318. Blending Tradition with Agri-Tourism: Karl Wiegandt on The Berry Farm
Release Date: 01/28/2025
346. Running a Year-Round Farm Market with Emma de Long
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we’re taking this break, we’re excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they’re helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. What does it really take to run a small, year-round local market? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down with Emma de Long of Kneehigh Farm to...
info_outline
345. Managing 600+ Crop Varieties at Amber Waves Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we’re taking this break, we’re excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they’re helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. What does it take to plan, grow, and manage more than 600 crop varieties each year? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down again with Katie...
info_outline
344: The One-Cow Revolution with Shawn and Beth Dougherty
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we’re taking this break, we’re excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they’re helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. Can one grass-fed cow truly become the heart of a food-independent farm? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down with Shawn and Beth...
info_outline
343. Reviving Flax: A Zero Waste Crop with Emma de Long
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we’re taking this break, we’re excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they’re helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. How can flax become a sustainable, versatile crop for modern farms? In this Farm in Focus episode, Michael sits down with Emma de Long of Kneehigh Farm to...
info_outline
342. Managing a 24-Person Farm Team with Amber Waves Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
A Note from Michael: The Thriving Farmer Podcast is currently on pause as we navigate a busy season on the farm. While we’re taking this break, we’re excited to share Farm in Focus, a special series of short, focused conversations recorded earlier this year. These bite-sized episodes highlight practical insights from farmers and experts across the industry. We hope they’re helpful and encouraging as you continue your farming journey. How do you build—and keep—a thriving farm team? On this special Farm in Focus episode, Michael is joined by Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow,...
info_outline
341. From Chef to Community Farmer: Julie Warpinski of Rosewood Farm
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What does it take to turn six acres into a destination for food, flowers, and connection? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Julie Warpinski, founder of Rosewood Farm in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Drawing on her background as a chef, Julie has transformed six acres into a vibrant destination for seasonal produce, fresh flowers, and memorable events. From CSA programs and farm camps to weddings and cooking classes, Rosewood blends the beauty of farm life with the joy of gathering. In this episode, you’ll hear: From Kitchen to Field – How Julie’s culinary...
info_outline
340. Preserving Heritage Through Olives: Karmel Abufarha on Canaan Palestine
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
How can farming protect culture and sustain communities in the midst of conflict? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Karmel Abufarha, Marketing Manager of Canaan Palestine. Since 2013, Karmel has worked alongside his father and Palestinian smallholder farmers to create a route-to-market for ancient olive groves and traditional crops. What started as a local effort to safeguard livelihoods has grown into a global movement, connecting Palestinian farmers with consumers who value sustainability, social responsibility, and regenerative practices. Tune in to hear how Karmel...
info_outline
339. The Beekeeper’s Apothecary: Kaylee Richardson on Herbs, Homesteading & Honey Bees
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What happens when we slow down, listen to nature, and “learn something old”? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Kaylee Richardson, Virginia-based herbalist, beekeeper, and author of The Beekeeper’s Apothecary. With roots in Appalachia and a heart for old-world wisdom, Kaylee shares her journey from the medical field to full-time homesteading. Tune in to learn how she integrates herbalism and beekeeping to build a thriving, intentional lifestyle—and how you can begin to “learn something old” each day. In this episode, you’ll hear: Getting...
info_outline
338. Behind the Scenes with Michael Kilpatrick: A Conversation with Rodger Wasson
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What happens when the interviewer becomes the guest? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, the mic flips as Rodger Wasson, longtime advocate for farmers and host of the Farm to Table Talk Podcast, interviews our own Michael Kilpatrick. From behind-the-scenes systems to current hurdles, Rodger dives deep into the day-to-day of Michael’s farm, business, and mindset as a leader in the regenerative agriculture space. Tune in for a rare peek into what’s working (and what’s not) at the Farm on Central farm and store — and why Michael remains committed to helping small farms succeed....
info_outline
337. Farm4Profit on Profitable Farming and Smart Stewardship
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What happens when two forward-thinking Iowa farmers team up to help others grow better businesses? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tanner Winterhof and Corey Hillebo, hosts of the Farm4Profit Podcast. With backgrounds in finance, crop and livestock production, and agribusiness leadership, Tanner and Corey are on a mission to help farmers treat their operations like profitable, resilient businesses. Through the Farm4Profit platform, they share tools, technology, and mindset shifts to help farms succeed in today’s complex ag economy. Tune in to hear how they...
info_outlineWhat innovative strategies help farms thrive as community hubs in urban and tropical settings?
In this episode, Michael chats with Karl Wiegandt, owner of The Berry Farm in Miami, Florida. As a third-generation farmer, Karl has transformed his family’s farm into a vibrant community hub, offering seasonal festivals, u-pick experiences, and family-friendly activities. From strawberries to sunflower fields and even a wedding venue, The Berry Farm is designed to offer something for everyone, blending tradition with innovation to connect visitors with agriculture in a meaningful way.
Tune in as Karl shares how they manage crop rotations, host large-scale events, and create a unique farm experience in an urban, tropical setting.
Episode Highlights:
- A Family Legacy: What brought the Wiegandt family to Florida? [1:11]
- Strawberry Seasons: When and how does The Berry Farm grow strawberries? [7:53]
- Crop Rotations: How do they adjust crops according to the weather? [10:39]
- Event Hosting: What kinds of events does The Berry Farm offer? [11:23]
- Biggest Attractions: Which events draw the largest crowds? [17:21]
- Wedding Venue Management: How do they handle their wedding operations? [26:09]
- Top Sellers: What’s the most profitable food offering at the farm? [27:18]
- Lessons Learned: What would Karl do differently if he could start over? [33:03]
Don’t miss Karl’s insights into creating a farm that is as much an experience as it is a thriving business!
About the Guest:
Karl Wiegandt is the owner of The Berry Farm, located in Miami’s Redland area. With deep roots in farming, Karl has revitalized his family’s operation into a leading agri-tourism destination. By combining u-pick crops, seasonal festivals, and immersive farm activities, Karl continues to bring "a piece of country to Miami," making The Berry Farm a cherished part of the community.
Connect with Karl:
- Website: The Berry Farm
- Instagram: Follow The Berry Farms
- Facebook: Like The Berry Farms
The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Seedtime!
Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal.
For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com.