313. Growing Agritourism: Regan Joehl on Crafting Family Farm Experiences
Release Date: 12/10/2024
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 a family farm balance tradition, innovation, and community connections?
In this episode, Michael chats with Regan Joehl, owner of Greene Fields Farm in Greenfield, Illinois. Regan, a fourth-generation farmer, has transformed his family’s 30-acre farm into a thriving seasonal destination for thousands of visitors each fall. From pumpkins and gourds to apple picking and premium mums, Greene Fields Farm offers an unforgettable experience while fostering a deeper connection to the land.
Tune in as Regan shares insights on crop management, marketing strategies, and creating a farm environment that keeps customers coming back year after year.
Episode Highlights:
- A Family Farm Legacy: How did Greene Fields Farm begin? [1:24]
- Diversification Decisions: Why did they start raising pigs? [11:15]
- Mum Production Tips: What size pots do they use for their mums? [15:26]
- Land Management: What kind of land and acreage are they working with? [21:39]
- Marketing Success: How does Greene Fields market their farm? [26:06]
- The Farm Team: What does the Greene Fields team look like? [30:56]
- Navigating Regulations: What challenges have they faced with government policies? [41:57]
Don’t miss Regan’s expert insights into creating a thriving farm business that combines tradition, family values, and innovative practices.
About the Guest:
Regan Joehl is a fourth-generation farmer and owner of Greene Fields Farm in Greenfield, Illinois. What began as a small pumpkin patch in 2016 has grown into a 30-acre farm that welcomes over 30,000 visitors each fall. Regan, his wife Christie, and their six children grow a variety of pumpkins, gourds, squash, premium mums, and apples, all while running a bustling seasonal farmstand. Dedicated to reconnecting families with the land, Greene Fields Farm has become a beloved destination for those seeking a slice of rural life.
Connect with Green Fields Farm:
- Website: Greene Fields Farm
- Facebook: Like Greene Fields Farm
- Instagram: Follow Greene Fields Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts!
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