302. Anna Withers and Kevin Prather on Cultivating Community Gardens
Release Date: 09/24/2024
330. Pesticide-Free and Purpose-Filled: Taylor Bemis on Running Tumbleweed Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What does it look like to farm beyond organic on a small scale with big impact? On this episode, Michael is joined by Taylor Bemis, co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Oregon’s Hood River Valley. Since 2012, Taylor and his wife, cookbook author Andrea Bemis, have been growing vibrant, pesticide-free produce on just over two acres. Together, they run a 160-member CSA and sell at the Hood River Farmers Market. With a strong focus on educating their community about the nutritional power of fresh, local food, Taylor and Andrea go beyond organic standards—often labeling their vegetables with the...
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329. Collaboration Over Competition: How Two Farmers Built Urban Roots Collective
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What happens when two first-generation farmers decide to team up instead of compete? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Jody Prosser and Mady Hastings, co-owners of Urban Roots Collective in Simpsonville, South Carolina. These first-generation female farmers each started out with their own small farms and no prior ag experience—but when they met, they quickly realized they could grow more and serve more together. Now operating as a team, they’re cultivating vegetables, flowers, and animals on regenerative principles and selling through a unique farmstand model...
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328. From Grass-Fed to Wood-Fired: Pizza Farmer Maren Beard of Luna Valley Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can agritourism deepen community connections and support a diversified farm? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Maren Beard, co-owner of Luna Valley Farm in Decorah, Iowa. Maren and her husband, Tom, run a certified organic regenerative farm, raising 100% grass-fed cattle and sheep while also serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas to their community. Tune in to hear how Luna Valley is creating connection through food and what it really takes to run a thriving pizza farm! Episode Highlights: Origin Story: How did Maren and Tom get started with Luna Valley...
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327. Urban Farming for Food Justice: Devon Wilson on Sunlight Gardens
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can urban farming transform communities and increase access to fresh, local food? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Devon Wilson, founder and farmer of Sunlight Gardens, a two-acre organic urban farm in Battle Creek, Michigan. Devon started Sunlight Gardens to increase access to fresh, local food and inspire the next generation of farmers through their fresh corner store, community events, and Farm Squad youth program. Devon’s passion for food justice stems from personal experience—witnessing multiple family members struggle with diet-related illnesses....
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326. Reinventing Beef: Justin Pettit on Santa Carota’s Carrot-Finished Cattle
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How does carrot-finished beef set a new standard for flavor and sustainability? In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Pettit, third-generation rancher and co-founder of Santa Carota Beef—the only grass-fed, carrot-finished beef on the market. By finishing cattle on a 95% carrot-based diet, Justin has crafted a nutrient-rich, flavorful beef that’s earned praise from top chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay. Tune in to hear how Justin is redefining high-quality beef with a focus on sustainability, nutrition, and exceptional taste! Episode Highlights: Ranching Roots: How did...
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325. Farming on One Acre: Sara Krohn & Sam Odin on Village Farmstead
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can small-scale farmers maximize productivity while staying true to their values? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Sara Krohn and Sam Odin, owners of Village Farmstead, a USDA-Certified Organic farm in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Farming on just one acre, they prioritize human-scale farming, soil health, and a deep connection to their community. Sara and Sam are also part of a 14-acre housing cooperative, where their farm integrates with a broader vision of sustainable living. They rely on hand tools, minimal soil disturbance, and permanent raised beds to create...
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324. Exploring Agroforestry: Ben Raskin and Andy Dibben on Silvohorticulture
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can farmers integrate trees into vegetable production to enhance yield, biodiversity, and resilience? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Raskin and Andy Dibben, co-authors of Silvohorticulture, the first detailed guide on agroforestry for vegetable farms. With extensive experience in commercial horticulture and agroforestry design, Ben and Andy provide practical insights into how farmers can successfully integrate trees into their growing systems. Tune in to learn how agroforestry can optimize farm productivity, improve soil health, manage pests, and...
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323. Digitizing Farm Operations: Tracey Wiedmeyer on Gripp's Role in Ag Tech
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can farmers streamline record-keeping and operations management with technology? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Tracey Wiedmeyer, co-founder of Gripp. Growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, Tracey combined his deep-rooted agricultural knowledge with his expertise in technology to create a platform that simplifies farm operations. Gripp centralizes everything from equipment tracking to team communication, making it easier for farmers to stay organized and efficient. Tune in to hear how Tracey and his team are transforming record-keeping, winning industry...
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322. Cultivating Local Food Systems: Trisha Bates on Urban Farming and Community
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can farmers and chefs work together to strengthen local food systems? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Trisha Bates, founder of Urban American Farmer in Austin, Texas. Trisha’s background in urban planning and the restaurant industry has shaped her mission to bridge the gap between farms, chefs, and consumers. Tune in to hear how her work in foodscaping, event planning, and farm education has helped to create a more connected and resilient local food system. Episode Highlights: Farming Beginnings: How did Trisha get into farming? [1:36]...
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321. Josh Galt on Transforming Agriculture with Black Soldier Flies
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can insects transform agriculture and waste management? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael welcomes Josh Galt, a global nomad turned regenerative agriculture innovator. Now based in Mexico, Josh is pioneering the use of black soldier fly larvae for waste management, animal feed, and organic fertilizer. He also collaborates with smallholder farmers to develop consumer products like coffee, chocolate, and tropical fruits grown in BSFL-enriched soil. Tune in to hear how black soldier flies are transforming agriculture by turning waste into a sustainable resource for soil...
info_outlineHow can urban farming not only feed a community but also foster connection and education?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Anna Withers and Kevin Prather from Springfield Community Gardens. Together, they dive into the organization’s mission to promote healthy local food access and support aspiring farmers. Learn how Springfield Community Gardens has grown to manage 16 gardens across the city, offering educational programs and farmer incubator opportunities, all while practicing regenerative agriculture and fostering community involvement.
Tune in to discover how urban farming initiatives like Springfield Community Gardens are shaping the future of local food systems and inspiring others to connect with the land!
Episode Highlights:
- Beginnings: Anna and Kevin’s journey into farming [1:03]
- Mission: What Springfield Community Gardens is all about [4:36]
- Education: Focus of their farmer incubator program [13:18]
- Season Extension: Tunnels and hoop houses on the farm [18:04]
- Land Access: Leasing agreement for state hospital land [20:44]
- Soil Health: Fertility programs and resolving lead issues [25:55]
- Support: Where SCG’s funding and support come from [30:46]
- Youth Program: How SCG engages the next generation [33:51]
About the Guest:
Anna Withers is the Farmer and Resource Development Manager for Springfield Community Gardens. She uses her business degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management to help farmers grow and expand their businesses, while also teaching youth about their roles in the food system. Anna is a proud consumer of local food and aims to make it easier for everyday people to access farm fresh goods.
After starting as an apprentice at a small farm in Springfield, MO, Kevin Prather has spent the last decade immersed in regenerative ag at multiple farms, teaching what he's learned along the way. He's the founding farmer of Amanda Belle's Hospital Farm, which partners with our city's largest hospital system. Now SCG's farmer educator, he runs the on-site internship program with funding from the EPA environmental justice grant.
Connect with Springfield Community Gardens:
- Website: Springfield Community Gardens
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- YouTube: Subscribe on YouTube
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central!
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