$50K on 1/4 Acre: How This Couple Crushed Their Farm Income Goals (TRFP 06)
Release Date: 03/07/2025
Pay Premium, Get Premium: The Real Cost of Quality Farm Tools (TRFP 13)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
In this episode of The Rookie Farmer podcast, the tables are turned as host Alec welcomes podcast host Diego Footer as he shares his journey from finance professional to farm tool innovator and reveals the inside story behind Modern Grower. He breaks down the logistics behind sourcing and supplying tools, the costs that come with it, and the quality associated with different product price points. He also talks about tools and equipment that may or may not be a fit for your farming context. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business...
info_outline
Changes We Made to Double Farm Sales (TRFP 12)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
In this episode, host Alec welcomes his farm mentors Nicolas and Jeni of Cryistal Organic Farm in Newborn, Georgia as they talk about their 30-year farming journey: the differences in small-scale farming landscape, the changing market, and the growing amount of farming resources becoming more and more accessible. They also share practical steps about diversifying with high-value herbs that can be sold to retail either fresh, dried, or to wholesale buyers across the country. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights! ...
info_outline
Honest Talk: Managing Farm Growth, Employees & Market Competition - Farm Vlog (TRFP 11)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
In this episode, Alec looks back at his first year of growing food and selling them. He shares how much they made the past year, talks about some practical advice for navigating farmers markets with established competition, and drops some emotional wisdom that keeps him grounded through the ups and downs of farming. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights! Follow Modern Grower: Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Check out Diego's...
info_outline
From Backyard to Profit: Scaling a 2500 sq ft. Market Garden in One Year (TRFP 10)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
Breaking into market gardening isn't just a dream—it's a tangible reality for those willing to learn and adapt. In this episode, host Alec is joined by fellow rookie farmer Colton Simpson of Simpson's Market Garden in White Plains, Maryland. Colton shares his journey going from a 2,500 square foot plot to a 1.5-acre operation, nailing down how strategic planning and market insight can transform a small backyard garden into a thriving business. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights! Follow Modern Grower: ...
info_outline
Seed Secrets: Choosing the Perfect Varieties for Your Farm (TRFP 09)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
Any farmer worth their salt knows that seed choice can make or break the entire farming season. In this episode of The Rookie Farmer Podcast, host Alec welcomes Michelle Hochkeppel from High Mowing Organic Seeds as she illuminates the world of seeds and the seed supply chain. She dives into the difference between heirloom and hybrid varieties, how to assess seed quality, and how to leverage your favored seed company--and local seed rep--as a valuable resource when it comes to selecting seeds best fit for your farming context. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming,...
info_outline
Gearing Up for Year 2 Farming: Hiring, Scaling, and Staying Sane - Farm Vlog (TRFP 08)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
Farming isn't just a job—it's a strategic business that demands constant innovation and personal growth. In this episode, Alec Smith talks about how they're handling scaling up the farm this 2025 growing season: hiring out help, growing in a greenhouse, and exploring new niches to stand out in their market. He also shares a personal realization that comes with running a business while raising a family: learning what to prioritize and what you're doing the business for. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights! Follow...
info_outline
Certified Naturally Grown: The Grassroots Certification That's Changing Small-Scale Agriculture (TRFP 07)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
Small-scale farmers, the path to low-cost certification is here: Certified Naturally Grown (CNG). In this episode, host Alec welcomes CNG Executive Director Alice Varon to shed light on what Certified Naturally Grown is, how to apply for it, and why it works well as a certification of choice for many small-scale producers. They talk about the mechanics behind its peer-to-peer inspections and how it provides a supportive, community-driven approach to maintaining high agricultural standards. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business...
info_outline
$50K on 1/4 Acre: How This Couple Crushed Their Farm Income Goals (TRFP 06)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
Small farms can generate a good income with the right strategy - and Sun and Soil Farm does just that. In this game-changing podcast episode, Richard and Brittany of Sun and Soil Farm in Madison, North Carolina break down exactly how they diversified their income streams, optimized their crop selection, and created multiple revenue channels beyond traditional vegetable sales all to make a good living of $50,000 a year. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights! Follow Modern Grower: Listen to other podcasts...
info_outline
Lessons Learned in Winter Growing - Farm Vlog (TRFP 05)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
In this second farm vlog, farmer Alec shares a good problem to have as they expand their farm operations: selling out of everything they grow at their new market. He also talks about what he learned from the challenges the farm faced with unusual weather conditions and what he plans on doing moving forward. Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights! Follow Modern Grower: Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Check out Diego's...
info_outline
Farming From the Heart: Rediscovering Indigenous Roots (TRFP 04)
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
Join rookie farmer Gabby Fultz on her inspiring journey to build a regenerative farm from scratch in Durango, Colorado. Gabby shares her triumphs and challenges as a young Native American woman reconnecting with her Navajo farming heritage while juggling the demands of school, starting a business, and greening the desert. From rotational goat grazing to growing specialty crops for the local co-op, Gabby openly discusses the realities of getting a diverse, sustainable farm operation off the ground as a beginning farmer. Tune in for an honest look at rookie farming, insights on marketing...
info_outlineSmall farms can generate a good income with the right strategy - and Sun and Soil Farm does just that. In this game-changing podcast episode, Richard and Brittany of Sun and Soil Farm in Madison, North Carolina break down exactly how they diversified their income streams, optimized their crop selection, and created multiple revenue channels beyond traditional vegetable sales all to make a good living of $50,000 a year.
Click here to check out Sun and Soil Farm.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights! 
Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower.
Follow Modern Grower:
Instagram
Instagram
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
Carrot Cashflow
Farm Small Farm Smart
Farm Small Farm Smart Daily
The Growing Microgreens Podcast
The Urban Farmer Podcast
The Rookie Farmer Podcast
In Search of Soil Podcast
Check out Diego's books:
Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon
Ready Farmer One on Amazon
**** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.