The Roots of Community: Farming Co-Ops and Better Days Gardens

The Soil Sisters get down to the roots of community agriculture with Brooke and Killian Keller who own and operate Better Days Gardens outside of Lockhart, Texas. We discuss their journey of transforming raw, unused land into a thriving regenerative market garden. Brooke and Killian share insights on their challenges with water issues and land preparation, as well as the farmer support and resources they are utilizing to sustain their farming operation. They emphasize the importance of soil health, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and cooperative farming. The episode highlights the dedication and resilience required to run a successful small-scale farm; it underscores the impact of local farms on community health and sustainable living. This Soil Sisters conversation originally aired on 107.9 KLKT Radio Lockhart in late October 2024.  TIME STAMPS AND LINKS:00:00 Soil Sisters Introduction00:10 Meet the Farmers: Brooke and Killian Keller, Better Days Gardens00:35 Expanding the Farm - From Austin to Lockhart, TX01:20 Challenges and Infrastructure05:10 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)09:12 Support and Resources for Farmers:Small Producers Initiative | TX Center for Local Food | https://www.southernfamilyfarmersconference.org/scholarships | USDA Farm Loans | National Young Farmers Coalition18:00 Building a Farmer's Co-op24:03 Human-Scale Farming29:31 Challenges of Starting a Farm30:54 Water Testing and Salty Water Issues36:00 Fall Crops and Favorite Recipes41:10 The Therapeutic Benefits of Farming44:32 Where to Find Better Days Gardens: Area Markets and CSA Info 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey.Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.