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A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey.   What does it look like to rebuild—not just a house, but a sense of home—after loss? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down with Shawn and Beth Dougherty to talk about the journey of rebuilding their farmhouse after losing it in a fire. What began as a devastating loss became a catalyst for a deeply meaningful family project—one rooted in resilience, shared work, and intentional design. Shawn and Beth reflect on the emotional and practical realities of starting over, how their grown children contributed their skills to the rebuild, and the lessons they carried forward from their original home. From architectural choices that emphasize natural light and gathering spaces, to the importance of porches, durability, and legacy, this conversation is ultimately about belonging—on the land and with one another. This episode offers encouragement for anyone walking through loss, rebuilding something meaningful, or seeking to create spaces that foster connection, family, and community.   In this episode, you'll hear about: Rebuilding After the Fire How the fire became the catalyst for a family-wide rebuilding effort [01:35] Why rebuilding was essential for a sense of belonging and continuity [01:35] The role of community support in their recovery [01:35] Designing a Home with Intention Lessons learned from their original farmhouse [10:58] Why natural light and open gathering spaces mattered most [10:58] How porches and outdoor spaces shape daily life and hospitality [10:58] Family, Legacy & Community How their children contributed professional skills to the rebuild [21:44] Building a home meant to last for generations [21:44] Why investing in family relationships is foundational to stability [21:44] Doing the right thing—even when it's hard [21:44]   Bio: Shawn and Beth Dougherty have been homesteading together since 1985, for the past 35 years in northern Appalachia. They raise dairy and beef cows, pigs, and poultry on a small acreage designated by the state of Ohio as "not suitable for agriculture." The Doughertys write, teach, and speak on holistic grazing and inputs-free farming, using grass-fed ruminants to restore abused land and build fertile, resilient farmsteads. They are the authors of One Cow Revolution, The Independent Farmstead, and The Independent Farmstead's Field Guides to Inputs-Free Farming series. Links: 🐄Visit Shawn & Beth's website: One Cow Revolution 📷 Instagram: @shawnandbeth 📚Their books: One Cow Revolution and The Independent Farmstead   This episode is brought to you by Farm on Central: Planning ahead for your best onion harvest yet? Farm on Central offers spring-timed onion plants featuring proven varieties that produce large, consistent bulbs and store beautifully. Plants are grown on a certified organic farm in Arizona and shipped at the ideal time for planting. Enjoy free shipping on all onion orders, plus discounts on multiple bundles. Smaller collections are available for home growers, while larger bundles are perfect for market farms. Order now at shop.farmoncentral.com.

A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey.   What does it look like to lead and manage an all-female farm team? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down with Emma de Long of Kneehigh Farm to talk about what she's learned running a farm crew made up entirely of women. Emma shares her experience building a strong, supportive team in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated, along with the leadership lessons that have shaped how she manages people day-to-day. From starting small and scaling over time, to fostering compassion, communication, and trust within a close-knit crew, Emma offers thoughtful insights into team dynamics on a small farm. This conversation focuses less on ownership structure and more on what it takes to lead a team well—especially when people, relationships, and long days are at the center of the work. In this episode, you'll hear about: Building an All-Female Farm Team • How Emma's crew naturally evolved into an all-women team [03:23] • What it's been like leading women in a traditionally male-dominated field [06:35] Leadership & Team Culture • Why compassion plays a central role in Emma's leadership style [06:52] • Creating a family-like dynamic while still maintaining professionalism • How trust and communication shape day-to-day farm operations Challenges & Practical Realities • Tools and systems that aren't always designed with women in mind [10:31] • Balancing physical demands with teamwork and mutual support • Accepting help and knowing when to lean on others Advice for Farmers & Team Leaders • Why community matters just as much as production [12:23] • The value of mentorship and peer support • Emma's encouragement for farmers—especially women—looking to build strong teams [15:42] Bio: Emma de Long is a farmer, educator, and fiber advocate based in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She founded Kneehigh Farm in 2013 and has since grown a diverse mix of vegetables, dye plants, and fiber crops. Since 2019, Emma has cultivated indigo for natural pigment extraction, and in 2020 she co-founded the Pennsylvania Flax Project, an initiative dedicated to rebuilding regional flax processing infrastructure. Kneehigh Farm operates as a 100% women-run operation, and in 2021 Emma opened Red Dog Market, a year-round outlet for farm goods and local products.   Links: 👩🏻‍🌾 Visit Kneehigh Farm's website: Kneehigh Farm 🌾 Visit PA Flax Project's website: PA Flax Project 📷 Instagram: @kneehighfarm 👍 Facebook: @kneehighfarmCSA   This episode is sponsored by Farm on Central: Planning ahead for your best onion harvest yet? Farm on Central offers spring-timed onion plants featuring proven varieties that produce large, consistent bulbs and store beautifully. Plants are grown on a certified organic farm in Arizona and shipped at the ideal time for planting. Enjoy free shipping on all onion orders, plus discounts on multiple bundles. Smaller collections are available for home growers, while larger bundles are perfect for market farms. Order now at shop.farmoncentral.com.

A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. How can technology help farmers save labor, increase efficiency, and monitor their farms in real time? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael is joined by Nathan Rosenberg, CEO and co-founder of FarmBlox, to explore the biggest trends shaping farm technology today. From robotics to sensors to drones, Nathan breaks down which innovations truly move the needle — and which ones are more hype than help. Nathan explains why labor-saving tools are the top priority for most farms today, how sensors can automate tasks like monitoring maple syrup sap runs, and why theft prevention is becoming a critical need in orchards and high-value crop production. He also shares practical advice for farmers interested in adopting new technology without getting overwhelmed or oversold. Whether you're curious about automation or just want smarter ways to solve farm pain points, this conversation will help you understand what's worth paying attention to — and what to ignore.   In this episode, you'll hear about: Farm Tech Trends: • Why labor is the biggest cost driving innovation [1:53] • Where robotics and remote sensing are making the biggest impact [04:10] Real-World Applications: • How sensors can automate maple syrup production and orchard monitoring [04:32] • Why theft prevention is becoming a major tech need in agriculture [07:20] Drones & Data: • What drones can (and can't) do for farmers [09:55] • Using real-time monitoring to catch issues early [10:50] Practical Advice for Farmers: • Why "start small" is the smartest approach to adopting new tech • How to identify the pain points worth solving before investing About the Guest: Nathan Rosenberg is the CEO and Co-Founder of FarmBlox, a platform that gives farmers tools to build their own automation systems — connecting sensors, equipment, and real-time data to a simple app. With a background in robotics engineering and over a decade of experience building large-scale IoT networks, Nathan brings a deep understanding of how automation, AI, and practical engineering intersect on real farms. Links: 🔗 Visit Farmblox: Farmblox 💼 LinkedIn: Farmblox 📷 Instagram: @farmbloxag   This episode is brought to you by Farm on Central: For homesteads, flower farms, or berry operations, elderberries and willows are two excellent long-term crops to consider. Willows provide fast growth and beautiful stems, while elderberries deliver reliable, in-demand harvests year after year. Farm on Central's cuttings are naturally grown, hardy, and easy to root in most climates—making them a great perennial investment for seasons to come. Cuttings ship soon and quantities are limited. Order at shop.farmoncentral.com.

A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. What makes husk cherries one of the most surprising—and delightful—novelty crops on the farm? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down again with Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow of Amber Waves Farm to talk about one of their favorite unconventional crops: husk cherries. Known for their tropical flavor, long shelf life, and enthusiastic customer response, husk cherries are a crop many farmers overlook—but shouldn't. Katie and Amanda break down everything from seed starting to trellising to harvest strategies, along with their best tips for selling, storing, and cooking with this fun fruit. Whether you're looking to diversify your market table or try something new in the garden, this episode offers accessible, practical insights for growing a crop that always sparks curiosity.   In this episode, you'll hear about: Getting Started: • Why husk cherries are a novelty crop customers get excited about [2:14] • Their favorite varieties and what makes each unique [3:32] Growing Practices: • Seed starting tips and early care [4:10] • Fertility needs and trellising techniques that improve plant health [6:54] Flavor & Marketability:  • How pricing reflects the labor involved in harvesting [13:30] • Why their long shelf life makes them a smart market crop [14:30] • Their signature "pineapple-grape" flavor profile [15:05] • Why families—and kids especially—love growing and harvesting them [16:43] Bio: Amber Waves began in 2008 when Amanda Merrow and Katie Baldwin met during a farm apprenticeship, sparking a friendship and a shared dream to feed their local community. A year later, they launched their farm on seven conserved acres behind the Amagansett Farmers Market, drawn to the land's unique coastal terroir, which inspired the name Amber Waves. In the early days, they personally connected with every visitor, cultivating a community that found comfort, inspiration, and empowerment through the farm. By 2016, with the support of dedicated locals and visionary women before them, Amanda and Katie secured ownership of the farmland and reunited it with the historic farmstand. Today, Amber Waves spans over 30 acres, operates a vibrant market and kitchen, and stands as a nationally recognized educational farm serving hundreds of families and visitors each year. Links: 👩🏻‍🌾 Visit Amber Waves Farm's website: Amber Waves Farm 📺 YouTube: @amberwavesfarmNY 📷 Instagram: Amber Waves Farm 👍 Facebook: Amber Waves Farm   This episode is sponsored by Farm on Central: For homesteads, flower farms, or berry operations, elderberries and willows are two excellent long-term crops to consider. Willows provide fast growth and beautiful stems, while elderberries deliver reliable, in-demand harvests year after year. Farm on Central's cuttings are naturally grown, hardy, and easy to root in most climates—making them a great perennial investment for seasons to come. Cuttings ship soon and quantities are limited. Order at shop.farmoncentral.com.

A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. What does it really take to run a small, year-round local market? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down with Emma de Long of Kneehigh Farm to talk about the creation and day-to-day operation of Red Dog Market, a year-round local food market in Pennsylvania. Emma shares how Red Dog Market grew out of increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has evolved into a community-centered outlet for her farm and other local producers. From staffing and sourcing to signage, POS systems, and regulatory considerations, Emma offers a candid look at the realities behind keeping fresh food accessible all year long. Whether you're considering opening a farm store, expanding into retail, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes work of local food markets, this episode offers practical, grounded insights from someone doing it every day.   In this episode, you'll hear about: The Origin of Red Dog Market • How COVID-19 accelerated demand for local food access [02:42] • Why Kneehigh Farm serves as the market's anchor vendor [02:42] Market Operations & Staffing • Running a year-round market with a small, focused team [08:32] • The role of a dedicated market manager and daily task division [08:32] • Why maintaining fresh produce is "a puzzle every day" [14:39] Sourcing & Vendor Relationships • How Emma vets vendors—especially for meat and dairy products [12:25] • The importance of building strong relationships with local producers [05:34] • Balancing product variety with quality and consistency [12:25] Systems, Marketing & Logistics • The complexities of using POS systems for a small, hybrid market model [14:39] • Effective signage and in-person marketing strategies [16:51] • Leveraging existing farm share and CSA memberships to build traffic [16:51] Advice for Aspiring Market Owners • Why starting slow and understanding your costs is critical [16:51] • Regulatory considerations every market owner should be aware of • How community engagement shapes long-term success [20:40] Bio: Emma de Long is a farmer, educator, and fiber advocate based in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She founded Kneehigh Farm in 2013 and has since grown a diverse mix of vegetables, dye plants, and fiber crops. Since 2019, Emma has cultivated indigo for natural pigment extraction, and in 2020 she co-founded the Pennsylvania Flax Project, an initiative dedicated to rebuilding regional flax processing infrastructure. Kneehigh Farm operates as a 100% women-run operation, and in 2021 Emma opened Red Dog Market, a year-round outlet for farm goods and local products. Links: 👩🏻‍🌾 Visit Kneehigh Farm's website: Kneehigh Farm 📷 Instagram: @kneehighfarm 👍 Facebook: @kneehighfarmCSA 🌾 Visit Red Dog Market's website: Red Dog Market 📷 Red Dog Market Instagram: @reddogmarketpa 👍 Red Dog Market Facebook: @reddogmarketpa   This episode is sponsored by Farm on Central: For homesteads, flower farms, or berry operations, elderberries and willows are two excellent long-term crops to consider. Willows provide fast growth and beautiful stems, while elderberries deliver reliable, in-demand harvests year after year. Farm on Central's cuttings are naturally grown, hardy, and easy to root in most climates—making them a great perennial investment for seasons to come. Cuttings ship soon and quantities are limited. Order at shop.farmoncentral.com.

A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey.   What does it take to plan, grow, and manage more than 600 crop varieties each year? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down again with Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow of Amber Waves Farm—this time diving into the art and complexity of crop planning on a diversified, vertically integrated teaching farm. From balancing customer demand with realistic yields, to building soil health with integrated grain production, to coordinating a team during harvest, Katie and Amanda offer a candid look at what it really takes to manage large-scale crop diversity. Whether you're planning your first season or refining long-term systems, their insights will help you think more strategically about plant diversity, soil management, documentation, and how to build a resilient crop plan that works. In this episode, you'll hear about: Crop Diversity & Customer Preferences: • Why Amber Waves grows over 600 varieties—and what customers actually want [2:48] The Complexity of Crop Planning: • How succession planting, land limitations, and crop mix make planning so challenging [6:12] Building Soil Health: • Integrating grain production with vegetables to support soil structure and fertility [10:15] • Innovative disease management strategies, including soil steaming [12:28] Harvesting & Team Coordination: • The communication systems that keep harvest running smoothly [17:35] Advice for New Farmers: • Why writing everything down is one of their most important tools [21:02] • How biodiversity strengthens customer engagement and long-term sustainability Bio: Amber Waves began in 2008 when Amanda Merrow and Katie Baldwin met during a farm apprenticeship, sparking a friendship and a shared dream to feed their local community. A year later, they launched their farm on seven conserved acres behind the Amagansett Farmers Market, drawn to the land's unique coastal terroir, which inspired the name Amber Waves. In the early days, they personally connected with every visitor, cultivating a community that found comfort, inspiration, and empowerment through the farm. By 2016, with the support of dedicated locals and visionary women before them, Amanda and Katie secured ownership of the farmland and reunited it with the historic farmstand. Today, Amber Waves spans over 30 acres, operates a vibrant market and kitchen, and stands as a nationally recognized educational farm serving hundreds of families and visitors each year. Links: 👩🏻‍🌾 Visit Amber Waves Farm's website: Amber Waves Farm 📺 YouTube: @amberwavesfarmNY 📷 Instagram: Amber Waves Farm 👍 Facebook: Amber Waves Farm   This episode is brought to you by shop.farmoncentral: Looking for a unique, high-demand crop for your garden or farm? Farm on Central offers a wide selection of ginger and turmeric—two highly medicinal crops that are popular at farmers markets, with chefs, and among folks making their own wellness products. These long-season crops thrive outdoors in southern climates, and growers in northern regions often succeed with them in tunnels or containers. Preorders are now open, with options ranging from seed rhizomes for adventurous growers to easy-to-grow started plants. Shop the full collection at shop.farmoncentral.com.

A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey.  Can one grass-fed cow truly become the heart of a food-independent farm? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down with Shawn and Beth Dougherty, authors of One Cow Revolution, to talk about how a single dairy cow can transform a farm's productivity, resilience, and relationship with the land. Drawing from decades of experience, the Doughertys explain why grass—not grain—is the foundation of sustainable dairy systems, how ruminants build soil fertility while producing food, and what new cow owners need to understand before bringing a milk cow home. This conversation blends philosophy with deeply practical advice, offering a grounded look at low-input, grass-based farming. Whether you're dreaming of a family milk cow or simply curious about food independence, this episode offers timeless insights rooted in observation, experience, and respect for animals and land.   In this episode, you'll hear about: The One Cow Revolution Why Shawn and Beth felt compelled to write One Cow Revolution [01:40] How cows fit into a sustainable, food-independent farm system [01:40] Grass, Ruminants & Soil Health Why grass is the most important resource on the farm [03:34] How ruminants improve soil fertility while producing food [03:34] Advice for New Cow Owners Why starting small is critical for success [07:50] How temporary electric fencing makes land integration easier [07:50] Why observation matters more than rigid systems [07:50] The Abundance of a Dairy Cow Just how much food one cow can provide [13:34] Using milk to feed other animals and increase farm productivity [13:34] Common Mistakes & Lessons Learned Where new cow owners often underestimate feed needs [16:14] Why practical experience matters more than theory [16:14] Why milking is simpler than many people expect [16:14]   About the Guests: Shawn and Beth Dougherty have been homesteading together since 1985, for the past 35 years in northern Appalachia. They raise dairy and beef cows, pigs, and poultry on a small acreage designated by the state of Ohio as "not suitable for agriculture." The Doughertys write, teach, and speak on holistic grazing and inputs-free farming, using grass-fed ruminants to restore abused land and build fertile, resilient farmsteads. They are the authors of One Cow Revolution, The Independent Farmstead, and The Independent Farmstead's Field Guides to Inputs-Free Farming series. Links: 🐄Visit Shawn & Beth's website: One Cow Revolution 📷 Instagram: @shawnandbeth 📚Their books: One Cow Revolution and The Independent Farmstead   This episode is brought to you by Farm on Central: Looking for a unique, high-demand crop for your garden or farm? Farm on Central offers a wide selection of ginger and turmeric—two highly medicinal crops that are popular at farmers markets, with chefs, and among folks making their own wellness products. These long-season crops thrive outdoors in southern climates, and growers in northern regions often succeed with them in tunnels or containers. Preorders are now open, with options ranging from seed rhizomes for adventurous growers to easy-to-grow started plants. 👉  Shop the full collection at shop.farmoncentral.com.

A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they're helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. How can flax become a sustainable, versatile crop for modern farms? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down with Emma de Long of Kneehigh Farm to talk about her work with fiber flax—one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world and a plant with surprising potential for today's regenerative and artisan fiber markets. Emma shares how she began growing flax in 2020 and why she co-founded the Pennsylvania Flax Project, an initiative working to rebuild regional fiber infrastructure. From the anatomy of the flax plant to the practical challenges of processing, Emma explains both the opportunities and realities of reviving a heritage fiber crop in the U.S. Whether you're curious about natural fibers, looking to diversify your crops, or interested in small-scale processing, this episode offers a thoughtful and accessible introduction to a crop with deep history and growing future demand.   In this episode, you'll hear about: Flax Basics & History Why flax has nearly vanished in U.S. production—and why it's making a comeback [03:20] The difference between fiber flax and seed flax, and how each is bred [03:20] Pennsylvania's historical ties to flax cultivation dating back to the 1600s [03:20] Market Interest & Opportunity Rising demand for natural fibers and sustainable textiles [10:29] Zero-waste potential—how nearly every part of the plant is useful [10:29] Growing Fiber Flax What makes flax a low-input, sustainable crop [08:16] Soil and weather considerations—why "the weather trumps all" [08:16] Tips for new growers and why starting small is best [18:35] Processing & Infrastructure Why processing flax into fiber is complex—but possible on small scales [13:39] Current challenges around U.S. flax infrastructure [16:33] How the Pennsylvania Flax Project is working toward a regional processing mill [16:33] Wrap-Up & Reflection Why flax can be both a joy and a challenge to integrate into diversified farms [18:35]   Bio: Emma de Long is a farmer, educator, and fiber advocate based in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She founded Kneehigh Farm in 2013 and has since grown a diverse mix of vegetables, dye plants, and fiber crops. Since 2019, Emma has cultivated indigo for natural pigment extraction, and in 2020 she co-founded the Pennsylvania Flax Project, an initiative dedicated to rebuilding regional flax processing infrastructure. Kneehigh Farm operates as a 100% women-run operation, and in 2021 Emma opened Red Dog Market, a year-round outlet for farm goods and local products. Links: 👩🏻‍🌾 Visit Kneehigh Farm's website: Kneehigh Farm 🌾 Visit PA Flax Project's website: PA Flax Project 📷 Instagram: @kneehighfarm 👍 Facebook: @kneehighfarmCSA   This episode is sponsored by Growing Farmers: Looking to get your farm systems dialed in for 2026? The Small Farm Business Intensive is a two-day, on-farm event hosted by Michael Kilpatrick in Ohio on February 20–21. Participants will walk through the same frameworks used at Farm on Central, covering planning, pricing, profitability, team management, and more. The goal is clarity—leaving with a plan and practical tools you can actually use to move your farm forward. Learn more and save your spot at growingfarmers.com.

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

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

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

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

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

What happens when two forward-thinking Iowa farmers team up to help others grow better businesses? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tanner Winterhof and Corey Hillebo, hosts of the Farm4Profit Podcast. With backgrounds in finance, crop and livestock production, and agribusiness leadership, Tanner and Corey are on a mission to help farmers treat their operations like profitable, resilient businesses. Through the Farm4Profit platform, they share tools, technology, and mindset shifts to help farms succeed in today's complex ag economy. Tune in to hear how they balance tradition with innovation, and why they're passionate about sharing the lessons they've learned along the way.   In This Episode, You'll Hear: Why Farm4Profit?: How they chose their name and why profit is a key focus for farmers [1:26] Crop Innovation: How real crop farming has changed in recent years [3:56] Tech & Inputs: The evolving role of technology and chemical use in modern agriculture [9:37] Farm as a Business: What trips farmers up and how to stay focused on profitability [19:50] Family Farm Dynamics: The challenges and opportunities of working within a family operation [27:06] Looking Ahead: Corey and Tanner's plans for future crops and business growth [32:57] Don't miss this episode if you want practical, honest insights into treating your farm like a business while staying grounded in stewardship and legacy.   About the Guests: Tanner Winterhof grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa and has blended his passion for agriculture with a successful career in banking and agribusiness. He co-hosts the Farm4Profit Podcast, helping farm businesses grow through financial literacy, innovation, and sustainability. Corey Hillebo is a fourth-generation farmer in Polk City, Iowa. As Farm Manager for Hillebo Family Farms and President of Big Creek Seed, Corey brings leadership and technical knowledge to both his operation and the Farm4Profit Podcast. His focus includes row crops, swine, and seed production, as well as helping other farmers embrace new opportunities.   Connect with Farm4Profit: 🌐 Website: Farm4Profit 📸 Instagram: Follow @farm4profit 👍 Facebook: Like Farm4Profit

What does it look like to steward a diversified organic farm across six generations? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by John Bell, managing owner of Elmwood Stock Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. John and his wife Melissa are raising the farm's seventh generation while managing over 400 acres of USDA Certified Organic vegetables, poultry, pork, and grass-fed beef. Since becoming certified organic in 2000, Elmwood Stock Farm has focused on sustainable rotations of crops and livestock to build soil health, reduce off-farm inputs, and nourish their community with nutrient-dense food. Tune in to hear how this legacy farm continues to thrive in a modern marketplace. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Farm history – When Elmwood Stock Farm was established and how it's evolved [0:59] Animal integration – How and when livestock were added to the operation [8:29] Customer base – Who buys their diverse organic products and how they connect with their market [21:17] Vision for the future – John's thoughts on where Elmwood is headed in the coming years [29:49] Location advantage – Why their Kentucky location works for organic sales [33:28] Team dynamics – What their year-round and seasonal staffing looks like [40:59] Favorite tool – The tool John relies on most in his daily work [42:59]  Don't miss this episode if you're curious about running a truly diversified, multi-generational organic farm that continues to innovate while staying true to its roots.   About the Guest: John Bell has spent his life working on Elmwood Stock Farm, a sixth-generation family farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. As a managing owner, John leads organic vegetable production and oversees their pastured pork and grass-fed Wagyu-Angus cattle operations. He's an active voice in regional agricultural leadership and a past board chair of the Organic Association of Kentucky. Alongside his wife Melissa, John is raising the farm's next generation while advancing a vision of ecological farming and community nourishment.   Connect with Elmwood Stock Farm: 🌐 Website: Elmwood Stock Farm 📸 Instagram: Follow @elmwoodstockfarm 👍🏼 Facebook: Like ElmwoodStockFarm   ▶️ YouTube: Subscribe to Elmwood Stock Farm