Advertise on podcast: Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world

Recording date: September 29, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-three features Jessica Breaux of Piney Woods Farm as we discuss: The emotional and professional impact of spinning and other fiber arts The healing power of agriculture and nature The relationship between commercial farmers, non-profit agriculture, and food insecurity The connection between soil health, living soil, biocomplete compost, and food quality And much, much more… You will love this inquisitive and compassionate farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Jessica: Jessica Breaux is the Executive Director of Piney Woods Farm in LaGrange, Georgia a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational center and USDA Certified Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified® farm dedicated to soil health, community well-being, and ecological stewardship. Jessica studied vocal performance at Florida State University and Shorter College before discovering her deeper calling in regenerative agriculture, traditional arts, and community-based learning rooted in heritage practices. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) program and has completed advanced training through the Crescive Method, including the Advanced Training and Microscope Master Class. In recognition of her leadership in regenerative agriculture and community impact, Jessica was named the 2025 recipient of the Rodale Institute Organic Stewardship Award. Her work blends agricultural science with traditional craft. Jessica holds numerous certifications from the John C. Campbell Folk School in spinning, weaving, knitting, soap making, natural dyeing, pottery, food preservation, and mushroom cultivation—skills she integrates into educational programming that honors both heritage knowledge and modern ecological science. Driven by curiosity and grounded in soil biology, Piney Woods Farm explores innovative regenerative practices designed to increase biodiversity and restore living soil systems. Through education, food production, and community partnerships, Jessica’s work helps demonstrate how small farms can serve as powerful centers for environmental stewardship, health, and local resilience. Connect with Jessica at:  Website: https://pineywoods.farm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PineyWoodsFarmLaGrange/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piney_woods_farm_ga/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@regenerativepineywoodsfarm Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x  Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

Recording date: September 29, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-three features Jessica Breaux of Piney Woods Farm as we discuss: The emotional and professional impact of spinning and other fiber arts The healing power of agriculture and nature The relationship between commercial farmers, non-profit agriculture, and food insecurity The connection between soil health, living soil, biocomplete compost, and food quality And much, much more… You will love this inquisitive and compassionate farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Jessica: Jessica Breaux is the Executive Director of Piney Woods Farm in LaGrange, Georgia a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational center and USDA Certified Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified® farm dedicated to soil health, community well-being, and ecological stewardship. Jessica studied vocal performance at Florida State University and Shorter College before discovering her deeper calling in regenerative agriculture, traditional arts, and community-based learning rooted in heritage practices. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) program and has completed advanced training through the Crescive Method, including the Advanced Training and Microscope Master Class. In recognition of her leadership in regenerative agriculture and community impact, Jessica was named the 2025 recipient of the Rodale Institute Organic Stewardship Award. Her work blends agricultural science with traditional craft. Jessica holds numerous certifications from the John C. Campbell Folk School in spinning, weaving, knitting, soap making, natural dyeing, pottery, food preservation, and mushroom cultivation—skills she integrates into educational programming that honors both heritage knowledge and modern ecological science. Driven by curiosity and grounded in soil biology, Piney Woods Farm explores innovative regenerative practices designed to increase biodiversity and restore living soil systems. Through education, food production, and community partnerships, Jessica’s work helps demonstrate how small farms can serve as powerful centers for environmental stewardship, health, and local resilience. Connect with Jessica at:  Website: https://pineywoods.farm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PineyWoodsFarmLaGrange/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piney_woods_farm_ga/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@regenerativepineywoodsfarm Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x  Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

Recording date: September 22, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-two features Liz Ferguson of Four Acres Living Alpacas as we discuss: Paying for alpacas by selling socks Connecting with customers by connecting customers with livestock Pricing hand-made farm products Grading alpaca fiber for different purposes And much, much more… You will love this curious and collaborative farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Liz: Liz began alpaca farming with her husband just under 11 years ago. Neither had prior experience in farming or animals. Prior to operating the farm, Liz worked as an accounting manager for a large real estate company, and her husband was in retail management. After they adopted 4 children, Liz became a stay-at-home mother. During that time, she taught herself photography, graphic design and website development. By the time they started their farm in their 50's, Liz realized she had all the skills and knowledge to run the business independent of outside professionals. She does all of the accounting and creates the promotional materials for ads and social media for their 15-acre, 37 alpaca farm (with 7 baby alpacas coming soon. Liz also builds and maintains their website and make sure it seamlessly coordinates with everything else (accounting, inventory, POS...) Their farm focuses on carefully breeding for high quality alpaca fiber that can be turned into soft, lightweight and durable outerwear. They use sustainable practices throughout all they do, including using the manure for their organic gardens and growing dye plants that can be used to dye their yarn. Connect with Liz at:  Website: https://fouracresliving.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fouracresliving Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fouracresliving/ Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

Recording date: September 22, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-two features Liz Ferguson of Four Acres Living Alpacas as we discuss: Paying for alpacas by selling socks Connecting with customers by connecting customers with livestock Pricing hand-made farm products Grading alpaca fiber for different purposes And much, much more… You will love this curious and collaborative farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Liz: Liz began alpaca farming with her husband just under 11 years ago. Neither had prior experience in farming or animals. Prior to operating the farm, Liz worked as an accounting manager for a large real estate company, and her husband was in retail management. After they adopted 4 children, Liz became a stay-at-home mother. During that time, she taught herself photography, graphic design and website development. By the time they started their farm in their 50's, Liz realized she had all the skills and knowledge to run the business independent of outside professionals. She does all of the accounting and creates the promotional materials for ads and social media for their 15-acre, 37 alpaca farm (with 7 baby alpacas coming soon. Liz also builds and maintains their website and make sure it seamlessly coordinates with everything else (accounting, inventory, POS...) Their farm focuses on carefully breeding for high quality alpaca fiber that can be turned into soft, lightweight and durable outerwear. They use sustainable practices throughout all they do, including using the manure for their organic gardens and growing dye plants that can be used to dye their yarn. Connect with Liz at:  Website: https://fouracresliving.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fouracresliving Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fouracresliving/ Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

Recording date: September 21, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-one features Colleen Stegenga of Embracing Change Counseling Services, LLC as we discuss: Making the decision to see an animal-assisted therapist for your farm stress Understanding farm succession planning stress Choosing to take time for yourself so you can be the farmer, partner, parent, etc. that you want to be Recognizing the signs that you or a farmer you know need a little extra support And much, much more… You will love this compassionate and supportive farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Colleen: Colleen Stegenga is no stranger to change—and she's living proof that embracing life's transitions can lead to profound purpose. While she preferred the comfort of animals over people as a child, adulthood awakened a deep love for human connection that would shape her calling. After twenty years in business administration and trading small-town South Dakota for Sioux Falls, Colleen discovered her true passion in the most unexpected place: an elementary school office. What began as a secretary position in 2006 became a nine-year journey of profound connection with children whose basic needs often went unmet. Day after day, Colleen found herself drawn into meaningful conversations with students, witnessing their struggles and recognizing their deep need to be heard, valued, and understood. She realized that these children needed someone who would listen without judgment, help them find their voice, and remind them that they mattered. This revelation sparked Colleen's biggest life change yet. In 2013, she enrolled in the University of South Dakota's Master of Social Work program, following her heart toward a career dedicated to healing and empowerment. Her educational journey led her to a mental health agency where she honed her counseling skills with individuals and groups, preparing for the day she would launch Embracing Change Counseling Services. Today, Colleen brings her unique blend of business acumen, educational insight, and genuine compassion to her therapeutic practice. She specializes in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, and negative self-esteem, while her heart remains especially drawn to empowering young girls and women to discover their authentic voices and unshakeable worth. Colleen's passion lies deeply in helping farmers and ranchers navigate the unique challenges of agricultural life—a calling that feels even more personal as she prepares to return to farm life herself this summer. She understands firsthand the distinctive stresses, seasonal pressures, and family dynamics that come with dedicating your life to feeding our communities. Her work with agricultural families is matched by her love for helping women of all ages conquer daily obstacles and learn to love themselves wholly, spanning from adolescence through middle age. At the core of Colleen's practice is her unwavering belief that every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and empowered. She creates a warm, family-like environment where clients can explore their deepest thoughts and feelings without judgment, always reminding them that their feelings are valid and they can still go out into the world and do amazing things. When she's not in the office, Colleen can be found exploring the great outdoors with her two beloved pups, Callie and Skye, traveling to warm, sunny destinations, and cherishing time with her husband, two daughters, son-in-law and grandson and their small herd of animals—a reminder that her childhood love for animals remains as strong as ever. Connect with Colleen at:  Website: https://embracingchangecs.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-stegenga-14344438/ Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x  Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

Recording date: September 21, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-one features Colleen Stegenga of Embracing Change Counseling Services, LLC as we discuss: Making the decision to see an animal-assisted therapist for your farm stress Understanding farm succession planning stress Choosing to take time for yourself so you can be the farmer, partner, parent, etc. that you want to be Recognizing the signs that you or a farmer you know need a little extra support And much, much more… You will love this compassionate and supportive farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Colleen: Colleen Stegenga is no stranger to change—and she's living proof that embracing life's transitions can lead to profound purpose. While she preferred the comfort of animals over people as a child, adulthood awakened a deep love for human connection that would shape her calling. After twenty years in business administration and trading small-town South Dakota for Sioux Falls, Colleen discovered her true passion in the most unexpected place: an elementary school office. What began as a secretary position in 2006 became a nine-year journey of profound connection with children whose basic needs often went unmet. Day after day, Colleen found herself drawn into meaningful conversations with students, witnessing their struggles and recognizing their deep need to be heard, valued, and understood. She realized that these children needed someone who would listen without judgment, help them find their voice, and remind them that they mattered. This revelation sparked Colleen's biggest life change yet. In 2013, she enrolled in the University of South Dakota's Master of Social Work program, following her heart toward a career dedicated to healing and empowerment. Her educational journey led her to a mental health agency where she honed her counseling skills with individuals and groups, preparing for the day she would launch Embracing Change Counseling Services. Today, Colleen brings her unique blend of business acumen, educational insight, and genuine compassion to her therapeutic practice. She specializes in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, and negative self-esteem, while her heart remains especially drawn to empowering young girls and women to discover their authentic voices and unshakeable worth. Colleen's passion lies deeply in helping farmers and ranchers navigate the unique challenges of agricultural life—a calling that feels even more personal as she prepares to return to farm life herself this summer. She understands firsthand the distinctive stresses, seasonal pressures, and family dynamics that come with dedicating your life to feeding our communities. Her work with agricultural families is matched by her love for helping women of all ages conquer daily obstacles and learn to love themselves wholly, spanning from adolescence through middle age. At the core of Colleen's practice is her unwavering belief that every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and empowered. She creates a warm, family-like environment where clients can explore their deepest thoughts and feelings without judgment, always reminding them that their feelings are valid and they can still go out into the world and do amazing things. When she's not in the office, Colleen can be found exploring the great outdoors with her two beloved pups, Callie and Skye, traveling to warm, sunny destinations, and cherishing time with her husband, two daughters, son-in-law and grandson and their small herd of animals—a reminder that her childhood love for animals remains as strong as ever. Connect with Colleen at:  Website: https://embracingchangecs.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-stegenga-14344438/ Connect with K at:    Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

Recording date: September 8, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty features Nichelle Scholz of Fox Hill Llamas as we discuss: Starting a llama farm…with help from Santa Managing llamas differently than other forms of livestock Redefining the value of livestock Transforming manure into paper products…and profits And much, much more… You will love this intentional and inspirational farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Nichelle: Fox Hill Llamas is situated in Marradong Country, south of Perth in Western Australia and offers a unique range of handmade llama products with an emphasis on reuse and recycling. Our footprint on our land is really important to us. With everything we do, we consider our environment and the wildlife that shares our land with us. We are constantly working to increase the habitat our property offers and are seeing the immediate utilisation of the spaces we create. Our land will be here long after us and our hope is that the wildlife will always persist at Fox Hill. Connect with Nichelle at:  Website: https://www.foxhillllamas.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foxhillllamaswa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxhillllamas Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FoxHillLlamas?etsrc=sdt Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastrataro

Recording date: September 8, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty features Nichelle Scholz of Fox Hill Llamas as we discuss: Starting a llama farm…with help from Santa Managing llamas differently than other forms of livestock Redefining the value of livestock Transforming manure into paper products…and profits And much, much more… You will love this intentional and inspirational farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Nichelle: Fox Hill Llamas is situated in Marradong Country, south of Perth in Western Australia and offers a unique range of handmade llama products with an emphasis on reuse and recycling. Our footprint on our land is really important to us. With everything we do, we consider our environment and the wildlife that shares our land with us. We are constantly working to increase the habitat our property offers and are seeing the immediate utilisation of the spaces we create. Our land will be here long after us and our hope is that the wildlife will always persist at Fox Hill. Connect with Nichelle at:  Website: https://www.foxhillllamas.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foxhillllamaswa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxhillllamas Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FoxHillLlamas?etsrc=sdt Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

Recording date: September 17, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! In episode thirty-nine, host K Castrataro indulges in a heart-to-heart chat with YOU, her farm family, about: The need for farmers to recognize their purpose apart from the farm The personal, relational, financial, and environmental costs of neglecting our purpose The role of creativity in creating a truly purposeful farm life Key steps for identifying your personal purpose And much, much more… These straight-from-the-heart solo episodes give you an opportunity to hear K’s thoughts on the biggest issues you face as farmers and as people. Let us know what you think of this new one-monthly format in the comments below. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a farmer (or farmer fan) that you know. #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you looking for a more purposeful farm life rich in time, energy, and abundance? Here are some steps you can take today…it’s your time to grow! Download “Your Purpose in Lists,” a short guide to re-orienting yourself to your deepest values and goals so you can live the farm life you always wanted: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/purpose Check out the Midweek Refuel Farmers’ Circle, where you—and farmers just like you—get to share the challenges in their farm lives, hear how others have overcome them, and refresh themselves so they can finish the week strong. We meet every Wednesday on Zoom at 10AM Eastern (NY) time. Use the code FARMERSFIRST to get your first week free of charge: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/booking-calendar/get-more-time-energy-and-abundance?referral=service_list_widget Schedule a Farm Life Strategy Session with K to gain more clarity on where you currently stand in your farm life, where you’d like to go, and how to get there: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/booking-calendar/farm-life-strategy-session?referral=service_list_widget About K: Kristen “K” Castrataro is a farm life advisor with nearly five decades’ experience in livestock, fruit, and vegetable production, harvesting, and marketing, including agritourism. (At six months old, she was in a play pen in the cornfield. At six years old, she was running the farm stand!) In addition to her practical background as a producer, she served as the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Agent for the University of Rhode Island, providing whole-farm consulting services for the state’s commercial land agriculture producers. K’s formal training in education, therapeutic writing, and mediation combined with a decade of work in child protection and mental health and psychosocial support allow her to go beyond farm business planning to addressing the whole farmer’s unique needs at individual, family, and community levels. K specializes in: Supporting farmers to clarify their personal and farm goals Co-developing action plans to achieve farmers’ personal and professional goals Fostering healthy relationships between farmers and their families, partners, customers, and communities Breaking large goals into small, easily achievable micro-steps Strengthening farmers’ mental health and overall quality of life Driving her work is K’s deeply held belief that the people who feed our bodies and souls should not feel as if they are starving themselves. Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

Recording date: September 17, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! In episode thirty-nine, host K Castrataro indulges in a heart-to-heart chat with YOU, her farm family, about: The need for farmers to recognize their purpose apart from the farm The personal, relational, financial, and environmental costs of neglecting our purpose The role of creativity in creating a truly purposeful farm life Key steps for identifying your personal purpose And much, much more… These straight-from-the-heart solo episodes give you an opportunity to hear K’s thoughts on the biggest issues you face as farmers and as people. Let us know what you think of this new one-monthly format in the comments below. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a farmer (or farmer fan) that you know. #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you looking for a more purposeful farm life rich in time, energy, and abundance? Here are some steps you can take today…it’s your time to grow! Download “Your Purpose in Lists,” a short guide to re-orienting yourself to your deepest values and goals so you can live the farm life you always wanted: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/purpose Check out the Midweek Refuel Farmers’ Circle, where you—and farmers just like you—get to share the challenges in their farm lives, hear how others have overcome them, and refresh themselves so they can finish the week strong. We meet every Wednesday on Zoom at 10AM Eastern (NY) time. Use the code FARMERSFIRST to get your first week free of charge: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/booking-calendar/get-more-time-energy-and-abundance?referral=service_list_widget Schedule a Farm Life Strategy Session with K to gain more clarity on where you currently stand in your farm life, where you’d like to go, and how to get there: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/booking-calendar/farm-life-strategy-session?referral=service_list_widget About K: Kristen “K” Castrataro is a farm life advisor with nearly five decades’ experience in livestock, fruit, and vegetable production, harvesting, and marketing, including agritourism. (At six months old, she was in a play pen in the cornfield. At six years old, she was running the farm stand!) In addition to her practical background as a producer, she served as the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Agent for the University of Rhode Island, providing whole-farm consulting services for the state’s commercial land agriculture producers. K’s formal training in education, therapeutic writing, and mediation combined with a decade of work in child protection and mental health and psychosocial support allow her to go beyond farm business planning to addressing the whole farmer’s unique needs at individual, family, and community levels. K specializes in: Supporting farmers to clarify their personal and farm goals Co-developing action plans to achieve farmers’ personal and professional goals Fostering healthy relationships between farmers and their families, partners, customers, and communities Breaking large goals into small, easily achievable micro-steps Strengthening farmers’ mental health and overall quality of life Driving her work is K’s deeply held belief that the people who feed our bodies and souls should not feel as if they are starving themselves. Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

Recording date: September 8, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-eight features Diane McKenzie of McKenzie Hereford Farms Ltd. as we discuss: Women’s experiences with farm succession Women’s and men’s different roles in perpetuating the family farm Women as legitimate continuers of the farm legacy The increased need for research on women in agriculture And much, much more… You will love this inspiring and investigative farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Diane: Diane McKenzie is a family farmer from Southern Aberta. She brings an insider view to her studies about how women participate in the intergenerational transfer of family farms. As she pursues her doctoral degree at the University of Regina, she is exploring how the historical reproduction of gender norms impede and/or facilitate women’s participation in the intergenerational transfer of the family farm. Diane takes a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding how women participate in the agriculture industry, drawing on Psychology, History, Sociology, and Women and Gender Studies. Her aim is to further understand women’s contributions to the agriculture industry and bring those conversations to the agriculture community. Connect with Diane at:  Website: https://www.dianemckenzie.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/familyfarmerreseacher/ Email: [email protected]   Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

Recording date: September 8, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-eight features Diane McKenzie of McKenzie Hereford Farms Ltd. as we discuss: Women’s experiences with farm succession Women’s and men’s different roles in perpetuating the family farm Women as legitimate continuers of the farm legacy The increased need for research on women in agriculture And much, much more… You will love this inspiring and investigative farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Diane: Diane McKenzie is a family farmer from Southern Aberta. She brings an insider view to her studies about how women participate in the intergenerational transfer of family farms. As she pursues her doctoral degree at the University of Regina, she is exploring how the historical reproduction of gender norms impede and/or facilitate women’s participation in the intergenerational transfer of the family farm. Diane takes a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding how women participate in the agriculture industry, drawing on Psychology, History, Sociology, and Women and Gender Studies. Her aim is to further understand women’s contributions to the agriculture industry and bring those conversations to the agriculture community. Connect with Diane at:  Website: https://www.dianemckenzie.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/familyfarmerreseacher/ Email: [email protected]   Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

Recording date: August 28, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-seven features Kathy Puffer of The Biogas Education Hub as we discuss: Harnessing the benefits of agriculture for children with autism Using small-scale anaerobic digesters to power your home and farm Keeping your purpose in mind when making decisions in your farm life and business Learning from people around the world who have more expertise than we do in small-scale biogas And much, much more… You will love this curious and observant farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Kathy: Kathy Puffer is an award-winning educator and advocate for small-scale biogas systems, committed to advancing sustainable, community-driven energy solutions. A certified permaculture designer and lifelong educator based in Tillson, NY, she founded the Biogas Education Hub to make biogas knowledge accessible across cultures and climates. Kathy teaches in the US, Haiti, and Belize, and leads online programs with participants from several African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and beyond. In 2023, she received the Women in Biogas Award from the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) and the World Biogas Association (WBA) for her global leadership in biogas education. At home, Kathy cooks using biogas and solar cookers—transforming household waste into clean, self-sustaining, and emission-free cooking energy. She works closely with others, especially women, to reclaim food, waste, and energy as tools for regenerative living and climate resilience. She is also co-founder of the Northeast Biogas Initiative, which promotes safe, affordable small-scale biodigesters to help Northeastern US communities reduce fossil fuel impacts and build a regenerative, carbon-neutral economy. Are you “biogas curious”? If so, sign up for Kathy’s class, “Biogas Curious: Turn Waste into Energy & Fertility,” at https://www.biogaseducation.com/. Connect with Kathy at:  Website: https://www.biogaseducation.com/ and https://kathypuffer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-puffer-91597947/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiogasMaven Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathy.puffer/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathypuffer3365 Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

Recording date: August 28, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-seven features Kathy Puffer of The Biogas Education Hub as we discuss: Harnessing the benefits of agriculture for children with autism Using small-scale anaerobic digesters to power your home and farm Keeping your purpose in mind when making decisions in your farm life and business Learning from people around the world who have more expertise than we do in small-scale biogas And much, much more… You will love this curious and observant farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Kathy: Kathy Puffer is an award-winning educator and advocate for small-scale biogas systems, committed to advancing sustainable, community-driven energy solutions. A certified permaculture designer and lifelong educator based in Tillson, NY, she founded the Biogas Education Hub to make biogas knowledge accessible across cultures and climates. Kathy teaches in the US, Haiti, and Belize, and leads online programs with participants from several African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and beyond. In 2023, she received the Women in Biogas Award from the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) and the World Biogas Association (WBA) for her global leadership in biogas education. At home, Kathy cooks using biogas and solar cookers—transforming household waste into clean, self-sustaining, and emission-free cooking energy. She works closely with others, especially women, to reclaim food, waste, and energy as tools for regenerative living and climate resilience. She is also co-founder of the Northeast Biogas Initiative, which promotes safe, affordable small-scale biodigesters to help Northeastern US communities reduce fossil fuel impacts and build a regenerative, carbon-neutral economy. Are you “biogas curious”? If so, sign up for Kathy’s class, “Biogas Curious: Turn Waste into Energy & Fertility,” at https://www.biogaseducation.com/. Connect with Kathy at:  Website: https://www.biogaseducation.com/ and https://kathypuffer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-puffer-91597947/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kpuffer2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathy.puffer/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathypuffer3365 Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x

Recording date: July 22, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-six features Nicola Westlake of Westy and Worzel as we discuss: Finding the opportunities in “voluntary redundancy” Integrating into an established farm family as the “in-law” Negotiating farm rental agreements Creating new meaning and purpose post-farming And much, much more… You will love this persistent and adaptable farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS (FROM NICOLA): Homeopathy for the Stressed-Out Farmer: Natural Remedies for Mental and Emotional Well-being (No cost to attend) ‘Homeopathy for the Stressed-Out Farmer’ is a 1.5-hour webinar presented by experienced homeopath Sara Kernohan and retired dairy farmer Rafe Nauen. The webinar provides guidance on selecting appropriate remedies for various life and farm stresses, self-prescribing, managing your own case, recognizing when professional medical help is needed, and exploring additional support options. The webinar includes lifetime access to the recording and downloadable course notes. Access the webinar here: https://learning.wholehealthag.org/webinar-homeopathy-for-the-stressed-out-farmer About Nicola: From a career in training and development for conservation, nature and culture, Nicola met her husband, who was farming with his brother on the south Devon "Jurassic Coast" in the UK. They met in 2004, and Nicola became increasingly involved in the farming business, which is currently a 250-acre organic beef farm with around 50 breeding cows and followers. The farm is mostly permanent pasture of fairly high nature conservation value owned by the National Trust. In the past couple of years, they have had to focus on succession and planning for the future, which has presented challenges. Throughout this, it has been important for her to retain her identity and connection to the land. Connect with Nicola at:  Westy and Worzel Website: https://westyandworzel.co.uk/ Whole Health Agriculture Website: https://wholehealthag.org/ Connect with K at:  Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com YouTube: @k.castrataro3466  Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast  Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x