Cultivation Station

Farmers Markets: How to be Successful and Vendor Resources for our Colorado Proud Members.

Plant Forward Diets:  What Are These and How Can Colorado Producers Benefit From This Marketing Campaign Speakers:  Kate Schulz RDN, LD, LMNT  - Nutrition and Health Promotion Consultant with the Colorado Beef Council Derrick Hoffman - Owner Hoffman Farms, Greeley Colorado Dr Kim Cox-York - Colorado State University - Associate Professor,  Responsible Conduct of Research Coordinator and Research I...

Cultivation Station is starting season 2 and would like to thank our listeners for the continued support. In this episode we talk with: Richard & Mary Warner - Owners of Bingo Burger Sonia Riggs President & CEO of Colorado Restaurant Association Caroline Glover - Chef/Owner of Annette - Scratch to Table Restaurant   Daniel Asher - Executive Chef & Partner - Working Title Food Group   This podcast...

Join us for a look at the agriculture/food/beverage industry trends of 2022, while we predict trends for 2023. We have three great guests chatting with us.

We chat with the Colorado Grain Chain . There are many ways to work with them and grow your small business by using local grains.

Our food system is constantly adapting to fit current needs. Businesses and organizations are reimagining the food industry to increase food accessibility in Colorado. Bondadosa is a great example of the amazing innovation occurring in our state's food ecosystem. Bondadosa works with local growers and food producers, providing logistical support, fulfillment, warehousing, customer service, to deli...

Have you considered adding agritourism activities to your farm or operation? Whether it be tractor rides, farm tours, farm to table dinners, or the many other possibilities to bring tourists to your farm, agritourism can be a great way to add a revenue stream.    In this episode of Cultivation Station we speak with Dawn Thilmany from CSU Extension , Andrew Grossman, the director of Destination Dev...

You've invested a lot of time perfecting your recipe and getting your product to market. Before you can hit the shelves, you need to make sure you have an accurate nutrition label. The process of getting the label can seem daunting. In this episode we will speak with experts from CSU Food Processing Lab , and On the Menu , a Nutrition Consulting company, who will guide you through nutrition testin...

Grants are everywhere and can seem daunting. Take a listen to our latest episode of Cultivation Station to ease some of those fears. Grants are valuable resources and are plentiful, especially now. Learn some tips and tricks, and points of contact that can help you move through the process.   We speak with Jennifer Benson with CDA We speak with Jude from MORP And from CSU we speak with Dr. Becca J...

Our new hosts Catherine Boxler talks with experts about exporting your product (food, agricultural, or beverage). She talks first with John Addison and Ashley Warsh from our very own Department of Agriculture.  Cat then talks with Chef Kelly with Merfs Hot Sauce . Exporting is an important part of every businesses long term plan. 

Have you ever considered selling your food, beverage, or agricultural products to educational and/or government facilities? It is a very viable market with lots of growth from interest in local food procurement. Learn about how to get started in this unique market channel. We talk with Catherine Blackwell with Browns Farm , Stephen Menyhart with Boulder Valley School District , and Rebecca Boone w...

Your brand tells a story to your customer that sticks with them long after they have used or consumed your products. Is your brand telling the right story? In this episode of Cultivation Station we talk with some heavy hitters in the retail world, and the brand builder that helped them get there. Joining us is John Recca - BrandWerks , Moni- Grandma's Noodles , Lori -  Mulay Sausage , and Gina - ...

We take a look at the consumer and marketing trends we saw pop up and accelerate just like COVID-19. Some trends and marketing tactics are here to stay, while others will eventually fade out. Hear from our expert guests on the show about how to position yourself for success moving forward.   Time-stamps:   1:15 - Dr. Dawn Thilmlany and Dr. Becca Jablonski with Colorado State University's College o...

Worried about upcoming GAP/GIB audits? Confused how the produce safety rule mixes in with those? We have got you covered! We speak with our own state employees on how to get prepared, resources to utilize for both information and cost assistance, as well as producers who have been there and done that for the audit game. Please contact  danielle.trotta@state.co.us  with any questions, or podcast to...

Has anyone in your family's operation considered what might happen after retirement or the passing of a matriarch or patriarch of the family? Many family operations do not have an estate or succession plan in place. In this month's episode, we take a look at the process of starting a plan or how to find resources to help!   Lori Hulbert - 1:10  Amanda Matthews - 19:30  Mark A. Gallegos - 35:10   L...

You might be ready to make the leap from cottage foods in your own kitchen to a shared commercial kitchen space. This is a big leap, but one that many companies need to make to continue to grow. Join us for this months episode, where we dive into business incubators and commissary kitchens. We talk with a company who grew out of a commissary and into their own facility, a commissary kitchen owner...

Your product is popular and selling...you're doing well at farmers' markets. Now, how do you get your product onto retail shelves and beyond? In our next episode, "Ready for Retail? Steps for Success," we'll discuss the logistics of your supply chain, transportation, and winning the distribution game. Join us and get ready for some insider tips and tricks in this episode of Cultivation Station.  ...

Interested in selling your own home-grown produce at farmers' markets, roadside stands or through Community Supported Agriculture programs? This episode will help guide you through the process. We talk with a family farm that operates the largest CSA program in the Denver area, our own Colorado Proud program manager, Colorado State Extension Food Systems team, and the Colorado Farmers Market Assoc...

Have you considering or are you already selling animal protein products off of your farm, ranch, or small acreage? It is a great way to diversify your operation and add some income to your bottom line. In this episode, we will explore all it takes to sell animal protein products off of your place.   Listening Legend and Resources:   0:45 - Inspector Consumer Services, Steve Blunt - Differences bet...

In this episode of Cultivation Station our guest is Sari Kimbell, a food business consultant who is well versed in the realm of business promotion. We discuss marketing tips and tricks, networking, and how to navigate the startup and idea process. Sari is passionate about her successful work of promoting heros in the local food system.   Find more information post-podcast here: Sari Kimbell Food B...

Have you ever wondered how to turn your famous recipe into a sellable product? In this episode of Cultivation Station we explore the Colorado Cottage food act with Brianne Rael, Environmental Protection Specialist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. It's a complex topic, and we take things nice and slow to help you gain a basic understanding of the act.    Find more info...

This episode of Cultivation Station explores the economic climate of small food and ag businesses in Colorado. Our guests are Dr. Dawn Thilmany and Dr. Becca Jablonski of Colorado State University's College of Agricultural Sciences in Agricultural & Resource Economics. Both have conducted extensive research specifically related to the economics of small food and ag businesses. Links mentioned in t...