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While much of American agriculture is stuck in debt and overproduction, a quiet revolution is growing beneath the canopy of chestnut trees. In this episode, Roger Smith of Prairie Grove Chestnut Growers joins United Chestnuts to share how his network of seven-state growers has broken free from the commodity system — and built a model where farmers are price makers, not price takers. From “street-corner retail” to standardized genetics and cold-chain precision, Smith’s story is proof that specialty crops can rewrite the rules of farm economics. Host Kim Douglass unpacks how Smith and other innovators like Greg Miller and Mike Nave are leading the shift from survival to legacy — and why the chestnut industry’s playbook may hold the blueprint for the future of regenerative specialty farming. Tune in if you’re ready to: Understand how specialty crops are outpacing commoditiesLearn practical steps to reclaim pricing powerHear what modern cooperatives are doing to protect grower marginsSee how small farms can scale through innovation and collaborationFor more episodes, insights, and grower resources, visit www.unitedchestnuts.com or join the United Chestnuts Community on Facebook and LinkedIn. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Messy in the Middle: What It Really Looks Like to Build a Chestnut Orchard (and an Industry) What happens after the excitement of planting trees fades—but before everything feels established? In this Messy in the Middle episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, Melanie Jones reflects on the often-unseen middle phase of chestnut farming and industry-building. Inspired by the idea of the “messy middle,” this episode explores what it really looks like to grow a perennial crop—and a community—when progress is real but unfinished. From uneven harvests and learning curves to orchard decisions that don’t come with a playbook, this conversation is about staying planted through uncertainty. Melanie shares perspective from EBB Farms in Western Kentucky, parallels from other perennial crops like pistachios, and why patience, learning, and shared experience matter more than hype. This episode is for:Chestnut growers in the early or mid stagesLandowners considering planting treesAnyone building something long-term that doesn’t offer quick feedbackChestnuts aren’t “coming back” overnight. They’re being built—orchard by orchard, season by season. This Messy in the Middle episode is part of an ongoing series within Branching Out: Growing Together, highlighting real-world, in-progress experiences from EBB Farms and the broader chestnut community. 👉 Learn more and explore resources at unitedchestnuts.com/resources Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Melanie Jones sits down with Roger Blackwell, President of Chestnut Growers of America, to talk about the momentum building in the U.S. chestnut industry. Together they explore what’s changed, what’s ahead, and how growers across the country are uniting to shape the next chapter of this remarkable tree crop. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

🌐 What the Heck is SEO (and Why Should Chestnut Growers Care?)  Hi friends—Melanie Jones here with United Chestnuts, and today we’re breaking down a big, messy topic in a way that makes sense for farmers: 👉 SEO (Search Engine Optimization) If you're a grower who wants to sell more chestnuts, trees, or host visitors to your orchard—but don’t have time to become a digital marketing expert—this episode is for you. We’ll cover:Why chestnut growers need SEO—even if you’re not “online people”Simple ways to get your orchard found in Google, Facebook, and TikTokWhat terms like AEO and GEO actually mean (and how they help)How United Chestnuts is making this easy with tools, templates, and support💻 Learn more and join the movement: unitedchestnuts.com/resources 🌰 Chestnuts are coming back—and we’re building the system to support them. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Today we’re out in the orchard with Nora D’Antuono from the Ecdysis Foundation, talking real‑world regenerative agriculture: soil health that sticks, biodiversity that pays back, and farmer‑led research through the 1000 Farms Initiative. We dig into tools like the BugBox and Xerinx, why insects are powerful indicators of farm health, and how community + data help farmers move from “hope” to “proof.” Recorded at EBB Farms (Western Kentucky)—the chestnut-growing testbed powered by the United Chestnuts movement. You’ll hear: What 1000 Farms is measuring—and why it matters to your bottom lineSimple biodiversity practices that fit real schedules and budgetsThe role of the BugBox/Xerinx in tracking ecosystem healthHow growers are sharing data, stories, and momentumResources: unitedchestnuts.com/resources Resources: ecdysis.bio Connect: United Chestnuts Community (FB), Ecdysis Foundation, Blue Dasher Farm Tags: #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #1000Farms #Ecdysis #Chestnuts #UnitedChestnuts #EBBFarms Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

🎙️ Branching Out: Growing Together At EBB Farms, our Grow-Bag Strategy makes all the difference. We raise each seedling in a three-gallon breathable grow bag inside protected nurseries. They’re watered daily, weeded, and carefully staked — building a dense, fibrous root system that establishes quickly once planted. Before shipping, we gently shake off the soil and send the tree dormant, so you get the very same strong, orchard-ready trees we plant ourselves. In this episode, we explain why it pays to reserve your chestnut trees early. Demand is high, and these bare root seedlings are already in motion. Learn how they’re raised, what sets them apart, and why they often show faster growth in the field. 👉 Reserve now, and be ready to plant success.  Details at unitedchestnuts.com/ebb-farms Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

At Pick N Grin Farm in western Kentucky, Willie Huston is doing more than raising crops—he’s cultivating a way of life rooted in observation, resilience, and joy. From silvopasture to biomimicry, mob grazing to music, Willie shares how tending the land has shaped his livelihood, his family, and his community. This episode is a reminder that restoring the earth begins with paying attention to what’s already there. What you’ll hear in this episode: How Willie blends chestnuts, livestock, and wildflowers into a thriving farm ecosystemThe role of curiosity and observation in regenerative farmingWhy diversity—of crops, community, and skills—creates resilienceThe link between music, creativity, and land stewardshipTips for starting your own small-scale farm with purposeListen in, and let’s grow together. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

What drives you to grow chestnuts—not just in year one, but year ten? In this episode, Melanie revisits a question that keeps surfacing in our orchard, at conferences, and in every email from new growers: “What’s your why?” Drawing from personal experience and stories from growers like Brad and Sandy Russell, we explore what happens when you follow your reasons all the way down. Plus, Melanie shares a simple, powerful reflection tool you can download to clarify your own path. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your “why” matters more than your business planHow surface reasons often evolve into deeper onesReal motivations that keep chestnut growers goingWhat to ask yourself when things get hardHow to use the 7-question “Find Your Why” exerciseMore Resources to Explore Listen to: Finding Our Why: Why Chestnuts, and Why NowDownload the Seven Whys Reflection ToolRead: The Advantages of Tree CropsWatch: Brad + Sandy Rusell on The Branching Out: Growing Together podcast or Brad Russell on The Branching Out: Growing Together podcast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

🎙️ You’re listening to Branching Out: Growing Together, and I’m your host, Melanie Jones. Today’s solo episode is all about starting with your why—a nod to the wisdom of Simon Sinek, and a principle we live by here at EBB Farms and United Chestnuts. Because when it comes to choosing what to grow—especially tree crops—your reason matters. Maybe you want to improve your soil. Maybe you want to plant a long-term food source, build a family sanctuary, support wildlife, or leave a legacy that’s nutrient-rich and carbon-smart. Whatever your why, tree crops offer something powerful: a regenerative, perennial path forward. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the most common reasons people are turning to chestnut orchards and tree crops—and share how they connect to broader movements in agroforestry, food security, and land stewardship. If you’re just starting out—or even just dreaming—this is a great place to begin. 📍 You can read the full blog and explore our other tools and resources at unitedchestnuts.com. Let’s grow something good, together. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

This Small Business Week, we’re digging deep into how chestnuts can power more than just your pantry — they can build a business.Melanie shares what she’s learned from financial advisor and grower Joel Hubbard and Propagate’s Jeremy Kaufman about building real business models around chestnut orchards. From land structure and taxes to agroforestry and next-generation planning, this episode is packed with insight for farmers, landowners, and dreamers alike. You’ll hear: Why Joel believes chestnuts belong in your investment portfolioHow Jeremy is helping farmers scale agroforestry across the U.S.Funding, planning, and structure tips for your chestnut orchardThe emotional and financial power of planting for future generationsIf you’re thinking about how to grow smarter, this one’s for you.Learn more and subscribe at unitedchestnuts.com and follow Branching Out: Growing Together for more interviews, field notes, and stories from the chestnut community. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

This offshoot episode is based on our recent conversation with Dave Skinner of Whitetal Properties, where we discuss "How to Buy Land with Purpose: Strategies from Dave Skinner." What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to take the next step. You’ll learn: What shifted in land buying trends post-COVIDHow to choose the right real estate agent for landIdeas for generating income from rural property (beyond farming)The real ROI of land compared to traditional investmentsWhy passion for the outdoors still drives the best decisionsWant to learn more about land and chestnuts? Subscribe to the podcast and visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources, nursery info, and upcoming events and subscribe to the United Chestnuts YouTube channel.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to take the next step.You’ll learn: What shifted in land buying trends post-COVIDHow to choose the right real estate agent for landIdeas for generating income from rural property (beyond farming)The real ROI of land compared to traditional investmentsWhy passion for the outdoors still drives the best decisionsWant to learn more about land and chestnuts? Subscribe to the podcast and visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources, nursery info, and upcoming events. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Podcast Description: In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, Scott Smith shares his journey from growing up in the chestnut industry to running a successful orchard in Michigan. We dive into the realities of modern chestnut farming, including harvesting methods, marketing strategies, and why diversification is the key to success.Episode Highlights: The transition from handpicking to mechanized harvestingHow Scott built a market for his chestnuts (now in 17 grocery stores!)The role of grower collaboration and cultivar registrationHow breweries are using chestnuts—and what that means for farmersWhy chestnut farming is as much about community as it is about cropsTune in now to learn how to grow, sell, and thrive in the chestnut industry.Join the conversation! Visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources and follow us on social media for more chestnut farming insights. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore the evolving landscape of chestnut farming and industry collaboration through United Chestnuts and EBB Farms.🌰 United Chestnuts is expanding beyond just one farm—it’s becoming a national platform to support chestnut growers who want to focus on farming without the burden of branding and marketing. We discuss how this initiative aims to unite growers, streamline sales, and educate consumers about chestnuts. 🌱 EBB Farms continues to stand as a leading example of hands-on, chestnut cultivation. We talk about the farm’s role in both growing premium chestnuts and educating the next generation of farmers. If you're interested in growing, selling, or simply enjoying chestnuts, this conversation is packed with insights into how we can all grow together!🔔 Subscribe for more stories from farmers, innovators, and industry leaders shaping the future of chestnut farming. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

🎙 Welcome to Branching Out: Growing Together! 🌱🌰 In this episode, we’re diving into the financial side of farming and entrepreneurship with Joel Hubbard, CPA—a seasoned expert in accounting, tax strategies, and business financial planning. But Joel isn’t just a numbers guy—he’s also a passionate chestnut grower and the owner of Georgia Chestnuts, where he’s actively contributing to the growth of the chestnut industry. 🌰🌿 Joel brings valuable insights on how growers, landowners, and small business owners can navigate taxes, manage cash flow, and build long-term financial stability. Whether you're starting your orchard, expanding your farm, or just trying to make sense of the numbers, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you grow—both financially and sustainably. 🌎📈 Check out the previous episode of Branching Out with Joel Hubbard in the podcast playlist. Hit like & subscribe and let’s get into it! 🎧👇 #BranchingOutPodcast #ChestnutFarming #GeorgiaChestnuts #UnitedChestnuts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.