The Thriving Farmer Podcast
by Michael Kilpatrick
If you're looking to build a profitable farm that works, The Thriving Farmer Podcast is for you. Learn the latest tricks and strategies from successful farmers, strategize with in-depth interviews with leaders in the industry, and connect with stories of farmers just like you. With over 15 years of farming background, your host Michael Kilpatrick has the experience and authority to bring you practical advice, ask the hard questions, tease out the gold nuggets, and help share what it's really like to build a truly profitable, sustainable farm. In the interviews, we focus on building farms that last, setting up your systems, knowing your customers, building your team, and treading that ever-challenging work/family/life balance.
Episodes
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350. Rebuilding After Loss: Farm, Family & Home with Shawn and Beth Dougherty
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight...
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349. Running an All-Female Farm Team with Emma de Long of Kneehigh Farm
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight...
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348. Smarter Farming: Sensors, Drones & Automation with Nathan Rosenberg
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight...
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347. Husk Cherries: A Hidden Market Gem with Amber Waves Farm
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight...
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346. Running a Year-Round Farm Market with Emma de Long
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight...
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345. Managing 600+ Crop Varieties at Amber Waves Farm
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight...
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344: The One-Cow Revolution with Shawn and Beth Dougherty
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight...
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343. Reviving Flax: A Zero Waste Crop with Emma de Long
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight...
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342. Managing a 24-Person Farm Team with Amber Waves Farm
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we're taking this break, we're excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight...
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341. From Chef to Community Farmer: Julie Warpinski of Rosewood Farm
What does it take to turn six acres into a destination for food, flowers, and connection? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Julie Warpinski, founder of Rosewood Farm in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Drawing on her background as a chef, Julie has transformed six acres…
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340. Preserving Heritage Through Olives: Karmel Abufarha on Canaan Palestine
How can farming protect culture and sustain communities in the midst of conflict? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Karmel Abufarha, Marketing Manager of Canaan Palestine. Since 2013, Karmel has worked alongside his father and Palestinian smallholder farmers to create a...
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339. The Beekeeper's Apothecary: Kaylee Richardson on Herbs, Homesteading & Honey Bees
What happens when we slow down, listen to nature, and "learn something old"? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kaylee Richardson, Virginia-based herbalist, beekeeper, and author of The Beekeeper's Apothecary. With roots in Appalachia and a heart for old-world...
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338. Behind the Scenes with Michael Kilpatrick: A Conversation with Rodger Wasson
What happens when the interviewer becomes the guest? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, the mic flips as Rodger Wasson, longtime advocate for farmers and host of the Farm to Table Talk Podcast, interviews our own Michael Kilpatrick. From behind-the-scenes systems to current hurdles, Rodger...
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337. Farm4Profit on Profitable Farming and Smart Stewardship
What happens when two forward-thinking Iowa farmers team up to help others grow better businesses? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tanner Winterhof and Corey Hillebo, hosts of the Farm4Profit Podcast. With backgrounds in finance, crop and livestock production, and...
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336. Generations of Organic Stewardship: John Bell on Elmwood Stock Farm's Legacy
What does it look like to steward a diversified organic farm across six generations? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by John Bell, managing owner of Elmwood Stock Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. John and his wife Melissa are raising the farm's seventh generation...
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335. From Sheep to Soil: Zeb Horrell's Vision for Regenerative New Zealand
What does it look like to transform land, community, and food systems—all at once? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Zeb Horrell, Chief Regenerative Officer at Mangaroa Farms in Whitemans Valley, New Zealand. Zeb is a third-generation farmer turned regenerative land...
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334. Securing the Homestead: Tim Eng on Safety, Resilience, and Community
What role does security play in building a thriving homestead? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim Eng, a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and real estate expert who now helps families transition into resilient, self-sufficient homesteads. After years in one of the…
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333. Teaching Self-Sufficiency: Kody Hanner on Homesteading and Hands-On Education
How can homesteaders empower the next generation through practical, real-world learning? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kody Hanner, a homesteader, author, and educator based in North Idaho. As the founder of The Homestead Education, Kody helps families integrate...
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332. Building the Fair Trade Movement: Paul Rice on Ethical Farming & Global Impact
How can global trade empower farmers and create a more just food system? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Paul Rice, Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. After spending more than a decade working with coffee farmers in Nicaragua, Paul returned to the U.S. to launch the…
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331. Soil, Stewardship & Safe Food: Kyle Becker on Growing Becker Farms
What does it take to build a thriving farm business while raising a family and stewarding the land for the next generation? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kyle Becker, owner of Becker Farms in Moorland, Indiana. Since 2007, Kyle and his wife, Emily, have grown their…
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330. Pesticide-Free and Purpose-Filled: Taylor Bemis on Running Tumbleweed Farm
What does it look like to farm beyond organic on a small scale with big impact? On this episode, Michael is joined by Taylor Bemis, co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Oregon's Hood River Valley. Since 2012, Taylor and his wife, cookbook author Andrea Bemis, have been growing vibrant, pesticide-free...
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329. Collaboration Over Competition: How Two Farmers Built Urban Roots Collective
What happens when two first-generation farmers decide to team up instead of compete? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jody Prosser and Mady Hastings, co-owners of Urban Roots Collective in Simpsonville, South Carolina. These first-generation female farmers each started…
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328. From Grass-Fed to Wood-Fired: Pizza Farmer Maren Beard of Luna Valley Farm
How can agritourism deepen community connections and support a diversified farm? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Maren Beard, co-owner of Luna Valley Farm in Decorah, Iowa. Maren and her husband, Tom, run a certified organic regenerative farm, raising 100%…
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327. Urban Farming for Food Justice: Devon Wilson on Sunlight Gardens
How can urban farming transform communities and increase access to fresh, local food? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Devon Wilson, founder and farmer of Sunlight Gardens, a two-acre organic urban farm in Battle Creek, Michigan. Devon started Sunlight Gardens to...
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326. Reinventing Beef: Justin Pettit on Santa Carota's Carrot-Finished Cattle
How does carrot-finished beef set a new standard for flavor and sustainability? In this episode, we're joined by Justin Pettit, third-generation rancher and co-founder of Santa Carota Beef—the only grass-fed, carrot-finished beef on the market. By finishing cattle on a 95% carrot-based diet…
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325. Farming on One Acre: Sara Krohn & Sam Odin on Village Farmstead
How can small-scale farmers maximize productivity while staying true to their values? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Sara Krohn and Sam Odin, owners of Village Farmstead, a USDA-Certified Organic farm in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Farming on just one acre, they...
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324. Exploring Agroforestry: Ben Raskin and Andy Dibben on Silvohorticulture
How can farmers integrate trees into vegetable production to enhance yield, biodiversity, and resilience? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Ben Raskin and Andy Dibben, co-authors of Silvohorticulture, the first detailed guide on agroforestry for vegetable farms. With...
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323. Digitizing Farm Operations: Tracey Wiedmeyer on Gripp's Role in Ag Tech
How can farmers streamline record-keeping and operations management with technology? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Tracey Wiedmeyer, co-founder of Gripp. Growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, Tracey combined his deep-rooted agricultural knowledge with his...
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322. Cultivating Local Food Systems: Trisha Bates on Urban Farming and Community
How can farmers and chefs work together to strengthen local food systems? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Trisha Bates, founder of Urban American Farmer in Austin, Texas. Trisha's background in urban planning and the restaurant industry has shaped her mission to...
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321. Josh Galt on Transforming Agriculture with Black Soldier Flies
How can insects transform agriculture and waste management? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Josh Galt, a global nomad turned regenerative agriculture innovator. Now based in Mexico, Josh is pioneering the use of black soldier fly larvae for waste management…
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320. Homestead Dairy Sheep: Rachel Hester on Raising a Sustainable Flock
How can homesteaders successfully raise dairy sheep for milk, fiber, and more? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Rachel Hester, sustainable sheep farmer and author of The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep. Rachel and her husband, Kyle, started farming in 2017 after...
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319. Regenerative Almond Farming: Jimmy Simonian on Water, Bees, and Soil Health
How can regenerative farming practices help address the challenges facing almond farmers in California? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Jimmy Simonian, owner of Simonian Production Services in Fresno, California. Jimmy and his wife, Jennifer, started farming with…
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318. Blending Tradition with Agri-Tourism: Karl Wiegandt on The Berry Farm
What innovative strategies help farms thrive as community hubs in urban and tropical settings? In this episode, Michael chats with Karl Wiegandt, owner of The Berry Farm in Miami, Florida. As a third-generation farmer, Karl has transformed his family's farm into a vibrant community hub, offering...
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317. Simplifying Business: Systems, VAs, and Bookkeeping with Nathan Hirsch
What does it take to scale a business, streamline operations, and keep your books in check? In this episode, Michael chats with Nathan Hirsch, a lifelong entrepreneur and co-founder of multiple successful ventures, including FreeUp and EcomBalance. Nathan shares how he went from selling textbooks...
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316. Farming with Intention: Alicia Brown and Ben Stein on Edible Uprising Farm
What does it take to create a thriving, sustainable farm in an urban environment? In this episode, Michael talks with Alicia Brown and Ben Stein, co-owners of Edible Uprising Farm in Troy, New York. Since 2019, Alicia and Ben have been transforming their 1.5-acre no-till vegetable farm into a...
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315. Farm Marketing & Self-Sufficiency: Marjory Wildcraft's Digital Strategy
What does it take to inspire a movement toward homegrown food while mastering digital marketing? In this episode, Michael chats with Marjory Wildcraft, founder of The Grow Network. Marjory shares her journey from engineering to homesteading, driven by the need for local food production. She...
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314. Shelby Watson-Hampton on Wine Grapes, Weddings, and Women in Agriculture
What does it take to turn a traditional family farm into a thriving hub of agritourism, sustainability, and empowerment? In this episode, Michael chats with Shelby Watson-Hampton, a passionate advocate for women in agriculture and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland. Shelby shares...
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313. Growing Agritourism: Regan Joehl on Crafting Family Farm Experiences
How can a family farm balance tradition, innovation, and community connections? In this episode, Michael chats with Regan Joehl, owner of Greene Fields Farm in Greenfield, Illinois. Regan, a fourth-generation farmer, has transformed his family's 30-acre farm into a thriving seasonal destination…
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312. The Seed Farmer: Insights from Dan Brisebois
How can farmers make seeds a profitable part of their farm business? In this episode, Michael chats with Dan Brisebois, expert seed farmer, educator, and author of The Seed Farmer. Dan is a founding member of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Les Cèdres, Quebec, where he grows organic seeds and...
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311. Farming Beyond Frost: Sam Knapp's Storage Crop Success in Alaska
How can farmers thrive in extreme climates while focusing on storage crops and winter sales? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Sam Knapp who is the co-owner and primary farmer at Offbeet Farm in Fairbanks, Alaska. With a master's degree in plant ecology and…
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310. Collaborative Farming: Whistlepig and Black Fox Farms' Journey in Boise
How can collaborative farming efforts transform the CSA experience for farmers and customers alike? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by first-generation farmers Lyndsey Mulherin of Whistlepig Farm and Joe Redden of Black Fox Farm. Although they operate separate…
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309. Growing Organic Blueberries: King Grove's Shift from Wholesale to Direct Sales
How can traditional organic practices create healthier soils and better-tasting blueberries? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael sits down with Hugh Kent of King Grove Organic Farm in Florida. Alongside his wife, Lisa, he grows certified organic blueberries using an…
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308. Irrigation Insights with Anthony Tasselli: Maximizing Water Use on the Farm
How can drip irrigation help farmers conserve water and improve crop health? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael chats with Anthony Tasselli, the Technical Sales Manager for Toro Ag. With over ten years of experience in irrigation system design and project management, Anthony...
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307. Navigating Storms and Stewardship: Michael Bobbitt on Cedar Key's Clam Farming
What are the biggest obstacles clam farmers face in sustaining their operations after severe storms? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Michael Presley Bobbitt, a part-time clam farmer and novelist from Cedar Key, Florida. Alongside his creative career, Michael is...
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306. Rebuilding a Community: Alyson Wade on Supporting Farmers After Hurricane Helene
How can a community come together to restore its local food system after a devastating storm? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Alyson Wade of The Farm Connection, a plant nursery and garden center in Marshall, North Carolina. Alyson co-founded WNC Grassroots…
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305. Enhancing Food Security: Emma Jagoz on Moon Valley Farm's Food Hub
How can first-generation farmers successfully build a thriving community-supported agriculture (CSA) program? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Emma Jagoz, founder and owner of Moon Valley Farm in Woodsboro, Maryland. Moon Valley Farm operates on 70 acres, growing...
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304. Noah East on Perennial Farming and Agroforestry
How can farmers balance idealism with practicality when starting a farm from scratch? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael interviews Noah East, a farmer, writer, and educator from Wild East Farm in Western North Carolina. Along with his wife, Lyric, Noah has dedicated his...
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303. J.R. Odom on Navigating New Challenges in Strawberry Farming
How can strawberry growers improve soil health and prevent crop diseases for more sustainable production? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by J.R. Odom, a seasoned strawberry grower from Goldsboro, North Carolina, and the president of the North Carolina Strawberry...
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302. Anna Withers and Kevin Prather on Cultivating Community Gardens
How can urban farming not only feed a community but also foster connection and education? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Anna Withers and Kevin Prather from Springfield Community Gardens. Together, they dive into the organization's mission to promote healthy...
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301. Don Adams on Creative Freeze Drying: Turning Harvests into Value-Added Products
Could mastering freeze drying be the next step in enhancing your farm's profitability and sustainability? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer podcast, Michael is joined by Don Adams who, along with his wife Kathy, produce 80 percent of their own food on their farmstead, Jazzberry Farm in Taft,...
About this show
If you're looking to build a profitable farm that works, The Thriving Farmer Podcast is for you. Learn the latest tricks and strategies from successful farmers, strategize with in-depth interviews with leaders in the industry, and connect with stories of farmers just like you. With over 15 years of farming background, your host Michael Kilpatrick has the experience and authority to bring you practical advice, ask the hard questions, tease out the gold nuggets, and help share what it's really like to build a truly profitable, sustainable farm. In the interviews, we focus on building farms that last, setting up your systems, knowing your customers, building your team, and treading that ever-challenging work/family/life balance.
Hosted by
Michael Kilpatrick