322. Cultivating Local Food Systems: Trisha Bates on Urban Farming and Community
Release Date: 02/25/2025
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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_outlineHow 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]
- Scope of Work: What is Trisha’s current role and responsibilities? [8:22]
- Crop Selection: What kinds of crops is she growing? [11:20]
- Community Engagement: What kinds of festivals and events does Trisha run? [13:19]
- Foodscaping Approach: What does Urban American Farmer do with foodscaping? [19:44]
- Lessons Learned: What would Trisha change if she could start her farming journey over again? [27:14]
Don't miss this episode on the power of urban agriculture, foodscaping, and building stronger local food systems with Trisha Bates of Urban American Farmer!
About the Guest:
Trisha Bates is the founder of Urban American Farmer, a business dedicated to fostering engagement in local food systems through foodscaping, community events, and chef partnerships. In 2021, she co-founded Field Guide Festival, an Austin-based food system festival that brings farmers and chefs together in an interactive experience. Trisha is passionate about sustainable food production, mentorship in agriculture, and helping people reconnect with their food sources.
Connect with Trisha Bates:
- Website: urbanamericanfarmer.com
- Instagram: Follow @urbanamericanfarmer
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