341. From Chef to Community Farmer: Julie Warpinski of Rosewood Farm
Release Date: 08/19/2025
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...
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336. Generations of Organic Stewardship: John Bell on Elmwood Stock Farm’s Legacy
The Thriving Farmer Podcast
What does it look like to steward a diversified organic farm across six generations? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by John Bell, managing owner of Elmwood Stock Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. John and his wife Melissa are raising the farm’s seventh generation while managing over 400 acres of USDA Certified Organic vegetables, poultry, pork, and grass-fed beef. Since becoming certified organic in 2000, Elmwood Stock Farm has focused on sustainable rotations of crops and livestock to build soil health, reduce off-farm inputs, and nourish their community with...
info_outlineWhat 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 roots inspired her journey into farming [0:57]
- Hands-On Learning – The types of classes and educational programs offered at Rosewood [8:07]
- Seasonal Growing – How Rosewood produces fresh vegetables and flowers throughout the year [10:31]
- Marketing the Farm – The strategies Julie uses to reach and engage her customers [16:18]
- Life on the Farm – What a typical day looks like and how Julie manages her time [27:47]
- Sustainability in Practice – Julie’s perspective on long-term living and working on the farm [31:02]
- Serving the Community – Where Rosewood’s customers come from and how they connect with the farm [40:50]
- Words of Wisdom – Julie’s advice for leaving a corporate job to start a farm [43:38]
Don’t miss this episode if you’re curious about blending good food, community spirit, and sustainable farming into one thriving business.
About the Guest:
Former chef turned passionate farmer, Julie founded Rosewood Farm to reconnect people with the source of their food. What began as a personal journey has grown into a thriving community hub focused on naturally grown produce, fresh-cut flowers, and hands-on education. Rosewood Farm hosts seasonal events, farm camps, and cooking classes to inspire a deeper appreciation for sustainable living.
Connect with Rosewood Farm:
🖥️ Website: Rosewood Farm
📷 Instagram: Follow @rosewfarm
👍 Facebook: Like Rosewood Farm