Why Every Grower Should Know the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association
About this episode
The episode features Nathan Howell discussing the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association and the challenges and strategies of small-scale vegetable farming in Kentucky.
This spring-themed episode opens with the crew swapping stories about wild temperature swings, allergy struggles, ornamental pears, and a "secret bucket of crystallized honey" before welcoming guest Nathan Howell of Need More Acres Farm and the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association. Nathan shares the story of his family's highly intensive, small-acreage, year-round produce farm and how high tunnels, row covers, and protected culture allow them to grow vegetables 12 months a year in Kentucky. What sounds "small" in row-crop terms is actually incredibly productive in horticulture, with multiple crops moving through the same ground in a single year. The conversation shifts into marketing strategies for small farms—from farmers markets and restaurants to schools, health departments, and medically tailored food boxes that support both their farm and dozens of other local producers. Nathan then dives into his leadership role with the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association (est. 1970) and how this farmer-led, volunteer organization focuses on education, advocacy, and networking for growers of all sizes—from backyard gardeners to commercial producers. The group co-hosts the…
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