Opportunities for women in local grain

We are finishing up our In Her Boots series with Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics, talking about the bright future of organic local grains and the role women can play. From planting regional-specific grains to starting a mill, there are lots of business opportunities to think about. In Her Boots Podcast The In Her Boots Podcast celebrates the collaborative spirit of women farmers, sharing ideas and inspiration with each other, and champions women farmers in the sustainable and organic farming movement. Whether you’re a woman with a dream of starting your own farm or already have your hands deep in the soil, there’s something for you here. Hosted by Lisa Kivirist, founder and coordinator of the In Her Boots project. A farmer herself, Lisa runs Inn Serendipity Farm and B&B with her family in Wisconsin and is the author of Soil Sisters: A Toolkit for Women Farmers. Audio engineer is Liam Kivirist of Techsocket.net. Funded initially by NorthCentral SARE. This podcast is available on iTunes and Stitcher. ________________________________________________________________________ Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics Episode 108: Halee Wepking on Marketing Local Grains We continue with Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics to talk about how she direct markets organic grains to local bakeries and consumers. There are legalities to navigate, she cautions, as she shares how important it is to educate bakers when you’re trying to sell them on grains that are new to them. Episode 107: Halee Wepking on Marketing through Local Food Hub to Manage Risk Artisanal bakers and craft brewers have created a demand for local grains. Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics explains how to access these markets and manage risk by marketing through a regional food hub. Episode 106: My Farm Story with Halee Wepking Today we sit down with Halee Wepking as she shares how a Craigslist ad and a unique land transition plan launched her family’s farm, Meadowlark Organics. From a degree in modern dance to stints as a professional cook, Halee’s inspiring journey reminds us to follow our heart and stay open to opportunities. Halee Wepking and her husband, John, run Meadowlark Organics, working with Paul Bickford on his 800-acre farm, shifting the focus from organic feed crops to a diversity of food-grade small grains, buckwheat, edible dry beans, and open-pollinated corn. Halee is mom to two young kids, Henry and Lyda, and also manages a grass-fed beef herd.