Tangled Taproot

What are the unique challenges and rewards of urban beekeeping, and how does Joe Coffman navigate issues like limited space and natural threats such as varroa mites?   Today on Tangled Taproot, hosts John Cowan, Christin Jameson, and Jackson welcome Joe Coffman of Birch Creek Apiary. Joe is a former corporate professional who transitioned to a life of urban beekeeping, managing over 50 thriving co...

Can cover crops and soil microbiomes hold the key to transforming our current farming systems and boosting yields sustainably?   Today on Tangled Taproot, hosts John Cowan, Christin Jameson, and Jackson speak with industry veteran Dr. Rob Myers, Ph. D., Director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Missouri and former USDA National Director of Sustainable Agriculture.   ...

How does the harvest-to-order model employed by the Kansas City Food Hub’s farms minimize food waste and maximize efficiency in the supply chain?   Today on Tangled Taproot, hosts John Cowan, Christin Jameson, and Jackson focus on the transformative impact of the Kansas City Food Hub on local farms and communities. Thomas Smith, Director of Operations at the Kansas City Food Hub, reveals the co-op...

What if the solution to food insecurity could be found right in the heart of urban neighborhoods?    Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Antajuan Adams and Mina Aria, the inspiring force behind New Roots Urban Farm in North St. Louis. Antajuan and Mina are not only transforming landscapes but also reshaping the concept of "food apartheid" by highlighting systemic injustices and champio...

How do innovative ‘agroecological’ techniques enable Fox Holler Farmstead to both enhance animal welfare and maximize land productivity?     In this episode, Tangled Taproot chats with former DIY punk Ben Brownlow, the innovative steward of Fox Holler Farmstead, who shares his journey from urban life to managing a 280-acre agroecological marvel. Ben shares the fascinating intricacies of his farm’s...

In this episode, Tangled Taproot features Molly Rockamann of EarthDance Organic Farm School in Ferguson, Missouri- the oldest organic farm west of the Mississippi. You’ll hear about the farm's profound impact on organic agriculture, its origin story and commitment to organic farming. Molly Rockamann, whose journey and philosophy shape the farm's operations, discusses the farm's educational mission...

What happens when Broadway set design meets urban farming? Join us as we talk with Josh Smith, the innovative mind behind Neon Greens in St. Louis, to uncover this fascinating blend of creativity and agriculture. Josh's unique approach to urban hydroponic farming introduces a conveyor belt system that delivers freshly harvested greens directly to his restaurant, transforming farm-to-table into a t...

In this episode, the team speaks with small-scale farmers Scott and Sarah Harkness from Dang Good Produce in Bourbon, Missouri. Their journey from California to establishing a successful 80-acre mixed vegetable farm in Missouri exemplifies the American Dream. You’ll hear the challenges and victories of small-scale farming, the Harkness's unique strategies for water security, crop rotation, and ext...

In this episode, the team speaks with Erin Luna, a farmer, forager, and artist, who specializes in the fascinating field of natural dyeing, using her own harvest of plants, flowers, and herbs. Through her business, Black Rat Farms, Erin combines her agricultural knowledge and artistic skills to create naturally dyed textiles and accessories. She shares her agricultural journey, the complexities an...

In this episode, the team speaks with food advocate Rachel Greathouse of Greathouse Garden, and experienced organic farmer Paul Krautmann from Bellews Creek Farm. The discussion covers small-scale organic farming, unique heirloom crop varieties, their cultivation methods, and the challenges and rewards of their industry. You’ll hear about the crucial role of organic farming in sustainability, the...

In this episode, urban farmer Mary Densmore of Bee Simple City Farm shares her unique journey from an eye-opening trip to Nicaragua, to starting a farm in St. Louis to becoming a vital part of the community and exploring the world of urban farming. She discusses the magic of microgreens, the art of beekeeping, and the sustainable techniques she uses to grow nutrient-dense greens. The episode explo...

In this episode, Henry Hellmuth from Ozark Forest Mushrooms, a family-owned mushroom farm in Missouri, delves into the world of mushroom growing and production. He shares insights into the unique conditions that make his farm ideal for mushroom cultivation, the fascinating process of mushroom growth, and the diverse varieties they produce. The discussion also explores the increasing popularity of...

In this episode, our guest is Crystal Stevens, an herbalist, educator, author, and farmer who co-runs Flourish Farmstead with her husband, Eric. You’ll hear about Crystal's journey from Colorado to St. Louis, her transition from simple vegetable farming to a diversified operation that includes medicinal herbs, agritourism, and education. Crystal also shares the story of her father's terminal lung...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Adams, Manager of Theodora Farms in Godfrey, Illinois. Theodora is the first USDA-certified organic farm we’ve covered on the show. Jeff discusses the sustainable and innovative farming practices employed on their 30-acre property, their unique land management methods, overcoming soil challenges, adapting their business model towards sustainability and wholesa...

In this episode, Amy Cloud, of Three Rivers Community Farm, shares her journey from growing up on a farm and hating it, to a corporate job in Chicago, to organic farming with her family, owning and operating Three Rivers Community Farm in Elsa, Illinois. Amy has now been in the organic farming industry for 17 seasons. The discussion explores the challenges and rewards of sustainable agriculture, i...

Welcome to Part II of our discussion with small-scale farmer Jeff Suchland, owner of Alpacas of Troy. In this episode, Jeff shares the journey of creating authentic, global sausages using exceptional pork from his farm. Jeff set an ambitious goal of crafting a sausage offering from each of 200 different countries, and you'll learn about his farming practices, sourcing non-GMO, high-quality spices,...

In this episode, Jeff Suchland from Alpacas of Troy shares his family's journey into small-scale alpaca farming and their transition from cattle farming. He discusses the profitability of alpaca farming and the benefits of alpaca fiber for those with allergies. We delve into the process of turning alpaca fiber into yarn, as well as the challenges of milling fiber for other people. Jeff shares how...

In this episode, we’re talking everything biodynamic farming with guests Autumn Sij and Dave Blum of Such and Such Farm.  Such and Such is a 120-acre homestead near DeSoto, MO specializing in sustainably grown produce, responsibly raised animals, and other cool stuff. Founded in 2011, Autumn and Dave started with no previous farming experience; only the dream of living a better life. Dave works wi...

In this episode, our guest is Rosalie Truong, Chief Farmer and Owner of Grand Army Farm in Labadie, MO. Rosalie was raised in Vietnam and France, and came to the U.S. for medical school, to complete her MD and Ph. D. degrees at Washington University. Her farming career started with Angora rabbits, which was soon followed by acquiring her current animal roster of 500 chickens (20 different breeds),...

Welcome to the Tangled Taproot podcast, brought to you by St. Louis-based sustainable food startup Mylk and Hummus. Your hosts are M & H Founder John Cowan, Kitchen Manager and Recipe Developer Christin Jameson, and   Jackson Seiff .  Most people only see the beautifully packaged, final food products at farmer’s markets and specialty grocery stores, but the Tangled Taproot podcast will showcas...