Today Javan Bernakevitch and I each go through our top 5 life lessons from 2020.

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

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/

Troy Hinke of Living Roots Compost Tea talks walks through the steps of how to make compost tea.  From basic tea to more advanced brews Troy gives you some different options.

Follow Troy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootscomposttea/

This episode was produced by Diego Footer. 

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

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

In Search of Soil: http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

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

The podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

Sheri Frey, co-founder of Arbico Organics - joins me to talk about how you can use beneficial insects on your farm or in your garden to help control pest pressure.  She also discusses how beneficial insects are just one part of integrated pest management. 

Learn more about Arbico Organics - https://www.arbico-organics.com/

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/

Troy Hinke of Living Roots Compost Tea talks about composter tea brewers - from small to large and homemade to purchased. 

Follow Troy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootscomposttea/

This episode was produced by Diego Footer. 

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

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

In Search of Soil: http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

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

The other podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

Troy Hinke of Living Roots Compost Tea talks about what materials and ingredients you need to brew quality compost tea.  He also discusses how varying these ingredients can change the microbial makeup of the tea.

Follow Troy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootscomposttea/

This episode was produced by Diego Footer. 

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

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

In Search of Soil: http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

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

The new podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

Troy Hinke of Living Roots Compost Tea talks about compost production for great teas.  He also discusses which types of composts are a good fit for compost tea.

Follow Troy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootscomposttea/

This episode was produced by Diego Footer. 

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

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

In Search of Soil: http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

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

The new podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

Troy Hinke of Living Roots Compost Tea discusses the importance of the soil food web and the microorganisms that make it up.  This is foundation information which will be built on later in the series.

Follow Troy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootscomposttea/

This episode was produced by Diego Footer. 

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

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

In Search of Soil: http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

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

The new podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

Troy Hinke of Living Roots Compost Tea begins his new series digging into the in and out of compost tea.  In Episode 1 Troy introduces the basic concepts of compost tea - what is it, how you make it.  

Follow Troy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootscomposttea/

This episode was produced by Diego Footer. 

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

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

In Search of Soil: http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

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

Troy's new compost tea podcast airing Friday - What's Brewing: https://open.spotify.com/show/6IfzHSm0gJWESbiLv4Laux?si=KVx0Le55SxyhxNW71uPMjQ

The new podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

The new podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

The new podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

The new podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

The new podcast is In Search of Soil.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO FULL EPISODES:

iTunes - http://bit.ly/soilpodcast

Spotify - http://bit.ly/insearchofsoil

WATCH FULL EPISODES 

YouTube https://bit.ly/watchISOS

Let me know what you think @diegofooter - https://www.instagram.com/diegofooter

In today's episode of Farm Small Farm Smart

The pandemic brought about several restaurant closures, and that does not spell well for the farmers supplying them.  But like many things in life, it's the tough times that bring out the best in people.  

Today, we’re talking to farmer Adam Pollack of Closed Loop Farms in Chicago, IL.  In March Adam had to deal with a loss of the majority of his restaurant customer base overnight due to COVID-19.  Instead of trying to wait for restaurants to come back online, Adam and his team set out to rebuild their whole business model from the ground up.  They shifted from selling only to restaurants to selling directly to consumers.  With a shift in their customer base, they also had to shift the products they were selling.  Closed Loop Farms began aggregating products from other local producers and shifting their microgreen production to meet new demand.  Overall the changes weren't easy, but it has worked out so far and put their business in a stronger position going forward.

Adam is a great example of a business owner that adapted and pivoted when his back was up against the wall showing that regardless of how hard things might seem, there's always a way out.  

Today’s Guest - Adam Pollack 

Adam is a microgreen farmer and the owner of Closed Loop Farms. His farm was servicing nearly one hundred restaurants in the Chicago area until the pandemic came. Now, he and his team have adapted by going online. 

Closed Loop Farms – Website | Shopify | Facebook | Instagram

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/

Jessica Washkowiak from Field to Fork Farm joins me to talk about why she loves the CSA business model for their farm.  We also discuss how they run their CSA, manage crop diversity, and how they market their CSA.  

Field to Fork Farm https://www.instagram.com/fieldtoforkcsa/

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/

The owner of Mumm's Sprouting Seeds, Lisa Mumm, joins Chris Thoreau and me to talk about how Mumm's sources high-quality microgreen seeds.  Most of those seeds are sourced locally in Saskatchewan.  Lisa also details their extensive procedures that ensure that all of the seed they sell is pathogen-free.   

You can purchase microgreen seeds at Mumm's Sprouting Seeds https://www.sprouting.com 

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/

Microgreen grower Chris Thoreau joins me to talk about the importance of sourcing high quality, pathogen-free seed for a microgreens operation.   

Chris's online course Growing Your Profitable Microgreens Business https://microgreens.teachable.com/courses

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 Entrepreneur Chaz Daughtry (http://www.soulfitgrill.com/) joins me to discuss the two different online sales platforms he is using to sell his vegetables and his spice blends.  One platform is a very beginner, basic platform, and the other is more advanced.  Chaz also details why he got into creating spice blends and what running that business is like.

Follow Chaz https://www.instagram.com/sweetwaterfarmshtx

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 Erich Schultz joins me to talk about lessons he has learned after moving his farm several times over the past 10 years.  Along the way, Erich has streamlined his farming operation to use fewer tools and use simpler processes.  He also talks about partnering with developers to gain access to land.  

Follow Erich https://www.instagram.com/steadfastfarm

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/

Success and fulfillment aren't the same things and they don't necessarily go hand in hand.  Success doesn't guarantee happiness and it might be something you can never actually achieve.  Which one are you seeking?  And is that the right thing for you?  

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/

Nikolay Georgiev joins me to talk about the process of breeding hybrid tomatoes.  We get into the science discussing what is possible in terms of disease resistance and what problems breeding could solve.  You'll also learn how a farmer or gardener could create some localized resilience by breeding their own seeds.  It's everything you ever wanted to know about breeding tomatoes.

Learn more about Geosem Select's seeds: https://geosemselect.com/en/

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/

Dr. Robert Pyne joins me to talk about the work VDF Specialty Seeds has done to develop a line of basil that is downy mildew resistant.  Throughout the episode, we core the science behind plant breeding - how to you get the traits that you want to come through, how many generations does it take, how do you stabilize a line.  The interview should give you a really good overview of how traditional plant breeding works.

Learn more about their resistant Rutgers line of basil - https://www.vdfspecialtyseeds.com/

Follow VDF - https://www.instagram.com/vdfspecialtyseeds/

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 do you want to leave behind - an asset that society can build off or a liability that society has to clean up?  It's never too late to start building your legacy and do good things.

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/

Liset Garcia of Sweet Girl Farms joins me to talk about her first year of farming - how she started, what worked, and how she is evolving the business.  

Follow Liset https://www.instagram.com/sweetgirlfarms

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/

James Grevious of Rebels in the Garden joins me to talk about the importance of farming for the community.  Farming inspires, provides hope, brings people together, and sets a positive example.  Our conversation goes beyond business to talk about ways farming can help change a culture and bring people together.

Follow James https://www.instagram.com/rebelsinthegarden/ 

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 Justin Gay joins me to talk about his thoughts on the murder of George Floyd while sharing his thoughts on what it is like to live life being Black in America.  While his experience is unique in his way, it showcases that there are differences between growing up black and white in a country where a lot of people assume everyone is equal.  

Connect with Justin: 

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

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheSeedsOfXanxadu

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 8 tips to help you hire better employees for your farm.

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/

Farmer Dan Brisebois shares some of his experience selling produce and seeds online.  Their farm uses two different platforms to manage their seed sales and CSA program.  Which programs do they use for each and why?  What features does Dan like and not like?  We close the episode with some of Dan's thoughts on the future of seed and vegetables in a post-COVID-19 world.  Learn more about Dan and sign up for his weekly newsletterhttps://www.farmerspreadsheetacademy.com/

Dan's Facebook Group - Move Your Farm Store Online Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlinefarmstore/

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 I talk to Cole Jones of Local Line - an online sales platform for online farm stores, food hubs, managing CSA's and for online farmers' markets.  We get into how to choose the right platform for your farm and what to look for in a platform provider.  Learn more about Local Line: https://go.localline.ca/paperpot

Get a FREE premium service with a Local Line paid subscription: https://go.localline.ca/paperpot

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/

Laura Patterson of Hand-Grown Greens joins me to talk about her entrepreneurial journey that involves switching careers, balancing family and work, raising kids as a business owner, and grower her business. 

Follow Laura at https://www.instagram.com/handgrowngreens

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 we’re interviewing Jordan McPhee of Maple Bloom Farm from Prince Edward Island, whose farmers’ market was recently shut down due to the COVID pandemic. He organized an effort to bring the local vendors from his market online so that their customers could continue to patronize them at one central pickup location. 

Learn more about Waggon https://www.waggon.ca

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/

Katherine Creswell of Moose Meadow Farm joins me to talk about why they started their online store. Their online store brings in $15,000 of additional farm income during the winter when there aren't any other sales options locally.

Follow them at:

https://www.moosemeadoworganic.com/

http://instagram.com/moosemeadowfarm

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 we’re talking to John Findlay, who raises mushrooms on his farm in Ontario, Canada. He raises them locally to sell to farmer’s markets and chefs. He’s had a lot of success, and in this episode, he’s going to share what his journey has been like. From expenses to techniques, and even a discussion on what it would be like as a vegetable farmer to add mushrooms onto their operation, this far-ranging conversation will give you a full introduction to what it might look like to start growing mushrooms on your farm in 2020.

While more technical and costly to invest in upfront than veg, mushrooms can offer growers a potentially open market if there isn’t another producer in your region. If you want to learn more from John, you can find him on the web on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at Findlay’s Fungus. If you are interested in hearing more about the topic of growing mushrooms on the podcast, you can reach out to me @DiegoFooter on Instagram and let me know your thoughts. 

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/

Chris Kiesz of Yellow Hutch Farm in Minnesota joins us to talk about picking up jobs and moving 2000 miles across the country to start his farm.  How he picked a new market, cash flowing beef, and creative ways to bundle beef.

Follow Chris at https://yellowhutchfarm.com/

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

Max Becher and Mike Roberts of Farmivore join me to talk about how they are aggregating products and selling them online in their farm store using Shopify.

Follow Farmivore: 

https://www.instagram.com/farmivore.farm/

https://farmivore.farm/

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 we interview Troy and Cindy Dickens of Tilth and Timber farm in MA. They are only a few months into their journey.

We discuss how they got into farming and what their challenges have been so far. What about their lifestyle changed when they dropped corporate income for farm income? And what is their vision of where they want their farm to go?

If you want to follow along with Cindy and Troy you can find them on Instagram @tilth_and_timber and on the web athttps://www.tilthandtimber.com You can also find their journey in their converted bus on Instagram @whitewhaleskoolie.

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/

Ray Tyler joins me to talk about his online store that runs on Shopify.  We get into what he likes about the platform and how going online has allowed him to drastically increase his sales from compared to when he only did farmers' markets.

Ray's video about his online store - https://www.lettuceclass.com/online1584552383046

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 Luke Groce discusses some of the different breeds he has tried on his farm in his open cell pastured poultry system.

Listen to more episodes with Luke Groce at https://grocefamilyfarm.com/pages/the-pasture-raised-podcast

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

"How does a REKO-ring work?
The ring is based on a closed Facebook group. The producer and consumer who want to take part apply for membership in the group he or she likes. Administrators, often a small group of consumers, approve the application from serious people and thereafter trade can begin. Normally delivery occurs every or every other week, depending on the size of the group. Delivery times are more often shorter than an hour, or producers congregate and the consumers can collect their orders from a number of producers at the same time. A producer writes a post about their product and availability on Facebook and the consumers make orders by comments directly under the post. The producers also write how they require payment." Source

You can connect or follow along with Buddha and Sofia of Los Perros Farm on Instagram @LosPerrosUrbanFarming and on the web at LosPerrosUrbanFarming.com.  Check out their recently opened cafe @FlaxMalmo.

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 replay of Luke Groce's new podcast The Pasture-Raised Podcast.  Listen to more episodes at https://grocefamilyfarm.com/pages/the-pasture-raised-podcast

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

Today we’re talking to Buddha of Los Perros an urban farm in Malmö, Sweden. They’re going into their 5th year farming and have faced a lot of challenges recently.  Despite those challenges, they are having success and growing their farm brand.  Online sales are a big part of their success.  They’re also bottling and selling their own value add products and selling it in their own store/cafe.

You can connect or follow along with Buddha and Sofia of Los Perros Farm on Instagram @LosPerrosUrbanFarming and on the web at LosPerrosUrbanFarming.com.  Check out their recently opened cafe @FlaxMalmo.

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/

How Fragile Is Your Business?  Could it survive a recession?  How long could you survive at 50% of your current sales?  How much debt do you have?  Today we look at questions you should be asking about the fragility of your business and some ideas on how to make those areas more anti-fragile.

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 Debra Bruner joins us to talk about selling to restaurants, partnering with other farms, buying another farm's products, and designing a better website.

Connect with Debra on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlecowmountain/

Website: https://www.littlecowmountain.com/

Learn more with Grassfed Life Courses:

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

or visit https://www.grassfedlife.co

This week we talk with Chris and Audra Wyant from central Illinois of Finding Eminence Farm.

Chris started the farm growing vegetables, but at first flush, the farm wasn’t selling enough. That’s when Audra came in growing flowers. Adapting and pivoting along the way they added not just flowers, but a flower CSA, on-farm workshops, and floral design for weddings.

They also discuss their Instagram and Facebook ads. This episode is all about knowing when you need a change and knowing and spreading your brand effectively.

For people who want to find out more about Finding Eminence Farm and what they are up to you can follow along on their Instagram @FindingEminence and via their website at FindingEminence.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/

Darby answers about starting a profitable farmstead.

Learn more with Grassfed Life Courses:

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

This week we interview first-year farmers Quinn Richards and Theus Weiskopf of Farm Punk Salads in Portland Oregon.

We’ll discuss how they got into farming, how did they start their farm business, and what that was like as a couple. We also discuss how they differentiated themselves in a crowded Portland marketplace and how starting a salad dressing business helped them stand out.

You can find the Farm Punks online on their excellent website here at FarmPunkSalads.com or find them on Instagram @FarmPunkSalads. If you’re in the greater Portland area be sure and check them out on the shelves of New Seasons, at local farmer's markets, or participate in their CSA share.

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/

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

Chris's online course Growing Your 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/

Darby discusses why good brooder management is so important for pastured poultry.  Starting the chicks off to a good start in the brooder helps them excel in the field.  Darby shares a lot of his tips and advice that he has learned over the years in this one.

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

Can you make a living farm?  Or rather can you earn a living wage farming?  What is a living wage?  And why a living wage isn't enough.  All questions answered in this episode of Farm Small Farm Smart.

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/

Microgreen grower Chris Thoreau joins me to talk about the importance of soil in growing microgreens.

Chris's online course Growing Your Profitable Microgreens Business https://microgreens.teachable.com/courses

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

Darby answers about grazing cattle with the rule of thirds.

Learn more with Grassfed Life Courses:

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

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