308. Irrigation Insights with Anthony Tasselli: Maximizing Water Use on the Farm
Release Date: 11/05/2024
335. From Sheep to Soil: Zeb Horrell’s Vision for Regenerative New Zealand
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What does it look like to transform land, community, and food systems—all at once? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Zeb Horrell, Chief Regenerative Officer at Mangaroa Farms in Whitemans Valley, New Zealand. Zeb is a third-generation farmer turned regenerative land steward, working to reimagine what farming can be through bioregional resilience, collaborative land models, and deep ecological awareness. At Mangaroa Farms—a community food hub and living laboratory—they’re transitioning former dairy and pine operations into regenerative agriculture and native...
info_outline
334. Securing the Homestead: Tim Eng on Safety, Resilience, and Community
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What role does security play in building a thriving homestead? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim Eng, a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and real estate expert who now helps families transition into resilient, self-sufficient homesteads. After years in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the U.S., Tim and his family made the leap to homesteading in Tennessee. With a background in military engineering and a passion for regenerative living, Tim now teaches homesteaders how to build security into their land, homes, and communities—from the ground...
info_outline
333. Teaching Self-Sufficiency: Kody Hanner on Homesteading and Hands-On Education
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can homesteaders empower the next generation through practical, real-world learning? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kody Hanner, a homesteader, author, and educator based in North Idaho. As the founder of The Homestead Education, Kody helps families integrate homesteading and self-sufficiency into their homeschooling journey. What began as a personal health journey turned into a life-changing homestead and a mission to equip children with the tools they need to thrive outside the traditional classroom. Tune in to hear how Kody’s family healed, homesteaded, and...
info_outline
332. Building the Fair Trade Movement: Paul Rice on Ethical Farming & Global Impact
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can global trade empower farmers and create a more just food system? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Paul Rice, Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. After spending more than a decade working with coffee farmers in Nicaragua, Paul returned to the U.S. to launch the Fair Trade Certified™ label—transforming the way we think about sourcing coffee, cocoa, produce, apparel, and more. Since 1998, Paul has partnered with over 1,400 companies, from Whole Foods to Patagonia, helping channel billions of dollars into the hands of farmers and workers worldwide. In this...
info_outline
331. Soil, Stewardship & Safe Food: Kyle Becker on Growing Becker Farms
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What does it take to build a thriving farm business while raising a family and stewarding the land for the next generation? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kyle Becker, owner of Becker Farms in Moorland, Indiana. Since 2007, Kyle and his wife, Emily, have grown their farm from a small freezer beef operation into a diversified livestock farm offering beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, and local milk. In addition to running the farm, Kyle works as a food animal veterinarian, serving dairy and beef farms across Indiana and Ohio. With a deep focus on soil health,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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....
info_outline
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...
info_outlineHow can drip irrigation help farmers conserve water and improve crop health?
In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael chats with Anthony Tasselli, the Technical Sales Manager for Toro Ag. With over ten years of experience in irrigation system design and project management, Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge on drip irrigation systems, including the use of filters, valves, and automation products. He is dedicated to helping farmers increase efficiency and reduce water use through sustainable irrigation practices.
Tune in as Anthony shares his insights into the benefits of micro irrigation, the latest innovations in automation, and practical advice for tackling common issues like salt buildup in irrigation systems.
Episode Highlights:
- Irrigation Beginnings: What inspired Anthony to pursue a career in irrigation? [1:02]
- Micro Irrigation Basics: What is micro irrigation, and how can it benefit farmers? [7:16]
- California's Drip Irrigation: What portion of California's agriculture relies on drip irrigation? [12:36]
- Automation Advances: How has Toro innovated in irrigation automation? [17:18]
- Addressing Salt Buildup: What tips does Anthony have for managing salt buildup? [21:53]
- Future of Irrigation: What are the newest developments in sustainable irrigation? [27:58]
- Understanding SDI: What is subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), and why is it important? [33:25]
Don’t miss this episode as Anthony Tasselli dives into the world of drip irrigation and shares strategies for more efficient water management on the farm.
About the Guest:
Anthony Tasselli is the Technical Sales Manager at Toro Ag, where he provides essential support to farmers and dealers for drip irrigation solutions. With a background in system design and technical support, Anthony is passionate about empowering farmers with sustainable irrigation practices. When he's not working, Anthony enjoys outdoor adventures with his family in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Connect with Toro Ag:
- Website: Toro Ag
- Instagram: Follow on Instagram
- Facebook: Like on Facebook
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Farm on Central!
It may feel early, but spring garden planning season is just around the corner! At The Farm on Central, pre-order your favorite varieties now to ensure they’re ready when planting season arrives.
Explore over a dozen new options this year—including willows, elderberries, blackberries, garlic, and turmeric, with even more added daily! Cuttings ship in February, while rooted plants arrive in mid-spring.
Get a jump on your dream garden and secure your spring selections now at shop.FarmonCentral.com.