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Rooted Agritourism

Advertise on podcast: Rooted Agritourism

Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
109 reviews
This podcast has
186 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Liz Fiedler
Explicit
No
Date created
2023/02/24
Latest episode
2026/06/23
Average duration
17 min.
Release period
16 days

Description

Rooted Agritourism is the go-to podcast for rural entrepreneurs building diversified, sustainable, and story-driven farm businesses. Hosted by Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen—flower farmer, educator, and founder of Sunny Mary Meadow cut flower farm—this show goes beyond blooms to explore the full spectrum of agritourism and value-added agriculture. Whether you're launching a U-pick field, hosting farm events, bottling your own products, or dreaming up the next big rural business idea, you'll find honest insights, real-world strategies, and a whole lot of encouragement here. Each episode blends personal experience, practical tools, and conversations with innovative ag-based business owners who are redefining what it means to grow on your own terms. From marketing perishable products to navigating burnout, building memberships, and scaling farm income streams—Rooted Agritourism is your weekly companion for building a life and business deeply rooted in purpose, place, and profitability. Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

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Check latest episodes from Rooted Agritourism podcast


Thermostat or Thermometer: What a County Permitting Battle Taught Me About Leadership
2026/06/23
Takeaways You cannot argue people into changing their minds. You can only outlast their fear with evidence, patience, and showing up consistently.Leaders set the temperature. Whether you choose to be a thermostat or a thermometer in a conflict will determine the outcome more than the facts will.Agritourism is not a hobby. It is an economic development strategy — one that keeps farmland in family hands when traditional commodity farming can no longer carry the weight.In this solo episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen is back with one of the most honest conversations she has had on this podcast yet — and it's entirely her own story. Liz opens by catching listeners up on a whirlwind stretch: the launch of her USA Today bestselling book Flowers Bloom Anyway, her appearance on season two of Dirt Diaries on RFD-TV, a segment on Market Watch, and the official opening of her on-farm event venue and farm store at Sunny Mary Meadow. But the heart of this episode is a story she has been sitting with for almost a year: the conditional use permit battle that nearly derailed her dream before the building was even finished. Key Topics Covered Liz's background: nurse practitioner by education, flower farmer by accident, entrepreneur by necessityGrowing Sunny Mary Meadow from $7,000 to $150,000 in flower sales in three years — and why she knew the model had to evolveWhy she rebranded from Flower Farmer Forum to Rooted Agritourism, and what that shift representsFlowers Bloom Anyway — USA Today bestseller — and the media attention that followedWhat a conditional use permit is and why agritourism businesses need one to operate legallyThe neighbor opposition, the misinformation, and what it cost her personallyThe county commissioner who accused her application of fraud and walked out of a public meetingHow she decided to stop saying "no comment" and go to the statewide pressFiling a formal complaint — and why she says it was about accountability, not revengeThe phone call from a neighbor a year later: "I think we were misinformed."Thermostat vs. thermometer leadershipSave $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
Heated High Tunnel Lessons: What I Learned My First Year Growing Flowers in Zone 4B
2026/06/01
Takeaways Heated high tunnels create more control, but they also create new management challengesCrop planning and data tracking made recovering from crop losses much easierOverwintering flowers may be the key to earlier blooms and higher profitabilitySummary of the Episode This week, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen shares a transparent look at her first year operating a heated high tunnel in Zone 4B Minnesota. From grant funding and installation costs to propane failures and frozen crops, this episode dives deep into what worked, what failed, and what changes are coming next season. If you've considered adding season extension infrastructure to your flower farm or agritourism business, this episode offers practical lessons about costs, crop selection, risk management, and scaling production. Key Topics Covered: Heated vs unheated high tunnelsHow NRCS grants work for high tunnel fundingHidden costs of greenhouse and tunnel infrastructureCrop losses caused by heating failuresOverwintering ranunculus and cool flowers in Zone 4BPlanning earlier blooms for Mother's Day salesScaling flower production strategicallyManaging inventory and storage for wedding flowersSave $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
How I Run Multiple Businesses With Zero Employees and Still Grow
2026/05/22
Takeaways Traditional hiring is not the only path to business growth and scalability.Systems, freelancers, and strategic outsourcing can create more flexibility and sustainability.Delegation works best when you evaluate tasks based on skill, enjoyment, and business impact.In this behind-the-scenes episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen pulls back the curtain on how she runs a flower farm, event venue, podcast, speaking business, and multiple entrepreneurial ventures without traditional employees. Liz shares her journey through hiring W-2 employees, experimenting with assistants and agencies, and ultimately designing a business model centered around systems, contractors, software, and project-based specialists. She walks listeners through her current support structure, including freelance creatives, podcast production, PR support, website management, seasonal help, and automation experts. Along the way, she explains how intentional delegation has helped her protect her time, focus on high-value work, and create a business that supports both growth and quality of life. Whether you're an agritourism operator, rural entrepreneur, or service-based business owner, this episode offers practical insight into building a sustainable business without defaulting to traditional staffing. Key Topics Covered: Why traditional hiring did not fit this stage of business growthBuilding systems instead of relying on employeesManaging freelancers and retainers effectivelyUsing software and automation to save timeThe delegation matrix for business ownersProtecting owner energy while scalingOutsourcing without sacrificing qualitySave $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
What Is Value-Added Agriculture? How Farmers Create More Income Without More Land
2026/05/13
Takeaways Value-added agriculture is about increasing the value of what you already produce rather than expanding acreage or inputs.Agritourism creates stronger customer relationships while allowing farmers to retain more profit margin.Experiences like workshops, weddings, pumpkin patches, and farm tours are legitimate forms of agricultural income.Direct-to-consumer sales provide more control over pricing and branding.The future of farming depends on innovation, diversification, and community connection.In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen breaks down what value-added agriculture actually means and why it is transforming modern farming. She explains how farmers can create significantly more income from the same products by shifting from wholesale commodity models to direct-to-consumer experiences and services. Using examples from her own flower farm, Dr. Liz shares how the same crop can generate vastly different revenue depending on how it is sold, packaged, and experienced by customers. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of agritourism, the misconceptions surrounding modern agriculture, and why preserving family farms requires innovation beyond traditional commodity sales. This episode is essential listening for farmers, rural entrepreneurs, flower growers, agritourism operators, and anyone exploring ways to diversify farm income and build a sustainable agricultural business. Key Topics Covered: What value-added agriculture meansWholesale vs. retail farming modelsDirect-to-consumer agriculture strategiesAgritourism business opportunitiesPricing and profit margins for farmersBuilding customer connection through experiencesThe economic importance of family farmsWhy modern agriculture includes education and entertainmentHow farmers can create sustainable income streamsThe realities of running an agritourism businessSave $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
Commodity vs Community Farming: The Shift Transforming Agritourism
2026/05/04
Takeaways Commodity farming offers scale but limits control and profitabilityCommunity-based agriculture creates higher value through relationships and experiencesFarmers must shift from just producing to marketing and selling strategicallyIn this episode, Dr. Liz Fielder Mergen breaks down the critical difference between commodity agriculture and community-based farming. She shares a powerful real-world example of how the same crop can generate vastly different revenue depending on how it is processed and sold. Liz explains the challenges of direct-to-consumer models, the realities behind agritourism, and why building a diversified farm ecosystem is key to long-term sustainability. This episode is essential for farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in value-added agriculture and modern farming business strategies. Key Topics Covered: Commodity vs community farming explainedThe economics of value-added agricultureEliminating the middleman in the supply chainThe realities of direct-to-consumer salesBuilding multiple revenue streams on a farmWhy marketing is just as important as productionSave 30% on Farmers to Florists with code PODCAST: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
How Liz Fiedler Mergen Built a Value-Added Farm Business from Grief and Grit
2026/04/15
Takeaways Value-added agriculture can help small farms create stronger margins and deeper customer relationships.Direct-to-consumer farming opens new opportunities for agritourism, flower farming, and rural business growth.Entrepreneurship often starts by solving real problems and having the courage to build through uncertainty.In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, host Liz Fiedler Mergen shares her personal entrepreneur journey from nurse practitioner to agritourism business owner. Raised on a beef farm, Liz learned early the difference between commodity agriculture and value-added farming. After purchasing a 40-acre family farm with her husband, what began as a small farm stand slowly evolved into a much larger vision. Following devastating personal loss, Liz chose to build a business rooted in purpose, resilience, and innovation. She discusses how direct-to-consumer agriculture, flower farming, coaching, and even app development became part of her growing farm business model. This conversation is a powerful look at rural entrepreneurship, farm diversification, and building a meaningful life through agriculture. Key Topics Covered: Liz Fiedler Mergen’s transition from healthcare to agritourismGrowing up in agriculture and learning value-added farm economicsThe difference between commodity farming and community-centered businessBuilding a farm stand and expanding into flowers and experiencesUsing direct-to-consumer agriculture to create revenueTurning real farm challenges into coaching and digital business opportunitiesResilience, grief, and leading an interesting life through entrepreneurship
Podfest Publishing Panel: Real Talk on Writing "Flowers Bloom Anyway"
2026/02/02
In this inspiring episode of Rooted Agritourism, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen shares the mic with publishing veterans and fellow authors during the Future Proof Author panel at Podfest 2026. Whether you're dreaming of writing your first book or looking to scale your author platform, this panel is packed with actionable advice on storytelling, publishing, platform-building, and book marketing for rural entrepreneurs and creative business owners. Liz opens up about her personal journey—from flower farmer and podcast host to memoir author—and how grief, growth, and entrepreneurship collided to shape her book. Joined by experts from Morgan James Publishing and other successful authors, this conversation dives into the real stories and smart strategies that help authors not only publish but thrive. Key Topics Covered: How to decide what book to write (and why it matters for your future)Marketing your book before it’s even finishedWhy your personal story is your strongest brand assetSelf-publishing vs traditional publishing insightsBuilding an engaged audience with pre-orders and waitlistsSocial media and email strategy tips for first-time authorsCreating a sustainable content and promotion planLeveraging podcast guesting and live events to grow your author platformThe importance of aligning your book with your long-term business goalsPre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
Crop Planning for a Flower Farm that Actually Works
2026/01/27
Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, delves into the core principles of crop planning for flower farms. Emphasizing alignment rather than control, she discusses scheduling bloom times to match sales needs. Liz shares insights from her own experiences, explaining how she uses succession planting and planning tools to optimize planting schedules and fulfill her varied event commitments. While promoting her crop planning platform Farmers to Florist, she insists the principles can be applied manually with notebooks or spreadsheets. Liz underscores the importance of early planning to make informed decisions and maximize the use of crops during their harvest windows. The episode also highlights the upcoming Flower Farmer Forum conference and provides resources for further learning and support for rural entrepreneurs. 00:00 Introduction to Crop Planning 00:10 Welcome to Rooted Agritourism 00:40 Understanding Crop Planning for Flower Farms 01:50 The Importance of Crop Planning 02:32 Real-Life Examples from My Farm 04:02 Planning for Different Business Models 05:27 Succession Planting and Season Extension 09:11 Using Tools for Efficient Crop Planning 13:10 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
Flowers Bloom Anyway: Building Better Relationships in Life with Mark Hicks
2026/01/19
In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism podcast, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen sits down with Dr. Mark Hicks of The Learning Love Foundation to discuss personal growth, healthy relationships, and the journey of becoming a published author. Dr. Hicks shares his experiences with love, divorce, and building a life that matters through his book, 'Learning Love Building the Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last.' They dive into the importance of relationships in both personal and professional lives, especially for those in the agritourism industry. Dr. Hicks also talks about his background in mental health counseling, divinity, and ministry, emphasizing the universal importance of learning to love. Additionally, Dr. Fiedler Mergen provides updates on her own projects, including the new event venue and her upcoming book. Tune in to gain insights into cultivating love and success in both personal life and business. 00:00 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism 00:19 Welcome to the Rued Egg Tourism Podcast 00:34 Flowers Bloom Anyway: Personal Growth and Grief 00:54 Meet Dr. Mark Hicks 01:20 The Journey of Writing and Publishing 02:14 Building Healthy Relationships 05:24 The Importance of Love in All Aspects of Life 07:27 Credentials and Experience of Dr. Mark Hicks 09:28 Upcoming Changes and Exciting News 11:03 Conclusion and Resources Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
The Power of Community: Insights from the Flower Farmer Forum with Ali Anderberry
2026/01/12
In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, discusses the upcoming Flower Farmer Forum Conference and shares a conversation with Ali from Anderbery Acres in Nebraska about how attending the Flower Farmer Forum conference impacted her flower farming journey. The episode highlights the importance of in-person connections, practical business advice, and learning through direct experiences. Dr. Liz and Ali also talk about pricing strategies, the value of attending live events, planned conference activities, and the diverse pathways to success in flower farming. 00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism 00:19 Welcome Back and Special Guest Introduction 01:33 Ali's Flower Farming Journey 04:46 Conference Experiences and Insights 10:41 Upcoming Events and Workshops 18:51 Final Thoughts and Farewell Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
What 2025 Taught Me About Business, Burnout & Bravery
2026/01/05
Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow in Central Minnesota, reflects on the highs and lows of 2025. She discusses setting measurable goals, navigating challenges, and enduring personal hardships, including infertility and community opposition to her business. Dr. Mergen provides insights into the grit required to build a thriving agritourism venture and announces exciting upcoming projects like the Farmers to Florist app and her soon-to-be-published book. She emphasizes the importance of slow, sustained effort and resilience in achieving long-term success.00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism 00:19 Reflecting on 2025: Achievements and Challenges 02:28 Building a Thriving Business: The Journey 06:46 Overcoming Community Challenges 08:46 Exciting Plans for 2026 11:39 Upcoming Goals and Final Thoughts Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
Revolutionizing the Floral Industry with 'Farmers to Florists'
2025/12/17
Sign up for the webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-222a1dfe-fee7-469e-8156-8379cc388865 In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen invites listeners to the 2026 Flower Farmer Forum and introduces a groundbreaking tool for the floral industry — Farmers to Florists. Liz shares the significant challenges faced by flower farmers, florists, and farmer florists, such as planning, inventory management, and efficient communication. She unveils the Farmers to Florists platform designed to address these issues by integrating crop planning, inventory management, and floral recipes into one collaborative system. Listeners are encouraged to join a live webinar on January 6th to see the platform in action and provide valuable feedback. The episode also mentions registration details, the goals of the platform, and how it aims to bring clarity and efficiency to the industry. 00:00 Welcome and Conference Invitation 00:50 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism 01:14 Exciting Industry Announcement 02:42 The Problem in the Floral Industry 07:18 The Solution: Farmers to Florist Platform 09:18 Features of Farmers to Florist 12:59 Call to Action: Join the Webinar 15:05 Conclusion and Additional Resources
Flowers Bloom Anyway: The Pre-Order of the Book is Available Now
2025/12/09
Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, shares exciting news about her book 'Flowers Bloom Anyway,' now available for presale. She recounts the emotional journey of writing her memoir, from its origins as an angry journal following her husband's sudden death to its transformation into a hopeful narrative about rebuilding life amidst grief. The episode delves into the significance of her farm, Sunny Mary Meadow, in her healing process and highlights the book's broader themes of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and resilience. Listeners are encouraged to pre-order the book through Barnes and Noble to support its launch and ensure wider availability. Dr. Liz also introduces the Bloom Crew, a community supporting the book's promotion. The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to the community for their continuous support. 00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism 00:24 Exciting News: Book Presale Announcement 00:50 The Journey of Writing the Book 03:08 The Role of Sunny Mary Meadow 05:25 Who the Book is For 06:57 The Importance of Pre-orders 08:05 Join the Bloom Crew 08:45 Conclusion and Gratitude 09:21 Support and Resources Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
What to Expect at Flower Farmer Forum 2026
2025/12/01
In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen from Sunny Mary Meadow announces the upcoming 2026 Flower Farmer Forum Conference. Scheduled for January 31st, 2026, at their farm in St. Joseph, Minnesota, the event will cover numerous topics pertinent to flower farming and agritourism. With industry shifts towards local sourcing driven by tariffs and supply chain issues, the conference aims to equip farmers with practical knowledge and networking opportunities. Key speakers from Ball Horticulture, CoolBot, Len Bush Roses, Compeer Financial, and Farmer's Union Agency will provide insights on various aspects of flower farming. A unique feature of this year's conference is the hands-on farm tours showcasing real systems in action. Attendees can also opt for an additional day focused on integrating wedding flowers into their businesses. Special discounts are available, and tickets can be purchased at Sunny Mary Meadow's website. 00:00 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism 00:30 Welcome to the 2026 Flower Farmer Forum Conference 01:29 The Shift in the Flower Farming Industry 03:49 Conference Highlights and Key Speakers 05:38 Networking and Additional Opportunities 07:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
The Bloom Room Blueprint: Turning a Flower Farm into a Community Hub
2025/11/24
Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow in Central Minnesota, shares the journey of transforming her flower farm into a multipurpose event venue and farm store. Through a detailed walkthrough, she explains the architectural, legal, and financial challenges she faced and overcame to build 'The Bloom Room' and 'The Farmacy'. She discusses Minnesota's building codes, the need for sustainable infrastructure, and how the new space boosts flower sales and supports agritourism, rural entrepreneurship, and value-added agriculture. The episode highlights the venue's flexibility for hosting various events, building strong community ties, and offering educational opportunities in agritourism. 00:00 Introduction to Sunny Mary Meadow 00:26 Tour of the New Farm Store and Event Space 01:49 Challenges and Regulations in Remodeling 03:12 Building the New Event Space 04:05 Permits and Legal Hurdles 08:00 Designing the Perfect Space 11:08 Flexible Event Hosting Options 13:25 The Bloom Room and Farm Store 21:19 Future Plans and Educational Opportunities 22:24 Conclusion and Thank You Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Podcast reviews

Read Rooted Agritourism podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
109 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
KC wubba 2025/10/27
BEWARE New flower farmers wanting your money for subscriptions and education fees
I found this podcast a few days ago as an 7 year flower farmer. I like to listen to podcasts of my peers as I am working. I rarely write reviews , bu...
★★★★★
Agprod95 2025/07/28
Agritourism Getting the Platform it Deserves
Liz is such a great advocate for agritourism, with an emphasis on flower farming. She has such a natural way of explaining how things work and educati...
★★★★★
Dragonsflight 2025/05/07
Awesome!
I had a great conversation with! Thank you for including me on your fun podcast
★★★★★
Moms on the Clock 2025/02/23
A wealth of knowledge
So much valuable information in this podcast! So grateful I found it!!!!
★★★☆☆
baby palimeno 2024/04/29
Episodes on Dahlias - could have been better
This show would have been very informative if they would stay on the agenda. One of the hosts kept interrupting every time someone was answering. She ...
★★★★★
Mukwa Man 2024/03/06
So helpful
As someone who is new to the world of flower farming, this podcast has proven to be very helpful in guiding and encouraging.
★★★★★
sararuthie 2024/02/21
Great podcast.
Some people are too sensitive. No trigger warnings? Just mentioning someone that has died should have a warning? Really? This is a big chapter of Liz’...
★★★★★
Ssshots 2024/02/20
To the point!
Great content and to the point.
★★★★★
jepomah 2024/02/19
Helpful!
This podcast is very helpful for me, an avid gardener turned flower farmer. I’m in my 2nd year, so still lots to learn! Thanks, Liz.
★★★★★
Stressed_out_mom 2024/02/06
Great content
Love your show! Great content.
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