145: We Farm Because It's Who We Are

Harlowe Custom Micro's is a Veteran-owned and operated farm that opened in 2017 in Harlowe, NC. It's owner Ryan Willet along with his fiancé, Rebecca run the multifaceted farm with a Hydroponic Greenhouse, Microgreen Production room, and Market Garden Beds. The business, however, started out of necessity. Ryan's day job was pretty sedentary, which was taking its toll on him physically (think, "sitting is the new smoking"), so he decided to work with a nutritionist. She helped him understand portion control and to figure out how to include better things in his diet — adding spinach to eggs and kale on sandwiches — and remove some less valuable items. Then by eating more greens, he was inspired to starting growing his own. Since then, he has learned about hydroponics, soil biology and testing different crops. The business has grown organically and now supplies greens and other vegetables to local restaurants and local communities. join Tracy and Ryan as they kick off National Fruits & Vegetables Month to talk about how he got started, how the company has grown, what's in season, his new book and how eating local vegetables has helped him become healthier. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com