers we're used to hard work. There is so much to do on the farm that we often lose sight of the big picture stuff including marketing our products. I know I am guilty of it. There are times where I definitely like the "outside work" better than the "inside work".

However, I have noticed a drop in sales lately that I am working to fix. My marketing flagged and I am paying for it, literally. My freezers are filling with chickens and I need to get them sold. I will be revisiting my marketing and making sure I'm giving it the attention it deserves so that I can get all my products sold and I can sleep a little easier.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Tips for introducing a new product to market
• How to narrow down what you're growing to find what works best
• Dealing with inconsistency and how that can be a benefit
• The power of believing in what you do
• The benefit of keeping organized
• How to keep your cell phone safe on the farm

Interview with Jacob Cowgill of Prairie Heritage Farm, Montana

Prairie Heritage Farm is a certified organic, diversified farm near Great Falls, Montana, just outside Power, on the short grass prairie where the Rocky Mountains meet the plains.

They grow fresh vegetables, heritage turkeys, ancient and heritage grains (Prairie Farro being their favorite), lamb and kiddos. They sell most of what they grow through Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, farm shares in the Great Falls area.

The farm is owned and operated by Jacob and Courtney Cowgill, two central Montanans returning to their roots. Jacob grew up on Red Butte Lane, near Sand Coulee and Courtney spent her childhood on a farm between Dutton and Brady. They both left Central Montana as young adults, for school and careers but came back as soon as they possibly could.

They wanted to find a way to make a life in Central Montana but also wanted to give back to the communities that raised them-- to be part of sustaining and reinvigorating the culture and economy of rural Montana.

Items mentioned in this podcast include:

• Prairie Heritage Farm
• PHF on Facebook
• LifeProof fre Series Case (keeping your iPhone safe on farm)

Visual farm update:

Today's quote:

"We overcome this dilemma by first forming a temporary holistic goal and starting toward that, much as a military pilot might head generally toward the action before knowing the precise destination. To wait on the ground for perfect intelligence or to burn up fuel circling randomly would waste his chances, his resources, or both. Like the pilot, as you obtain more information and a clearer picture, you can refine your holistic goal so that by the time you know the target, you are well on your way without having wasted time or fuel." - Allan Savory in Holistic Management: A New Framework for Decision Making

Take aways:

Have you been fighting an uphill battle to get a new farm product to market? What are you doing to educate your consumer?

Are you delivering your message in places where people are there and ready to hear it?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Past Episodes

The most common misconception about video marketing is that it is hard. That doesn't have to be true at all. I recorded, edited, and published my latest farm video right from my cell phone. Quite honestly, that blows my mind, and I'm a geek. Let's take a look at the three biggest fears that people have when it comes to video marketing.

3 Fears of Video Marketing

1. I will look like a fool on camera.

So? If you are yourself, you're honest, and you have a good message you will not look like a fool. When I think back to my beginning videos I cringe. I have done some really embarrassing stuff in my day. The good thing is, if it's terrible, you can delete it! If it's not half bad then you need to post it before you over-think it.

Take a second to make sure your hair isn't insane (unless that's what you're going for), make sure your surroundings are at least a little orderly (at least what's in frame), and speak with confidence.

2. I have no idea how to work a video camera.

Learning a piece of "video equipment" is no different then learning to use any other piece of farm equipment. All you have to possess is the earnest desire to learn and the knowledge that this new skill will help your business. Through the owners manual, the internet, and some young tech geek you will be shooting tons of video in no time.

3. I can't edit the video once I have shot it.

Again, I refer to #2. Earnest desire to learn, and the knowledge that this will help your business. For every person out there who wants to learn something there is a teacher. Just start asking people. You can find a pro video editor in one of your kids, in a friend, or even in an actual professional who wants to trade for some veggies.

Once you've conquered those fears just upload it to YouTube, figure out how to embed it on your website, and make sure to share it with your customers. If this still scares you that is ok, write me a note in the comments section asking me to create a tutorial on video creation and editing and I will make it happen.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Getting started on Youtube
• Creating video to illustrate a point or farming technique
• Using video to educate
• Why simple videos are often more effective
• The elements of an effective video
• What elements of your online marketing benefit your offline store
• How Christie got to speak for TEDX
• What it means to be “on” all the time
• What is a “Content Management System”
• What’s the best practice for Search Engine Optimization?
• Let the perfection go!

Interview with Christy Hemenway of Gold Star Honey Bees:

Just what did bees do before beekeepers?

Searching for the answer to what seemed like it should have been a simple question, Christy Hemenway launched her own investigation into what was really behind the growing problems with honeybees. She soon came to the conclusion that with honeybees, “less is more,” in other words, less human manipulation is better for the honeybee.

This led Christy to found Gold Star Honeybees – to advance a low-tech, natural beekeeping system known as the top bar hive. The most important feature of a top bar hive is that it allows the bees to make their own natural beeswax honeycomb. Because for bees, ”It’s all about the wax.”

Gold Star’s top bar hive beekeeping equipment is all natural, non-toxic, clean and green, and supports the making of natural beeswax - beeswax made BY bees, FOR bees!

At TEDxDirigo in 2011, Christy highlighted the important connection between honeybees, pesticide-free food, and people in her TED Talk – “Making the Connection – Honeybees, Food and YOU.” The inter-relatedness of bees, human health, the health of the planet and in fact, all of nature suddenly becomes very clear. You can watch it here: http://bit.ly/TedxDirigoTalk

Christy Hemenway is the author of The Thinking Beekeeper – A Guide to Natural Beekeeping in Top Bar Hives. Published in 2013 by New Society Publishers – this book contains the practical how-to information you need to begin keeping bees in this natural method. http://www.thinkingbeekeeper.com/

Christy advocates and agitates for MORE organic food, LESS industrial agriculture, and of course, for BETTER beekeeping – natural and sustainable. It’s a case of understanding that instead of one beekeeper industrially managing 50,000 beehives, and lots of trucks and treatments, shouldn’t it really be 50,000 beekeepers each tending a few hives of their own in their own backyard garden?

Gold Star Honeybees supports top bar beekeepers with education. A Gold Star Honeybees Weekend Intensive offers a bee’s eye view of the reasons that top bar hives make sense – for bees, for beekeepers, and for the planet. Learn where to site a hive, how to inspect and manage it, what to do about “cross-comb,” and how to conduct the “dual harvest” that top bar hives are famous for. This comprehensive weekend class inspires people to be confident natural beekeepers.

If you are interested in a shorter workshop: The How and Why of Keeping Bees in Top Bar Hives offers a quick overview of the “how-to” and “why-to” of stewarding bees in top bar hives. This workshop is ideal for those just getting into, or beginning to learn about, natural beekeeping.

Classes are offered nationally, and we’d be happy to bring these opportunities to your area. Call for information about hosting a live Weekend Intensive or The How and Why of Keeping Bees in Top Bar Hives where you live! 207-449-1121.

Christy encourages people to think outside the box and reminds us, in the words of John Muir:

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, one finds it attached to the rest of the world.”

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Gold Star Honey Bees
• Episode 49 with Christy about pivoting your farm business
• Dennis vanEngelsdorp
• PechaKucha 20x20
• TED Talks
• Toast Masters
• Video about selling at a moment’s notice
• Joel Salatin at Poly Face Farm
• EasyFarmWebsite.com

Today's quote:

Video Marketing solidifies your online presence whilst building deep and meaningful relationships with your customers. It adds a personal touch to your brand whilst increasing your conversions!” – Lilach Bullock

Take aways:

What common questions do you get about your farm that can be cleared up with a simple video?

What is one thing you wish your customers knew about you, your farm, or your products? Would a video help them learn?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
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• Past Episodes

"Farming is hard." I hear it over and over again. But what does it mean? Farming is going to mean a million things to a million different people. There are an infinite number of scenarios that can play out when it comes to starting and running a farm. Now having interviewed dozens of other farmers on how they got their start in agriculture I can tell you one thing, it's hard, and it's worth it.

Oh sure, there will be times when you want to throw your hands p and walk away. Many of those times you should, then come back to whatever you were doing with a fresh mind and a better attitude.

There may come a day when I am too over-whelmed by what is going on with the farm and a year may come that beats me down to the point where I find a new occupation. That day is not today, nor is this year the year.

The best I can do with Farm Marketing Solutions is to give you my perspective on what is stressing me out and how I am dealing with it. I found that regardless of how many things go poorly, (and they will, it's part of learning) you have to concentrate on the positive things in life.

As a new format for the matching blog post in addition to the podcast I want to share some photos from around the farm to give you visual perspective to go with the audio.

Right click here to download the MP3

Items mentioned in this farm podcast:

Take aways:

What are you thankful for? How does that effect the decisions that you make?

What is one small thing you can do right now to make yourself a little happier?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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The list of things to do is ever expanding on the farm. There is always more to do, and even simple tasks become complicated if left to long. The worst is to repeat a past mistake because you had forgotten about it, or you have remembered it wrong. I have been working for years to find a system that works for me in terms of organizing and record keeping. Am I done? Heck no! I have a long way to go yet, but I have learned some good things along the way. In today's farm podcast episode I share many of those strategies that I have used and the ones that I still am using today.

Life is about balance. I don't have to tell you is you tend toward doing everything in the "analog" world, keeping a notebook, writing on the free monthly calendar with the beautiful natures scenes on that you got from church or the volunteer fire department fundraiser. Or if you tend towards the "digital" world where everything happens on your smart phone, tablet, or desktop computer. What I can do is point you to a few creative ways to use those systems that have been working for me.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Different strategies for organizing tasks on your farm
• How record keeping keeps you from making the same mistakes over and over
• Pointers for the Luddites and the tech geeks in all of us

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Mind Meister
• Trello
• The Grass Whisperer
• The Beginning Farmer Podcast

Quote of the episode:

"The role of leadership is to transform the complex situation into small pieces and prioritize them." - Carlos Ghosn

Take aways:

How are you keeping organized so you can prioritize your tasks?

Are you keeping records so you know what happened when you're faced with same situation in the future?

Share your answers in the comments section below.

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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Agility in your agricultural business can be the difference between coming back for another growing season, or putting the farm to rest. That agility starts with listening. Your customers will tell you what they want you to produce. It is then up to you to decide whether you want to listen, and if that will work for both you and your business. I had no idea that I would end up where I am today. If you told me 10 years ago that I would be a chicken farmer running a 50 acre farm, hosting a podcast, and selling eBooks on the side, I would have told you that you were crazy.

When I first got mixed up with agriculture I thought I was going to be an heirloom vegetable farmer. Then I tried vegetable farming. When I got into vegetables I realized I liked them, but I didn't love them. Not the way I do chickens. I also found that there were way more vegetable farms than poultry farms. I listened to the market, started a poultry farm, and the farm continues to grow in popularity.

I have learned, through some very hard lessons, to watch for and embrace change. You may have a plan, but life has another one, and there's no way you are going to know all the details until they're happening to you. Who knows where I will be in another 10 years? All I know is that I am excited for whatever comes my way.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• What is a service as a business?
• Different ways to make money in agriculture
• How to leverage your skills, passion, and knowledge
• What flexibility can bring to you
• What you get from listening to your customers
• How to get over impostor syndrome
• How to grow your business and give yourself more time

Interview with Christy Hemenway of Gold Star Honey Bees:

Just what did bees do before beekeepers?

Searching for the answer to what seemed like it should have been a simple question, Christy Hemenway launched her own investigation into what was really behind the growing problems with honeybees. She soon came to the conclusion that with honeybees, "less is more," in other words, less human manipulation is better for the honeybee.

This led Christy to found Gold Star Honeybees - to advance a low-tech, natural beekeeping system known as the top bar hive. The most important feature of a top bar hive is that it allows the bees to make their own natural beeswax honeycomb. Because for bees, "It's all about the wax."

Gold Star's top bar hive beekeeping equipment is all natural, non-toxic, clean and green, and supports the making of natural beeswax - beeswax made BY bees, FOR bees!

At TEDxDirigo in 2011, Christy highlighted the important connection between honeybees, pesticide-free food, and people in her TED Talk - "Making the Connection – Honeybees, Food and YOU." The inter-relatedness of bees, human health, the health of the planet and in fact, all of nature suddenly becomes very clear. You can watch it here: http://bit.ly/TedxDirigoTalk

Christy Hemenway is the author of The Thinking Beekeeper – A Guide to Natural Beekeeping in Top Bar Hives. Published in 2013 by New Society Publishers – this book contains the practical how-to information you need to begin keeping bees in this natural method. http://www.thinkingbeekeeper.com/

Christy advocates and agitates for MORE organic food, LESS industrial agriculture, and of course, for BETTER beekeeping – natural and sustainable. It's a case of understanding that instead of one beekeeper industrially managing 50,000 beehives, and lots of trucks and treatments, shouldn't it really be 50,000 beekeepers each tending a few hives of their own in their own backyard garden?

Gold Star Honeybees supports top bar beekeepers with education. A Gold Star Honeybees Weekend Intensive offers a bee’s eye view of the reasons that top bar hives make sense - for bees, for beekeepers, and for the planet. Learn where to site a hive, how to inspect and manage it, what to do about "cross-comb,” and how to conduct the "dual harvest” that top bar hives are famous for. This comprehensive weekend class inspires people to be confident natural beekeepers.

If you are interested in a shorter workshop: The How and Why of Keeping Bees in Top Bar Hives offers a quick overview of the "how-to" and "why-to" of stewarding bees in top bar hives. This workshop is ideal for those just getting into, or beginning to learn about, natural beekeeping.

Classes are offered nationally, and we'd be happy to bring these opportunities to your area. Call for information about hosting a live Weekend Intensive or The How and Why of Keeping Bees in Top Bar Hives where you live! 207-449-1121.

Christy encourages people to think outside the box and reminds us, in the words of John Muir:

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, one finds it attached to the rest of the world."

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Gold Star Honey Bees
• GSHB on YouTube
• The Barefoot Beekeeper
• Bush Farms
• Top Gun Program in Maine
• Women Standing Together

Take aways:

Are you listening to your customers? What is something they have been asking for that you don't yet provide?

Are you ready to adapt and change with the times/economy/whims of the public? How are you prepared?

Share your answers in the comments section below.

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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Sustainable farming is the path I have chosen for my career in agriculture. When you think about it, it's kind of a no-brainer. It's right there in the name, "sustainable". That means I get to keep going. I get to keep doing what I love because it is sustainable. That word sustainable has given me pause lately. What exactly does it mean to be sustainable? What does that mean on a big scale for the world at large? What does that mean on a small scale for me, my family, and my farm? I have been giving it thought while moving chicken coops, talking with the other farmers who work with me, and while working on this podcast episode.

I have come to a conclusion, one that will be shaped and developed in time. True sustainability is born from good community building. I do not believe in being completely self-sustainable. You will always rely on outside inputs of some kind. That does not have to be a bad thing. Even if I used no fossil fuels on the farm, grew everything I needed to live and feed my livestock, and produced enough solar energy to run my podcasting equipment I would still need money to pay for taxes and the things that I absolutely cannot produce here. That requires a community of people willing to support my effort of self-sustainability.

Camps Road Farm, the farm that I manage has a ways to go before I will consider it "very sustainable". Right now I have to buy in grain to feed my chickens, I run a tractor  that uses diesel, and there are a other areas that I wish to improve upon and plan to in time (I just don't want to list them all and give you the wrong idea about my farm). While it's not perfect now, I know there's a goal that I am working towards and I make decisions every day that effect the long term outcome of the farm and its' impact on the world.

I'll give you the brewery we're starting as an example. I have a 1.4 acre hop yard on farm to service the brewery that we are also starting on the farm. That brewery is working with a local grain grower to supply grains. Those grains used for brewing will then be used as chicken feed. The manure from the chickens will go either directly onto the pasture where they live, or will be composted to feed the hops, which in turn are used in making beer.

There are three businesses in that example that benefit from supporting each other. Because (officially certified or not) we are all growing according to the organic methods so the earth benefits as well. The brewery grains will help me cut costs to make my business more viable, the brewery has great marketing from being part of a farm, and the grain farmer has consistent business from a production brewery. I love it!

At best, all we can do is strive toward our best interpretation on what it means to be sustainable. For me that is being a part of a community that is mutually supportive of each other's efforts. I work to create healthy soil, to create healthy food, and results in healthy people who then have the strength to go out and do good in the world.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Who put "organic" and "agriculture" together originally
• How big organic agriculture's market share has grown in the last decade
• Why, at some point you just need to make things happen!
• The benefits of being a good listener
• What the Rodale Institute has done for sustainable agriculture
• The longest running field study in agriculture
• How organic ag can "feed the world" just as well if not better than chemical or conventional ag

Interview with Coach Mark Smallwood, Executive Director at Rodale Institute

Coach’s professional experience has been dedicated to environmental sustainability, efficiency and conservation. Since joining Rodale Institute in December 2010, he has brought heritage livestock back to Rodale Institute’s 333-acre farm, expanded and enhanced Rodale Institute’s research efforts, as well as launched “Your 2 Cents,” a national campaign to support and promote new organic farmers.

Prior to joining Rodale Institute, Coach served as the Mid-Atlantic Green Mission Specialist and Local Forager at Whole Foods, where he was a 2010 National Award Winner for “Best Whole Foods Market Spokesperson.” While at Whole Foods, Coach initiated a composting and recycling program throughout the Mid-Atlantic region – an effort that resulted in an 80% diversion of waste from landfills. In recognition for his sustainability efforts, Coach was chosen as a messenger for Al Gore’s Climate Project presenting to over 15,000 people on the effects of Global Warming. Last, but certainly not least, as a long-time organic farmer and biodynamic gardener, Coach has raised chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, and driven a team of oxen. Given his array of experiences, Coach is uniquely suited to lead Rodale Institute.

 Items mentioned in the farm podcast include:

• Rodale Institute
• Farming Systems Trial
• Rodale on Facebook
• Farm Marketing Solutions How to Start a CSA

Take aways:

How do your views shape the type of business you choose to work in?

What does "truly sustainable" mean to you?

Write you answers in the comment section below.

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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Everything goes smoother when you have a plan. There have been so many unplanned surprises on the farm this year that I am glad my marketing hasn't thrown me too many curve balls. I took the time initially to lay out what I needed to do to market my farm, and now I am executing that plan. I will admit that when I first sat down to create a marketing plan, I found the task to be a little daunting. My marketing plan got a little involved. That is in part because marketing takes a significant amount of effort, and in part because I wanted to focus on it for my How to Start A CSA project.

Once I got everything down on paper it felt good to have a plan of action. Since then I have found it invaluable as far as keeping me focused and on track. When the work on farm wears me down or seems overwhelming the last thing I want to do is to think about how I am going to sell my farm products to people. The only thing I can think about is playing with my daughter and having a beer before bed.

That being said, even on the tough days I have been making an effort to do something to market my farm every day and stick to my marketing plan.

Come to find out, there's more than one way to write a marketing plan. It doesn't have to be scary, it doesn't have to be long, it just has to exist and hit some important point. I brought today's guest on the show to share her expertise on creating a marketing plan specific to your farm.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to create a one page marketing plan
• What elements should be included in a good marketing plan
• What each of those elements are and how to define them
• What to do with your marketing plan once you have created it
• What your plan can do for you
• How to make the most out of a wholesale account

Interview with Myrna Greenfield of Good Egg Marketing

Good Egg Marketing is a Massachusetts-based business that specializes in promoting good food and good causes.  Good Egg was hatched by Myrna Greenfield, a seasoned marketer with a passion for sharing good food, helping people, and making marketing fun.

A “good egg” is a phrase that is typically used to describe a “good person,” someone who likes to help others.

A good egg is also an egg that is safe to eat and tastes good. And any egg that deserves to be called good should also be humanely and sustainably produced. Good Egg Marketing aspires to be all of these things: helpful, safe, tasty (tasteful), humane and sustainable.

While Good Egg Marketing is particularly devoted to working with businesses and organizations that produce, provide or promote delicious, healthy, sustainable food for all, it offers services to anyone who is a good egg.

Good Egg clients are based in Massachusetts and nationally, and include farms and food enterprises, small businesses, nonprofits, and consultants. Founder and “Top Egg” Myrna Greenfield works with associates in graphic design, web development, video production, and social media to create effective, affordable marketing campaigns.

Greenfield was raised in the Chicago area and is now a proud resident of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.  She holds an MBA from Simmons School of Management.

Click to view Myrna's Sample Marketing Plan

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Good Egg Marketing
• Helpful articles from Good Egg Marketing
• How to Start a CSA
• Camps Road Farm
• Myrna's Sample Marketing Plan

Take aways:

What have you been doing to market you farm?

Do you have a marketing plan? What direction does it point you in?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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It is good business practice to get the most out of any effort you put into your business. That definitely applies to farming. Diversity is the name of the game on small farms these days, but that doesn't necessarily have to mean a diversity of farming operations. Barbara Ronchetti of Island Alpaca Company on Martha's Vineyard shares great insight on having just one type of agricultural operation, in her case alpaca, and getting the most bang for your buck.

While I am working toward a diverse farm I have a main area of focus right now and that is my Chicken & Egg CSA. For those CSAs I am implementing a diverse array of marketing strategies to get my name out there and close more sales.

I am:

• Updating and interacting on my farm website
• Interacting on Social media
• Hanging fliers with tabs to rip off
• Creating brochures
• Going to schools
• Planning events
• and more...

It takes creativity to try all of these things. The answers to your problems are not always easy to find. I know we as farmers will always thrive in the face of adversity. Now we must thrive and embrace diversity. Remember that different customers appreciate their products or their marketing in different ways. Starting with one group at a time direct your farm marketing to them, then move on to the next group once you have established yourself with those other customers already. Be careful not to take on too much too soon.

There are a lot of "you should do this" and "you must do this" pieces of advice coming from me and in the "marketing advice" world in general. When you boil all of it down it comes down to doing what you are comfortable with (so that you will keep doing it) and what is working (because that's how you are successful).

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to start an alpaca farm
• What are all the different ways you can use alpaca wool
• How quality relationships will help grow your business
• Tips on marketing you farm products and CSA
• A lot about alpaca farming

Interview with Barbara Ronchetti of Island Alpaca Company

Island Alpaca Company of Martha's Vineyard began in 2004 with the purchase of 19 acres of land and an antique post-and-beam barn that once stood in Export PA. Over the next two years, the barn was assembled, pastures were cleared, and fencing installed. The original purchase of eight alpacas in 2004 had grown to a starter herd of 31, which moved into the barn in 2006. Today, Island Alpaca has a select herd of 80 colorful Huacaya alpaca, one Suri alpaca, and one llama.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Island Alpaca Co.
• Island Alpaca on Facebook
• How to Start a CSA
• What I earned in 2013 as a Poultry Farmer
• Easy farm website tutorial

Take aways:

What else can you do to sell your farm products?

What other products can you develop from what you are already producing?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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Wouldn't it be nice if the perfect piece of land just fell into our respective laps? I know I would love it. Since that kind of miracle doesn't happen every day we must resort to more conventional land-locating techniques. In today's farm podcast I highlight my strategy for finding land. Since my farm is currently very very wet, I will be looking for some dry pasture nearby where I can run some chickens until my pastures dry out. I will be applying these techniques myself in the weeks to come. They've worked in the past, they will again I'm sure.

Since my farm is still very young I have found a number of websites that have been very helpful. Even with all the online "stuff" that you can do now-a-days. We're keeping an eye out. That being said, having my website up and running has made life a little easier for me.

Find land can be a lot of fun. The trick is to not let it become stressful. You can listen to the episode to get all the tips and tricks Kip and I have to share.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to think outside the box to maximize results
• Having a business plan is important when you find that perfect piece of land and you're talking to the customers.
• What a mentor can do for you
• My custom method for finding farm land

Interview with Kip Kolesinskas

Kip Kolesinskas joined American Farmland Trust in January 2012 as a consulting Conservation Scientist for the New England Office. Kolesinskas will spearhead conservation projects and identify opportunities for collaboration on conservation and farmland initiatives across the region.

For 20 years, Kolesinskas served as USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service State Soil Scientist for Connecticut and Rhode Island, where he brought his scientific expertise and programmatic knowledge to numerous state, regional and national NRCS projects and initiatives. From 1995 to 2011, he managed the federal Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) in Connecticut, which contributed $38.6 million to protect over 10,000 acres of farmland.

At NRCS, Kolesinskas worked closely on several projects with American Farmland Trust and other partners, including theFarmland ConneCTionsproject, the Planning for Agriculture and Conservation Options guides, and the Working Lands AlliancePlowing Ahead conference and white paper. In addition to this wealth of professional experience, Kolesinskas  is an avid fisherman, cook, gardener and local foods advocate.

Upon receiving an A.A.S. in Plant Science from SUNY Cobleskill, Kolesinskas received a B.S. in Soil Science from Cornell University and completed additional coursework at Texas A&M and Lancaster University and Schumacher College in the United Kingdom.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• CT Farm Link ( there's one for each State)
• We Soil Survey
• Land For Good
• UConn Extension
• New England Farmland Finder
• EasyFarmWebsite.com
• How to Start a CSA in 100 Days

Take aways:

In any kind of marketing, including finding land, how comfortable are you meeting with and talking to new people?

How did you find your land? Share your story in the comments below.

Cheers!

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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It's not secret that farming is hard work. What if you want to be a farmer and an online entrepreneur? That's a whole new level. In this episode of the Growing Farms Podcast I share what my schedule is and how I produce the content that I do. In addition to giving you a look at the man behind the curtain I share some updates on what is going on with the podcast, I introduce my latest video project, and share my philosophy on work/life balance that keeps me sane.

Welcome FatCow as a sponsor of the Growing Farms Podcast!

In order to keep providing you content I have been looking around for just the right sponsors for the show. I have personally used FatCow web hosting since 2009 and I am very happy with them. Since I talk about having a farm website all the time on Farm Marketing Solutions I saw the opportunity to bring you value along with the content in the form of a deal for you.

FatCow is offering 60% to listeners of the Growing Farms Podcast. Simply go to http://FatCow.com/farm to see more details and sign up. You save money with that link, and I earn a commission. That will help keep me going with the podcast. Honestly though, no pressure. Only sign up if it makes sense for your business.

100 Days to Sell Out My CSA

I have created a project to help share valuable content with you through another medium. During the 100 days leading up to my first CSA pick-up I will do a video each day highlighting what I have done that day to market my CSA and get my shares sold.

You can follow on YouTube or Facebook as I make my daily posts.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to set SMART goals and why.
• What my schedule is as I farm full time+ and produce the content on FMS
• Information on my addition of a sponsor on the podcast
• My philosophies on work/life balance

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• FatCow.com/farm (for website services)
• How To Start A CSA.com
• Easy Farm Website.com
• CampsRoadFarm.com

Take aways:

Would being more transparent help your business?

What marketing strategies have worked for you in the past and how will you replicate that now?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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"Anybody can grow stuff. It is selling that is the skill." I love that quote from my guest on the Growing Farms Podcast today. George does a great job at cutting to the chase. If you want to make a living farming you have to sell what the customers want and you have to stay on your toes. Selling is one of the more difficult things we have to do as farmers, in my opinion. I have a passion for making my farm viable so that I can stay here for the rest of my life. That being said, I wish I could do everything in barter and not have to have any money exchanges. But alas, that is not how my world works, so I add salesman to the long list of hats I wear on farm.

With selling my farm products a necessity it also has to be a priority. As much as the chickens have to get fed and the plants need water your business needs money coming in to thrive. How do we do that though?

There are a hundred different answers to that question. Do I sell at a farmers' market? Do I start a CSA? Do I sell everything to restaurants? The answer to those questions lies in careful planning and good market research. Then once you know where you are going to sell it you need to know how to sell those CSA shares, set up for a farmers' market, or develop relationships with Chefs in your area.

Lucky enough for you I am doing all three this year! I have my CSA pick-up at a farmers' market and I am selling to restaurants in my area. I will be sharing what I am doing, what works, and what doesn't as I go throughout the year so that you can build your farm business with me.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Cash cropping grain on 44 acres
• How to make the best of grains that don't pass for human consumption
• How to set prices for your goods
• Reverse engineering grocery store prices
• Where to find farm equipment
• The effectiveness of recipes at the market

Interview with George Wright of Castor River Farm:

George and his family farm 44 acres  20 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Canada. He was a great guest to have on the show as he is growing and selling grain off of those 44 acres.

George set out to meet a need in the market, keep it fair to the customer, fair to himself, and fair to his farm. Through business savvy, good insight, and proper planning George enjoys tending to the long lines at his table at the farmers' market.

Castor River Farm concentrates on growing grains but also produces, eggs, chicken, pork, and beef. As I think about my grain bills I am a little jealous of George being able to grow it himself for his animals.

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Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Castor River Farm
• TractorHouse.com
• Camps Road Farm
• Farm Marketing Solutions on YouTube
• Farm Marketing Solutions on Facebook

Sell out my CSA in 100 Days:

I love sharing what I am trying so that others can learn, and so I can get feedback. Starting March 13th I will be posting 1 video per day on my YouTube channel detailing what I am doing to sell out my CSA shares for my chicken CSA.

I will simultaneously be selling at a farmers' market and a few other avenues, but the videos will concentrate on the CSA. You can follow along on YouTube or Facebook for daily updates. I will also post a weekly digest of the videos here on FarmMarketingSolutions.com.

Take aways:

Are you growing what you want or what the customer wants?

How can you better serve your customers, and thus better serve yourself?

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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Podcasting is becoming hugely popular as a method of entertainment and education. Marketing professionals and non-marketing professionals around the world are getting into podcasting as another way to reach their audience. A very in-depth article from Social Media Examiner outlines how and why podcasting is a "must" for marketing professionals and business owners. I could go over the statistics and examples here, but my site focuses on farming. What can a podcast do for your farm?

The answer is, it can do a lot for your farm.

Farmer & customer interaction is crucial to building valuable relationships to increase customer retention and repeat business. You don't want a customer to buy just once, you want them to buy over and over, year after year. At some point a tomato is a tomato and a chicken is a chicken. What sets you apart in business are the relationships that you forge along the way.

I brought a guest on the show today to talk about those relationships and what they have done for his farm. Ethan Book of Crooked Gap Farm created "The Beginning Farmer Show", a podcast about his journey into agriculture. On his show he is honest, down to earth, and it feels like you are sitting down for a drink talking about how the farm is doing.

My favorite story that he shared on the episode is from one of his customers at the farmers' market. His customer had a friend in from out of town, over 12 hours out of town. The out of town friend insisted that they go to the farmers' market because he knew Ethan would be there, and wanted to meet him. How cool is that?

Now, podcasting isn't going to be for everyone. It takes a lot of time and effort. I spent about 5 hours per episode, which is a lot. But, it is part of my business plan, and quite frankly I love it. One late night every two weeks spent doing something I get a lot of joy and fulfillment out of is not bad.

If you want to know more about the technical side of podcasting check out the links that I have below as well as the Powerpoint and video that I embedded in the notes below. If you have any questions please feel free to ask in the comments section and I will get back to you.

Something to consider:

Podcasting doesn't have to be expensive and doesn't have to take a long time. You can do a weekly podcast that is 15 minutes long without a musical intro or anything and just do a quick update on your farm. It might even be a good thing to start very simple to get the hang of it. You can always choose to grow it later.

Farm marketing is important to set you apart, increase value, and build a community. Podcasting can be a powerful weapon in your marketing arsenal.

Right click to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• What a farm podcast can do for your business
• Some motivations for starting a podcast
• What exactly podcasting is
• The story behind two popular farm podcasts (you're listening to one)

Interview with Ethan Book of The Beginning Farmer Show:

Ethan Book grew up on a quaint little street in Cedar Falls, Iowa playing with toy tractors on his bedroom floor and pretending to farm with his John Deere pedal tractor in the driveway.

Weekends were often spent on his dad’s farm or the farms of his uncles and extended family. As Ethan grew up his dreams of being a farmer faded a little bit, but never truly went away.

Ethan has pursued that dream of becoming a farmer and has done a great job of documenting his journey through his blog and podcast over at The Beginning Farmer. I am honored to call him a friend. Though we have never met in person I feel like I know so much about him through the stories he shares on his podcast, through his writing, and in conversations I have had with him "off air".

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• The Beginning Farmer
• Crooked Gap Farm
• Camps Road Farm CSA Sales Page
• Smart Passive Income Podcast Tutorial
• Podcast Answer Man Podcasting Tutorial
• Trello Task Management
• Farm Marketing Solutions Podcast Page

Take aways:

Is podcasting something that you could start to build value for your customers?

Are you the most popular guy or gal at the farmers' market? Have people told you that "you should get into radio". Well, here's your chance!

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Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month

One thing we all love as farmers is learning new things about our trade. Wouldn't it be awesome to become an author of one of those books that sits on shelves around the world? That is exactly what we cover on today's farm podcast episode. When I got into farming I knew at some point I was going to write a book, but I had no idea what I was going to write it on. While I didn't have the idea for the book yet, I had my eyes open waiting for that topic to present itself. As my agriculture career started to take shape my topic ended up presenting itself. I found that through my Facebook page, through my website, and a few other places (primarily on the internet) people were asking for the plans to my chicken tractors. Well, when enough people ask, it makes sense to deliver.

It has been an amazing journey not only in farming, but in becoming an author as well. I really enjoy the process of writing, though it can be really scary. Even the show notes, that I am writing right now, are enjoyable to create. I also really enjoy what the book has done for me and my business.

As a farmer the winters are slow months for income. I have been working on season extension for vegetables. I'm encouraging my chickens to lay a few more eggs. I am also finding those winter markets that I can then turn around and sell this food. I have also been getting money in from my published eBook. While I'm not going on any vacations any time soon, the income generated from my book is helping me cover my bills in these chilly months.

Writing a book is a lot of work. What in farming isn't a lot of work? But like sowing seeds, moving cattle, or collecting honey, writing a book can be very rewarding. I have plans to continue writing about what it is that I am doing on the farm. I am taking a unique approach on several different areas of my farm and sharing those unique approaches is part of my business plan. Creating the case studies as I go is my plan. What is yours to get your first book written?

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How much time you need to be spending on any marketing
• How to create your book outline
• What are the two areas that you absolutely must spend money on in order for your book to succeed
• How the barter system can be used in farm book creation
• How to define your audience's needs and why that is important
• Creating a road map for someone else
• How to "double monetize" your book
• Several strategies for marketing your book once it's written
• Strategies and tips for pricing your book

Interview with Tara Alemany of  Aleweb Social Marketing:

Inspirational author, speaker, social marketing consultant and self-publisher Tara Alemany is the author of the eBook “The Plan that Launched a Thousand Books” (a DIY guide to marketing books online). She also co-authored The Character-Based Leader: Instigating a Leadership Revolution… One Person at a Time, and contributed to My Love to You Always and Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude (2013 ed.). Her latest book, The Best is Yet to Come, was released in November 2013.

Tara speaks frequently on social media topics, and has been a speaker or panelist at local events as well as to larger audiences, including the School for Startups business radio show and The Power of eMarketing conference.

She is the host of The Survivors Summit, a virtual inspirational conference held in November, where she brings together powerful speakers with amazing stories of overcoming adversity to create incredible lives. At The Summit, and elsewhere, she shares her own story of the lessons learned while overcoming the unexpected death of her fiancé in October 2011 so that her listeners can find the gift in grief.

Tara is also the owner and founder of Aleweb Social Marketing, a consulting company that helps authors, speakers and entrepreneurs achieve their online business goals. Aleweb offers services ranging from book preparation (editing, formatting, cover design, and conversion) through to website and social profile development, and the training and strategies required to reach your target market with your unique message.

She is a recognized thought leader in her industry, and is known to her clients as “The Teacher of Technophobes and Trendsetters.”

In addition to consulting, writing and speaking, Tara serves on the Board of Directors of two organizations, is Chaplain of her local Word Weavers chapter, is on the faculty of the 2014 Unicorn Writers Conference, and is also a martial artist, a short-term missionary, a juggler and Mom to 2 teenagers (one of each).

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Aleweb Social Marketing
• Aleweb on Facebook
• Michael Hyatt
• Good Reads
• Create Space
• CT Master Gardener Program
• Story Cartel
• The Best is Yet to Come (Tara's book)
• The Plan that Launched a Thousand Books (Tara's book)
• Stress Free Chicken Tractor Plans (My book)

Take aways:

What topics do you feel like you can write a book about?

What resource have you been looking for but haven't been able to find? Maybe it's time YOU wrote the book on that topic.

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Life is a series of successes and failures. I judge my year farming in 2013 to be a success for a number of reasons. I was able to build a farm business without going into debt.

Now, that comes with a very important clarification. I did find off farm income to help pay my rent, pay for my car, and cover some of my other bills. When I say that I was able to start my farm without going into debt I don't want you to think I supported myself completely from on farm income the first year. That's a little crazy.

When anyone starts any business it takes a while for the business to become profitable. I see that as the least taught lesson with people starting a farm or just getting into agriculture. There is always an exception to every rule, and everyone's situation is different. All I'm saying is that unless you have a huge savings account, keep your job when you try and start a farm.

In this episode I share exactly what my numbers are, down to the last cent. While I did my best to track my inputs and outputs there were flaws in my system that I am fixing in 2014.

Besides starting a farm it was a big year for me. My daughter Mabel was born, I bought a car, started a job outside the farm, and moved twice. I also created and solidified an online presence including blog posts, social media, this podcast, and an eBook. That is a lot to fit into one year.

So am I going to kick back in 2014 and relax? Heck no! I'm going to try and out-do myself in 2014. I have an aggressive plan for the farm I am managing now as well as my online content. The pressure was on last year, and it continues this year.

One of my favorite quotes of all times is from Leonard Bernstein. "To achieve great things two things are necessary, a plan, and not quite enough time."

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• What my gross and net numbers were for 2013
• What I plan to do with that information
• How knowing what it costs to farm benefits you
• Things to keep in my when starting your own farm

I have found a true love in agriculture. Yeah yeah, my wife Kate and my daughter Mabel come before work. That's a given. I do realize however that our lives cannot always be vacation and that I need to do something to support my family. If I am going to have to work just as hard as everyone else is these days I might as well love what I do and eat well.

Farming is an ancient and noble profession. But at times, it awful. There are ups and downs just like anything else in life. If you are smart, dedicated, passionate, and willing to create a few spreadsheets when you're not seeding or planting you'll be alright!

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• FoodCyclist.com
• CampsRoadFarm.com
• FoodCyclist on Facebook
• Camps Road on Facebook

Take aways:

How do you plan to balance life and farming? Believe me, it's not easy.

DO you feel like you have a handle on your numbers? Where is the money going?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Are you trying to start a farm and you are looking for investment capital? What would you do if you had an extra $10,000 to invest, how about $100,000, how about ONE MILLION DOLLARS!?!? The Wall Street Journal recently published an article about successful people trying to make a living at organic or small scale farming. My thought would immediately be that if they found success in another area of business some of that should translate over to farming. Wouldn't that makes sense after all?

The answer is, "Yeah, probably." But it is not going to be ANY EASIER to farm than it is if you are starting your farm on a shoestring. There are still all the issues of huge capitol investments, mother nature, getting to know your land, working with others, and perhaps balancing your day job on top of it.

Through whatever act of luck or some higher power I have been afforded a unique opportunity both for myself and for Farm Marketing Solutions. In 2013 I started a poultry farm from scratch on a shoestring budget. It is the farm I have been talking about on the podcast all year. As we move into 2014 I am now farm manager of another farm start-up that has the benefit of a land-owner and some start up investment capital.

It is not an "infinite budget" and a lot of the capital has to be paid back. Even so I am able to purchase some things that I wish I had in the past and would like going forward as well as make improvements to the land and create something great.

In 2014 Camps Road Farm is going to be my main focus. I am rolling my farm operation in with theirs because I am running the whole show anyways. I will smartly (hopefully) use the resources at my disposal to bring a about a successful future for the farm.

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In this farm podcast you will learn:

• The risk the wealthy are taking getting into agriculture
• What you can do to encourage investors
• What is the business structure of my farm
• The story behind Camps Road Farm (my farm)
• An important perspective from a successful entrepreneur getting into farming

Interview with David Birnbaum of Camps Road Farm:

David comes from an IT and telecommunications background. He goes into detail about his journey through life that eventually led to farm ownership in the podcast and I suggest taking the time to hear it from his perspective.

One of the things that I have greatly enjoyed about working with David on Camps Road Farm so far is that he brings a highly efficient and analytical work ethic to the farm. He spends his work weeks in Manhattan doing stuff that's above my technical understanding, and he spends his weekends on the farm, well, doing whatever I tell him to, haha.

His work on the farm allows me to have a day off here and there to spend with Kate and Mabel and for that I am grateful. The great thing is, while his expertise is not in agriculture, he has the ability to take my "to-do lists" and not only accomplish them, but add in his own problem solving as he goes.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Wall Street Journal "The New Gentleman Farmer"
• Camps Road Farm (Facebook)
• Episode 37 with Spence about Poultry
• Neversink Spirits (Facebook)
• Kent Falls Brewing (Facebook)

Take aways:

Are you doing anything on your farm that might inspire an investor?

If you are planning on starting a farm of your own do you have the capital to get off the ground? If not how can you creatively structure your business plan to make yourself desirable for someone looking to invest in local agriculture?

Happy Holidays!!!

I cannot thank you enough as my listening audience for all the support that you have given me this year. It has been an amazing journey through 2013 and it looks to be even more wild going into 2014.

I created this podcast for you and I continue it for us. I am thankful for so much and so moved by all the feedback I get from the podcast and from Farm Marketing Solutions. Thank you for coming along with me!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

A smart farmer looks for every way he or she can use what they already have on farm to help make the farm money. Farm Stays are a great way to use the infrastructure that you already have to increase your profits, diversify your income, and add a little more security. On my farm, the farm I am farm manager of, I have a little bit of start-up capital, but I still have to worry about making the most of what I have available to me. One of the assets to this property is that there is an old farm house that would be perfect for a Bed & Breakfast. Of course since the B&B is on a working farm, I have something to offer my guests that no other business in the area can, a farm.

Farming is the new "hip" thing to do. I know that bothers some of you. There are some fears that it may be a fad. Something that is here today, gone tomorrow. I don't think that's the case.

As I see it, there are two unique opportunities that you have with farm stays:

1. As a farm you can capitalize on agriculture's current popularity.
2. As a Farm Stay host you have the ability to nurture that popularity and ensure its longevity by providing a great experience to those who are interested.

Starting your own Farm Stay doesn't have to be expensive, and it doesn't have to be difficult. Scottie Jones joins us today to talk about how simple and how profitable it really is. It is a really good idea for farmers who don't already have good road frontage. Another way to get people to come to the farm.

Scottie is not only a great resource for farm stays, but she has created a great resource for farm stays. FarmStayUs.com is the website to go to if you're looking to register your farm and increase exposure.

Right Click to Download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to get your farm started as a Farm Stay
• The profit margins on a particular farm stay
• How a Farm Stay can work in unison with your other farming ventures
• What animals are best on wet pasture

Interview with Scottie Jones of Leaping Lamp Farm and FarmStayUs.com:

Farm Stay U.S. founder Scottie Jones and her husband Greg raise grass-fed lamb at Leaping Lamb Farm in the green hills of Oregon's Coast Range.  Since 2006 they have also operated a thriving farm stay, where they've hosted guests from near and far.

Scottie brings years of entrepreneurial experience to Farm Stay U.S., having been the Arizona franchisee for the socially-responsible British company, The Body Shop, and having worked in retail services and marketing at the Phoenix Zoo, where species survival and conservation were critical components of zoo education.

Now through Farm Stay U.S., she hopes to provide an economic, educational, even spiritual bridge for rural and urban Americans eager to renew a healthier food and farm system, and access to memorable and wonderful guest experiences.

In her own voice: from KATU and Edible Portland

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Leaping Lamb Farm
• Farm Stay US
• Liberty View Farm
• Stress Free Chicken Tractor Plans

Take aways:

Is hospitality something you can bring onto the farm?

How can you fit Farm Stays into your current operation?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

There are few others for understanding order and efficiency better than our veterans. Today's guest is no exception. Terrell Spencer "Spence" of Across the Creek Farm in West Fork, Arkansas has a great many things to say about what it takes to be a truly sustainable farmer. "The real sustainable farmer is a profitable farmer."

Profit does not have to come at a sacrifice to the quality of your plants or animals. Rather it comes as a product of good planning and better record keeping. Spence has really been able to drill down into exactly what his net profit is per chicken, and that is helping him work toward his goal of financial success.

While the concentration of this discussion if that of finances and record keeping I think it is important to take stock of what I chose that topic. I did not get into farming to make money, but I do see it as a necessity to keep farming.

First and foremost in my life come my new daughter Mabel and my wife Kate. The most important duty I can serve is to be a good provider for them not only in bringing home the bacon, but making sure that bacon was raised in a healthy manner, haha. Hooray farm metaphors!

I farm because I love it, and I love my family. I focus my efforts on financial stability because I want to keep farming and I want to support my family. That is definitely something Spence and I have in common.

During the interview Spence shares with me his strategy for growing his farm as well as more information on a great organization connecting veterans with agricultural resources called the Farmer Veteran Coalition.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Supporting other farmers while cutting your own grain costs
• 10,000 pastured broilers and growing
• Creating a solid core to your farm business
• Knowing your demographic and connecting with them
• One way to find out what works for you
• How to help a veteran(s) with your farm
• Where to go to get more info if you are a veteran looking to get into AG

Interview with Spence of Across the Creek Farm in West Fork, AR

Across the Creek Farm is the Spencer family farm located in Northwest Arkansas. They focus on raising free range poultry on pasture. They're steadily transforming a rocky, highly eroded Boston Mountain holler into a place where life echos and good food is grown for good families like theirs and yours.

Spence is a US Army Vet and works with the Farmer Veteran Coalition to help other veteran farmers like himself.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Across the Creek Farm (Facebook)
• Wren Thicket Market
• ATTRA
• South Town Farms
• How to Start a Winery with Ralph Gorman
• Facebook for Farmers (FMS Videos)
• Bob Woodruff Foundation
• Farmer Veteran Coalition

Special thanks to Mark Widhalm!

• Mark's Farm Photos on Tumblr
• Mark's Farm Photos on Flickr

Take aways:

At what point will you have "made it"?

Remember life is a journey, but it does help to work toward a goal. Keep records and make educated decisions.

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

In farming you not only have to do what is best for your business, you have to do what is best for you as well. Sometimes that means changing what you grow, sometimes that means down-sizing, and sometimes it means scaling up. Other times is simply means you need to change the way you manage sales to take the stress off yourself. In today's farm podcast episode I speak with Dan Heckler from Jack's Farm in Pennsylvania who has done just that. In today's interview he tells us how he markets his CSA vegetables to best serve the customer and himself.

Innovation is a cornerstone of business. Companies that are constantly thinking of new ways to either produce or market their goods are the companies that are continuing to see growth.

You can be the country's oldest apple orchard or be a third generation vegetable farmer, but you cannot relay on what was done in the past to get you through tomorrow. You farm might not have to change, but the market will change, and you have to change how you market to them.

Also, your values may shift as well. I know when Kate and I had Mabel my values shifted greatly. Now everything I do is for Mabel and Kate. I am making decisions to ensure I have more time with them, be able to support them, and provide healthy food from the "backyard".

Right Click Here to Download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Dan's innovative CSA marketing strategy that takes some of the stress off his shoulders
• Insight on farming in two locations at once
• Investing in passive income to help pay farm bills
• How much money per acre in commercial vegetable production is considered viable?
• How to engage CSA customers and increase sales
• Organizing and cleaning your e-mail list

Interview with Dan Heckler of Jack's Farm

"Dan" works on "Jack's Farm?" That's right. The name Jack's Farm actually came about from the notion that you have to be a Jack-of-all-Trades to be a farmer (I agree!).

Jack's Farm is located in Pottston, PA NorthWest of Philadelphia. In addition to farming 10 acres with his wife, Dan has also started a podcast interviewing other farmers. Here about the podcast in his own words:

At JACK’S FARM RADIO I record casual conversations with folks in the food industry; from local food producers, to food and farm educators and advocates, food executives, chefs and more.

There’s a lot of talk about getting to know your farmer and food provider yet where and when do you really get the opportunity to do that? Maybe if you’re a member of a CSA farm you can spend some quality talking time with the farmer or an employee. If you’re a Farmers Market shopper you get some attention during your transaction; but from my experience as a farmer and owner of a USDA Certified Organic vegetable farm, on the “other side of the table”, conversation is really dictated by how busy things are at the market. And if you like shopping at a grocery store you really don’t talk to anyone do you? Well, maybe the cashier and the deli person.

It’s time to really get to know the folks who are providing you your food. As the weeks go by you’re going to hear from all sorts of people involved in all sorts of food businesses. You’ll get to know a bit about how they think, hear some of the struggles they endure, vicariuosly live the joys they experience and sneak a peek at some of the behind the scenes efforts that happen; all to provide your food. I hope that through listening you’ll get an honest view of the food industry.

I’m not here to advance any specific food agenda. I will give you my personal opinions and experiences as a farmer and business person, though.

Most importantly, I am here to talk to real people in a real industry. I’m here to ask, hopefully, some entertaining and thoughtful questions so you can form your own opinions about an industry that impacts literally every person on earth.

So come along for the ride. Listen each week as I talk with hard working people in this multifaceted, interesting and essential industry.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Jack's Farm
• Jack's Farm Radio
• FoodCyclist.com
• Free FMS tutorial on creating an e-mail list
• LocalHarvest.org
• Farm Job Statistics

Take aways:

What ways are you adapting to keep in touch with your target market?

What can you change about your business that would benefit both your customers and yourself?

Come say hi!

Have a comment on today's podcast or any other podcast? Join me on Facebook and let's start a discussion.

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

There is so much more to starting a career in agriculture than growing vegetables or herding cattle. It is a common misconception that anyone can farm. That is where the important distinction between gardening and farming comes in. To be a farmer takes true grit, a steel sense of resolve, and the willingness to smile in the face of any and every adversary.

Almost once a week I get a very inspired e-mail from someone who is today where I was a few years ago. My own thoughts were, "I am going to give up the City life and start my life as a farmer." I love getting these e-mails. That passion is contagious and I totally encourage it. That said, today's podcast deals with the reality of that decision as it plays out through my very own farm.

While I love what I do, and I will do what I can to encourage others to follow in my footsteps, my encouragement comes with a note of caution. Farming is way more than just growing vegetables. Most farmers who are making a living from the land spend more time doing paperwork than hoeing potatoes, moving chicken tractors, or herding cattle. They have other people to do that for them and they are dealing with the business side of things.

Now as a small farmer you are going to have to deal with weeding those rows of veggies AND the business side of the farm. The best advice I can give to those of you thinking to leave it all behind and reconnect with the land is to pump the breaks! There is a lot to learn and if you just jump into it you might find yourself in over your head.

Than again, you might now, sometimes you throw caution to the wind and what happens happens. There are different paths for everyone and you will end up choosing the one that is right for you.

I have laid out more of my advice and strategies on the How to Start A Farm section of this website.

Right click here to download the MP3 to your desktop

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• The over-view of my year so far as a poultry farmer
• What precautions to take when starting a farm
• The insanity of running a farm, having a baby, and taking a second job
• Hard decisions that we must face as farmers
• How your career in agriculture should start like my daughter Mabel

Flying solo with me, John Suscovich

Farming is amazing, and I love it. For better or worse, I love it. While it is my name next to "owner" on my farm, FoodCyclist Farm belongs to way more people than just myself.

Without the support of Kate, Mabel, my family, friends, CSA members, volunteers, processing crew, and you all my dreams would not have come true the way they have this year.

I love what I do and I am going to continue to work very hard to ensure I can keep doing it in the future!

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• FoodCyclist Farm
• Stress Free Chicken Tractor Plans eBook
• How to Start a Farm on Farm Marketing Solutions
• Eliot Coleman's "New Organic Grower"
• Joel Salatin's "Pastured Poultry Profits"
• Joel Salatin's "You Can Farm"
• The Grass Whisperer

Take aways:

Is your passion worth waiting for to make sure it succeeds?

What can you do today to prepare for your new life tomorrow?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month

The single most important thing when starting a farm is research. This podcast covers some great research information used by myself and my guest Shawn as we start and run our own farms. It does seem at times like there are a million things to learn and get done when starting and running a farm. It takes copious amounts of planning, diligent note-taking, and a whole lot of luck to get it right. In the end, "getting it right" is entirely up to you.

There are as many types of farms as there are farmers to work on them. I am doing my best to talk with as many types of farms as I can through the podcast and even just for my own personal growth. I have found that as the market shifts and changes there are three things that many farmers use (at least one of) and that I use in my farm marketing.

1. Farm Website
2. E-Mail List
3. Printed Materials

My farm website acts as a digital brochure for my farm letting everyone who visits know what I produce and where they can buy it. I also build value into my products and my business by sharing my story and updating visitors.

My e-mail list has been a money-maker for me. With just a small e-mail list I managed to sell out all of my chickens every week. In my e-mails I update people when I have chicken available, what vegetables I may be selling, and I also include recipes and farm news.

Printed materials work the good old-fashioned way. Whether it's business cards that someone can take home to remember to visit the website, or a flier in a store window announcing the beginning of my CSA and the start of my farm, printed materials have surely helped me build an audience. After all, not everyone spends a lot of time online.

Right click to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How your background plays into starting a farm
• The importance of supports systems
• When to do research and when to take action
• Balancing finances and investments when starting a farm
• Unexpected expenses of time and money
• Tough lessons learned year one on the farm
• How to set your prices
• How to find your market
• Reaching out to other farmers

Interview with Shawn Scott of Hoosier Roots Farm, Bedford, IN

Shawn was born and raised in Cicero, Indiana. He went on to earn an engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and has always yearned to be his own boss.

Amy was born and raised in Fort Wayne. She went on to earn a masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis and has been inflicting pain on (ie: helping) people of all ages since 2001.

Their paths crossed in 2004 and, being consummate risk takers, they decided to start a life together in Oregon.They spent countless weekends exploring the mountains, rivers, and beaches of Oregon. They purchased a house and remodeled almost every square inch, built a huge garden, learned to keep bees and tended to three urban chickens.

They gained a deep appreciation for locally grown food, farmers' markets and locally crafted beer. In 2012, baby Eloise was born and, as often happens, life was forever changed.

In the simplest of terms, we want our daughter to be a farm kid. So, in April of 2013, we packed up our belongings and moved back to our home state of Indiana. Hence, the name of our farm, Hoosier Roots Farm. In May of 2013 we actually bought the farm, 35 acres and a small home in Bedford, Indiana. We want our daughter to know where her food comes from and be part of a diverse, responsible and local food system. Our mission is to grow healthy plants and animals in a sustainable and transparent manner while informing and supporting our local community.  Our ultimate goal is for the farm to provide enough income to sustain our household expenses so we can quit our day jobs and get our hands dirty on a full time basis. Stay tuned for the rest of our unconventional story....

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Hoosier Roots Farm
• Hoosier Roots Farm on Facebook
• Stress Free Chicken Tractor Plans
• Pastured Poultry Profits by Joel Salatin
• Four Season Harvest by Eliot Coleman
• How to start a farm website (free tutorial)
• How to start a farm e-mail list (free tutorial)
• How to start a farm (FMS website)
• Mind Mapping vs. Linear Planning

Take aways:

What can you accomplish in the "less-busy" months that will help you in the very busy months?

What systems are currently in place for dealing with problems and tasks on the farm and what do you need to work on?

What aren't you doing to market you farm and what steps can you take to increase sales?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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The most successful farm marketing tool in my arsenal is my e-mail list. Each week when I need to sell chickens I send out a letter to my list and within 24 hours I sell out. Now if you substitute "chickens" for vegetables, honey, beef, or whatever product you sell you will find similar results. Today's farm podcast episode features a friend of mine who is part owner of the Winery where I hold my CSA pick-ups. Eric Gorman is the son of the original owner Ralph Gorman who I featured in last week's farm podcast. Eric has brought some great marketing efforts to the Winery to increase traffic and get people in the door.

One of those marketing tactics was developing an e-mail list. In the interview he tells us how large his list has gotten over the last few years, how many people open his e-mails on average, and who is on his e-mail list.

Eric realized early on that the best business is repeat business. In order to get customers coming back you have to be in fairly regular communication with them. In our digital age there is no better way to do this than via e-mail.

This is an absolute "must hear" farm podcast episode. I am so happy to share it with you, and I know you will get a lot of useful information out of it.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Developing an e-mail list is the most powerful marketing tool you can use on your farm
• You do not need a large e-mail list to increase profits
• Diversifying your marketing helps you to reach more people (social media, e-mail, website, print, etc...)
• Making decisions is better than doing nothing at all (not as simple as it sounds)
• How Eric sold over 1000 vouchers for a farm picnic in one day

Interview with Eric Gorman of White Silo Winery, Sherman, CT

Eric is one of the hardest working people I know, and I know a lot of hard working people. Balancing two full time jobs he is always running somewhere. With all of that he still finds time to enjoy the sports that he loves. After all life is about balance and you need to take at least a little time away from work. Also, this gives Eric and I something else to talk about besides farming, namely bicycling.

The business expertise that Eric brings to the table at the winery is evident in the wonderful events held at the winery and the creative marketing strategies implemented to make sure the guest lists are full.

I have found at the Winery that both Eric and Ralph (and definitely Ralph's partner Marianne) match a strong work ethic with a strong sense of kindness and generosity. Eric offers up his e-mail on the show to anyone who has a question about his winery or about agricultural business in general.

It was a real pleasure interviewing both Eric and Ralph and I want to thank them again for letting me hold my CSA pick-ups at their winery this season.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• White Silo Winery
• Connecticut Wine Trail
• Travelzoo.com
• GroupOn.com
• Aweber E-mail List Service
• FoodCyclist Farm
• Stress Free Chicken Tractor Plans eBook
• Ashton Kutcher's speech on teh Teen Choice Awards
• How to create a farm website (free guide)
• How to start a farm e-mail list (free guide)

Get Started Today For Only $1! - AWeber Communications

Take aways:

It is never too late to start an e-mail list. Do you already have one?

What are you doing to collect e-mail addresses?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

In order to keep on top of market trends, grow your business, and keep paying the bills you have to be willing and able to adapt to what the market is calling for. That doesn't mean if you are a poultry farmer you need to start raising vegetables, but perhaps you can do something different with your chickens than you are already doing. That is exactly what I am thinking as I look to the future.

The wonderful thing about me doing these interviews is that I personally learn so much when I am doing them. While I would consider myself an expert and I certainly have a lot to share, there is still always so much more to learn. The only time you have it wrong is when you think you know it all.

Businesses change all the time. You need to keep your mind open to see what changes are coming and how you can adapt your agricultural business to ensure that you can still afford to follow your passions for years to come.

Today's guest shares his story of how his business has evolved over the years to become more efficient and more profitable. Ralph is always looking to the future while learning from the past.

Right click here to download the MP3 to your desktop

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Information you cannot find anywhere else on starting a pick-your-own farm!
• How a passion for gardening turned into a farm & winery
• How value added products can benefit your farm business
• The possibilities a commercial kitchen can open up for your farm to create more products
• Just how labor intensive are grapes?

Interview with Ralph Gorman of White Silo Winery, Sherman, CT

(This is John) I met Ralph by chance by showing up at his door one day and introducing myself as the guy who was going to raise chickens locally that year. Well after introductions we became friends, both with a passion for what we do. Ralph is a wealth of knowledge as well as analytical thinking.

The great thing about Ralph is that he has tried a lot of things to make his farm business profitable. He'll always tell you he's working on it and that it's not perfect yet, even after over a decade in the business.

White Silo Farm is a small specialty winery. Their wine is produced and bottled on premises from farm grown fruit.

Experience the charm of an earlier era by touring the old barn where the winery is located. Visit the fermentation, bottling, and corking rooms where the classical art of wine making has been preserved. Walk the fields or relax in one of our outdoor gardens. Guests are welcome to bring lunches. If you prefer, they also make gourmet box lunches and cheese plates. Advance notice is required for box lunches

Twenty-six years ago their family purchased a portion the spectacular Upland Pastures dairy farm. Their intention was to continue the farming tradition and preserve the land for generations to come. They planted our first crop of raspberries, then blackberries and rhubarb. For the next fifteen years they operated as a pick your own berry farm. In 1990 we opened our winery. The 1800?s dairy barn was renovated and converted to our wine tasting room and production area. In 2010 we planted our first acre of grape vines. They expect to harvest our first small crop of grapes in the fall of 2012. (which they did just before the interview)

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• White Silo Farm and Winery
• The Hopkins Inn (salad dressing mentioned as value added product)
• CT Dept. of AG
• SCORE.org
• Timbercraft Dovetail Drawers

Take aways:

What value added products can you create from stuff you are already growing?

How can you stay ready to adapt to suit the needs of your market?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast iwth $1 a month

I have been highlighting the farms and people that have helped me get a start with my farm this year. After all, I have a lot to thank them for. As I listened back through some of the episodes recently I noticed a glaring omission. Kate!

My wife, Kate, is the reason I am able to do what I am able to do. Even as I write this she is watching our daughter Mabel so I have some time at the computer. She's an incredible person, and this relationship would be nothing without her.

Whether it is your wife, your partner, your co-workers, your volunteers, your CSA members, or your friends, there are a lot of relationships that surround a farm. Maintaining and working at those relationships will be the key to your success.

I have said it many times, you cannot farm alone. Well, you can, it just stinks. You are going to want people around you, and if you want to be productive and successful there are certain things you have to do to keep them happy, as well as keep yourself happy.

On today's episode Kate and I talk about some of the things we do to help keep our relationship healthy. After almost 10 years of being together, 3 of them married, we have put our relationship through just about every test you can imagine. We have come through all of them stronger and closer and we now share that with our daughter.

Today's farm podcast is from the heart, with a practical message. I hope you enjoy and thank you for listening.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• The benefits of good communication
• How the company you keep defines you
• More back-story on the FoodCyclist family
• The difficulties with decision making and following your gut
• Best practices for best relationships

Interview with Kate Suscovich:

My family has been the most important element of starting my farm. My wife Kate the most important and influential of all. I run decisions, ideas, thoughts, concerns, pretty much everything by her. Our relationship has developed and grown a lot over the years and we are happy that we are now growing our family and a new generation of farmer.

Kate holds a Masters of Education and work at a school in town. She is an amazing mother, fantastic support for me, and a great friend to anyone she meets.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• FoodCyclist.com

Take aways:

What can you be doing to better communicate at home and at work (if those two places are not the same)?

Is there someone in life that causes drama, frustration, or unrest? Can you start to phase them out of your life in exchange for someone that is going to enrich your life?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Farming is not something that anyone should have to do alone. I have tried it, it's not great. I strongly feel that the more people you can involve with you farm the happier you will be, also more successful.

You don't always get to choose the people who work with you on your farm. That's often a great thing. When you work as a farm manager under a board of directors that can go either way.  They can either be your best friends, or huge pains in the behinds. In the case of Sullivan Farm, Joe tells us in the interview that he loves working with his board of directors because they bring a diverse skill set to the (farm) table.

In the beginning of the episode I talk about a very important part of farming. That important part is working with people. There are SO many people interested in agriculture these days and not all of them want to get their hands dirty. I mean, it is really hard to find people who want to process chickens with me. Even if they do not want to learn how to properly scald and pluck a pastured chicken, they may be able to help you farm out in other ways.

Whether it is accounting, marketing, grant writing, sign painting or whatever, everyone has something to offer. Your job is to keep their fire burning and find a place where you have a weakness to fill with their strengths. Do not "poo poo" someone's offer of help just because they don't want to play in the dirt with your or they don't know how to fix a tractor. There are too many things to get done, and those things are too diverse in nature.

Oh, and don't feel like you're using people if you accept volunteers. People volunteer all the time at all manner of things. As a farmer we work longer hours than most, we make less money than most, and we face more hardships than most. People are starting to see that, and they are starting to pitch in to make it a little easier. The "system" is kind of built against small farmers, but that doesn't mean the other people living within that system aren't willing to help.

Again, your job, take care of your volunteers. Just because they are not asking for pay doesn't meant you shouldn't give them something. If they are coming for the day, buy them lunch. If it's hot outside provide Gatorade or an ice cream. Think of it this way, if you were to hire someone for the you would at least have to pay them minimum wage. In CT that's $8.25 an hour. For an 8 hour day that's $66. If you buy that person an $8 lunch they still saved you$58. The point is, be willing to accept volunteers, but please take care of them and don't abuse their kindness.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Joe's very interesting start in agriculture
• How to tackle a farm job when you have never done it before
• How to work with a board of directors
• Ways to market your farm online
• How big should you e-mail list be?
• How to increase farm visibility to drive more traffic to your farm stand
• Even non-profits have to think like for-profits
• The most important thing to have as a farmer
• Finding little victories on the farm

Interview with Joe Listro of Sullivan Farm:

Connecticut native, Joe has worked on a variety of farms after his time at the University of Maine.  Joe has been planning and working on the variety of vegetables in the fields, managing and teaching the college and high school workers, apprentice, and interns and all other odds and ends on the farm for the past two seasons.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Sullivan Farm
• Sullivan Farm on Facebook
• Community Farm of Simsbury
• Aweber for E-mail lists (what I use and I love them)

Take aways:

How are you leveraging other people's passions to help grow your agricultural business?

What nice things have you done for your volunteers/workers to thank them?

How are you keeping your "team" motivated?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Education is crucial on the farm, especially as consumers are becoming more aware of what is in their food. Questions are being raised as to whether what we are eating is healthy or not. The public is eager to know just who their farmer is. It is up to you to feed that need, provide the answers your (potential) customers are looking for, and become "their farmer".

On my farm this year I have done, and continue to do a whole lot of education. It is pretty hard to sell someone a whole chicken when they don't know what to do with it once they get it. I not only provide my customers with information on where the chickens come from, how they were raised, and how they meet their end, I also give them advice on what to with with a whole bird once they get it.

Sharing all of this information has helped me not only get customers, but keep them happy. Some of the avenues I use to keep my members in the loop are:

• My farm website
• My Facebook Page
• My CSA pick-up
• On-farm visits

There is another form of farm education that is equally, if not more important. That is simply showing kids how things are done on the farm. The biggest shock to me when I started my investigation of our food system was how ignorant I was. There was this whole other way that I had never really been privy to.

You have the power to effect a generation with your farm. You can give kids that glimpse into the life of a farmer that will give them a deeper appreciation for their food, might encourage them to live healthier, and will have a trickle up (down and all around) effect as they grow up. Who knows, one day they might grow up to start a farm of their own and a podcast to go with it.

My guest today runs a successful Nature Center that helps educate about agriculture and its' effect on the world. The real success if the education the kids and adults are receiving when they visit the Pratt Nature Center. However, seeing as this is the Growing Farms Podcast I asked Diane all about how she got started and how she gets all those kids to attend.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How the Pratt Center got started and what you can learn from that
• How to attract 6,000-7,000 kids a year to your farm
• How to give people achievable goals and why
• What the best type of farm marketing is
• Blogging to bring people to the farm
• Social Media and connecting with your customers
• The importance of collaboration
• Three things you get from nature every day
• Interview with Diane Swanson of the Pratt Nature Center

Diane Swanson joined the Pratt Nature Center as the Program Director in June 2010 and was named the Director in December 2010 and Executive Director in January 2012.  For over 20 years, Diane has been working with the youth of New Milford.

Diane credits her parents for her love of nature.  Her parents, residents of New York City, provided her the opportunity to connect with nature by spending summers and weekends in the New Milford area.  She learned to enjoy nature by digging in the dirt, climbing trees, swimming, building forts and catching frogs.

Diane is looking forward to re-connecting the children, the families and the community with nature and helping them reap the social, emotional and academic benefits that nature provides.

Diane received her  B.A. in Elementary Education from Concordia College, Bronxville, NY in 1990.

The Pratt Nature Center

The Pratt Nature Center is a 201-acre wildlife preserve and environmental education center in Litchfield County, CT. The land is diverse - with a mountain, meadows, woods, wildlife, gardens, farm animals, a stream, a pond, and wetlands, providing wonderful opportunities for outdoor fun, discovery and adventure!

Pratt Nature Center offers hiking, bird-watching, community garden plots and nature education for all ages including programs tailor-made for the classroom or scout troop as well as for family or community enjoyment and learning

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• The Pratt Nature Center
• New Milford School's Walking Project
• The Grass Whisperer
• FoodCyclist Farm
• Creating a farm website
• Pratt Nature Center's Blog
• The Pratt Nature Center on Facebook

Take aways:

What are you doing to educate your customers? Are you on Social Media? Do you have a website?

How could you benefit from opening up your farm (more) to visitors to allow for teachable moments?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

"Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try." - Gail Devers

That statement is so simple, and so very true. I am 28 years old and I feel like I have already accomplished so much in my life. I have lived in New York City after growing up in Connecticut. I worked for the "King of All Media". Competed as a road bicycle racer in Manhattan. Married the woman of my dreams. Rode a bicycle across the United States (with dream-woman-wife-lady). Fed 1,000 people for a summer working on an organic farm. I started a successful farm of my own from scratch. And I now have a healthy beautiful daughter.

Those are some of the larger accomplishments. They all happened because I decided to do something with my life. Those who never get off the couch and "try" have no right to complain that life is boring.

I am not saying that you have to ride your bicycle 5,500 miles visiting family farms (though I highly recommend it).  My dreams are not everyone's dreams, that is what makes them unique. I am saying that you should find something you are passionate about and pursue it.

Was it easy? Hell no. Some of those decisions were no-brainers, and some took me years to act on, but act I did.

Will you fail at some things? Absolutely, but not always.

Will people put you down, call you stupid, "poo poo" your dreams, and treat you like a fool? For sure.

Will there be times where you hate what you are doing and you will wish for your old life back? Haha, yeah, but those times don't happen too often.

Is it all worth it? With all of my heart and from a place of having done it myself, YES! Good or bad, it is worth every second.

You will never know if you do not try.  It is both simple and horribly complex. When it comes down to it, your life is what you make it. If you wait until retirement you life will pass you by and you will be too old to do some of the things you wanted.

"But John, I don't have money. I have kids. I have a house. I have obligations. I can't because of this. I cannot because of that." There are a million reasons to say no to something. And at least one good reason to say yes, because YOU want to.

I know a family who bicycled around SouthEast Asia for six months. Husband, wife, and two little girls who were toddlers at the time. Kate and I afforded to bike across the states because we lived off peanut butter and jelly and illegally camped in the woods. If you really want to do something you will find a way to make it work.

I have been intensely fortunate in life. If you use my fortune (which was not financial fortune) as a comparison to your own life then that's just another reason you are creating to stay in your safe zone. I believe that good things happen to and for me because I work my a** off to bring good to the world. The fact that the world sees fit to give good back makes me work that much harder.

This farm podcast episode and my show notes here are purposefully passionate. I put my heart into everything I do. I hope that you come away from this with some of my fire and some of my energy to do good in your life, and for the lives of others.

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• ...that I have the most beautiful new daughter in the world!
• Pursuing your passions is one way to a happy and fulfilling life
• How to get past nay-sayers
• The good, the bad, and the ugly of following your dreams
• Even I am behind on paperwork as running a farm in July is getting the best of me
• What to do when your chickens die
• Why I made the decision to change farm locations
• How to find others that share your dream(s)

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• FoodCyclist.com
• FoodCyclist on Facebook
• Synergistic Acres
• Food Cycle Farm

Take aways:

What would you do if you had no other obligations in life?

What is keeping you from doing it? ...and how can you change that?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

If you want to succeed as a small (or large) business you have to market your products. The only problem with farm is that the margins can get pretty slim. That is when us crafty folks break out the guerrilla marketing techniques and find out way into free or cheap media exposure.

In today's episode I share a story about some free media attention that I received this year that led to me landing a place to farm, getting me some customers, and giving me a little security about land in the future. You can find my press release and article a little further down in the show notes.

Even if you cannot find the time to send press releases now or to really put out any marketing, you should be taking pictures. The pictures you take now while your farm is in full bloom with come in handy when you are getting press out of season. I walk you through some basic photo editing on my farm photo page here.

I bring on the show an experienced farmer and journalist Troy Bishopp the Grass Whisperer. Troy brings a great knowledge-set to the podcast with both perspectives from being a farmer and working in the media. This episode is a "must listen" if you want to get some free exposure for your farm.

Right click to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to build relationships with media personal
• Tools for making it easy on the reporter and getting your story across
• How to prepare for an interview
• How to put the power of the interview into your hands
• What to do when you feel like you have "no comment"
• Using editorials to get free press
• Creating soundbites to grab attention and where to put them
• Cute sells!
• How to be a farm advocate
• Return On Investment (ROI) from media exposure

Troy Bishopp the Grass Whisperer:

It is not every day you make a friend from complete stranger. Troy came to my farm to learn a little more about what I do and to get some help creating videos and to be on the podcast. Given that I was horrifically sick when he got here, Troy turned into more of a savior than a guest.

Since Troy's time on my farm picking up my slack we have kept in touch to compare notes and just keep in touch. Troy is a great guy and I respect the balance of professionalism and goofiness that he brings to the tables.

In farming you learn the most from other farmers. All advice comes with a grain of salt and not everyone's advice will work for you. I have spoken with hundreds of farmers of the years and I have found out one thing about Troy. When he talks, you listen.

The thing about the Grass Whisperer is that he not only wants to farm, he wants other people to farm and is willing to work toward that. He strives to inspire and educate as well as practice what he preaches.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• The Grass Whisperer
• Toastmasters International
• FoodCyclist.com
• Farm Marketing FREE Photography Help
• Google Analytics (my post on it)
• My Press Release January 2013
• FoodCyclist in the news: Cover
• FoodCyclist in the news: Article Continued

Take aways:

What would more exposure do for your farm? Increase sales?

Are you prepared for an interview should an opportunity present itself?

What would you want to get out of more exposure?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

I had a hard time with the title of this podcast because I couldn't decided whether I should write that I have big news AND the Grass Whisperer came to visit my farm, or it IS the big news that the Grass Whisperer came to my farm. It was a tough call because it sure was great having Troy on my farm.

There was a bunch of big news preceding the interview with Troy Bishopp the Grass Whisperer. The first is that I got a job. That's right, I took a job, and I am super excited about it. I am going to be the a farm manager and operations director for a farm that is starting a brewery and distillery in addition to their pastured egg operation.

Over the next month I will be moving my entire farm operation to their land where I can run my chickens and fulfill my work obligations to the new farm at the same time. Sure it is going to be a lot of work making the transition, but I will manage.

I just love that I can keep my business and make some extra money on the side. Takes a little pressure off me, and I really think it is a match made in heaven with this farm.

Farm podcast every other week!

That's right, I am scaling back. I am finding the farm, the baby coming, and the new job to be a lot of work (who knew?) Since the podcast is currently not generating any revenue, and it takes me a lot of time to put it together only to give it out for free, I am going to start putting up episodes every other Tuesday.

This will break a few hearts, and completely not effect others. I love doing the show, and I will always continue, but I think for the time being less is more. Besides, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get guests as they are all out in the fields working.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Grazing cattle for other farmers
• What is a "grass backgrounder"?
• What type of electric fence charger you should be using.
• Putting together a grazing management plan.
• The importance of writing things down.
• Planning for fun.

Interview with Troy Bishopp The Grass Whisperer

It was an absolute pleasure having Troy come down for two days. I was really sick those days and was still going to do all the chicken chores, but The Grass Whisperer was in town.

I learned a lot from having Troy on the farm. I hope he picked up a thing or two from me ass well.

Here's an excerp from his page.

Welcome Consumers and Friends of Grass-Based Agriculture.  This little farmer friendly website is an extension of the passion we feel for pastures.

It is brought to you by a 5th generation family farm with "roots" firmly planted in sustainable agriculture and a committment towards showing what CAN be done. Our farm family goal guides decisions:  We strive for a stress-free life. We want our topsoil covered by diverse pastures harvested by animals, thus recycling solar energy and activating biological life to provide a sustainable profit. We want to regenerate our community with local food. We want to create a savannah for wildlife. We want to create a place for the next generation to thrive.

The writings, speeches, pictures and meat produced around this foundation of keeping the land covered with forage and speaking up for agriculutre is a tribute to our ancestor's hard work and compassion for the people of our community.  We are excited about promoting a"Sunshine in every Bite" campaign that will spur everyone to appreciate the financial, environmental and social benefits of a tasty pasture-based system while growing new farm families.  Your comments are welcome.

Items mentioned in this podcast include:

• The Grass Whisperer
• On Pasture
• Holistic Management Internatinal
• FoodCyclist Farm
• Food Cycle Farm
• Lancaster Farming
• Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District
• Central New York Resource Conservation and Development Grazing Charts
• Upper Susquehanna Coalition AG Team
• Savory Institute
• SARE, Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education

Take aways:

Are you planning fun into your farm plan?

Are you keeping records and making projections so that someone else can help out if something happens to you?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

It can be awkward, weird, tough, and uncomfortable to mix family and business. It can also be great. Any which way you do it you need to get everything in writing, and keep all the details straight.

I will be the first to admit, Kate and I have not been as up on this as we should be. There is a lot we have talked about, but we haven't been so good about putting it down on paper. I find in general getting things down on paper when times are good gives you something to fall back on when times are bad. Even if it just an answer to the question, "Why did we even do this in the first place?"

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to hire and fire your own children
• How to prepare for when someone kicks the bucket
• Tools for productive meetings
• The "deadly Ds"
• Educating not humiliating, building bridges
• Why someone else is not always the problem
• Preparing for bad times during the good times

Interview with Jolene Brown Iowa grain farmer and professional speaker

Jolene Brown will have you laughing while you learn! She’s an award winning communicator, and an honored recipient of the Certified Speaking Professional, the highest earned designation of speaking achievement worldwide! She's known as a Champion for Agriculture whether from the platform, in the magazines, on television, or on the radio.

She is a walking-talking spokesperson and consultant for the family-owned business. With her keen insight and result-centered approach, she's been invited to sit at lots of kitchen tables and family business meeting rooms. Jolene has learned what works and what doesn't. She understands the unique challenges facing parents, siblings, in-laws and "outlaws" who work together. Jolene's popular book, Sometimes You Need More Than a 2x4!, contains how-to-tips so those in agriculture can increase productivity, profitability and peace of mind.

As co-owner and active partner on their Eastern Iowa corn and soybean farm, her practical experience includes plugging a grain auger, hypnotizing chickens and entertaining folks behind the equipment parts counter.

Jolene cares deeply about the ag industry and is on a mission to share leading-edge best practices.  She's a passionate supporter, promoter and champion for the people who feed, clothe and fuel the world.

Her worldwide audiences appreciate her fun-filled humor and real-life stories.  They leave with take home value, great big smiles on their faces and eager to return for more.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Jolene Brown
• Sometimes You Need More Than a 2x4
• FoodCyclist Farm

Take aways:

Do you have a plan in case the worst happens?

How does your family function as a business? Have you detailed it in writing?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast for $1 a month

Time and money. Never feels like there is enough of either. Wouldn't it be great if we could all have a little more time in our day. Perhaps you could use it to spend time with family, grow more crops, or herd more cattle. Who knows? The point is, we need a way to make the most out of our waking and working hours on the farm.

That is where efficiency comes in. Becoming more efficient at what you are doing on the farm will make you more productive  you will get more done. Being able to get more things done would be huge.

I know there are things I would love to do for my business and in my personal life, but I just do not have the time. I do not have the time because I have some inefficiencies in my work routine. I spend a lot of time thinking about this as I am out in the field.

In today's episode I discuss what some of my inefficiencies are and what my plans are to change them. I also talk more about my farm and how I am doing with sales and production.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• How to recognize inefficiencies in your farm plan
• How to teach volunteers without offending them
• What my day-to-day looks like on my chicken farm
• What the importance is with efficiency
• Efficiency vs. Effectiveness

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• FoodCyclist Farm
• Fort Hill Farm
• White Silo Winery

Take aways:

What can you be doing to make your farm more efficient?

What would you do with a few extra minutes/hours in a day?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
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• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Starting and running a farm is no small task no matter who you are. You can plan until your heart's content, but there are variables and things will inevitably change. That doesn't have to be a bad thing though. You will learn a lot through farming, about farming itself, and about who you are and what you are capable of.

I will be honest with you. I feel like I am constantly behind. I have three weeks worth of things that needed to get done yesterday. It wasn't for lack of planning on my part. I did a ton of planning. You can listen to the beginning episodes of the podcast. But, even though I had a well-laid plan, things have changed.

Everything takes longer than you expect (plan for that). The weather happens, outside forces happen, family happens, sh** happens (especially with 480 chickens). The best thing you can do is to stay positive, still have a plan, and do you best to become a success.

When you are just starting up you want to do a lot of testing. You will be testing what plants grow best, what feed your animals like the best, and you will be testing the market to see what sells the best. I know farmers that never thought they would get into the type of farming they are in now. However, they are good farmers And good farmers are good business people. they listen to what their customers are telling them and they respond with an awesome product.

With all that testing you are not going to want to buy all the infrastructure right away, even if you are able to. Beg, borrow, and steal (don't steal, it's just an expression) until you know two things.

1. You have a market to sell what you are doing.
2. You love what you are doing.

If you find out the market is going one way after you bought everything and set it all up, you're going to end up with either a pile of equipment that you cannot use, or worse a pile of product that might rot.

Boot-strapping is not just about saving money. It is about making sure you have the right tools for the right job.

Right click to download MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Connecting with customers through "new media" (Social Media)
• How to find the resources you need for your farm
• The benefits of boot-strapping
• Good "old fashioned" farm marketing techniques
• How to make yourself present in a community when starting a farm
• How to keep yourself sane when times get tough

Interview with Nathan Winters of Hill Hollow Farm Petersburg, NY

Hill Hollow Farm is a beautiful, family owned and operated, small-scale farm located in Petersburgh, NY.  As family members we work together and support each other in our farming endeavors. Currently the farm produces grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and poultry and operates an organic vegetable CSA.

On our farm we believe in leaving the land more fertile than when we found it. This means that anything that goes into our soil needs to be beneficial for the entire biosphere of the farm, from the songbirds to the microbes. As we harness the nutrients in the soil to grow the vegetables in our garden and the grass in our pasture, we also return nutrients to provide continuous stability. Our goal is to encourage people to break free of the industrial food model, enjoy and restore the art and value of cooking, share meals together and buy food that is in line with their values and that enhances our soils, keeps the interest of our future generations at heart and provides optimal nutrition.

Our Basic Values:

• Everyone deserves good food. Organic and natural food should be available at an affordable price.
• We farm in a way that is sustainable and restorative to the soils we occupy.
• Animals raised for meat are treated with compassion and are eaten and sold with dignity and are raised in a manner that is as close to their natural environments as possible.
• We strive to build symbiotic relationships with all of the humans, plants and animals that exist on the farm.
• We believe that the core component to bringing back the value in social capital, local economy and community involvement is local food production. We all must eat and therefore food has and always will be the one thing that connects us all together.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Hill Hollow Farm
• Applecheek Farm
• Tantre Farm
• FoodCyclist Farm
• Farms with a Future by Rebecca Thistlethwaite (affiliate link)
• Hill Hollow Farm Pictures (pretty cool)

Take aways:

Do you have at least a rough plan that your follow?

Where is your business headed next? Do you have the resources to get there? If not, do you know where to find them?

If you don't mind helping me reach people:

Positive reviews in iTunes help be a lot. Other farmers are searching for this type of information and your endorsement helps me reach them. Would you mind taking a second and signing into iTunes to leave me a 5 star review. Hay, I might even read your feedback on the show. Here's the link.

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Click to Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes Feed)
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Branding is super important to your agricultural business whether you are on one acre or one thousand. Branding is not just for the big guys. These days people are even developing personal brands to clearly define how the are represented in the world.

I have worked on developing my brand for years. I have stumbled, fumbled, and walked blindly through a mess of unclear definition(s) to reach the point where I am today. This episode is to help you not waste the same time that I did when it comes to developing your farm's brand.

Defining the fundamentals of why you are farming and what your farm means to you and your customers is the most crucial step when starting your farm business. You brand is your business, plain and simple.

Right click to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• What a brand actually is
• How you can start to define and develop your farm brand
• Branding is not just for large corporations
• How to choose a farm name
• Define your customers tangible and intangible motivations
• Defining the similarities and differences in your competition and how to leverage it
• How to better rank in search engines with your farm website

Interview with Myrna Greenfield of Good Egg Marketing

Good Egg Marketing is a Massachusetts-based business that specializes in promoting good food and good causes.  Good Egg was hatched by Myrna Greenfield, a seasoned marketer with a passion for sharing good food, helping people, and making marketing fun.

A “good egg” is a phrase that is typically used to describe a “good person,” someone who likes to help others.

A good egg is also an egg that is safe to eat and tastes good. And any egg that deserves to be called good should also be humanely and sustainably produced. Good Egg Marketing aspires to be all of these things: helpful, safe, tasty (tasteful), humane and sustainable. Good Egg clients are based in Massachusetts and nationally, and include farms and food enterprises, small businesses, nonprofits, and consultants. Founder and “Top Egg” Myrna Greenfield works with associates in graphic design, web development, video production, and social media to create effective, affordable marketing campaigns.While Good Egg Marketing is particularly devoted to working with businesses and organizations that produce, provide or promote delicious, healthy, sustainable food for all, it offers services to anyone who is a good egg.

Greenfield has worked in the food and beverage, publishing, health care, and hi-tech industries, and was employee #1 at Equal Exchange, a Fair Trade coffee company. She’s the former director of Communications and Campaigns at Oxfam America and served at many other non-profits, including the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Fenway Community Health, and the Child Care Resource Center.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Good Egg Marketing
• Pesco-Vegtarian Times
• VistaPrint for printed marketing materials
• FoodCyclist Farm
• Fiverr.com
• Creating your own farm website, free tutorial

Take aways:

Have you clearly defined what your story is?

If you have, how are you telling that story to your customers? Is it effectively reaching the right people?

Do you have a farm website to help you tell your story?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Click to Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes Feed)
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Setting up your farmers' market stand or roadside stand can be a daunting task. This is your point of sale. It is at this place where you will finally see some return for all the hard work you have put into your farm during the week. How you represent yourself and your farm with your farm stand is how your customer is going to perceive your products.

60% of a customers' opinion of food quality in restaurants is based on the retail environment.

You are trying to compete with "the big guys". Most often this is a supermarket or large grocery store. Well, the people selling their goods in there are using every trick in the book to get people to buy their products. If you want to compete with them (even if it is not in the store) why wouldn't you do everything possible to encourage more sales.

In this week's agricultural podcast episode we talk about what you can do to make your farm stand more appealing.

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• What visual food marketing is
• What to keep in mind when creating signage
• Where to focus your visual marketing efforts
• Ideas for your farmers' market table
• How to excite your customer and create a memorable experience
• What leads to repeat business

Jonathan Raduns of MerchandiseFood.com

Jonathan has a well rounded background in the food industry that spans retail sales, management, merchandising, restaurant operations and wholesale food manufacturer marketing.  Jonathan is known for his innovative, creative, and clean approach to creating displays that build customer experiences in food courts and restaurants which lead to impulse purchases and greater sales.

He has extensive merchandising and management experience with one of the world’s most awarded retail merchandisers, Wegmans Food Markets.  In this capacity he focused on specialty products and grew in-store organic produce sales by 25% through his unique use of food merchandising.

He holds a specialized degree in Food Marketing and Distribution from Rochester Institute of Technology.  Jonathan has authored and delivered training programs for numerous groups in Metro New York City and the Hudson River Valley.

Leading by example, creativity and vision, he’s a highly motivational consultant who’s a real pleasure to work with.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• MerchandiseFood.com
• FreshXperts.com
• FoodCyclist Farm

Take aways:

How are you going to set up your farm stand to increase profitability this year?

What can you change with how you are visually presenting your food that could result in more sales?

Is your farm name clearly visible from across the market? How do people identify you?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
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• Support the podcast with $1 a month

By necessity entrepreneurs have to accomplish a lot in a relatively short amount of time. There are so many things to balance when starting a farm or growing your current farm business if you do not keep organized and focused you are doomed from the start.

Early on I created a plan for how I saw my farm going. I started at 20 years out and worked backwards to present day. I have a dream that I would like to realize and I see that dream taking shape every day around me. It is not an easy road, but there are certain tools and techniques you can use to make that road a little less bumpy. A strategic farm business plan is one of them.

"To achieve great things two things are needed. A plan and not quite enough time." -Leonard Bernstein

In this episode of the Growing Farms Podcast I bring on Scott Graves, an agricultural businessman with a passion for the arts. Scott and I discuss farm business plans, things to look for when you want to expand or rejuvenate your business, and a whole lot more.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Why reflection is an important part of business planning
• How to prioritize the many tasks you have to get done on and off farm
• Why multi-tasking is BS and approaching one project at a time
• Growing your farm business sustainably
• Building social capitol
• The benefit of thoroughly defining your demographics
• Understanding your farm products
• Improving efficiency

Interview with Scott Graves of SM Graves Creative Associates

Scott’s focus on strategic business capabilities have been garnered through experience in executive management, education and advocacy.  In addition to credentials as a sales and marketing professional,  Scott is a licensed property and casualty insurance professional, CLCS. SMGraves Creative Associates allows Scott and his team members the ability to  offer their services to clients as part of a concerted effort which increases the quality of results for their clients.  His unique combination of creative, strategic and functional perspective make him a powerful and trusted advisor.

Scott has successfully assisted organizations to achieve their goals representing financial services, arts and culture, health and human services, rental/retail and education. He is a former executive director, music educator and performing artist, recognized as a leader in business and creative expression.

Scott is Vice President, Board of Directors for the GVNA HealthCare, a dedicated Rotarian at the local and district level and Chairman, Board of Directors for EPHAS (Every Person Has A Story), currently training 2000 students in photo-journalism, documentary work and entrepreneurship in the US and ten countries.  Scott participates in the development of regional projects addressing some of Massachusetts toughest issues including economic development, access to music education and teen substance abuse.

Scott resides in Central Massachusetts with his wife Christine, daughters Abigail and Marcella.  They happily while away the hours growing their own food, traveling by bicycle and generally laughing, playing and reading together.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

 

• The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

 

• Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace

Take aways:

Do you have a well thought out farm plan?

What do you see as the future of your agricultural enterprise?

Who are you selling to? Can you answer that question in detail?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Farming is an emotional roller coaster. I feel like sometimes there is a long climb to the top emotionally, then a sharp fall before you start the climb up again. In between you might go for a few loops, hit a few bumps, and maybe go through a tunnel and lose direction for a bit.

When you are riding the roller coaster you might look to other farms for advice, inspiration, and perspective. It is a natural thing to do, it can be a healthy thing to do, and I highly recommend that you do it. However, proceed with caution. Good or bad, not every farm story is what it is cracked up to be.

In this farm podcast episode I discuss the two types of stories you are likely to hear when you start to compare yourself to other farms. They both have their good and their bad elements. The trick is to take a story for what it is, know that your story is different, and make sure your realize that there is much more than the words on the page.

I want to reiterate that I am not saying the farmers who get articles printed wherever they get them printed are lying. Far from it. All I am saying is that they are doing the best to represent the best side(s) of their farm, as they should. My word of caution applies only if you are a farmer and you are comparing yourself to something you have read.

Right click here to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• The appropriate distance from your customers based on their feedback.
• The two types of farm stories you are likely to hear.
• The benefits of marketing before you own the farm.
• Common roadblocks for poultry producers.
• Blogging to build an audience.
• Farm research methods.
• How and when to move the cow.

Interview with Jeff & Laura Hamons of Synergistic Acres, Parker, KS

Synergistic Acres is lovingly managed by Jeff and Laura Hamons along with the help of their beautiful daughters. The farm is located in Parker, KS a pleasant 45 minute drive from Kansas City.

Their journey to owning a farm was not what you might consider a normal path to farming.  They did not grow up on a farm or even have any farmers in their known heritage.  Instead, their path to farming comes from a strong belief in the importance of people having access to healthy food and wanting to make that more accessible to people living in the Kansas City Area.

One of the reasons they have chosen to focus our efforts on the farm in growing meat instead of vegetables or other farm produce is the belief they have that animals can be raised humanely and happily and that farming does not have to involve the cruel and thoughtless care that many farm animals live today.  They ensure that their animals live their lives in as natural an environment as they can provide on the farm and that all of the necessities for a happy life are provided for them.  This will not only grow happier animals, but also healthier animals.  Animals that are healthier when they are living are healthier when we eat them. So cows are fed only grass and live their entire lives on pasture.  Pigs are given a mixture of woods and pasture in large paddocks so they can live and breed in a natural environment.  Their laying hens are allowed to free range in the pastures all day long filling up on nutritious and delicious insects and bugs.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Synergistic Acres Farm, Parker, KS
• Synergistic Acres on Facebook
• Nature's Harmony Farm Sustainable Farm School
• Laura's article on using chicken feet
• SquareSpace
• My article on creating an inexpensive and simple farm website

Take aways:

Have you taken the time recently to stop and appreciate what you do?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Support the podcast with $1 a month

You customers have to know why they are spending money on your product. Just because you know it is awesome, does not necessarily mean that they know it. That is where education based marketing comes into play.

Consumers are getting sold to almost 24 hours a day. Selling based marketing is dying. There are so many products out on the market that consumers are looking for more information about the products they buy. That is particularly evident in the food industry. Education around food is not only something that is becoming a necessity, but it also a popular thing to do now as well.

With "know your farmer know your food" almost becoming a badge of honor among foodies, it is our job as the farmers to educate those consumers so they have the right information when bragging to their friends. There are so many reasons to share your story, and as a agricultural business marketing and sales should be at the top of the priority list.

In this agricultural podcast I talk about the efforts I am making to tell my story, and how educating my customers is paying off for me. I then interview the director of marketing at Pete & Gerry's Organic Eggs on the strategies they are using to educate their customers.

Right click to download MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Listen to your market to determine your marketing message
• Using social media to connect with your farm customers
• Making use of user generated content to enhance your farm's online presence
• Measuring marketing success through consumer activity online
• Partnering with like-minded companies
• Survive in business by specializing
• Being a values-driven company

Interview with Karl Johnson of Pete & Gerry's Organic Eggs

"I'll never work on another egg farm," Karl said when he got out of his high school job. He then finds himself years later working for another egg farm and loving every second of it. If you ever get the chance to meet the folks (and the chickens) at Pete & Gerry's you'd understand why he likes being there.

Karl came out of retirement to work at Pete & Gerry's as their director of marketing. 'I am working as hard now as I ever have," hey laughs. When you hear of all the innovative marketing strategies he has implemented including social media to engage customers and measure marketing results, you would never guess that this guy was even close to retirement age.

Besides being talented at his job, Karl is an all around great guy. I have had the pleasure of working with him for a number of years as P&G has supported Kate and I through our journeys. He is a great interviewee and a good friend.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs
• Pete and Gerry's Facebook
• Pete and Gerry's Pinterest
• Applegate Farms
• Stonyfield Organics
• Barowsky's Organic English Muffins
• Life is Good Festival
• Strolling of the Heifers
• GFP 003: Jesse LaFlamme Interview
• YouTube Video "How to start a farm with no money"

Take aways:

How are you educating your customers? Do they know why they should buy from you?

Are you measuring you marketing successes?

How can you use social media to connect with your cusomters?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Click to Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes Feed)
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Getting exposure from the press can be either a good thing or a bad thing. I'm not talking about being caught out for a scandal or something like that, I am talking about being unprepared for that media exposure. Disregarding any bad press you might receive, and I hope that you never have cause to receive any, I want focus on how you can make the most out of the good media exposure.

I have gotten good press across the country. On radio, television, and various forms of print. The honest fact is, it is not that hard. Sure, there is some luck and skill involved with getting your name to appear in the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal, I'll save that blog post for when I have accomplished that feat myself. I am talking about local news.

Local newspapers and local television stations want to print an upbeat story every now and again. Since you are a farmer selling locally, this is the media outlet you want to hit. After all, you are selling to the locals.

In this farm podcast I go over what you should do before you approach the press with a story. Below I detail a few ways I have found success getting local press across the country.

Right click to download the MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• It is never too late or too early to "grow bolder"
• Three things to keep in mind when preparing for a media interview (in particular radio)
• How to think when you are behind the microphone
• Some strategies for better articulation
• Creating a sales funnel and why it is necessary

Interview with Me, John Suscovich on the Growing Bolder Radio Show

A few years ago the producers at Growing Bolder contacted me after I had some other press appearances. Given the tone of the show I was excited to be a guest. The hosts Marc Middleton and Bill Schafer are top-knotch interviewers and I really enjoy their show.

I especially wanted to share this interview and highlight Growing Bolder because I feel like their program and project hit at the heart of why a lot of us get into farming. We are adventurous, courageous, and at times down-right crazy. Friends and family might judge, society might stick it's chin up, but at the end of the day we love what we do. We are farmers, and we are bolder!

I always enjoy talking with Marc and Bill. If you have a good story to tell I am sure they would be happy to have you on the show. If nothing else, I recommend listening in on a few shows if you have the time.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• FoodCyclist Farm (and my cute chickens)
• Growing Bolder Radio Show
• Alastair Humphreys
• PoopSenders.com

How to get the media to talk to you in the first place:

One word, confidence.

Everyone has some kind of interesting story in their life. Especially if you are a farmer now-a-days. I am guessing that you are if you are reading this. There are as many possibilities as their are farms. Whether the farm has been in your family for 200 years and you are restoring the old buildings, or you just got out of college and you are going to live in a tent and work land that someone let you squat on for free, there are all types of stories out there, you just have to have confidence that your story is a good one.

When I approach media I have a purpose in mind. A problem that needs solving. No matter what media outlet you decide to pursue, they are always going to put their spin and their flare on it, just accept that. Their flare aside, know what you want to get out of the situation.

My Example

This winter I was searching for farm land, as you know if you have listened to all of the episodes. I also just launched the podcast. I wanted to find farmland in my area, and get exposure for the podcast. I found a template for a one page press release online (here's a link to random one) and wrote my one page story.

My problem: young farmer needs land

Interesting hook: young farmer starts his own radio show

The newspaper had a way to help me with publishing an article. Not only did it help me, but because of the article many people got in touch with me, and got in touch with the paper with solutions.

I sent my press release out to two or three area newspapers, and low and behold the biggest paper in my State was the one to get back to me. They sent a reporter to my house, we spoke for two hours. They sent a photographer as well. Within a week I was the front page story with a lot of color photos.

In the past I used "problems" like raising money for a worthy charity, with an interesting hook of riding a bike across the country.

The return on investment.

I got several leads on land (which I now am using) and I developed a relationship with a reporter at the paper. Brynn if you're reading this you are an incredibly talented writer and thank you for the article. I also got some CSA customers out of the article, not a bad side effect.

Don't Forget!

I am always looking for people to interview. I haven't had problems finding people yet, but I really want to highlight my listeners if I can. Please get in touch and we will schedule a time to talk. Thanks!

Take Aways:

Do you know your farm business enough to describe it in one sentence?

Are you confident "behind the microphone"?

What would getting on the local radio station do for your farm business?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Click to Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes Feed)
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Farming certainly keeps you on your toes. Just when you think everything is going your way, life throws you a curve ball. That's certainly alright. It is not what happens to you, it is how you deal with it. I was recently thrown a curve ball regarding a delivery and storage of 4,000 pounds of chicken feed. It's alright, I dealt with it, well, I'm dealing with it, and I talk about that a little in today's farm podcast episode.

It is not just the weather and unfortunate circumstances that keep you on your toes. Owning and operating a farm business will exercise your mind in ways that you never imagined. Part of owning and operating that business is farm marketing. Actually it's a serious part of your business. Marketing is about making more money. It is about selling products. It is also about building a community around your farm that involves not only your customers, but like-minded businesses as well.

Right Click Here to Download the MP3 File

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• An instant cash source for your farm
• The best time for sending out e-mails
• Strategies for getting media exposure
• What "glamping" is
• Why you should market your marketing efforts
• When you should be building your e-mail list
• The power of delegation

Interview Billiam Von Roestenberg of Liberty View Farm, Hudson, NY

Billiam van Roestenberg left the Big Apple behind to purchase Liberty View Farm in 1999. His innovation "Lease a Tree" naturally brings a greater awareness and connection between farmer and consumer. The success of this unique farm experience has garnished a lot of attention including Travel + LeisureMagazine "America's Top Ten Apple Picking Farm." Farmer Billiam & Farmer Rene’s organically grown apple orchard is one of the few in the Northeast.

Billiam organized the Historic Same Sex Weddings in New Paltz, NY where he was the first same sex couple married east of San Fransisco. In that same year of 2004 he ran for political office.  In 2000 he became Vice Chair of the Democratic Committee in Southern Ulster County; and sat on the Zoning Board of Appeals for 5 years.

Billiam has been featured on television, many newspapers, magazines and books. A community farm activist he currently sits on the Board of Eat Local Food. Billiam can be heard on his radio show and his blogs, "The Frugal Farmer" and "Cultivating Community and Farmers", where he speaks to the importance of being politically involved. Recently he was voted and won a national recognition by the Huffington Post.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Liberty View Farm
• E-Mail Marketing with Aweber (it's what I use)
• QR Code Creator
• Air B&B
• Union Square Farmers' Market
• Morrison Feeds

How to use free QR codes:

1. Go to this page: http://www.qrstuff.com/ (or any similar site)
2. Fill in the necessary fields.
3. Download your QR code image.
4. Add that QR code into your marketing materials, or use it to send people on a self-guided tour of your farm.

Take aways:

Are you working with others to market your farm?

Can't get into a farmers' market? Ever thought of starting your own?

Sick of telling the same story a million times? What have you done to tell your story besides speak it yourself?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

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• Click to Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes Feed)
• Support the podcast with $1 a month

Your farm products, your farm, and you the farmer all have something in common. You should all be presented in a clean and organized manor to help increase sales. There are so many reasons to keep a clean farm. Efficiency, marketing, and peace of mind are just a few.

You cannot necessarily expect top dollar when you are not willing to present the best side of yourself, your products, and your farm at all times. With me starting a farm on a shoestring budget I am struggling to get the farm clean, neat, and organized before I have any customers come and see it. It's a diamond in the rough, and I need to get some polish on it.

Today's farm podcast covers this very topic.

Right Click to Download MP3

In this farm podcast you will learn:

• Dairy goats in places you never expected
• How to keep goats in (haha)
• What is the busy season on a California goat farm?
• A reason to start your own business
• Explore different marketing avenues
• Soil Maps, Get in the know before it is too late

Interview with Sarah Hawkins of Castle Rock farm, Vacaville, CA

Castle Rock Farm, home of ADGA, and AGS registered Nigerian Dwarf goats, various laying hens, one guard llama, an Armenian Gampr (livestock guardian dog) and the best Border Collie, Evah.

Sarah and Andy are located in the rolling hills of northern Vacaville, on the Western edge of the Great Central Valley with Sacramento to their East, Napa & San Francisco to their West.

Items mentioned in this farm podcast include:

• Castle Rock Farm, Vacaville, CA
• Castle Rock's Facebook Page
• NRCS Soil Maps
• FoodCyclist Farm Blog
• Farm Marketing Solutions on Facebook
• Growing Farms Podcast on iTunes

Take aways:

What can you do this year to make your farm a more beautiful and organized place?

What can you change on a "day to day" basis to increase efficiency?

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My skills are ever-evolving as an interviewer. Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show.

• Click to subscrible to iTunes
• Click to Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes Feed)
• Support the podcast with $1 a month