Branching Out: Growing Together

This Small Business Week, we’re digging deep into how chestnuts can power more than just your pantry — they can build a business.Melanie shares what she’s learned from financial advisor and grower Joel Hubbard and Propagate’s Jeremy Kaufman about building real business models around chestnut orchards. From land structure and taxes to agroforestry and next-generation planning, this episode is packed with insight for farmers, landowners, and dreamers alike.You’ll hear:Why Joel believes chestnuts belong in your investment portfolioHow Jeremy is helping farmers scale agroforestry across the U.S.Funding, planning, and structure tips for your chestnut orchardThe emotional and financial power of planting for future generationsIf you’re thinking about how to grow smarter, this one’s for you.Learn more and subscribe at unitedchestnuts.com and follow Branching Out: Growing Together for more interviews, field notes, and stories from the chestnut community.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.Explore More from United ChestnutsMain Website: unitedchestnuts.comThe Branching Out Podcast: Listen to More EpisodesThe United Chestnuts Blog: Industry Insights & Growth StrategiesShop Ebb Farms: Direct from Our Orchard to You

What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to take the next step.You’ll learn:What shifted in land buying trends post-COVIDHow to choose the right real estate agent for landIdeas for generating income from rural property (beyond farming)The real ROI of land compared to traditional investmentsWhy passion for the outdoors still drives the best decisionsWant to learn more about land and chestnuts? Subscribe to the podcast and visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources, nursery info, and upcoming events.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.Explore More from United ChestnutsMain Website: unitedchestnuts.comThe Branching Out Podcast: Listen to More EpisodesThe United Chestnuts Blog: Industry Insights & Growth StrategiesShop Ebb Farms: Direct from Our Orchard to You

In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore the evolving landscape of chestnut farming and industry collaboration through United Chestnuts and EBB Farms.🌰United Chestnuts is expanding beyond just one farm—it’s becoming a national platform to support chestnut growers who want to focus on farming without the burden of branding and marketing. We discuss how this initiative aims to unite growers, streamline sales, and educate consumers about chestnuts.🌱 EBB Farms continues to stand as a leading example of hands-on, chestnut cultivation. We talk about the farm’s role in both growing premium chestnuts and educating the next generation of farmers.If you're interested in growing, selling, or simply enjoying chestnuts, this conversation is packed with insights into how we can all grow together!🔔Subscribe for more stories from farmers, innovators, and industry leaders shaping the future of chestnut farming.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.Explore More from United ChestnutsMain Website: unitedchestnuts.comThe Branching Out Podcast: Listen to More EpisodesThe United Chestnuts Blog: Industry Insights & Growth StrategiesShop Ebb Farms: Direct from Our Orchard to You

Life is full of twists and turns, but those unexpected moments often hold the greatest opportunities for growth. In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore how to navigate career pivots, personal challenges, and the unpredictability of life with resilience and adaptability.Through deeply personal stories, you’ll discover:How to embrace unexpected opportunities and turn setbacks into stepping stones.Lessons from farming: adapting to life’s natural rhythms and letting go of control.How personal challenges, like loss and an ADHD diagnosis, can lead to profound growth.Why progress isn’t linear—but it’s always possible with persistence and flexibility.Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom on creativity, self-discovery, and the power of showing up—even when the path forward looks uncertain.Listen now and join us as we continue branching out and growing together!➡️ Learn more at unitedchestnuts.com📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment below!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.Explore More from United ChestnutsMain Website: unitedchestnuts.comThe Branching Out Podcast: Listen to More EpisodesThe United Chestnuts Blog: Industry Insights & Growth StrategiesShop Ebb Farms: Direct from Our Orchard to You

In this episode of "Branching Out Growing Together," we sit down with Kathy Dice, co-founder of Redfern Farms, to explore the transformative potential of chestnut farming. Learn about the benefits of chestnuts as a sustainable crop, the role of agroforestry in combating environmental challenges, and the power of community in farming. From the challenges of startup farming to integrating livestock and wildlife, Kathy shares invaluable lessons for anyone passionate about agriculture and sustainability. Tune in for expert tips, delicious chestnut recipes, and a vision for the future of farming!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.Explore More from United ChestnutsMain Website: unitedchestnuts.comThe Branching Out Podcast: Listen to More EpisodesThe United Chestnuts Blog: Industry Insights & Growth StrategiesShop Ebb Farms: Direct from Our Orchard to You

An exciting new addition to the chestnut-loving community! Melanie Jones, a partner at United Chestnuts, and her husband Brad host the "Branching Out" podcast. The first guest is Roger Blackwell, President of Chestnut Growers of America and the Michigan-based chestnut cooperative Chestnut Growers, Inc.Melanie explains, "We launched the podcast to support our industry's growing interest in learning, connecting, and sharing industry-related stories and information from different perspectives. The timing is ideal for this." Subscribe to the weekly blog at unitedchestnuts.com and consider joining the United Chestnuts Community group on Facebook. United Chestnuts sells chestnut trees and chestnuts, of course!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.Explore More from United ChestnutsMain Website: unitedchestnuts.comThe Branching Out Podcast: Listen to More EpisodesThe United Chestnuts Blog: Industry Insights & Growth StrategiesShop Ebb Farms: Direct from Our Orchard to You

In this podcast episode with Michael Parks, Melanie, and Michael engage in a lively discussion about the chestnut community and the importance of educating consumers about chestnuts. They highlight the need for ongoing education, noting that there is still much work to be done to increase awareness and consumption, especially among various cultural groups.They discuss the balance of supply and demand in the chestnut market, emphasizing the complexities of this discussion and much more.How do you feel about the balance between low-tech and high-tech solutions in your work as a chestnut farmer? How do you currently sell your chestnuts without relying heavily on technology? How do you approach sustainability in your farming practices? Melanie Jones, a partner at United Chestnuts, and her husband Brad host the "Branching Out" podcast. Melanie explains, "The podcast—available on YouTube, Spotify, Audible, and iHeartRadio—supports our industry's growing interest in learning, connecting, and sharing industry-related stories and information from different perspectives.Subscribe to the weekly blog at unitedchestnuts.com and consider joining the United Chestnuts Community group on Facebook. United Chestnuts sells chestnut trees and chestnuts, of course!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.Explore More from United ChestnutsMain Website: unitedchestnuts.comThe Branching Out Podcast: Listen to More EpisodesThe United Chestnuts Blog: Industry Insights & Growth StrategiesShop Ebb Farms: Direct from Our Orchard to You