The Independent Farmer Podcast

In this episode, Alex Russell of Chucktown Acres joins Janelle Maiocco to share the "Entrepreneur Farmer" mindset and five actionable strategies to help beginning Farmers fast-track their journey from a hobby to a profitable, and scalable business.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for Farmers to build a profitable direct-to-consumer pork business by leveraging eCommerce, implementing sustainable practices, and utilizing recurring revenue models like bundle box subscriptions.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this episode, Barn2Door CEO Janelle invites Farm Advisor Phil from Hopewell Farms to discuss the common financial pitfalls that prevent Farmers from achieving a sustainable, full-time living.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Stop wasting hours in parking lots! Discover how DaaS helps Farmers automate local logistics, reach more Buyers, and look like a pro with doorstep delivery.For more Farm resources, visit:barn2door.com/resources

From a spiral notebook to $1M in annual sales. Learn how Veteran’s Liberty Ranch mastered Farmers Market logistics, "U-Shape" booth branding, and pre-orders to scale their independent ranch.For more Farm resources, visit:barn2door.com/resources

Learn how Peter Bartlett of Bartlett Farms transformed a remote North Dakota operation into a high-revenue business by mastering rural logistics and premium branding.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Join Janelle Maiocco and Erica Benoit of Benoit Family Farmstead as they discuss the reality of managing a successful, 6-figure farm business while raising five children. Learn how to integrate your kids into daily chores to cultivate a lifelong work ethic and a deep-rooted passion for Independent Farming.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Discover how to access 99% of buyers by leveraging Delivery as a Service. Learn how to double your revenue, ditch the logistical office work, and meet modern consumer expectations with professional, doorstep delivery.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Learn how Shenk Family Farm transitioned from a hobby to a thriving six-figure business by mastering production costs and strategic product packaging. Rachel Shenk shares actionable insights on how to price for sustainability, move the whole animal, and build a loyal customer base through convenience and transparency.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Barn2Door CEO Janelle Maiocco and Success Team Lead Kevin Soncrant discuss the Point of Sale (POS) system built for Farmers to bridge the gap between in-person and online sales. Learn how real-time inventory tracking and integrated email capture empowers Farmers to streamline their operations, secure year-round sales and attract loyal Buyers.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Join Tom Bennett of Bennett Farms as he reveals how prioritizing marketing propelled his operation to serve over 200 zip codes. Learn why building a loyal email list and removing buyer friction are the most critical steps to becoming a thriving, scalable Farm business.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Janelle and Phil dive into the new "upside-down" food pyramid and the massive opportunity it creates for independent Farmers to meet the growing demand for real, local protein. Learn how to leverage the "Make America Healthy Again" movement to build trust and demand with your community. For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Erica Benoit shares how she transitioned from a "bare-bones" lifestyle to building a thriving, six-figure protein operation. Learn how the Benoit family utilized automated systems and rigid budgeting to de-risk their business and achieve the dream of farming full-time.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

Building a successful Farm shouldn’t be a solo effort. In this episode, Ryan Grace shares how a dedicated Success Team provides the strategy and support needed to grow with confidence. Learn how expert guidance can help you move from a basic setup to a thriving, professional business.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Running a Farm business is hard enough without technical headaches. Listen in as Support Specialist Will explains how Barn2Door’s real human support team helps Farmers resolve issues fast. From domain setups to payment processing, learn how expert help can keep your Farm Business running smoothly.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Are you leaving money on the table with your farm products? In this week's episode, James sits down with Account Manager Ryan to dive deep into the pricing and packaging strategies that successful farmers use to increase their average order value and improve profit margins.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

Worried you're not "tech-savvy" enough to sell online and use software to manage your orders and inventory? Farmer Alex felt the same way! Learn how Barn2Door's Onboarding Team gave him the tools and confidence to grow his Farm business.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

This audiobook shares how successful Farms automate tasks to save time in their day-to-day operations, without sacrificing profits. From using software and solutions to scheduling marketing efforts in advance, Farms can more easily scale without added stress.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

Rally with your Farm Friends to Sell More, Make More and replace Bad Food & Big Ag. Learn how Josie form Dan & Debbie’s Creamery partners with other Local Farmers to Replace the Grocery Cart for a Win-Win!

Why not save time while making more money? Learn how Lois of Yoder-Way Farm built recurring revenue for her Farm, with $50 weekly Farm food boxes while also consolidating delivery days and locations.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James and Alyssa discuss the rise in Farmers using AI logos for their business, and the potential negative impact it can have on their brand. Hear how designers build out unique logos to help Independent Farmers stand out.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Ryan speaks with Joe of Dirty Girl Produce (CA) to break down how to expand your product to increase sales. Joe created canned items, preserves and juices to use harder-to-sell items, and stock his store with exclusive products.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Kevin speaks with Shauna of Mom’s Micro Garden (and Sasquatch Family Farms, WA). Shauna discussing how she started her microgreens business, how to attract Buyers and the value of building local partnerships. Hear her advice for new Farmers and goals for scaling her business!For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Kevin and Cory of Barn2Door’s Success Team discuss how Farms have built successful partnerships with other local businesses in their community. By identifying ideal partners and uncovering their Buyers' local loop, Farms have created convenient ways to expand their product reach.For more Farm resources, visit: Barn2Door.com/Resources

In this week’s episode, Joe of Dirty Girl Produce (CA) shares his experience in building a base of Wholesale Buyers in his community. Learn best practices for attracting and retaining Wholesale Buyers, and picking which customers are right for your Farm.For more Farm resources, visit: Barn2Door.com/Resources

In this week’s episode, Phil from Hopewell Farms (GA) shares how he has scaled his poultry operation from scratch to a profitable business. Hear how he thinks about costs, builds in recurring revenue and successfully prices & packages his birds.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Barn2Door and Peter of Bartlett Farms (ND), discuss various instances the government regulations have impacted independent Farm sales, and examples of how Farms can take control of their operations. See how Peter has expanded access to his raw milk and beef.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Janelle talks to Erica of Benoit Family Farmstead (MO) to discuss selling pork to her community. From cuts to bulk orders, she uncovers how she manages her inventory, builds FOMO for her products and keeps her fulfillments streamlined.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Alex of Chucktown Acres interviews Janelle, CEO and Founder of Barn2Door, to discuss the history, mission and future of the business. Built to put the power back into Independent Farmers' hands, learn how Barn2Door has expanded its software and services tailored specifically for Farm operations.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

Ryan Grace, an Account Manager at Barn2Door, shares the who, what, when, where, why and how of building a Loyal Base of Local Customers for your Farm. Learn the best practices for identifying Buyers in your community, maintaining consistent communications and leading them to make a purchase.For more Farm resources, visit: Barn2Door.com/Resources

Tom of Bennett Farms (MI) shares the challenges tackled (and overcome!) as he doubled his Farm sales… then doubled again in just 4 years. In this latest episode, hear Tom’s advice for Scaling your Farm Business.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Alex of Chucktown Acres (SC) and host of Barn2Door’s Grassroots Marketing Academy, talks about the priority and lessons of each session, ideal outcomes, and what he has learned as a teacher. See why this class --- helping Farmers tap into local Buyer demand to increase sales --- is always full with a long wait list!For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

What happens when you have 2 Independent Farmers --- one from each coast --- talk shop? In this week’s episode, Alex of Chucktown Acres (SC) chats w/ Shauna of Sasquatch Family Farms (WA) about growing a business from scratch, community support in clutch moments, and why and how Farmers can attract local Buyers to ensure ongoing sales.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Janelle (Barn2Door CEO) and Cory (Farmer Success Team) discuss marketing myths (misconceptions) that can negatively impact Farmers' sales outcomes. If you are an Independent Farmer selling direct --- this is a must listen, to avoid and/or overcome marketing pitfalls! And discover GREAT tips for Farmers on successful marketing for successful, recurring sales.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Ryan from the Barn2Door Success Team (who talks all day everyday with Independent Farmers!) discusses tips for Farmers' online store(s). Hear what he recommends for Farmers selling direct into their local communities.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, Janelle and Erica of Benoit Family Farmstead (MO) discuss how to successfully sell out of Summer Chicken Subscriptions. Erica shares her tips for building FOMO around Subscription sign ups, marketing to local Buyers and packaging meat to move her inventory. For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, Janelle meets with Phil of Hopewell Farms to discuss becoming a Farmer, marketing to local Buyers and making healthy food convenient. Phil shares his best practices for reaching Buyers in his community and making a plan for his sales.For more Farm resources, visit: Barn2Door.com/Resources

In this week's episode, Janelle meets with Will of Old Rich Valley (VA) to discuss how their Farm successfully moves a whole cow through their Farm store. Through Herd Shares, Bundle Boxes, cuts and Value-Added items, the Farm has learned best practices for selling a whole animal. Focus on nomenclature, convenient fulfillments and an easy ordering system.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, Janelle meets with Cory from the Barn2Door Success Team to discuss best practices when selling beef in your Farm store. Learn tactics that successful Farms use to move more product through their store, how they manage less popular products, and the ideal product mix and package sizes.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James meets with Taylor of Bridging the Gap Financial Services LLC to discuss how to allocate Farm finances across marketing efforts. Taylor explains what can be considered a write off and the importance of budgeting for marketing efforts.For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James meets with Alexia of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund to discuss the proposed Salmonella framework from the USDA FSIS. Learn how this may affect your local poultry processor.Make a comment by January 17th, 2025: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FSIS-2023-0028Learn more about the proposal: https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/actionalerts/More Farm resources: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James and Rachel of Shenk Family Farms (NC) discuss how the Farm grew a customer base from the ground up. Rachel shares her tips for beginning a Farm business, and how to establish consistency with Buyers.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

This audiobook shares 5 tips from 1000's of Farms across the country to engage Buyers in the winter to increase revenue stability, drive cash flow and offset costs during the Off-Season. Learn the tactics to sell out before next season!Find more Farm resources: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James and Kevin discuss how Farms can build their ideal Farm retail customer profiles to target marketing and products to Buyers in their community. Learn the steps to creating Buyer personas and building a Farm brand that attracts sales.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James talks with Valerie from Grass Fed Cattle Co. (MN). Valerie and her husband, Jared, raise their children on their Farm, and have learned to balance Family time with work. Hear Valerie's best practices for finding this balance while serving her local community. For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, Janelle and Lois of Yoder-Way Farm discuss the transition from commercial dairy to direct beef sales. Lois explains how she builds her community through marketing on social media and through newsletters, as well as securing recurring revenue.For more Farm resources: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James and Anthony discuss Barn2Door's most recent feature (set to release in the coming weeks): Combined Inventory. Your Farm store will have the ability to offer a single item --- regardless of price(s), unit size(s) and / or price sheet (retail, private or wholesale). Learn more: https://www.barn2door.com/blog-all/combined-inventoryFind more Farm resources: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James speaks with Kevin about best practices for a Farm's online store. From an easy-to-shop inventory and convenient fulfillment schedules. Learn how software built for Farmers can make your store streamlined and profitable.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

This audiobook provides insights from successful Farms across the country who share lessons from their own errors, and how to avoid them. Learn best practices to build a thriving Farm business, while minimizing the impacts of potential mistakes your Farm encounters along the way.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James talks with Taylor Bridges of Bridging the Gap Financial Services LLC to discuss a streamlined process for Farms to report on their finances. She discusses practices to keep finances organized and to save time when tracking and reporting, as well as her recommended financial software.Join our Finance Academy: barn2door.com/academyFind more Farm resources: barn2door.com/resources