Dawn's Dirt

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Greg from Sunshine and Green Farms in Suffolk, England, and we get into what it really takes to build a profitable small-scale vegetable farm. We talk about growing food as a real business, not just a hobby, and why direct-to-consumer sales are giving farmers more power in a broken food system. Greg shares how he started with almost nothing, built a four-acre farm from the ground up, and created a model that works without depending on big retailers or government handouts. We also unpack why local food matters, how decentralized food systems create resilience, and why young farmers need to get back on the land. If you care about food freedom, profitable farming, and taking back control of what ends up on your plate, this conversation will light a fire under you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: small-scale farming, profitable vegetable farming, local food systems, food freedom, direct-to-consumer sales, decentralized agriculture, young farmers, farm profitability, community-based food, breaking supermarket dependence, resilient farming models, sustainable local food Takeaways:  Small farms can be profitable when they focus on direct sales and smart marketing A decentralized food system is more resilient than relying on a handful of massive players Farmers gain more control when they sell to people instead of selling into commodity markets Profitability comes from the whole farm business, not just one crop Young farmers do not need to start big to build something meaningful Government subsidies can disappear quickly, but strong local markets create stability Convenience, quality, and trust are key to getting people to buy local food consistently   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sunshineandgreen/  Website | https://sunshineandgreen.co.uk/  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SunshineandGreen/  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Alberta beef producer Lance Neilson of Nielsen Beef to talk about the CFIA's proposed cattle traceability changes and why so many ranchers are saying "absolutely not." Lance breaks down the current system (brands, manifests, RFID) and explains how the new proximity reporting would add a pile of cost, tech, and paperwork to cow-calf producers with zero clear economic upside. We get into how these rules could quietly push small operations out, scare folks away from 4-H and cattle shows, and speed up consolidation in rural Canada. Then Lance brings receipts from the UK, where similar systems have meant surprise inspections, more red tape, and yes, fewer small farmers. If you care about food freedom, farm-to-table beef, and keeping entry-level farming possible in Canada, this one's a must-listen.   ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: CFIA traceability changes explained, cow-calf producers vs feedlots impact, proximity reporting and the "wider net" problem, costs of tag readers and extra labor, risks to 4-H and cattle shows, rodeo paperwork burden, why "trade expansion" claims don't add up, boxed beef vs live cattle trade reality, BSE timeline and border closure truth, UK cattle passport cautionary tale, consolidation and loss of small farms, farm-to-table marketing through social media Takeaways:  If there's no clear economic benefit, the burden is just bureaucracy Proximity reporting can punish good farmers years after a single event More reporting requirements usually favors big operations over small ones "Trade protection" arguments need to separate boxed beef from live trade BSE showed traceability speed doesn't guarantee borders reopen faster The UK is a real-world case study of how regulation can trigger consolidation Social media + direct-to-consumer sales can help small farms survive and grow   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/neilsonbeef/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/neilsonbeef TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@neilsonbeef  Website | https://albertabbqbox.com/  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Jason Smith, a farmer-rancher from Eckville, Alberta, who lived through the kind of CFIA nightmare you pray never lands on your gate. Jason shares how he built a deer operation from the late 90s, followed every rule, tracked every tag, double-fenced his farm, and still ended up forced to destroy his entire herd after CFIA claimed Chronic Wasting Disease was present. Here's the gut punch: after it was all done, every single animal tested negative. We also dig into what this means for cattle producers right now as new traceability rules push toward government databases, more paperwork, and more pressure on small, family farms. If you care about food freedom, farm-to-table, and keeping farmers on the land, you need to hear this one. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: CFIA enforcement, chronic wasting disease explained, deer farming and hunting industry, quarantine and compensation process, government overreach in agriculture, paperwork and expanding regulations, traceability vs control, small farms under pressure, big ag consolidation concerns, Alberta-led solutions, farm-to-table importance, rebuilding community and family connection Takeaways:  Traceability is not the issue, government control and creeping requirements are A "rule change" often becomes layers of paperwork that producers never agreed to Small farms get crushed first when systems require constant computer reporting Biosecurity and good husbandry do not guarantee fair treatment by regulators Local farm-to-table systems strengthen trust, transparency, and community When communication breaks down, families pay the price not bureaucrats Protecting food freedom starts with producers organizing locally and loudly ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself, help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Jared from Ruben's Roots, a market gardener just outside the Battlefords in Saskatchewan who basically said "no plan, full send" and built a real business anyway. We get into the messy truth of year one (weed seed bank hell, irrigation learning curves, growing what you think will sell vs what actually sells), and how he turned carrots from his worst crop into his top earner through smarter systems, succession planting, and a few key tools. Jared breaks down his 30-inch bed setup, drip irrigation, DIY farm tools, and how he's scaling while still working a full-time job. Then we go there on organic certification, food labels, and why "naturally grown" plus trust and transparency can beat bureaucracy. If you're starting from scratch, this one is pure practical gold.   ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: market gardening, small scale farming, growing food for profit, starting a market garden, farm to table, local food systems, sustainable farming, naturally grown produce, organic vs organic certified, succession planting, vegetable crop planning, DIY farm tools, bed system farming, small farm business, market garden success Takeaways:  Let the market tell you what to grow and cut the "nice idea" crops fast Standardize your beds and systems so everything gets easier to measure and repeat Companion planting can solve problems without fancy sprays or drama Tools that save your body save your business, even DIY ones Succession planting turns random harvests into consistent income Hire for the bottleneck that burns you out, not the task you love "Local and transparent" often matters more than a certification badge   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Jared's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/reubens.roots/  Jared's Website | https://www.reubensroots.ca/  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm sitting down with Christie Green, a landscape architect in Santa Fe who's obsessed with food the same way I am, because food is never just food. We get into what it looks like to live in real relationship with what you eat, from gardening in tough desert conditions to hunting as a practice of presence, respect, and learning. Christie breaks down how to build soil that actually holds water, why "lazy gardening" is usually the smartest gardening, and how to start small without the Pinterest pressure. We also go deep on seasonality, calling out fake "farm-to-table," and why growing even one thing can flip a switch in your body and your brain. If you're craving food freedom, community, and a way back to what's real, this one's for you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: food intimacy, hunting as ritual, composting basics, building soil in dry climates, sunken beds and bioswales, lazy gardener design, container gardening, perfectionism in gardening, seasonal eating, real farm-to-table accountability, food sovereignty, respectful dialogue across differences Takeaways:  Food hits different when you know the story behind it Start small so you don't set yourself up to quit In dry climates, the goal is soil that holds water, not just water on top Put gardens where you will see them every day, not in the back 40 Gardening is an experiment, not a test you pass or fail Seasonal eating connects you back to place and to your body Food can build bridges when we lead with respect instead of being right   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Christie's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/radiclelandscape/  Christie's Website | https://www.christiegreen.net/  Christie's Book |  Moonlight Elk By Christie Green  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm sittin' down with James Cornwell of Nine Pines Farm — a farmer through and through who went from milking cows and smelling like silage to the Navy, then right back to the land where he belongs. We talk about what it really takes to build a profitable farm-to-table business without drowning in debt, why direct marketing beats begging at farmers markets, and how knowing your numbers is the difference between a farm and an expensive hobby. James breaks down pastured poultry, egg pricing, wholesale vs retail, and even the truth about "organic" chicken. We also get into faith, family, and the mindset shift that changed everything: it's not your farm… it's God's. If you want to feed people, build community, and make farming sustainable again, this one will light you up. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farm-to-table, pastured poultry, food freedom, direct marketing, small-scale farming, pricing your products, chicken math, egg profitability, wholesale vs retail, farming without debt, faith-based farming, family farms Takeaways:  Treat your farm like a business or it becomes a money-sucking hobby Know your true cost per dozen eggs and price like you mean it Direct-to-consumer sales build stronger customers than markets do Education is marketing and marketing is what keeps the farm alive "Organic" doesn't always mean access to outdoors or better welfare Scaling often requires adjusting ideals while keeping your standards Faith, family, and teamwork are fuel when farming gets hard   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Nine Pines Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Ninepinesfarm717  Nine Pines Website | https://ninepinesfarm.com/  Nine Pines Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/Ninepinesfarm  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm lighting a fire under your farmers market booth and walking you through the five biggest mistakes that are quietly killing your sales. I share stories from running a 36,000 sq ft greenhouse, 20 acres of vegetables, and a whole lot of market days to show you exactly why your pricing probably sucks, why your booth looks "fine" but isn't selling, and how your body language and phone habits are costing you real money. We dig into bundle pricing, display psychology, traffic flow, and how to turn simple "hello"s into long-term, loyal customers. If you're ready to treat your market table like a real business, charge what you're worth, and leave the market with a fuller till (and heart), this one's for you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farmers markets, pricing mistakes, bundle pricing, booth display, traffic flow, customer engagement, sales psychology, small business, vendor confidence, relationship-building, market strategy, product value Takeaways:  Price your products like a real business, not a charity Stop undercharging for eggs, produce, and preserves Use bundle pricing to naturally increase every customer's spend Make your booth look full, inviting, and easy to navigate Stand up, say hello, and actually talk to people Build relationships so customers come back week after week Get off your phone if you want to make money   ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with ranch mama and Sales Mama School founder, Sausha Davis, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business when you've got kids, cows and a whole lot of chaos. We get into her leap from a miserable six-figure corporate job into coaching, how she structures her days on the ranch so she doesn't burn out, and why she believes every woman can create her own income stream—whether that's beef boxes, horses, or farm to table sales. Sausha breaks down her "people before profit" approach to sales, the four buyer personalities every farmer and maker needs to know, and why proof of concept matters more than perfect logos or pretty branding. If you're a farm girl, homesteader or side-hustling mama who's sick of waiting for permission, this episode will light a fire under your butt in the best way. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: women in agriculture, ranch mom entrepreneur, farm to table business, women in farming, rural business coaching, sales coaching for farmers, ranch life motherhood, homestead business tips, buyer personality types, small farm marketing, online business for moms, farm to consumer sales, mindset for women entrepreneurs, building confidence in business, sustainable ranching business strategies Takeaways:  Your energy and routines set the tone for your whole farm and business Kids watching you work is a gift, not a problem Entrepreneurship is available to every woman in some form You are the catalyst for change in your life Selling gets easier when you understand different buyer personalities Proof of concept matters more than perfect branding at the start People before profit naturally creates more profit over time   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Sausha's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/salesmamaschool  Sausha's Website | https://salesmama.biz/  Sausha's YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@salesmamaschool  The Sales Mama Podcast | https://open.spotify.com/show/3kzoSWTu2sVbZDPSVD9Lfj?si=4284f21abbe846d5&nd=1&dlsi=fa2ec505bf054611 ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I dig into the shocking reality of what small farmers are up against in Canada right now—from health inspectors threatening to shut down egg sales to the CFIA killing an entire flock of healthy ostriches simply because the rule book said so. I share real stories from my own farm, greenhouse, and markets to show how red tape, inconsistent regulations, and plain old government overreach are pushing everyday farmers out while turning food freedom into a maze designed to scare people away from getting started. But there's hope—and power—when you learn how to think creatively, build local networks, and reclaim your part in the food system. If you've ever wondered why farm-to-table feels "risky," or if you've felt called to grow food but fear the bureaucracy… this episode connects the dots you need to see. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: government overreach in farming, CFIA ostrich cull, ostrich massacre Canada, raw milk laws Canada, farm to table business, farmers market fraud, small farm regulations, Canadian food bureaucracy, egg regulations Alberta, local food systems, food freedom Canada, know your farmer   ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: raw milk Canada, farm to table business, CFIA overreach, ostrich farm culling, small farm regulations, Canada dairy quota, farmers market resellers, Health Canada cloned meat, food freedom, backyard chickens, local food systems, government bureaucracy in farming Takeaways:  You don't have to let bureaucracy stop you from farming or selling food Knowing your local farmers is now a non-negotiable part of real food security Cheap grocery store food comes at the cost of small farms, quality and independence Creative thinking inside the rules can keep you compliant and still profitable Backyard gardens and chickens are powerful tools against food system control Supporting real farmers today is how you secure your family's options tomorrow You can turn almost any piece of land into a small farm-to-table business   ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with sixth-generation Wisconsin dairy farmer Tristan Swartz, the man behind "Doing It Wrong Dairy," to talk about what right really looks like in farming. We go deep into old-school dairying, why he still milks in a stanchion barn with "outdated" equipment, and how leaving calves on their mamas actually improves health, production, and peace in the herd. Tristan shares how community used to work in rural life—neighbors just showing up with tractors when you were in trouble—and why he refuses to trade integrity for corporate convenience. We also pull back the curtain on raw milk laws, COVID butchering insanity, and how creative farmers are quietly outsmarting bureaucratic rules to keep families fed.    If you're craving proof that small, scrappy, values-driven farms can feed a community and push back on a broken food system, this conversation will light a fire under you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farm childhood, old-school equipment, calves-with-mamas, community support, work ethic, side hustles, raw milk laws, food control, resilience, creativity, regenerative farming, food freedom Takeaways:  Farming doesn't feel like work when it's who you are Old equipment and "doing it wrong" can still be profitable Leaving calves with their mothers can improve health and behavior Community support on the land is worth more than fancy machines Creativity lets farmers work within the rules without betraying their values Our food system is about control and dollars, not always health Real change starts when ordinary farmers and eaters simply say "no"   ______________________________________________ Links & Resources Mentioned   Tristan's Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/doitwrongdairy    ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Kelli Foreman of Kodiak Goat Dairy, fifth-generation farmer on a storm-tossed Alaskan island,where one day you're milking A2/A2 cows and the next you're shaking a green bucket at a bear. We get real about building true food security when the boats don't come, finishing beef on kelp, running a micro raw-milk dairy the right way, and raising farm kids who can actually do hard things. We talk about community bartering over bureaucracy, making soil from manure on a literal rock, and why resilience isn't a slogan, it's a system you build at home with your neighbors. If you crave a life where food, family, and freedom actually mean something again, this one's your roadmap—with laughter, grit, and zero fluff. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: kodiak island, raw milk, a2/a2 dairy, goat dairy, food security, kelp-finished beef, farm kids, farmers market, compost soil, micro dairy, barter economy, community resilience Takeaways:  Resilience starts local—feed your own community first Empty shelves are normal there; systems must assume storms Kelp and grass can finish beef beautifully Raw milk done right requires rigorous cleanliness Barter and relationships beat red tape Make soil, make food—close the loop Do it messy, then refine as you go   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Kelli's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kodiakgoatdairy/  Kelli's Website | https://www.thelastsmallfarm.com/  Kelli's YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@thelastsmallfarm  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!  Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Trent Koehn from GreenEase to talk real farm business—how SOPs, culture, and faith turn chaos into profit, and how tiny, daily improvements can 3x your yields without selling your soul to the system. We get into lean farming, hiring right, and why problems should make you smile—because they're roadmaps to better processes, safer teams, and healthier greens. Trent shares how his family greenhouse bounced back after COVID restaurant drop-offs, why they now keep ~50¢ on the dollar, and the nerdy-but-sexy oxygen trick that crushes root rot in hydroponics. If you care about farm-to-table, small-scale profitability, servant leadership, and building tools that actually help farmers, this one's for you ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farm-to-table, hydroponic greenhouse, lean farming, SOPs, standard operating procedures, farm profitability, servant leadership, faith in business, dissolved oxygen, pythium/root rot, plug poppers & drop seeders, small-farm innovation Takeaways:  Tiny improvements compounded daily beat big swings SOPs create freedom, safety, and consistency Culture is a strategy when leaders lift people up Checklists first, then SOPs for complex tasks Track root causes, not people, to fix problems Oxygenation can solve hydroponic disease at the root Profitability follows focus, process, and servant leadership   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Trent's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/greenease.us/  Trent's Website | https://greenease.us/  Trent's YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreenEase  2 Second Lean by Paul Akers | https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/2-second-lean-play/id1503694993  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Abey from Ruckle Farm to dig into her new book, Radical Farm: Animals, Food, and Our Future. We get real about why well-sourced animal foods support human health, animal welfare, and the land, and how to bridge the "vegans vs. ranchers" divide with curiosity instead of name-calling. Abey shares her journey from teen vegetarian to animal farmer, the ethics behind "there is no deathless diet," and practical homesteading know-how—from raw milk and cheese making to raising chickens, sheep, and cattle. We talk Victory Gardens, kids' nutrition, the true cost of food, and rebuilding resilient local food systems. If you care about nutrient-dense meals, regenerative agriculture, and taking back your food sovereignty, this one's for you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: faith-farming-freedom, ethical meat, raw milk, regenerative agriculture, Ruckle Farm, Salt Spring Island, nutrient-dense eating, homesteading 101, Victory Gardens, kids' real food, grocery labels vs. reality, farm-to-table sales Takeaways:  There is no deathless diet—own your choices Well-raised animal foods can benefit land, animals, and people Start small: herbs, a microgarden, or six backyard hens Victory Garden math still works for modern families Labels mislead—know your farmer and ask questions Budget by growing some food and prioritizing protein Curiosity builds bridges; outrage burns them   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Abey's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abeyonthefarm/  Ruckel Farm Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rucklefarm/  Ruckle Farm Website | https://rucklefarmsaltspringisland.com/  Abey's TikTok |  https://www.tiktok.com/@abeyonthefarm  Abey's Book | https://www.radicalfarmbook.com/  Abey's Substack | https://abeyonthefarm.substack.com/    ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I get real about a hard question: if things go sideways, how are you feeding your family? I share what I learned selling farm boxes through 2020, why "I'll just come to your place" isn't a plan, and how small, steady action now (gardens, chickens, CSAs, real relationships with real farmers) builds food sovereignty fast. I talk backyard growing (even on a tiny lot), microgreens you can crank out in a spare corner all winter, and why supporting your farmer today is the best "insurance" for tomorrow. This isn't fear porn, it's love in work boots. I love people, and the most loving thing I can do is teach you to feed yourselves, your kids, and your neighbors. We the people have the power; let's use it with courage, community, and a shovel. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: food sovereignty, backyard gardens, microgreens at home, chickens in the city, CSA memberships, buying from real farmers, cutting out middlemen, building local community, preparing without panic, faith and responsibility, small-scale farm sales, proactive not reactive Takeaways:  Don't outsource your survival Start a garden now, not "someday" Microgreens can feed you year-round indoors Support actual farmers directly, not resellers Join or launch a CSA to strengthen ties Build real relationships with neighbours today Preparation is love in action   ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Brittney Long from Faithful Farming to get real about raising kids, running cattle, holding full-time careers, and keeping Jesus at the center of it all. We talk high beef prices, why younger families struggle to enter agriculture, and how local, direct-to-consumer sales can rewrite the food system. Brittany shares the power of a strong village—Papa Day included—plus why teaching kids to "do dangerous things safely" builds grit and confidence. We dig into prayerful decision-making on buying land, the reality behind glossy homestead feeds, and why community, church, and farmers' markets are bringing food back home. If you care about faith, family, and food sovereignty, this one's for you.   ______________________________________________ Episode Highlights: family farming, faith-led decisions, black angus cattle, mom guilt, village support, kids & machinery, work ethic, local food systems, direct marketing, beef market realities, prayer in business, farmers' markets Takeaways:  Build a village and use it Lead with faith when making business decisions Teach kids responsibility through real farm work Question the big food system and buy local Social media builds trust and repeat customers Routine beats overwhelm on busy family farms Ask mentors for help and start small ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Brittney's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithful_farming/  Brittney's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@faithful_farming?_t=ZT-8z1SBwHzrdV&_r=1 ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm bringing you a powerhouse conversation with a farm-grown entrepreneur who's shaking up the food system in the best way possible. From her roots on a multi-generation farm in Northern Alberta to launching an app that's basically "Skip the Dishes for farmers," she's proof that innovation doesn't just live in Silicon Valley—it lives in the soil. She is the founder of Weat Local Market App. We talk about building a local food economy that actually serves both producers and consumers, how to cut out the middlemen and bureaucracy, and why hyper-local shopping is the future. Whether you're a farmer, homesteader, or a busy mama who wants fresh food without the grocery store games, this episode is going to light you up. Let's get real about how we buy food, who we support, and why healthier, fresher, local food is not just possible—it's necessary. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farm-to-table, food freedom, local economy, entrepreneurship, digital tools, farmers markets, hyperlocal shopping, bureaucracy, healthier food, producer empowerment, community building, farm innovation Takeaways:  Farmers are the original entrepreneurs Local food can and should be as easy to buy as takeout Cutting out middlemen gives power back to producers Hyper-local shopping strengthens community economies Food loses nutrition the farther it travels Apps and tools can revolutionize farmers markets Supporting local food supports your own resilience   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Weat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weat.local.market/  Weat Local Market Website: https://weat.ca/  Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with "Young Cole," a 21-year-old Alberta farm kid who took his grit overseas to learn regenerative farming in Finland. We jam on real-world soil health, cover crops, EU pesticide rules (yes, glyphosate is used, but differently), and what small, mixed farms can borrow from Europe without swallowing the red tape. Cole breaks down nitrogen-fixing legumes, why Finland's tiny, rocky fields shape their practices, and how government subsidies change farmer behavior—for better and worse. We also talk about food sovereignty, farm-to-table realities, and how a few chickens and a plan can change a family's future. It's practical, hopeful, and a little mouthy—just how we like it. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: young farmer grit, regenerative farming, cover crops, soil microbiome, nitrogen fixation, EU pesticide rules, government subsidies, small-scale profitability, mixed farming, farm-to-table, food sovereignty, Alberta vs Finland Takeaways:  Regenerative ≠ organic; it's a long-game soil strategy Legumes fix nitrogen via root nodules to feed future crops EU allows glyphosate but not as a pre-harvest desiccant for human grain Subsidies shape behavior; control the money, control the farm Small fields, wet climate, and rocks drive Finnish methods Mixed farms can stack value by grazing and hay in rotation Start tiny (five chickens) and build consistent, direct relationships   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I celebrate EPISODE 50 with a big ol' thank-you and my heart on my sleeve. I share the best business advice I ever got and how handing my farm and this show back to the Lord lifted the weight and sharpened my mission. You'll hear my greenhouse-to-farmers-market journey, why I sold the farm, and how that pivot lit a fire to teach farm-to-table, build community, and put real food (and freedom) back in our own hands. We'll riff on productivity with purpose, sowing into people, and why small, local action beats top-down control every time. If you're carrying your business alone, this one will feel like a deep breath and a marching order. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: Episode 50, gratitude, faith-led business, talk to the Owner, selling the farm, 36k sq ft greenhouse, farmers markets, people over politics, food freedom, community building, teaching farm-to-table, productive on purpose Takeaways:  The most freeing CEO move is giving the business back to God When stuck, "talk to the Owner" and ask for marching orders Productivity means giving, producing, risking, and sowing into people Selling a chapter can be obedience, not failure Real food and real freedom grow locally, not bureaucratically Relationships are the real ROI of any business Teach others what you know so communities feed themselves ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Jason from Sow the Land, a North Carolina homesteader who went from city cubicles to pasture life and brought his family, grit, and 300K YouTube subscribers along for the ride. We talk cancer wake-up calls, minimalist living, selling the couch to chase land, and why growing even one tomato can change your whole life. Jason shares how they scaled from a 1.5-acre starter homestead to 14 acres with turkeys, cooney cooney pigs, pasture poultry, workshops, and a thriving online education business. We get real about entrepreneurship, bartering with neighbors, moving animals daily, and choosing meaningful work over easy money. If you're itching to start where you are, even in a city backyard, this one lights a fire under your boots. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: homestead beginnings, cancer to catalyst, minimalist reset, leap of faith, starter homestead, 14-acre expansion, cooney cooney pigs, pasture poultry, turkey raising, hands-on workshops, YouTube education, community barter Takeaways:  Start where you are…front yard, borrowed yard, anywhere One tomato plant can change your life Go all in and learn fast from failure Say yes early to discover what you love Move animals often to heal soil and grow better meat Community and bartering make the lifestyle sustainable Fulfillment beats easy money every time   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Jason's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowtheland/  Jason's Website: https://sowtheland.com/  Sow the Land YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SowtheLand  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Brooke Vanderkley from Vanderkley Valley Farm, a mama of four, farmer, and full-tilt entrepreneur about building a profitable, values-driven homestead without burning out. We jam on seasons over "balance," scaling from 30 to 600 meat birds, pricing eggs like a pro, pivoting after hail wipes you out, and turning a farm into a family-powered brand with agritourism, Airbnb and (yup) shampoo sales. If you're ready to stop dabbling and start designing a farm-to-table business that actually pays, this one's your marching orders.   ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: seasons not balance, scaling meat chickens, soy & corn free eggs, premium pricing, agritourism & glamping, 5am routines, serving over selling, involving kids, grocery-store marketing, pivoting after setbacks, renting land in town, team-first leadership Takeaways:  Build in seasons, not "balance" Pick a profitable lane before adding more Price for value, not guilt Market relentlessly and locally Differentiate (e.g., soy/corn-free) to stand out Involve your kids and protect family time Think beyond products: add experiences and education   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned Brook's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookevanderkley/  Brooke's Website: https://vanderkleyvalleyfarm.ca/  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm pouring my heart out about food freedom, the farmer's mindset, and why small-scale agriculture just might save the world. We're talking grit, government overreach, and how the heck we got from homemade buns to preservative-filled grocery store shelves. I share wild stories from my farming days—broken bones, tornadoes, angry sheepdogs—you name it. But more importantly, I'm sounding the alarm (again!) that small farmers are being pushed out, and now is the time to rise. Whether you've got a backyard garden or a quarter section, you've got the power to feed your family, your community, and take back control. Let's get loud about local food, y'all. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: food freedom, small farmers, grocery store bureaucracy, Canada GAP certification, farm to table sales, farmer grit, government overreach, climate mandates, dairy quotas, big ag vs. small ag, debt-free farming, raising farm kids Takeaways:  Small-scale farming is vital for food security Bureaucracy often favors large farms over local ones You don't need massive land to start a farm business Farming builds grit and a different kind of work ethic Buying direct from farmers supports freedom Big farms are more vulnerable to government pressure You can build a profitable farm-to-table business without debt ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm in the hot seat and my friend Hayley is firing off the questions—no sugarcoating, just real dirt. We dig into the myths about homesteading (spoiler: those pretty colored eggs aren't paying the bills), why vegetables are the most overlooked cash crop, and the brutal truth about making your acreage profitable. I share how women can crush it in farm-based businesses, the one mindset shift hobby farmers must make to go pro, and why community is at the heart of everything I do. We talk failures, firing stories, black markets in Cuba, and my dream for more small farmers feeding their communities. This is raw, funny, a little fiery, and packed with the kind of farm truth you won't find on Pinterest. Whether you're dreaming of chickens or ready to scale your garden into a business, this episode will light a fire under your boots. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: colored egg myths, vegetable production profits, entrepreneurship on small acreage, women in farming, community over competition, Cuba's producer culture, hard truths of homesteading, profitable farm mindset, running it like a business, overcoming industry stereotypes, my dad's farming legacy, feeding people in tough times Takeaways:  Pretty doesn't pay—production does Vegetables can be the most profitable crop You don't need a big acreage to succeed Mindset shift from hobby to business is essential Women can and do run successful farms Community connection is as valuable as profit Your farm must pencil out to survive   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started!   Book Your FREE Call Today!   ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm spilling my hard-earned secrets on turning canning into cold, hard cash. From humble beginnings as the "Pickle Partners" at age 15 to raking in $150K a year in canned goods, I'm breaking down exactly how you can turn extra zucchini, tomatoes, or fruit into high-value products your customers will line up for. I'll share the best low-risk items to start with, why beautiful displays sell more, and how to price for profit. We'll talk canning tips, smart marketing, navigating those pesky health regulations, and how even city-dwellers can run a homestead side hustle right from their kitchen. Whether you're sitting on a bumper crop or just want a sustainable income stream, this episode will light a fire under your entrepreneurial apron. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: canning for profit, value added farming, turning surplus produce into income, best-selling canned goods, pricing strategies for farmers markets, low-risk canning items, making products shelf-stable, marketing and display tips, sourcing ingredients, starting small and scaling, navigating food safety rules, building loyal customers Takeaways:  You can start a profitable canning business with as few as 12 jars Value adding transforms $2 produce into $10+ products Start with low-risk, high-acid or high-sugar items for safety Beautiful, abundant displays sell more product Mix-and-match pricing encourages larger purchases Be transparent with customers about where ingredients come from You don't need a farm to run a home-based canning business ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I get grilled by none other than Jamie Stewart—the poop queen herself! Jamie flips the script and puts me in the hot seat with questions about pesticides, glyphosate, raw milk, GMOs, soil health, and the messed-up reality of food regulations. We talk about how farmers actually make decisions, what's realistic vs. ideological, and why the truth often lies somewhere in the muddy middle. We cover everything from butterfly worms in your cabbage to bird flu conspiracies, raw goat milk in my coffee, and why I'd never call the CFIA. If you've ever wondered what the heck is really going on with our food system, this one's for you. It's gritty, it's real, and there's a whole lotta dirt—pun intended. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: pesticides, soil health, food freedom, bureaucracy in farming, CSA support, bird flu, glyphosate truth, Roundup desiccation, raw milk benefits, backyard chickens, seed myths, regenerative farming, food system control Takeaways:  Most farmers don't want to spray unless they have to "Organic" doesn't always mean no spraying—it just means certified inputs Backyard chickens + scraps = rich yolks and healthy eggs Raw milk can be incredibly healing for the gut Supporting local farmers shifts the food system Big farms are a symptom of broken policy, not villainy Ideals are great—but practicality keeps the lights on   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Jessica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constipationfixqueen/    ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Rebecca Croden, a backyard gardening queen right in the heart of Toronto. We get into everything from shady yard solutions to tomato troubles and even how to use rabbit poop as plant food. Yes, you read that right. Whether you're a city slicker with a patch of grass or just garden-curious, this one's for you. Rebecca shares how her grandpa's farm sparked her passion and how growing a few heads of lettuce can lead to major satisfaction (and salad victories). We chat compost, crop choices, pests, and why you might want to grow microgreens in a tent all winter. This is real talk for anyone who wants to eat better, spend less, and grow something worth harvesting, even in the shade. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: backyard gardening, food cost savings, shady crop tips, composting basics, tomato pruning, pest control, rabbit deterrents, microgreens, crop rotation, organic sprays, permaculture, crochet business Takeaways:  Cold weather crops like kale and lettuce thrive in shady spots Trimming tomato leaves helps encourage fruiting over foliage Compost needs to be turned to decompose properly Bunny poop tea is a surprisingly effective plant fertilizer Investing in a grow tent can save money long term Organic sprays still exist—but physical barriers like netting also work Grow high-value crops in small gardens to maximize savings ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Rebecca's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccas.crochet.culture/  Rebecca's Website: https://crochetculture.ca/  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sat down with Abey Scaglione from Ruckle Heritage Farm and holy smokes, this one is a gem. Abey went from California vegetarian to regenerative meat and dairy farmer on Salt Spring Island. We got into everything, raw milk (yes, the illegal kind), orange-yolked eggs, pastured chickens, garden scraps, and how animals are vital to real sustainability. Abey shares her full-circle story of reclaiming her health, getting back to the land, and raising animals with deep reverence. We dive into the real meaning of local, the illusion of grocery store "freshness," and why everyone should be a producer in some way. Whether you farm or just eat, this episode will challenge your beliefs and inspire your next bite. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: raw dairy, nutrient-dense food, pastured poultry, farm life, regenerative agriculture, reconnecting to your food, animal ethics, local food systems, agritourism, egg quality, food freedom, sustainable living Takeaways:  There is no such thing as a deathless diet Raw dairy can nourish and heal in powerful ways True regenerative farming is a full-circle system Pastured animals produce better food and healthier land Real food comes from relationships, not barcodes Farm tours can heal the disconnect between city and soil Every person can become a producer in their own way ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Abey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abeyonthefarm/  Ruckel Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rucklefarm/  Ruckle Farm Website: https://rucklefarmsaltspringisland.com/  Abey's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abeyonthefarm  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sat down with Becky from Toby Way Farm and oh baby, did we go there. We're talking raw, real farm life: goat guts, chicken math, and why your organic ideology might be killing your animals (not to mention your wallet). Becky and I don't sugarcoat things because life on a homestead isn't Pinterest-perfect, it's dirty, hard, heartbreaking, and 100% worth it. We dig into goat parasites, feed decisions, farm math, and what it really means to be a modern homesteader with integrity. We even get into government overreach, raw milk laws, and why you can eat the Twinkie if you damn well want to. This episode is pure gold for anyone navigating the tension between doing it "right" and doing what actually works. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: goat math, raw milk, organic myths, animal loss, real farming, parasite management, farm-to-table realities, farm community, food freedom, government overreach, holistic animal care, starting small Takeaways:  If you have livestock, you're going to have dead stock Parasite management in goats is essential and requires learning, not guessing Organic doesn't always mean better—it has to make financial sense Community is key—barter, trade, and connect with local farmers Chickens are not vegetarians—stop pretending they are Real homesteading isn't perfect, it's practical Grace is just as important as grit on the farm   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Becky's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toby_way_farm/  Becky's Website: https://www.tobywayfarm.com/  Becky's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TobyWayFarm ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Chef Mikey from Chef's Harvest Farm—a total character and an absolute legend in the urban farming world out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Y'all, this man turned his backyard into a full-blown vegetable empire and is making a six-figure living growing salad greens. From slinging veggies under his cubicle desk to supplying top-tier resorts and chefs, Mikey breaks down exactly how he did it with grit, strategy, and heart. We talk community, soil, seasonal eating, and why lettuce from Peru just ain't it. This episode will light a fire under anyone with a backyard and a dream. Get ready to be inspired, laugh a little, and maybe cry (just a little) over celery. Let's get dirty! ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: urban farming, backyard business, chef turned farmer, salad greens, seasonal eating, local food systems, food security, farm to table, farming burnout, hiring help, farming in the South, community over competition Takeaways:  You don't need a giant farm to make a living—just a plan and some grit Salad greens can be a high-profit crop when grown smart Know your market and tailor your crops accordingly High-quality produce sells itself when it's fresh and local Build community with chefs, neighbors, and fellow farmers Document your journey from day one to grow your brand Hiring help early can prevent burnout and accelerate growth ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Chef Mikey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsharvestfarmllc/  Chef Mikey's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chefsharvestfarm  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm talking lettuce—but not just any lettuce. I sat down with the incredibly passionate and slightly wild Mackenzie Warford of Papa's Farm in Newfoundland, where he's growing top-tier romaine lettuce year-round using a hydroponic system that puts most operations to shame. We dive into his "hippie greenhouse," his geothermal setup, his zero-pesticide practices, and why he's dead set on feeding his family and community the highest-quality food possible—without a dime of government funding. We go deep on why Canada's food system is broken and how local, small-scale farmers like Mackenzie are the solution. If you've ever doubted hydroponics, this episode will flip the script and maybe make you crave some crunchy romaine while you're at it. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: hydroponics, romaine lettuce, food sovereignty, small farm business, greenhouse growing, kids in agriculture, local food systems, nutrient density, Canadian farming, off-grid innovation, gut health, circular economy Takeaways:  You don't need a massive setup to grow food year-round Hydroponics can be sustainable, ethical, and local Canadian-grown food is essential for national food security Flavor and nutrient density are drastically better when grown locally Small farms can feed entire communities with one crop Government isn't the solution—community is Kids thrive when raised close to food production   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ MacKenzie's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PapasFarmHydroponics  MacKenzie's Website: https://www.youtube.com/@papasfarm721  Canadian Hydroponics Association: https://www.can-hydro.com/  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with my fellow podcast host and tiny farm queen, Mary Lewis, who proves that it's never too late to bite off more than you can chew and start homesteading. At 50, Mary and her husband left city life behind, bought a slice of land in Minnesota, and built a flourishing market garden, chicken coop, and a community around fresh food. We chat about her journey from a tenth of an acre to a full-blown mini farm, how farm life changes your soul (and your vocabulary), and why the best tomatoes are worth the wait. This episode is a love letter to seasonal eating, grit, community, and the deep magic of a yellow peony on a hard day. If you've ever doubted whether you can start growing food where you are—this one will light a fire under your boots. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: tiny farm dreams, chickens & tomatoes, moving at 50, seasonal eating, farmers market hustle, introvert homesteading, garden joy, loss on the farm, ISA Browns, community building, soil not ownership, small acts of kindness Takeaways:  You're never too old to start homesteading A tenth of an acre can feel like a prison or a paradise ISA Browns are the MVPs of egg production Good tomatoes are worth the extra effort You don't need to own land to grow food Grief, loss, and predators are part of farm life Growing and giving food builds community ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Mary's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.tiny.homestead?igsh=aGZpOWp1c2Vtcmtz   Mary's Website: https://www.atinyhomestead.com/  Mary's Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-tiny-homestead/id1717248579  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with 25-year-old firecracker farmer Brandie from Suni Bear Farms in Alabama—and y'all, this girl is the real deal. We talk all things chickens, goats, and building a homestead from scratch with nothing but grit, faith, and a heart for agriculture. Brandie's not just raising animals and veggies—she's raising awareness, kindness, and the next generation of farm-loving families through her kindness campaign and ag education classes. From selling eggs to starting a farmstand, she's doing it all with creativity and courage. Whether you're knee-deep in chickens or just dreaming of dirty boots and fresh food, this is one episode that'll light a fire under your overalls. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: young farmers, kindness campaign, farm-to-table, backyard chickens, egg pricing, agritourism, Alabama farming, farmer's market tips, homestead business, goat farming, vegetable gardening, faith and farming Takeaways:  Start small and grow with what you have Kindness can be a powerful brand Creative thinking is key to farm success Engage customers personally at markets Farming is hard—but deeply rewarding You don't need a huge farm to make an impact Let faith guide your homesteading journey   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Brandie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunibearfarms/  Brandie Website: https://sunibearfarms.wixsite.com/suni-bearfarms  Brandie's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenardsGoatFarm?mibextid=LQQJ4d  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, it's just you, me, and 600 rowdy chickens. I'm giving you the full scoop on how I went from running a 36,000 square foot greenhouse empire to becoming the loud, sunburned, swearin'-in-a-bikini egg lady at the farmers market. We're talking laying hens, meat birds, DIY brooders, why I chose conventional feed, and how I'm clawing my way back into farm life one chicken shit-covered hand at a time. If you've ever dreamed of making money from your land—this is the real, raw, and ridiculously honest truth about what it takes. Spoiler: it's not pretty, but it's worth it. Let's build that next empire, baby. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: homesteading hustle, chickens vs. vegetables, meat bird breeds, egg yolk color myths, infrastructure hacks, farm failures, Joel Salatin inspo, selling eggs at farmers markets, honest farming, small space farming, figuring it out, farm to table tips Takeaways:  Laying hens and meat birds can be profitable with a plan Organic isn't always better if it doesn't pencil out You don't need a barn to start farming—just a tarp shed and grit Real farmers figure it out, even without brooders Transparency builds trust at the farmers market Scaling only works if your systems are dialed in Farming is about relationships, not just production   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm bringing the heat (and the compost) with 10 powerful reasons why EVERYONE should be a homesteader—yes, even you, city girl with the balcony! I break down the myths, the mindset, and the magic of growing your own food no matter where you live. From the rebellious joy of backyard tomatoes to prepping like a boss for doomsday (or just rising food prices), I share why homesteading is no longer a trend—it's a necessity. I've farmed it all: pigs, goats, hens, rabbits, and acres of produce. Now I'm scaling it down and showing YOU how to grow big freedom in small spaces. Whether it's a planter box or a backyard barnyard, this episode will light the fire in your freedom-loving soul. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: food freedom, generational knowledge, growing anywhere, mental health, self-reliance, kids in the garden, DIY food systems, backyard chickens, saving money, rebellion through gardening, starting small, food as currency Takeaways:  You don't need a farm to be a homesteader Food freedom equals true independence Relearning grandma's ways helps future generations Kids gain confidence and pride through gardening Growing your own food is powerful and rebellious Backyard produce tastes better and nourishes deeper Start small—a single pot is all it takes   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with the beautiful soul behind Moosterizers—Nina from A Thousand Hills—and we go deep on why this isn't just another skincare company. This is a back-to-the-roots, mama-led, God-honoring, eczema-healing, beef-fat-on-your-face kind of conversation that you don't want to miss. Nina shares how her son's health issues led her away from conventional medicine and into a wild journey of healing, homesteading, and launching a thriving tallow-based business—all while raising two boys and running farmers' markets with her family. We get real about the importance of knowing your source, the power of food and nature as medicine, and why our children are the ultimate WHY behind it all. This one is packed with truth bombs, inspiration, and that homegrown dirt we all need to hear. Get ready to be moved—because this convo might just be the nudge you need to start your own sovereignty story.   ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: tallow skincare, eczema healing, food as medicine, regenerative living, homesteading moms, farmers markets, entrepreneurship, faith in business, creating community, natural parenting, ancestral wisdom, local sourcing Takeaways:  Your health journey can birth your business Always ask where your products come from Nature often has the answers modern medicine doesn't Teaching kids business builds stronger families Community is built at the farmers market The "why" behind your business fuels the hard days You don't need to be a farmer to be a producer ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Nina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moosturizer.ab/    ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I get thrown into the hot seat by my friend Dana Maddeaux, a coach for widowed moms—and let me tell you, she didn't hold back! We dive deep into our shared Dutch roots, our childhood greenhouse memories, and why hard work is stitched into our DNA. Dana shares her powerful story of losing her husband with four tiny kids in tow and how she's now helping other widows rise again. We also dig into the dirt of food freedom, backyard growing, raising entrepreneurial kids, and why real food and real connection matter more than ever. If you've ever felt like you "should be doing more" when it comes to homesteading or feeding your family, this episode is your permission slip to start small, do what you can, and let the guilt go. It's honest, heartfelt, and filled with all the rich soil of life's mess and beauty. You're gonna love it. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: widowhood, gardening tips, Dutch heritage, homesteading, grief and healing, food sovereignty, entrepreneurial kids, microgreens, work ethic, real food, canning and preserving, freedom of choice Takeaways:  You can grow food in any space, even on concrete Microgreens are the easiest way to start growing your own food Lettuce and greens thrive in shady areas and are beginner-friendly Involving kids in gardening teaches work ethic and pride You don't need to do it all—start small and grow from there Buying directly from farmers helps build a better food system Freedom of choice in food is essential—grace over perfection ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daynee_m/reels/    ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm bringing you a solo-sode straight from the greenhouse—because today, it's all about TOMATOES. Yep, we're getting juicy. From being known as "The Tomato Lady" to running a 36,000 sq ft greenhouse and growing 9+ varieties, I'm sharing everything I've learned about growing sweet, candy-like tomatoes that people actually love. Whether you've got a backyard, a balcony, or a windowsill, I'll walk you through choosing the right varieties, preventing blossom end rot, pollinating like a pro, and even using black electrical tape to save a broken plant. If you want tomatoes that taste like sunshine and not cardboard, this one's for you. So let's get dirty—tomato dirty. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: greenhouse growing, tomato varieties, pollination tips, pruning techniques, preventing blossom end rot, consistent watering, compost and nutrients, saving broken plants, harvesting for flavor, tomato preservation, gardening with kids, balcony gardening Takeaways:  Tomatoes need consistent bottom watering and lots of sun Yellow and orange tomatoes are great for low-acid diets Pollinate within 48 hours or lose fruit quality Stressing your plant actually increases tomato production Calcium and watering are key to preventing blossom end rot Black electrical tape can save a broken plant stem Frozen whole tomatoes can be used later for sauces or soups ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt I sat down with Holly Beck, a lupus coach, autoimmune warrior, and absolute firecracker of a woman, who shared her 20-year journey through chronic fatigue, a lupus diagnosis, and finding healing through food, farming, and fierce self-advocacy. This one's personal (my dad had lupus too) and it was powerful to talk about the truths nobody tells you about autoimmune disease. We dug into the carnivore diet, how food actually impacts our bodies, the problems with our grocery store system, and why CSA boxes and farm-raised meat might just be the cure we're all ignoring. We also had some real-deal talk about what it means to return to community, raise food the old-fashioned way, and find freedom in knowing your farmer. This episode is a must-listen if you've got autoimmune symptoms, care about food freedom, or just want to learn how to eat and live like your great-grandma did…with purpose, joy, and connection. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, lupus diagnosis, carnivore diet, plant-based myths, farming, community supported agriculture, food system breakdown, homesteading, seasonal eating, meat as medicine, healing through nutrition Takeaways:  A lupus diagnosis doesn't have to be a death sentence Food can be medicine—or poison Carnivore and animal-based diets are powerful tools for healing Seasonal, local eating supports health and circadian rhythm Our global food system is broken—we need local farms You don't need complicated meals to be nourished True health starts in community, not policy ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Holly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamhollybeck/ Holly's Podcast: The Health Bridge Podcast with Holly B  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm flipping the mic around and letting the magic woman behind this podcast—my editor, my podcast manager, and my dear friend Carley—put me in the hot seat. We go deep into the truth about organics (spoiler alert: it's not as pure as you think), the real reason food has become so disconnected from our communities, and why modern homesteading isn't all sourdough and sunshine. I share the behind-the-scenes truth about farming, self-sufficiency, the BS of food labels, and how we take our power back one tomato plant or backyard chicken at a time. If you've ever felt overwhelmed about where to start or you've been romanticizing a life off-grid, this episode is your permission slip to start small and reclaim your power. It's time to get dirty—in the best way. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: organic myths, food freedom, self-sufficiency, local vs organic, farming debt, big ag corruption, seasonal eating, homesteading reality, raising chickens, empowering children, food frequency, community barter systems Takeaways:  Organic labels can be marketing more than meaning Local, fresh food may beat imported organic in nutrition Small farmers are being squeezed out of the system Everyone can start with something—garden, chickens, or sourdough Community is essential for true food freedom We're more empowered when we participate in our food system Seasonal eating aligns with our bodies and nature ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Carley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carleybutlermedia/  Carley's Website: https://www.carleybutlermedia.com/  Carley's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16m2r5UiVE8PbQfZ4LtJ5P  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Pete—the new owner of my beloved former farm, Shirley's Greenhouse—for a raw, emotional, and heartwarming conversation about what it really takes to run a farm. Pete shares his powerful journey from growing up in an agricultural region of India to buying a farm in Alberta with his wife and kids—no days off, no plan B, just passion and grit. We talk about burnout, the deep roots of family legacy, the hard realities of farming, and the deep soul satisfaction that comes from feeding your community. If you've ever wondered what farming actually looks like behind the scenes, this one's for you. Pete's honesty and humility will remind you what makes local food—and the people behind it—so damn important. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: legacy, greenhouse growing, family farming, food systems, burnout, community, work ethic, entrepreneurship, farmer's markets, resilience, gratitude, growth Takeaways:  Farming is emotionally rewarding but financially challenging The legacy of a farm can live on through community Transparency and authenticity matter to customers Family farming builds deep generational bonds Community support is everything in agriculture Social media presence can make or break a small farm Owning your strengths and weaknesses is essential ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Pete's Website: https://www.shirleysgreenhouse.com/  Pete's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirleysgreenhouse/ ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm telling the raw, unfiltered truth about farmers markets and buckle up, because it's not what you think. I spill the beans on what really goes on behind the booths: the politics, the lies, the reselling, and how it all contributed to the downfall of my farm. I take you through my journey as a second-generation farmer who went from thriving to surviving in a system that claimed to support farmers but did the opposite. This episode is for anyone who's ever believed that farmers markets were sacred ground. It's honest, emotional, and might ruffle some feathers but the truth deserves to be told. If you care about where your food comes from, you need to hear this.   ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farmers markets, food system corruption, farm to table truth, produce reselling, Alberta agriculture, market politics, supporting small farmers, direct-to-consumer sales, greenhouse growing, honest food labels, market bullying, knowing your farmer Takeaways:  Direct-to-consumer sales provide the highest margins for farmers Many vendors at farmers markets are resellers, not farmers Buyer beware: "farm fresh" doesn't always mean farm-grown Bureaucracy often harms, not helps, small farmers Ask your farmer detailed questions—know who grew your food True farm-to-table means no middlemen or invoices Supporting small farmers requires conscious consumer action ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online  ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with my fellow coach and absolute powerhouse of a human, Wade from Red Haven Coaching. This one's real, raw, and tender in all the right ways. Wade shares the gut-wrenching story of supporting his wife through a surprise cancer diagnosis just after childbirth, navigating hospitals, chemo, and life as a brand-new dad with grace, grit, and unshakable commitment. We talk about the deep cracks in the medical system, how to hold compassion for healthcare workers and still advocate fiercely, and what it means to be a caregiver when your world is flipped upside down.    We also dive into the real-life homesteading they're doing (hello, goat milk and 75-foot tomato plants!) and how their healing journey led them to ditch toxic food, chemicals, and even belief systems. This episode is a love letter to resilience, real food, human grace, and the often-overlooked warriors behind the scenes.    If you're a caregiver, know one, or love a good story about rising strong — this one's for you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: caregiving, cancer survival, homesteading, real food, healthcare advocacy, childhood education, grace under pressure, hospital trauma, family resilience, clean living, medical mistrust, healing through lifestyle Takeaways:  Caregivers need just as much support as patients It's okay to question the healthcare system respectfully Your kids can thrive with real-world education on a homestead Holding grace for human error doesn't mean avoiding advocacy Nutrition and environment play a huge role in healing Sometimes the hardest battles happen in silence True strength is found in choosing love over anger   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Wade's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhavencoaching  Wade's Website: https://linktr.ee/redhavencoaching?ltsid=93f2882a-a5d8-46b6-a74d-df936640bb11  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's solo episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm diving headfirst into the gritty, messy, beautiful truth behind ideologies in farming, food systems, and homesteading. People love to tell farmers how to farm—but unless you've pulled a calf in a snowstorm or had your whole crop threatened by hail, maybe zip it. I get real about glyphosate, organics, raw dairy, and the bureaucratic nonsense that's choking out small farms. I share my own journey from running a greenhouse and market business to selling it all to protect my legacy—and feed my kids. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by food choices, government rules, or the fight between "right" and "wrong" in agriculture, this episode is your breath of fresh air. It's about freedom of choice, love for the land, and trusting people over systems. Whether you're a homesteader, a grocery-store shopper, or somewhere in between, this one's for you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farming ideologies, homesteading truth, food freedom, glyphosate debate, raw dairy advocacy, government overreach, organic vs conventional, regenerative agriculture, farmer's markets reality, freedom of choice, small farm survival, bureaucracy in food systems Takeaways:  You can't fix a broken system with the people who broke it Most farmers are doing their best with what they've got Regenerative agriculture is a long game, not a quick fix Bureaucracy is killing the small farm and the real farmer's market Raw dairy can be safe when handled properly Freedom of choice must include all choices—even ones we wouldn't personally make You can be the change by growing even a single plant   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online   ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Nicola Irving of Irving's Farm, and y'all… if you've never had real, high-quality pork, get ready to have your mind blown. Nicola and her husband aren't just pig farmers—they're the real deal, raising heritage Berkshire pigs outdoors with love, care, and grit.  We talk about everything from what makes their pork so damn delicious to the crazy misconceptions around fat, "pasture-raised" buzzwords, and why knowing your farmer matters more than ever. This convo is for the foodies, the homesteaders, and everyone who gives a crap about where their food comes from. We talk genetic breeding (don't worry, it's not scary), the truth about commercial pork, and the wild reality of small-scale farming.  If you've ever questioned your bacon, this one's for you. Get ready for truth bombs, farmer love, and bacon that actually ruined a kid's Christmas—in the best way. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: heritage pork, small farming, Berkshire pigs, bacon differences, food quality, raising animals ethically, farm to table, real food, supporting local, animal care, consumer choice, behind the scenes farming Takeaways:  Fat is flavor, and old-school pork has it Heritage breeds like Berkshires offer superior taste and texture Commercial pork is lean for a reason—but it's lost its soul Raising pigs outdoors improves their quality of life and meat Consumers drive the industry—know what you're supporting Farm-to-table creates powerful human connection Small farms need your dollar to survive   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Nicola's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irvings_farm/ Nicola's Website: https://www.irvingsfarmfresh.com/ ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online   ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com  

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, we're diving into the raw, real, and often messy world of being a mom, an entrepreneur, and a human who's just trying to do it all without losing her damn mind. I'm joined by Britt Geleta, a badass coach helping entrepreneurial moms break free from burnout, mom guilt, and the suffocating expectations society dumps on us. We get into the real talk about why so many women feel like they have to do everything—and why that's complete bullshit.   Britt shares how she helps women cut through the noise, set boundaries, and actually prioritize themselves without the guilt trip. We talk about why self-care isn't selfish (it's a damn business strategy), how to rewire your mindset for thriving, and why perfectionism is a scam we're all done falling for. If you've ever felt like you're drowning in expectations, this one's for you. Get ready to ditch the guilt, take up space, and put yourself first for once. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: burnout, mom guilt, entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, self-care as a business strategy, perfectionism is a scam, setting boundaries, feminine vs. masculine energy, breaking generational conditioning, community over comparison, delegating without guilt, thriving over surviving Takeaways:  Self-care is not selfish; it's a business strategy Mom guilt is learned—ditch it and reframe your mindset Setting boundaries is key to avoiding burnout and resentment Perfectionism is a lie—progress over perfection wins every time Trust yourself and stop looking for external validation Community is the missing piece for so many women; build one Small, consistent shifts will change your life more than one big overhaul ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Britt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbritt_geleta/   Britt's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mama-entrepreneurs-ignited  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, we're digging into the realities of modern farming with Jason Jackson—fifth-generation farmer, part-time high school teacher, and full-time straight shooter. We're getting real about the bureaucratic mess that farmers have to wade through just to keep food on your plate. From the government's failure to fund plant breeding to the shady world of data ownership and the infuriating fight for the right to repair farm equipment—this conversation is an education in what's really happening behind the scenes in agriculture.   If you think farming is just tractors and dirt, buckle up. Jason breaks down how policy decisions are making it harder for small and mid-sized farms to survive, how corporate greed is taking over seed and equipment markets, and why he's pushing back against regulations that make no damn sense. Whether you're a farmer, a food-lover, or just someone who doesn't trust the government (same), you need to hear this one. Let's get into the dirt. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: government policy, plant breeding, data ownership, right to repair, small farm struggles, corporate control, reducing emissions, farming economics, food security, seed laws, big vs. small farms, freedom in agriculture Takeaways:  Government funding for plant breeding is crucial for food security Small farms struggle because they can't afford the million-dollar equipment required to compete Data collected by farm equipment companies can be sold without farmers' consent, giving corporations the upper hand Right to repair is about more than tractors—it's about keeping farmers independent and self-sufficient Credit programs designed to "help" farmers often just keep them trapped in debt Policy decisions need to be made with farmers, not imposed on farmers Supporting local farms and food sources is the best way to push back against corporate control   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's solo episode of Dawn's Dirt, we're diving into the gritty, glorious world of growing your own food—no matter how much space you have. I'm breaking down the real reasons why you need to get your hands in the dirt, from saving money to eating food that actually has flavor (because let's be real, grocery store tomatoes taste like disappointment). I also share my personal journey from running a 36,000-square-foot greenhouse to learning how to grow for joy, not just survival.  If you've ever wondered how to make your garden work for you, whether you've got a quarter section of land or just a tiny balcony, this episode is for you. We talk about food security (hello, 2020 toilet paper crisis!), why store-bought produce is basically nutrient-dead, and how growing your own food is the ultimate act of self-sufficiency. Plus, I'm spilling my four easiest crops to grow—no green thumb required.  Let's dig in! ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: food security, small-scale farming, sustainable growing, self-sufficiency, flavor vs. store-bought, crop rotation, easiest vegetables to grow, pruning for better harvests, cost-saving gardening, mental health benefits, community food sharing, garden planning Takeaways:  Grocery store produce loses nutrients fast—homegrown food is always better Food security matters more than you think—don't wait for the next crisis Gardening isn't just about food, it's about mental health and connection Lettuce, green beans, zucchini, and tomatoes are the easiest crops to start with Pruning and stressing tomato plants helps them ripen faster and grow stronger You don't need a huge farm—grow what you can, wherever you can Gardening builds stronger communities—share your surplus and swap crops   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, we're diving deep into the truth about food, sovereignty, and breaking free from the systems that want to control us. I'm joined by Shane, Kenisha, and Melissa—three absolute powerhouses who are reclaiming their independence through private membership associations, real food, and real community. We're talking about the war on farmers, why our food is making us sick, and how government overreach is quietly slipping into every aspect of our lives.    If you've ever wondered why your food doesn't taste the way it used to, or why your kids are being taught that farms are the enemy, buckle up—this episode is for you. We expose the toxic middlemen who control our health, wealth, and freedom, and we lay out exactly how to take it back. Whether it's detoxing from the poisons in our food and water, learning how to grow your own, or simply waking up to the reality of our world—this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: freedom, small business, finding strength, building community, food sovereignty, government overreach, detoxing, private membership associations, real medicine, critical thinking, homeschooling, self-determination Takeaways:  The food system is intentionally broken—what you buy in stores isn't real food Private membership associations can help people reclaim their health, business, and freedom Schools aren't just failing kids—they're indoctrinating them The middleman (government, corporations, healthcare) is the real enemy of sovereignty Knowing how to grow your own food is a survival skill, not a hobby Non-participation in corrupt systems is the key to true freedom Blood analysis is exposing hidden toxins that are affecting even unvaccinated children   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ YYC Rocks Website: https://www.yycrocks.ca/ Cell Food Website: https://www.cellfood.ca/  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, we're talking about hard work, grit, and what it really takes to make it in farming. I've got two incredible young men, Ruben and Matt, who are just 20 years old and already breaking into the world of agriculture. These two aren't just sitting around waiting for opportunities—they're chasing them down with everything they've got. We dig into the brutal reality of land prices, the cutthroat world of renting farmland, and why so many young farmers are being priced out by big corporations. But these guys? They refuse to back down. They're getting creative, working off-farm jobs to fund their dreams, and finding mentors in older farmers who believe in keeping agriculture alive.   If you've ever wanted to know what it really takes to build a farm from scratch in today's world—without rich parents or corporate backing—this episode is for you. Get ready for an honest, no-BS conversation about sacrifice, resilience, and chasing a dream most people wouldn't dare to touch. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farming struggles, land prices, young farmers vs. corporations, off-farm income, entrepreneurship, agriculture legacy, direct marketing vs. traditional sales, mentorship in farming, risk-taking in agriculture, working for $7/hour, generational wisdom, making it work against all odds Takeaways:  Farming today is nearly impossible without off-farm income Land prices are so high that young farmers rely on renting instead of buying Older farmers often prefer to rent to younger farmers rather than corporations Direct marketing beef is a challenge but can be more profitable than selling at auction Hard work and grit matter more than money in farming success Mentorship from older farmers is key to learning the business side of agriculture You can't be afraid to take calculated risks if you want to survive in farming ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm sitting down with my friend Lisa Szabon-Smith, the powerhouse behind Fearless Changemakers. We met at a barter pay event, hit it off instantly, and I knew I had to bring her on the podcast. Lisa is a former elite bobsledder turned gym owner turned unapologetic truth-teller who isn't afraid to challenge the system. We dive deep into the mess that is modern politics, how division is being used as a control tactic, and why people are too scared to ask the hard questions. We talk about leadership (or the lack of it), the dangers of living in political silos, and why real power is in the hands of the people—if we're willing to use it. This conversation is about building bridges instead of burning them, finding courage in the chaos, and remembering that we can disagree and still love each other. Buckle up, because this one's going to challenge you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: conversation over division, political silos, fearless leadership, questioning narratives, true advocacy, leading with love, building bridges, rejecting fear-based decisions, power of community, redefining success, finding personal truth, creating positive change Takeaways:  Respecting different viewpoints strengthens relationships True leadership listens to the people, not just policy Fear-based decisions strip personal power and freedom The extremes on both sides mirror each other more than they realize Conversations—not arguments—create change Political engagement doesn't require picking a side, just asking better questions The quality of your relationships determines the strength of your community   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Lisa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/szabon.com_/ Lisa's Website: https://www.szabon.com/? Lisa's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fear-less-changemakers/id1629092907  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online 

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, we're diving headfirst into a topic most people would rather tiptoe around—porn and its impact on men, relationships, and society as a whole. I sit down with VJ Maharaj, an online coach helping men reclaim their lives from the grips of porn addiction and rediscover real, meaningful connection. We don't hold back in this conversation—VJ shares his personal story, the shocking ways porn rewires the brain, and why he believes it's an epidemic stealing men's vitality.  As someone who knows firsthand how porn can destroy a marriage, this topic hits home for me, and I know it does for so many others. We break down the hidden consequences of excessive porn use, how it's robbing relationships of true intimacy, and why men are struggling to connect with real women. This is one of the rawest, most important conversations I've had on Dawn's Dirt, and I promise—it's one you can't afford to miss. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: porn addiction, masculinity, real intimacy, relationships, personal transformation, breaking free from habits, healing childhood wounds, vulnerability in men, addiction recovery, the impact of technology, secrets in relationships, overcoming shame Takeaways:  Porn addiction is more than just a habit—it rewires the brain and impacts real-life relationships Sexual energy is linked to creative energy, and excessive porn use drains both Many men don't realize the damage porn is doing to their ability to connect with real women Secrets in relationships—especially around porn use—erode trust and intimacy The first step to breaking free is understanding when and why the habit started Society has normalized porn, but the consequences are anything but normal True healing comes from openness, vulnerability, and replacing destructive habits with meaningful pursuits   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ VJ's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vijayjrmaharaj/    ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Have you ever started a garden that didn't go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what's right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That's where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I'll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let's talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let's get growing together! https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online