In This Episode:

In this episode we lay the foundation for what we hope will be something of great value for farmers all around the world. I, Michael talks about a few reasons for the podcast and what we hope to cover in upcoming episodes.

Takeaways from the episode:

Our goal is to Inspire, educate, and celebrate farmers around the world.

There are several reasons for this podcast. Some of the big ones are:

To share the stories of new and experienced farmers around the world. We can learn from every farm out there: new ones can share innovate ways of startup, experienced can share what they have learned from decades in the fields. Even failed farms can share what not to do!

To share new ideas, even controversial ones. I feel that the more ideas we listen to, even ones that we don’t think apply or agree with, the more it stretches us.

To give you updated industry information, in everything from food safety, to farm finance, to what’s happening in the halls of congress, I hope to keep you abreast of what’s happening in the world of sustainable farming.

Quotes from the show

‘One of the reasons we got into farming was we loved the regenerative aspect of it’

‘We want to see ecological agriculture move forward and become mainstream’

‘There needs to be great education and tools for farmers who are looking to get into ecological farming so they don’t have to hack the system every single time…’

A little about your host:

Michael is a farmer, presenter, inventor and leader who lives to help farmers apply business principles and practical, proven solutions to grow their businesses and simplify their lives. He has managed large certified organic farms and businesses, consulted for industry experts, and spoken at dozens of conferences.

In 2004, he started a highly diversified, year-round, vegetable farm with his brother. The business rapidly scaled until it was managing several hundred acres with over 20 employees, and sold to farmers markets, CSA, coops, and wholesale buyers. What set his farm apart was the systems that he put in place that allowed him to work less hours and leave for vacation without having to worry that plants were dying or customers didn’t get their products.

In 2012, Michael took a four-month leave from his farm and interned at Polyface Farm in Virginia. He met his wife, Savannah, there and they married in 2013.

In 2015, Michael and his wife decided to move to Ohio to be near family and pursue teaching other farmers who wanted the same kind of growth in their farms without the stress or tension of neglecting what matters most.