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 and the team at Canaan are preserving cultural heritage, uplifting farming families, and building hope for the next generation. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Returning to Palestine: What led Karmel to leave Wisconsin and join his family's farming mission [1:11] Water Conservation: Is mulching an effective method for olive groves? [11:47] Co-op Structure: What does the average family farm look like in Palestine? [13:46] Farming Amid Conflict: How current events impact Palestinian farmers' work and livelihoods [17:17] Global Markets: Where is Canaan's olive oil sold, and who are their customers? [23:02] Farmer Support: How Canaan provides resources and opportunities for their farming partners [26:32] Don't miss this episode to learn how regenerative farming can protect cultural heritage and create lasting economic and ecological impact. About the Guest Karmel Abufarha is the Marketing Manager for Canaan Palestine, a pioneering initiative supporting smallholder Palestinian farmers and preserving the ancient olive groves of the region. Raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Karmel returned to Palestine in 2013 to embrace his heritage and pursue regenerative agriculture. He now plays key roles in marketing, farmer education, and building global connections that sustain both the land and its people. 📲 Connect with Canaan Palestine: 🌍 Website: Canaan Palestine📸 Instagram: Follow @canaan.palestine👍🏼 Facebook: Like Canaan Palestine▶️ TikTok: Follow @canaan.palestine

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. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Product overview – What the Farm on Central store offers and what's produced on the farm [2:57] Mushroom production – Does the team grow fungi on site? [8:19] Local sourcing – How much of their product lineup is grown at home vs. sourced [11:28] Marketing strategy – How they reach customers and spread the word [18:10] Current challenges – The biggest hurdles facing Michael and the team right now [28:30] Food access – Can SNAP/EBT be used on the farm? [32:32] Housing and labor – What the team structure looks like and if they use H2A housing [40:26] Small-acreage potential – Michael's outlook on what's possible with limited land [52:44] Don't miss this episode if you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a diversified, modern farm—from managing products and marketing to tackling regulation and building a resilient business model. Michael Kilpatrick's Farm: 🌐 Website: www.farmoncentral.com Online Store: https://shop.farmoncentral.com/ About the Guest: Rodger Wasson is host of the Farm to Table Talk podcast. Raised on a livestock farm in Central Illinois, he's spent his career advocating for farmers both nationally and internationally. With experience spanning commodity boards, global food systems, and grassroots storytelling, Rodger bridges the gap between producers and consumers in powerful ways. Connect with Rodger Wasson: 🌐 Website: www.farmtotabletalk.com

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 nutrient-dense food. Tune in to hear how this legacy farm continues to thrive in a modern marketplace. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Farm history – When Elmwood Stock Farm was established and how it's evolved [0:59] Animal integration – How and when livestock were added to the operation [8:29] Customer base – Who buys their diverse organic products and how they connect with their market [21:17] Vision for the future – John's thoughts on where Elmwood is headed in the coming years [29:49] Location advantage – Why their Kentucky location works for organic sales [33:28] Team dynamics – What their year-round and seasonal staffing looks like [40:59] Favorite tool – The tool John relies on most in his daily work [42:59] Don't miss this episode if you're curious about running a truly diversified, multi-generational organic farm that continues to innovate while staying true to its roots. About the Guest: John Bell has spent his life working on Elmwood Stock Farm, a sixth-generation family farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. As a managing owner, John leads organic vegetable production and oversees their pastured pork and grass-fed Wagyu-Angus cattle operations. He's an active voice in regional agricultural leadership and a past board chair of the Organic Association of Kentucky. Alongside his wife Melissa, John is raising the farm's next generation while advancing a vision of ecological farming and community nourishment. Connect with Elmwood Stock Farm: 🌐 Website: Elmwood Stock Farm 📸 Instagram: Follow @elmwoodstockfarm👍🏼 Facebook: Like ElmwoodStockFarm ▶️ YouTube: Subscribe to Elmwood Stock Farm

What role does security play in building a thriving homestead? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Tim Eng, a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and real estate expert who now helps families transition into resilient, self-sufficient homesteads. After years in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the U.S., Tim and his family made the leap to homesteading in Tennessee. With a background in military engineering and a passion for regenerative living, Tim now teaches homesteaders how to build security into their land, homes, and communities—from the ground up. Tune in to hear how Tim combines military strategy and permaculture to help others protect what matters most. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Why security matters: Why should every homesteader take security into account? Axis Control: What it means and how it applies to protecting your land [12:05] Preparedness Planning: What emergency preparedness really looks like for homesteaders [19:23] Smart Land Buying: What to consider when purchasing a homestead property [22:22] Lessons from Experience: Tim's personal examples and the mindset shift behind homestead security [27:25] Don't miss this episode if you're building a homestead and want to ensure your property, family, and food systems are secure and resilient. About the Guest: Tim Eng is a West Point graduate and former Army combat engineer who served in Iraq before becoming a top real estate agent in the San Francisco Bay Area. After relocating to Tennessee with his wife and children, Tim answered the "Call to Farms" and now lives a regenerative homesteading lifestyle. Through his platform The Homesteading Agent, he combines military expertise, real estate insight, and a passion for preparedness to help others find and secure land for resilient living. Connect with Tim Eng: 🌐 Website: The Homesteading Agent 📸 Instragram: Follow on Instagram 👍 Facebook: Like on Facebook 🎧 Podcast: Call to Farms Podcast The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP. Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag's easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what's most important—growing. For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25 👉 Try out Gripp today!

How can global trade empower farmers and create a more just food system? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Paul Rice, Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. After spending more than a decade working with coffee farmers in Nicaragua, Paul returned to the U.S. to launch the Fair Trade Certified™ label—transforming the way we think about sourcing coffee, cocoa, produce, apparel, and more. Since 1998, Paul has partnered with over 1,400 companies, from Whole Foods to Patagonia, helping channel billions of dollars into the hands of farmers and workers worldwide. In this episode, he shares the early days of the movement, what's changed for farmers globally, and how transparency, sustainability, and equity are shaping the future of food and farming. Tune in to hear how Paul's on-the-ground experience shaped a global movement, why Fair Trade still matters today, and what's next for ethical sourcing and sustainable farming. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Origins Abroad: What took Paul to Nicaragua, and what he learned from over a decade working with farmers [1:45] Coffee Cycles: What the farming year looks like for a typical smallholder coffee farmer [3:54] Market Shifts: How relationships between farmers and buyers are evolving [13:20] Starting Fair Trade USA: The leap from on-the-ground work to building a movement [18:16] Funding Ethics: How Fair Trade USA sustains its mission and growth [21:09] Defining Child Labor: The complexities of global labor standards [28:18] The Book: Why Paul decided to document his journey and lessons learned [41:16] Tariffs & Trade: Paul's take on how policy affects global food systems [45:17] In the Garden: Paul's favorite veggie to grow at home [48:31] Don't miss this episode if you're passionate about fair trade, ethical sourcing, and how food systems can create real change in the world. About the Guest: Paul Rice is the founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA, the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America. After working with smallholder farmers in Nicaragua for over a decade, Paul returned to the U.S. and launched the Fair Trade Certified™ label in 1998. Under his leadership, the organization has generated more than $1.2 billion in financial impact for over 1 million farmers and workers across 70 countries. A globally recognized social entrepreneur, Paul has been honored by Fast Company, the Skoll Foundation, and the World Economic Forum for his visionary leadership in sustainable business and ethical trade. Today, he continues to push for greater transparency, justice, and opportunity across global food and apparel supply chains. Connect with Paul Rice and Fair Trade USA: 🌍 Website: Fair Trade Certified 📘 Book: Every Purchase Matters: How Fair Trade Farmers, Companies, and Consumers Are Changing the World 📸 Instagram: Follow Fair Trade Certified 👍 Facebook: Like Fair Trade USA The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP. Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag's easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what's most important—growing. For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25 👉 Try out Gripp today!

What does it look like to farm beyond organic on a small scale with big impact? On this episode, Michael is joined by Taylor Bemis, co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Oregon's Hood River Valley. Since 2012, Taylor and his wife, cookbook author Andrea Bemis, have been growing vibrant, pesticide-free produce on just over two acres. Together, they run a 160-member CSA and sell at the Hood River Farmers Market. With a strong focus on educating their community about the nutritional power of fresh, local food, Taylor and Andrea go beyond organic standards—often labeling their vegetables with the health benefits right in the box. Tune in to hear how they built their farm from scratch, how Taylor approaches efficiency, and what keeps their CSA community coming back year after year. Episode Highlights: Tumbleweed's Story: How Taylor got started farming in the Pacific Northwest [1:42] Nutritional Value: Why Taylor highlights the health benefits of each veggie in the CSA [9:40] What Grows Best: The seasonal vegetables that anchor Tumbleweed's offerings [12:23] Labor and Logistics: How they staff the farm and balance the busy seasons [17:14] Climate Challenges: What it's like to grow in the unique Hood River Valley [28:18] CSA and Market Strategy: How Taylor manages customer experience and consistency [36:17] Small Farm Systems: What has helped Tumbleweed Farm become more efficient over time [41:23] Don't miss this episode if you've ever wondered how to run a thriving small farm while educating your community about the true value of healthy, local food. About the Guest: Taylor Bemis is the co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Mount Hood, Oregon, where he's been growing nutrient-dense, pesticide-free vegetables since 2012. Originally from Concord, Massachusetts, Taylor farms alongside his wife, Andrea Bemis, a cookbook author and passionate advocate for real food. Together, they've built a highly engaged CSA program and market presence that not only feeds their community but also educates customers on the health benefits of eating locally and seasonally. Their focus on transparency, soil health, and simplicity in farming continues to inspire a loyal following—and a healthier food system. 📲 Connect with Tumbleweed Farm: 🌍 Website: Tumbleweed Farm 📸 Instagram: Follow Tumbleweed Farm📖 Andrea's Recipes & Cookbooks: Dishing up the Dirt The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP. Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag's easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what's most important—growing. For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25 👉 Try out Gripp today!

How can agritourism deepen community connections and support a diversified farm? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Maren Beard, co-owner of Luna Valley Farm in Decorah, Iowa. Maren and her husband, Tom, run a certified organic regenerative farm, raising 100% grass-fed cattle and sheep while also serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas to their community. Tune in to hear how Luna Valley is creating connection through food and what it really takes to run a thriving pizza farm! Episode Highlights: Origin Story: How did Maren and Tom get started with Luna Valley Farm? [1:41] Turning a Barn into a Pizzeria: What inspired the idea for pizza nights, and how did it grow? [6:49] Day-to-Day Life: What does a typical week look like on Luna Valley? [8:51] Wood-Fired Pizza: What are the most popular pizza offerings, and what makes them so special? [16:47] Cattle Farming: How does the grass-fed cattle operation fit into their regenerative practices? [24:45] Hindsight: What would Maren do differently if she were to start over again? [32:36] Don't miss this episode to hear how Maren is blending food, farming, and hospitality to build something truly special in rural Iowa! 📲 Connect with Luna Valley Farm: 🌎 Website: Luna Valley Farm 📸 Instagram: Follow @lunavalleyfarm 👍🏼 Facebook: Like Luna Valley Farm About the Guest: After a youth spent in rural Wisconsin, Maren studied Environmental Studies and Spanish at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. After earning a M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems she worked on campus sustainability issues in the Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities for nearly a decade. These days she is a full time pizza farmer! When she's not preparing for and hosting pizza nights, she loves taking local adventures with Fritz (3), Otto (1) and her partner Tom. The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, Real Organic Project. Are you an organic farmer looking to communicate the premium quality of your milk, meat, fruits, veggies, or CSA shares to shoppers? Through a no-cost, add-on certification to USDA certified-organic, Real Organic Project aims to bring organic back to its high-integrity roots, prioritizing healthy soil, humane treatment of animals, labor protections and a more regionally based agriculture for community well-being. The application deadline is coming up on Tuesday, April 15th. Visit https://realorganicproject.org/apply to submit an application and join the movement today! All applications received by April 15th are guaranteed a 2025 inspection. 👉Visit https://realorganicproject.org/apply to apply today!

How does carrot-finished beef set a new standard for flavor and sustainability? In this episode, we're joined by Justin Pettit, third-generation rancher and co-founder of Santa Carota Beef—the only grass-fed, carrot-finished beef on the market. By finishing cattle on a 95% carrot-based diet, Justin has crafted a nutrient-rich, flavorful beef that's earned praise from top chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay. Tune in to hear how Justin is redefining high-quality beef with a focus on sustainability, nutrition, and exceptional taste! Episode Highlights: Ranching Roots: How did Santa Carota Beef get started? [1:45] Nutrient Profile: What makes carrot-finished beef different? [7:33] Life Cycle: What is the journey of Santa Carota's cattle? [9:56] Availability: How can customers get their hands on this unique beef? [15:05] Future Plans: What's next for Santa Carota Beef? [18:14] Team and Operations: How big is the Santa Carota team? [23:15] Farm Life: What's Justin's favorite part of ranching? [29:02] Don't miss this episode on how a family ranching tradition evolved into a game-changing approach to beef production! About the Guest: Justin Pettit is a third-generation cattle rancher and the visionary co-founder of Santa Carota Beef. Raised in a ranching family, Justin has always been passionate about sustainable livestock management and producing the highest-quality beef possible. His innovative carrot-finished beef has earned national recognition in The New York Times and Food & Wine, setting a new standard for flavor, nutrition, and environmental responsibility. Justin lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and three children, balancing family life with his mission to bring healthier, more sustainable beef to consumers across the country. 📲 Connect with Santa Carota Beef: 🌎 Website: Santa Carota 📷 Instagram: Follow @santacarotabeef 👍 Facebook: Like Santa Carota Beef The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP. Got lots of people, places and things to track? Gripp is the easiest way for farmers to track anything important to their operation. With flexible QR code tracking, keeping digital records is a snap with Ag's easiest operator-first mobile app centralizing alerts, reminders, electronic forms and team conversations. With simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments, Gripp can transform and streamline your operation, so you can focus on what's most important—growing. For a limited time get 15% of any monthly or yearly subscription at www.gripp.ag/pricing with the code THRIVEIN25 👉 Try out Gripp today!