This week we talk about high tunnels with Nicolas Donck who owns 28!

He’s not going for high tech, he goes for low tech, a minimum viable product.

He’s going to share a lot about his winter growing techniques.

If you have any sort of protected culture on your farm, or are interested in experimenting with some, this episode is for you.

Nicolas can be reached on the web on Instagram @CrystalOrganicFarm and via his website here.

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Darby discusses how to take advantage of the winter break to plan out your farm season so you can hit the ground running in the spring.  

Interested in starting your own farm?  

Not sure where to start?

Want to take your farm to the next level?

Learn more with Grassfed Life Courses:

https://farm-business-essentials.teachable.com/courses

or visit https://www.grassfedlife.co

CBD hemp - the what, the why, the how, and the economics of raising hemp on a small scale farm?

Rand Gifford grew a crop of CBD hemp on his farm in NC this year. He learned a ton along the way. He sells to 5 different locations and is starting to make value-added products through his own brand.

In this interview, he shares with us the details of what this production looks like on his farm and why you might consider growing it. 

You can find Rand on the web at his farm’s website; Akira Botanicals. He also has a YouTube channel at Greenshine Farmers, which he started back from the beginning of their farm. You can follow him on Instagram @AkiraBotanicals and @GreenshineFarms.

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Darby answers a question about which chicken tractor design is the best?

Learn more with Grassfed Life Courses:

https://farm-business-essentials.teachable.com/courses

How much should you be making as an owner/operator of a small scale farm?

Of course, context is important - but where should the center of the bell curve lay?

Heath Emerson recently made an Instagram posing this question. In this episode, he talks about that post and also discusses some of the details of the practical in the field side of managing the expenses and production on a farm in this episode.

If you want to follow along with what Heath Emerson is doing you can find him at BroadForkAcres.com and on Instagram @broadforkacres.

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

What does running a small farm really look like from a business perspective?  How much money can you make, how much work is it, and what does your lifestyle look like?  This episode was inspired by an Instagram post put up by Taylor Mendell who talks to us about answering these questions.

Taylor runs a small roughly one-acre farm in Vermont with her husband, selling through a CSA and farmers' markets.

Follow Taylor:

https://www.instagram.com/habitfarming/

https://www.instagram.com/footprintfarm

https://www.patreon.com/habitfarming

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Darby and I talk about his actual experience trying to set up several fiefdoms on his farm and managing one.  Are they a great or terrible idea?  Darby will share his thoughts on what worked, what didn't and what he wished he did better. 

Interested in starting your own farm?  

Not sure where to start?

Want to take your farm to the next level?

Learn more with Grassfed Life Courses:

https://farm-business-essentials.teachable.com/courses

Is no-till farming actually worth it?

Is the amount of compost required worth the investment, and do the results actually stack up in comparison to tilling?

At the end of the day, where does no-till fit within the market-gardening realm?

In this episode, we put these questions to Jesse Frost of the No-Till podcast and Rough Draft Farmstead. 

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Darby answers a question about which chicken tractor design is the best?

Learn more with Grassfed Life Courses:

https://farm-business-essentials.teachable.com/courses

Today I will be sharing some of what I learned as Javan and I each go through our top 5 lessons from 2019.

In total 10 simple ways of looking at life, approaching life, and thinking about life that can change your life tomorrow.

I look at a lot of these lessons as base principles in an approach to life that very much contradicts the status quo.  

None of these lessons require any money or technology to implement. There are no tools or techniques here.

It's simply changing your approach.  

Follow Javan: 

https://allpointsdesign.ca/

https://allpointsdesign.ca/life-design/intro/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Jason Conteras joins me to talk about his journey from working in an office in Southern California to battling cancer to moving across the country to homestead with his family in North Carolina.  Jason's story is inspiring and goes to show that you never should give up.

Follow Jason: https://www.instagram.com/sowtheland

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Today's episode is a BEST OF episode, which is a replay of a previously aired episode.  Enjoy!

Today I will be sharing some of what I learned as Javan and I go through our top 5 lessons from 2016.

In total 10 simple ways of looking at life, approaching life, and thinking about life that can change your life tomorrow.

I look at a lot of these lessons as base principles in an approach to life that very much contradicts the status quo.  

None of these lessons require any money or technology to implement. There are no tools or techniques here.

It's simply changing your approach.  

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

In this episode Chris Thoreau joins me to explore the idea - Can you actually make a living growing microgreens?  Is it actually possible or just an unrealistic dream?

If it is possible what does that look like? How big does the business need to be?  How much do you need to be selling?  Would you need employees?

TLDR: It is possible, with the right combination of luck, skills and hard work. Some people will find it’s a fit for them and their lifestyle, but they’ll need to be committed.

Learn how to start a Profitable Microgreens Business https://microgreens.teachable.com/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Jordan MacPhee of Maple Bloom farm joins me to talk about facing challenges on the farm this year, just like any of us out there in the field. Physical and mental challenges that he had to deal with. Right now, just postseason, when all of the problems you’ve just faced are fresh in your mind, do a mental inventory of what you’ve faced. Think about what you can do to better mitigate or handle those problems next year. You’re not going to be perfect, none of us ever are. But we can reflect and learn, and that’s what this episode is all about.

Follow Jordan https://www.instagram.com/maplebloomfarm/

Learn how to start a Profitable Microgreens Business http://bit.ly/learntogrowmicrogreens

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Today's episode is a BEST OF episode, which is a replay of a previously aired episode.  Enjoy!

Stefan Sobkowiak of The Miracle Farm is encouraging more vegetable farmers to consider planting some fruit trees. And to start planting some trees now, so they are established and producing when you or the vegetable farming gets old.

Now you may be saying, "I barely have enough time to do the work that I am doing now."

Establishing this orchard might not take as much time as you think. And the slow growth of trees might be on your side.

As Stefan will talk about in this episode he manages his whole operation on just 50 hours per year.

That includes all pruning, training, irrigation, spraying, clean-up, the whole lot.

And he thinks that one person could maintain 4 to 6 acres.

Overall making it a doable takes that makes your farming enterprise less fragile while adding some diversity to your farmer's market booth or CSA box.

If that sounds intriguing stay tuned.

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Farmer and Homesteader Jesse Frost joins me to talk about his journey into homesteading and farming.  How and when did it go from homesteading to farming, and what was that like?  Jesse also hosts the No-Till Growers Podcast https://www.notillgrowers.com/

Follow Jesse https://www.instagram.com/roughdraftfarmstead

Learn how to start a Profitable Microgreens Business http://bit.ly/learntogrowmicrogreens

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Darby answers a question about raising cows or sheep when you don't have much land.

This BEST OF episode is a replay of a previous episode of the Grassfed Life Podcast - https://apple.co/2m75EVG

Grassfed Life Courses:

https://farm-business-essentials.teachable.com/courses

Molds, fungus, viruses - oh my! Depending on your growing environment you may encounter one or perhaps even all of these diseases. And what do you do once you encounter them? If there’s a small section of mold on your tray, for example, what do you do with that tray? Do you scrap the whole tray or can you harvest the unaffected part? We ask these questions with long-time grower and microgreen expert Chis Thoreau, this week, on FSFS.

Learn how to start a Profitable Microgreens Business https://microgreens.teachable.com/courses

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Farmer Josh Sattin from Sattin Hill Farm joins me to talk about how he built up a farm following for his new farm pretty quickly - both online and in-person with local chefs.  He shares strategies for how he did that and how it has helped with sales. 

He also gets into the various ways he is building soil on-farm from his no-till methods to using wood chip mulch in his pathways to utilizing chickens to prepare new growing areas.

Follow Josh:

https://www.instagram.com/sattinhillfarm

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHynVrKVZtTXf3hndd2ZR4A 

No-Till Growers:

https://www.notillgrowers.com/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

This BEST OF episode is a replay of a previous episode of the Grassfed Life Podcast - https://apple.co/2m75EVG

Grassfed Life Courses:

https://farm-business-essentials.teachable.com/courses

While American Guinea Hogs are suited to a wide variety of environments and will do better than most breeds on low-grade forage, they prefer lush pastures with clover along with access to minerals, kitchen scraps, quality hay in winter, clean water to drink, access to a muddy wallow, minimal shelter from precipitation and wind, dry bedding, and perhaps a small amount of grain. They thrive where ranging and grazing is a constant activity giving them plenty of exercise. They are minimal rooters when good grazing and adequate feed is available.

Learn more at https://www.grassfedlife.co

This week’s interview on FSFS features a season’s end reflection on a timeless topic; the challenges of farming. More specifically, the challenges unique to a small scale farm with Benny and Courtney Pino of Loblolly Farm. Specifically, we discuss caterpillar tunnels, weed pressure, and irrigation. We also address their plans for solutions to these issues coming into 2020.

Follow Loblolly:

https://www.instagram.com/loblollyfarm/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Nicolas Donck of Crystal Organic farm joins me to talk about how growing cover crops for the past 20 years have impacted his soil.  How have trace minerals and compost teas helped with his soil and crops.  Why he grows so much under high tunnels and what are some of the big challenges to growing crops in the south.  Nicolas grows on a multigenerational farm, with 7 acres in production, 2 of which are under protected culture. Crystal Organic Farm is one of the oldest certified organic farms in the SouthEast.

Follow Nicolas:

https://www.instagram.com/crystalorganicfarm/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

This BEST OF episode is a replay of a previous episode.

Grassfed Life Courses:

https://farm-business-essentials.teachable.com/courses

Ronan' story is so simple, so common, yet uniquely inspiring; IT IS GREAT.

This is a real story from a real person. Starting with 75 chicks eight years ago and growing that to over 10,000 today. Going from the corporate world to full-time farmer; Ronan didn't start as a farmer, he became a farmer.

In a world of negativity, there are a lot of people out there doing absolutely great things. People just like you. People that listen to this show. Ronan is one of them. These are the stories that inspire me to keep doing what I do and give me hope in a better future. The change is happening out there. You might not see it yet, but it's happening.

Grassfed Life Courses:

https://farm-business-essentials.teachable.com/courses

Microgreen Grower Chris Thoreau and I discuss a variety of reasons why microgreens might not be a fit for you. This is a realistic look at what growing microgreens as a business is really like.  From quick turn around times week after week to attention to detail to scaleability to the day to day drudgery - they aren't a perfect business, yet nothing is.  

Chris's Growing Your Microgreens Business Course:  http://bit.ly/learntogrowmicrogreens

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Hiring troubles?  Nervous about hiring?  Then this is the episode for you.  I am joined by Farmer and HR Specialist Jeremy Tolley of Red Thread Farm.  Jeremy has spent the past 20 years of his career in HR, recruiting and training. He's hired (directly or through my staff) literally thousands of people.  In this episode, he will share his experiences hiring and give tips and advice to help you with the hiring process on your farm.  If you need to hire someone in the near future, then this a must-listen.

Follow Jeremy:

https://www.instagram.com/redthreadfarm/

https://www.redthreadfarm.com

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Benny and Courtney Pino from Loblolly Farm join me to talk about some of the challenges they face with the scale they are at.  They aren't quite big enough to be where they want, but growing has its own set of challenges.  How are they approaching this growth wall, and what lies ahead for them?

Follow Loblolly at https://www.instagram.com/loblollyfarm/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

Farmer and Soil Consultant James Hutchinson joins me to talk about his method for building soils on his Tasmanian farm.  He utilizes minimum tillage alongside composting, cover cropping and biochar to build soil in his permabeds.  He will give advice on getting soils tests and making hot and cold compost.

Follow James:

https://www.instagram.com/longleyorganic

https://www.instagram.com/activevistagram/

James' online Farm Store:

https://www.activevista.com.au/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter
Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot

Podcasts by Diego Footer:
Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW
Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lCuv3m
Livestock Farming: https://apple.co/2m75EVG
Large Scale Farming: https://apple.co/2kxj39i

Small Farm Tools https://www.paperpot.co/

This is a replay of a previously aired episode - #57.

NOTE: BADGERSETT HAS SINCE SHUT DOWN BUSINESS OPERATIONS. PLEASE DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING FROM THEIR COMPANY.

An interview with Phil Rutter of Badgersett Research Corporation.

We talk about why perennial based woody agriculture is important and how chestnuts and hazelnuts fit into that. We also talk a lot about plant breed and using mass selection to find genotypes that have the traits that you are looking for.

NOTE: BADGERSETT HAS SINCE SHUT DOWN BUSINESS OPERATIONS. PLEASE DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING FROM THEIR COMPANY.

Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter

Small Farm Tools and Microgreens Supplies https://www.paperpot.co/

Support my content while you shop at Amazon: https://amzn.to/32FYCqW

Scott Hebert and I talk about how Scott has created a functional balance in life between business and non-business.  He also talks about some of the changes he has made to improve his life on farm and off-farm including getting more fit so he can think and farm better.

Connect with Scott:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flavourfulfarms

YouTube: https://bit.ly/2u3WxIW

Listen to past episodes: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Benny and Courtney Pino from Loblolly Farm join me to talk about all of the different potential market streams for small scale cut flower growers.  From selling to distributors to florists to designers there are a lot of potential outlets to sell to as a grower.  We will discuss each model hitting on the pros and cons of each, so you can hopefully find a market stream that works for you.  The whole key is finding the best one that fits your farm and your context.

Connect with Benny & Courtney:

Follow Loblolly at https://www.instagram.com/loblollyfarm/

Listen to past episodes at https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Emma Hendel of Fair Share Farm gives us a look at the work that happens behind the scenes to support and enable field production.  She cover’s what she does in the office on a weekly basis for their farm.  Tasks include book keeping, market, and communicating with customers.  In this episode there are tips for increasing your time bandwidth and some thoughts about the upside of on farm sales.

Connect with Emma:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/fair_share_farm

Website: https://www.fairsharefarm.net/

Listen to past episodes at https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Today farmer Ben Hartman of Clay Bottom Farm joins me to talk about choosing the right crops for your farm’s context.  He goes through some of the most profitable small farm crops, and why you should consider growing them.  He also gets into choosing the right customers for those crops and how to make sure those crops are a fit for the customers.

Ben's Online Course:

http://www.theleanfarmschool.com

Follow Ben:

https://www.instagram.com/claybottomfarm

Listen to past episodes at https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

In this episode, Morgan Gold, host of the Gold Shaw Farm Podcast, interviews me about some of the things I have learned about running a small business.  From my personal experience to my conversations with others, I have learned a lot, and share it in this episode.

You can subscribe to the Gold Shaw Farm Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.

To learn more about Gold Shaw Farm visit: https://www.youtube.com/goldshawfarm

My Other Podcasts:
Farm Small, Farm Smart: http://bit.ly/2vMUDvX
Grass Fed Life: http://bit.ly/2uOsLTH
Do The Work: https://apple.co/2ERsLHZ

Justin Logeais joins me to talk about transitioning from full-time employment to full-time farming - how he did it, how it paid for it, and the balance that was required.  He also talks about balancing family with running a business and keeping family first.

Connect with Justin:

https://en-gb.facebook.com/compostguycsa/

Plant Fast, Live More...

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Benny and Courtney Pino from Loblolly Farm join me to talk about the Top 10 Cool Season Flowers for Small Farms.  We talk about why you should consider these flowers, how to grow then, and how to use them in bouquets.  We also get into pest and disease pressure for each type of flower and the overall difficulty to grow them.

Follow Loblolly at https://www.instagram.com/loblollyfarm/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Chris Thoreau joins me to discuss crop planning for a microgreens business using spreadsheets. We discuss timing crops for orders, using spreadsheets to plan and forecast income, and how to use spreadsheets for business planning.

Get Chris's Crop Planner at: https://urbanmicro.ca/crop-planner/

This show is brought to you by Paperpot Co.

Jordan MacPhee of Maple Bloom Farm joins how microgreens fit in with field crops on their farm.  They are also in expansion mode on the farm and talk hiring considerations, selling more, and maintaining quality.

Connect with Jordan:

http://www.maplebloomfarm.ca

Growing Your Microgreens Business Course with Chris Thoreau: http://www.permaculturevoices.com/microgreens

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Ben Hartman talks about creating the optimum conditions for growing tomatoes.  He also touches on building soil in between crops and handling crop turnover.

Ben's Online Course: 

https://www.theleanfarmschool.com

Follow Ben:

https://www.instagram.com/claybottomfarm

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Kim Doughty-McCannon joins me to talk about being a mom and a farmer.  How does she balance both?  We get into topics such as time management and splitting time.  Kim also talks about her experiences running a cut flower CSA.

Follow Kim:

@bellurbanfarm

https://www.bellurbanfarm.com/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Regardless of what products you are farming, you must have a diversified marketing and business plan for your farm to be successful. Darby Simpson has developed from scratch a “real world”, successful direct marketing approach for his farm thru nearly 10 years of trial and error.

In his three hour workshop, he’ll cover all of the basics you will need to successfully sell your products for a profit. The marketing portion will focus on how to build a marketing list, marketing displays, free marketing tools, how to select a farmers market, customer interaction and education, income diversification, working with restaurants or health food stores and more. During the business planning session, he will deal with various business strategies, cash flow management, production cost analysis, economies of scale, setting retail and bulk program prices, tracking expenses, liability insurance, legal protection and more.

Learn more with Grassfed Life Courses:

https://farm-business-essentials.teachable.com/courses

or 

https://www.grassfedlife.co

Benny and Courtney Pino from Loblolly Farm join me to talk about the Top 10 Warm Season Flowers for Small Farms.  We talk about why you should consider these flowers, how to grow then, and how to use them in bouquets.  We also get into pest and disease pressure for each type of flower and the overall difficulty to grow them.

Follow Loblolly at https://www.instagram.com/loblollyfarm/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Emma Hendel and Elliot Seldner talk about being husband and wife along with business owners.  How do they make it work?  What does it take?  What is it really like?  

Follow Fair Share Farm at http://instagram.com/fair_share_farm

https://www.fairsharefarm.net/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Jordan MacPhee of Maple Bloom Farm joins me to talk about how they sell their organic veggie box in the small, but crowded marketplace on PEI in Canada.  We discuss strategies for marketing CSAs, getting people interested, and keeping them coming back year after year.

Connect with Jordan:

http://www.maplebloomfarm.ca

http://www.waggon.ca

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

If you think you need a lot of land to grow cut flowers or that cut flowers aren't profitable, then you might be wrong.  Benny Pino, The Flower Grower, of Loblolly Farm joins me to talk about business opportunities growing cut flowers on small farms. 

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Yosef Camire of Ahavah Farm talks about his process for goal setting and yearly planning.  We cover both short and long-range goal setting.  Along with how to attack larger longer-term goals.

Follow Yosef: https://www.instagram.com/ahavahfarm/

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Ben Hartman talks about building soil on a new farm or bringing new soil into production.  Topics include tillage, compost, and no-till.  

Ben's Online Course: 

https://www.theleanfarmschool.com

Follow Ben:

https://www.instagram.com/claybottomfarm

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Jenny Quiner talks about growing her farm business through her farmstand.  What has worked, what hasn't, and several ideas for growing farmstand business.  

Follow Jenny @dogpatch_urban_gardens

Listen to past episodes: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Elliot Seldner of Fair Share Farm talks about his options for scaling income.  What crops he could add and what market streams he could grow and what that might look like.

Connect with Elliot: 

https://www.instagram.com/fair_share_farm/

Listen to past episodes: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Ben Hartman gives you some tips on how you can use LEAN principles to eliminate waste from your farm and make your farm more efficient in 2019.

Ben's Online Course: 

https://www.theleanfarmschool.com

Follow Ben:

https://www.instagram.com/claybottomfarm

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Elliot Seldner of Fair Share Farm talks concerns and considerations with scaling once you have a business that works - from hiring employees to growing the farm.

Connect with Elliot: 

https://www.instagram.com/fair_share_farm/

Listen to past episodes: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Chris Thoreau discusses the importance of buying the right equipment, knowing when to get advice, and understanding the context of what you do and why you do it.  Blind copying is dangerous.

Growing Your Microgreens Business Course with Chris Thoreau: http://www.permaculturevoices.com/microgreens

Listen to past episodes: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VKQ

Justin Gay talks about farms market sales strategies, selling live cut microgreens and pre-packaged, and growing a small farm that gives him the most options for his life context. 

Connect with Justin: 

https://www.instagram.com/theseedsofxanxadu/

Listen to past episodes: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Ben Hartman discusses the base principles that make up the lean system and gives you practical tips on how you can apply them to your farm to save time, money and effort.

Ben's Online Course: 

https://www.theleanfarmschool.com

Follow Ben:

https://www.instagram.com/claybottomfarm

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VK

Rome Julian of Lake Tilly Acres talks about starting his farm on the side, growth challenges, and how he has time to run the business, work another job, and have a family.

Follow Rome:

https://www.instagram.com/laketillyacres/

Growing Your Microgreens Business Course with Chris Thoreau: http://www.permaculturevoices.com/microgreens

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VKQ

Max Becher and Chris Thoreau chat about the differences between growing microgreens and field crops, when to add more microgreen crops, and when do you have too many crops.

Connect with Max: http://www.ojaifarmstand.com

Growing Your Microgreens Business Course with Chris Thoreau: http://www.permaculturevoices.com/microgreens

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VKQ

Travis Schulert joins me to talk about how he has made farming on the side successfully mesh with the rest of his life and his full-time job.  Travis also discusses his farmer's market pricing and sales strategies.

Connect with Travis: https://www.permadynamics.org/

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Luke Carneal of The Sonoma Farm joins me to shares his experience selling to wholesalers as a small farm.  He'll give you a lot of tips on approach and working with wholesale customers.

Connect with Luke: https://www.instagram.com/thesonomafarm/

Growing Your Microgreens Business Course with Chris Thoreau: http://www.permaculturevoices.com/microgreens

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VKQ

Jay Reid talks about how they have marketed their new farm and CSA program and what steps they have taken to stand out from the competition.  Jay also discusses how he and his partner Kat have made farming and their relationship co-exist in a positive way.

Connect with Jay: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_farms/

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Max Becher shares some strategies that he used to find new customers very quickly including Facebook ads and email campaigns.

Connect with Max: http://www.ojaifarmstand.com

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VKQ

Microgreen grower and local seed advocate Chris Thoreau and I talk about local seed - the challenges of it, what that means, and how practical it is.  Subscribe to the NEW FEED: https://apple.co/2frSqwR

Learn how Chris grows microgreens in his online course: http://www.permaculturevoices.com/microgreens

Listen to past episodes at: https://www.paperpot.co/podcast

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment at https://www.paperpot.co/

Follow PaperpotCo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2B45VKQ

Support Peter's Kickstarter

It's fungal intelligence that I will be exploring today with the brilliant Peter McCoy. Peter is self-taught mycologist with 15 years of accumulated study and experience, Peter is an original founder of Radical Mycology, a grassroots organization and movement that teaches the skills needed to work with mushrooms and other fungi for personal, societal, and ecological resilience

Peter is also author of the book Radical Mycology, an in depth and comprehensive look at mycology and mushroom cultivation. This book is a beast, it's nearly 700 pages, and covers a variety of topics related to mycology, some common, so not so common. There's a ton of interest concepts and ideas in that book, a few of which we will be exploring today.

In this episode, we get into a wide variety of subject matter related to mycology from Remediation, importance of mycorrhizal fungi, fungi with annual crops, future of medicinal mushrooms and medicine, marketing versus effectiveness in some mushroom based products, and future of psilocybin mushrooms in medicine.

The reason that we are able to get into all this subjects isn't because of me. It's because of Peter. Peter's brilliant. There's a lot here, enjoy it.

Learn more at permaculturevoices.com/132

An interview with Peter McCoy of Radical Mycology.

Support Peter's Kickstarter

Radical Mycology is a movement and social philosophy based on accessibly teaching the importance of mushrooms and other fungi for personal, societal, and ecological health. Radical Mycology differs from classical mycology in that classical mycology generally focuses on taxonomy, identification, mycophagy (eating mushrooms), and the more personal benefits of working with fungi while Radical Mycology is about using fungi for the benefit of larger communities and the world.

As a concept, Radical Mycology is based on the belief that the lifecycles of fungi and their interactions in nature serve as powerful learning tools for how humans can best relate to each other and steward the world they live in.

We all have this great chance to go great places.  Yet we all don't take it.  Today's episode is a look at the opportunity and why some people squander it, and why some people don't.

Learn more at permaculturevoices.com/theurbanfarmer

Support the show at permaculturevoices.com/support

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

Marianne West is a cancer survivor who in the unique position of both going through traditional chemotherapy and the alternative cancer treatment The Gerson Therapy.

Today Marianne and I discuss what her experience was like going through the Gerson Therapy and what her thoughts on it are. Despite my early introduction into this space via this subject matter I tried to approach this episode as neutral as possible and not going in with any assumptions of what was true or not true. As you listen to it, do the same, form your own opinions.

The views expressed here are Marianne’s based on her actual real life experiences. I hope it helps.

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

Michael Kilpatrick joins me to talk about some of the issues that he sees on farms that struggle with post harvest processing and how most farms can improve that part of the process.  He will also touch on the role that new food safety regulations will play on vegetable farms and how famers can start preparing for that.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

Farmer Jenny Quiner of Dog Patch Urban Gardens in Des Moines, Iowa  talks about farm startup, growth, and unique ways to sell your product.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

Shawn Kuhn joins me to talk about selling to restaurants, growing a lot of greens, season extension, and trying to be more regenerative.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Learn how to start a microgreens business in Chris Thoreau's Build Your Microgreen Business Workshop.

Keep learning with these two great audiobooks:
The Market Gardener by JM Fortier
The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone 

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

In this episode Brian Bates of Bear Creek Organics joins me to talk about greens production, employees, and learning from big farms.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Learn how to start a microgreens business in Chris Thoreau's Build Your Microgreen Business Workshop.

Keep learning with these two great audiobooks:
The Market Gardener by JM Fortier
The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone 

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

Utilizing his experience as a chef Evan Chender has set out to produce niche crops for chefs such as edible flowers and more exotic cultivars and types of vegetables. It's this niche approach which has given him an edge in his market place. While a lot of other farmers just grow salad mix, Evan stands out because he produces crops that others don't. 

Today's episode was brought to you by Audible.  Sign up for Audible's 30 Day Trial and get a FREE audiobook download.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Learn how to start a microgreens business in Chris Thoreau's Build Your Microgreen Business Workshop.

Keep learning with these two great audiobooks:
The Market Gardener by JM Fortier
The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone 

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

View the show notes for this episode and all past episodes.

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

Today my guest Gloria Flora will helps shed some light on the reality of biochar.  Gloria’s the founder and past director of the US Biochar initiative, so she has an extensive knowledge base when it comes to biochar, but she’s also worked for the US Forest Service and she’s a permaculturalist, so she gets how biochar fits into the larger whole.  

View the show notes for this episode and all past episodes.

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

In this episode Ray Tyler of Rose Creek Farms will talk about how his farm has dealt changes on the farm as it evolved.  He’ll also talk about how they tackle farm problems and deal with season extension.  It’s a practical look at what happens behind the scenes - because things always don’t go as planned and that tool that you bought, doesn’t always work as well as expected.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Learn how to start a microgreens business in Chris Thoreau's Build Your Microgreen Business Workshop.

Keep learning with these two great audiobooks:
The Market Gardener by JM Fortier
The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone 

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

Today's show is another remarkable story of another entrepreneur, a permaculture entrepreneur.

It's the story of someone who went from being an anti-money activist to running a $1M permaculture design and build business. A business that catches millions of gallons of water, builds soil on hundreds of acres, plants hundreds of useful trees every year, restores native habit, redesigns our cites our schools and new developments.

If you don't think that permaculture based business can be profitable or be big, here's an example of one to change your mind...

View the show notes for this episode and all past episodes.

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

Farmer and consultant Michael Kilpatrick joins me to talk about improving farm productivity and profitability through better processes.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Learn how to start a microgreens business in Chris Thoreau's Build Your Microgreen Business Workshop.

Keep learning with these two great audiobooks:
The Market Gardener by JM Fortier
The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone 

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

Farm and soil specialist Dan Kittredge joins me to talk about building soil and increasing plant nutrition.

Learn more about Dan and see his free courses at bionutrient.org.

View the show notes for this episode and all past episodes.

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

Author and farmer Ben Hartman talks about his farm and his book, The Lean Farm.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Learn how to start a microgreens business in Chris Thoreau's Build Your Microgreen Business Workshop.

Keep learning with these two great audiobooks:
The Market Gardener by JM Fortier
The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone 

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

Today we'll talk about the practical realities of homesteading, with homesteaders Chris and Lindsay Hodge.

View the show notes for this episode and all past episodes.

If you enjoy the show, support content I have created.

Support while you shop at Amazon.

The benefits of building a microgreens business, and how to keep improving it.

View the show notes for this episode and all previous Farm Small, Farm Smart episodes.

Learn how to start a microgreens business in Chris Thoreau's Build Your Microgreen Business Workshop.

Keep learning with these two great audiobooks:
The Market Gardener by JM Fortier
The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone 

Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter.

Today we'll look at the urban,rural divide from the point of view of the city dweller, focusing on what and how the city dweller views and values the food they consume.

The goal of this conversation is to shed some light on this view, so teh farmer can take that information and run with it helping them to better market their product.

It's marketing 101. Who's your audience and what do they value with Rob Avis and Javan Bernakevitch.

Learn more about the Regenerative Business Mentorship Program

Read the show notes for this and all episodes.

Today we are going to Ojai California to talk to a farmer who's more than just a farmer.

Max Beecher was inspired into farming by Joel Salatin and Joel's entrepreneurial spirit inspired Max to get created when ti came to his farm based businesses.  

Max started out his farm journey in 2013 with wife.  At the time they weren't farmers though, they started out as aggregators...
 
He describes the experience as "one where we sold produce from a few different local farms to a local customer base we were working on building.  This started by selling #2 produce from a local farm I was volunteering at, and the farmer let me split the gross with him, since he would have thrown the product away otherwise.  Our idea was to make money up front by selling other people's produce, and to build a customer base so one day we could sell our own product through it.  We have continued to grow that webstore business, and it remains a core feature of our business, with a list of almost 300 customers, generating over 100 orders per week.  We now source from around 15 local farms, and have a ready market for our own products, including the micro greens.  Because of building this webstore before we started farming, marketing what we grow has never been a problem, and we throw little to no product away due to over production."

That business has continued and evolved today to become a full-fledged online store generate over $100,000 a year in sales at a decent profit.  

It's a thriving business and an integral part of Max's farm, and it's one that started by selling someone else's waste.

Learn more at http://www.permaculturevoices.com/farmsmallfarmsmart

When you set out to start a business is there a road map you can follow or a recipe for success?

A set of steps you can take to go from where you are to where you want to be. Simply do them, and success follows.

It’s a nice though. And that’s about all it, a nice thought. Because when it comes to business there isn’t a roadmap to success, but despite that, we all want the roadmap to success.

Maybe it’s just human nature, the just tell me how to do it approach.
It’s a dangerous approach because no two approaches are the same. There are too many variables at stake to create a recipe. But again, everyone wants the recipe.

As someone once said on a podcast that I did the danger of following a recipe is that you if you buy into the recipe then you become the recipe, a really, really pale copy of what you are trying to emulate.

In life and in business, there are recipes, but recipes rarely lead to success, but also in life there are base principles, universals which recipes are built on.

Today, we aren’t focusing on the recipes, we’re focusing on the base principles when it comes to starting a business. It’s a topic which I will take on with that aforementioned someone, being Javan Bernakevitch, along with our friend Rob Avis.

Javan and Rob have developed a set of 12 base principles of business and join me to talk about the first 6 of those principles.

This episode is Part 4 of a multi-part series with Javan and Rob.

Learn more at http://www.permaculturevoices.com/231

Today's episode is a different type of episode.  It's a consult style episode with new grower Eddy Gilmore and long-time microgreen grower Chris Thoreau.

The first part of this episode will be Eddy and I talking about what's going on with his farm, and then later in the episode Chris will join us to answer some of Eddy's questions about growing his microgreen business.

Eddy's at a point in that business that you may find yourself in.  He's growing his microgreens at home in his house, but he's running out of space and wondering where to from here.

Find out how Chris would handle and approach the business expansion.

For Eddy microgreens weren't the first farm business from day one.  They came about from necessity.  

In Eddy's words...

“We were freaking desperate over here. I have a wife and two kids, and I was all in on Tiny Farm Duluth. Less than two months ago it seemed as if all was lost. The land was being sold where the vast majority of my farm was located. It was owned by an institution, and I had no idea they were thinking of selling until just before it went on the market. Then, after it sold, I learned that the new owners weren't open to a 7,000 square foot market garden on their property. Just two hours after I received this devastating news, our 2008 Toyota Prius blew both the engine AND transmission. Total, absolute chaos. Our lives were completely upended.”

Given that Eddy's life was upended, how did it end up?

Stay tuned to find out.

Learn more at http://www.permaculturevoices.com/farmsmallfarmsmart

Chris’s Growing Your Microgreens Workshop:  http://www.permaculturevoices.com/microgreens

When you set out to start a business is there a road map you can follow or a recipe for success?

A set of steps you can take to go from where you are to where you want to be.  Simply do them, and success follows.

It’s a nice though.  And that’s about all it, a nice thought.  Because when it comes to business there isn’t a roadmap to success, but despite that, we all want the roadmap to success.

Maybe it’s just human nature, the just tell me how to do it approach.  
It’s a dangerous approach because no two approaches are the same.  There are too many variables at stake to create a recipe.  But again, everyone wants the recipe.  

As someone once said on a podcast that I did the danger of following a recipe is that you if you buy into the recipe then you become the recipe, a really, really pale copy of what you are trying to emulate.

In life and in business, there are recipes, but recipes rarely lead to success, but also in life there are base principles, universals which recipes are built on.

Today, we aren’t focusing on the recipes, we’re focusing on the base principles when it comes to starting a business.  It’s a topic which I will take on with that aforementioned someone, being Javan Bernakevitch, along with our friend Rob Avis.

Javan and Rob have developed a set of 12 base principles of business and join me to talk about the first 6 of those principles.

This episode is Part 3 of a multi-part series with Javan and Rob.

Learn more at www.permaculturevoices.com/230

Given summer heat growing certain crops can be really tough, especially greens.  Given the tendency of the normally cool weather lettuces to bolt quickly, turn bitter, and have their foliage burn, many growers simply pass on trying to grow summer greens.  The challenges are too great and the returns are too low.

But not for all growers.  Over the past few weeks I talked to a lot of growers and I tried to track down farmers who were growing greens exceptionally well in some very adverse hot conditions.

For today's show I got a group of those growers together and asked them all how their doing it, growing greens during the summer heat.  And not just growing them, but
growing them very successfully.

In today's episode you will hear how their doing it and what goes into growing the greens from establishment to harvesting to storage.

There are some similarities in their strategies and some differences.  There's a lot in here.

The Farmers:
Elliot Seldner of Fair Share Farm in Winston Salem, NC.
Brandon Gordon of Five Acres Farms in Pleasant Plains, AR
Erich Schultz of Steadfast Farm in Queen Creek, AZ
Ray Tyler of Rose Creek Farms in Selmer, TN

Learn more at http://www.permaculturevoices.com/farmsmallfarmsmart

When you set out to start a business is there a road map you can follow or a recipe for success?

A set of steps you can take to go from where you are to where you want to be.  Simply do them, and success follows.

It’s a nice though.  And that’s about all it, a nice thought.  Because when it comes to business there isn’t a roadmap to success, but despite that, we all want the roadmap to success.

Maybe it’s just human nature, the just tell me how to do it approach.  
It’s a dangerous approach because no two approaches are the same.  There are too many variables at stake to create a recipe.  But again, everyone wants the recipe.  

As someone once said on a podcast that I did the danger of following a recipe is that you if you buy into the recipe then you become the recipe, a really, really pale copy of what you are trying to emulate.

In life and in business, there are recipes, but recipes rarely lead to success, but also in life there are base principles, universals which recipes are built on.

Today, we aren’t focusing on the recipes, we’re focusing on the base principles when it comes to starting a business.  It’s a topic which I will take on with that aforementioned someone, being Javan Bernakevitch, along with our friend Rob Avis.

Javan and Rob have developed a set of 12 base principles of business and join me to talk about the first 6 of those principles.

This episode is Part 2 of a multi-part series with Javan and Rob.

Learn more at www.permaculturevoices.com/229

Sam's taken a perspective that he gained on hiking the Appalachian trail and he has used it to help navigate the equally hard journey into being a full time vegetable farmer. Like the trail, Sam's career as a farmer has spanned a lot of land going from 1/8 of an acre in town to two fenced acres a few years later.

Today Sam and I will talk about some of the challenges of growing crops on two acres, how Sam has to design his market streams to his land base, working with limited labor, and the trade- offs between growing niche crops and a wide variety of CSA crops. We'll also touch on some of Sam's big takeaways from his days on the trail and how that's helped him as a farmer.

Learn more at http://www.permaculturevoices.com/farmsmallfarmsmart