Farm Small Farm Smart

In this episode, Diego discusses the ways in which we lose people and how we can build memories with the people we have before we lose them.  He also asks the question - "Would you want this band to crash your Memorial Day Party?"  Comment on this episode on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter Increase farm efficiency with the Paperpot Transplanter and Other Small Farm Equipment  at  https://www....

Dr. Holly Roberts, a licensed psychologist, joins me to talk about the mental health crisis in America.  A crisis that is impacting the farm community at a greater rate than other industries.  We talk about what is mental and behavioral health, why it is important, why some people don't prioritize it enough, and how you can improve mental health.  We also talk about the importance of checking up o...

A lot of us who go into farming probably had an idealized vision of what farming as a career is supposed to be like and how our lives and lifestyles would just naturally meld into that vision when we start farming: grow some vegetables, sell them, pay the bills, live a quiet life while eating good food. As simple as it sounds—and many of us have experienced this firsthand, no doubt—it doesn't happ...

In this episode of Farm Small, Farm Smart, we're talking to Joel Konrad of Konrad Farm Markets who primarily sells pumpkins.  Joel's business model is both interesting and simple: he rents out spaces on busy streets and sets up self-service farm stands made of repurposed metal trailers. Despite the model's simplicity, a few things go into the planning: choosing a well-populated street, choosing a...

As farmers and business owners, it's easy to get lost in productivity—the need to grow more, sell more, expand the farm, scale operations.  This episode's guest, Derek Amadi from Texas, is trying to spend more time with his family, enjoy the experiences of parenting, and pay attention to his farm just enough. What about you? Spending time on the farm is inevitable, but it's important to remember t...

We've just signed off from 2020 and we're starting a new year in 2021. Looking back at the past year, how does it make you feel? Are you sighing with relief, just glad that it's finally over? Or maybe you're looking at how even though 2020 wasn't that great of a year, there were still things to be happy and thankful about? Javan's workshop: https://allpointsdesign.ca/product/envision-2021-workshop...

Today Javan Bernakevitch and I each go through our top 5 life lessons from 2020. In total 10 simple ways of looking at life, approaching life, and thinking about life that can change your life tomorrow. I look at a lot of these lessons as base principles in an approach to life that very much contradicts the status quo.   None of these lessons require any money or technology to implement. There are...

Sheri Frey, co-founder of Arbico Organics - joins me to talk about how you can use beneficial insects on your farm or in your garden to help control pest pressure.  She also discusses how beneficial insects are just one part of integrated pest management.  Learn more about Arbico Organics - https://www.arbico-organics.com/   Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter Follow PaperpotCo on...

In today's episode of Farm Small Farm Smart The pandemic brought about several restaurant closures, and that does not spell well for the farmers supplying them.  But like many things in life, it's the tough times that bring out the best in people.   Today, we're talking to farmer Adam Pollack of Closed Loop Farms in Chicago, IL.  In March Adam had to deal with a loss of the majority of his restaur...

Jessica Washkowiak from Field to Fork Farm joins me to talk about why she loves the CSA business model for their farm.  We also discuss how they run their CSA, manage crop diversity, and how they market their CSA.   Field to Fork Farm https://www.instagram.com/fieldtoforkcsa/   Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot Podcasts by D...

The owner of Mumm's Sprouting Seeds, Lisa Mumm, joins Chris Thoreau and me to talk about how Mumm's sources high-quality microgreen seeds.  Most of those seeds are sourced locally in Saskatchewan.  Lisa also details their extensive procedures that ensure that all of the seed they sell is pathogen-free.    You can purchase microgreen seeds at Mumm's Sprouting Seeds https://www.sprouting.com    Foll...

Microgreen grower Chris Thoreau joins me to talk about the importance of sourcing high quality, pathogen-free seed for a microgreens operation.    Chris's online course Growing Your Profitable Microgreens Business https://microgreens.teachable.com/courses   Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot Podcasts by Diego Footer: Microgre...

Farmer and Entrepreneur Chaz Daughtry ( http://www.soulfitgrill.com/ ) joins me to discuss the two different online sales platforms he is using to sell his vegetables and his spice blends.  One platform is a very beginner, basic platform, and the other is more advanced.  Chaz also details why he got into creating spice blends and what running that business is like. Follow Chaz https://www.instagra...

Farmer Erich Schultz joins me to talk about lessons he has learned after moving his farm several times over the past 10 years.  Along the way, Erich has streamlined his farming operation to use fewer tools and use simpler processes.  He also talks about partnering with developers to gain access to land.   Follow Erich https://www.instagram.com/steadfastfarm   Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.c...

Farmer Derek Emadi joins me to talk about why he is growing most of his summer vegetables under shade cloth.  It's a passive tool that provides multiple benefits to him and his crop. Follow Derek https://www.instagram.com/emadi_acres_farm   Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot Podcasts by Diego Footer: Microgreens: https://appl...

Success and fulfillment aren't the same things and they don't necessarily go hand in hand.  Success doesn't guarantee happiness and it might be something you can never actually achieve.  Which one are you seeking?  And is that the right thing for you?     Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot Podcasts by Diego Footer: Microgreen...

Nikolay Georgiev joins me to talk about the process of breeding hybrid tomatoes.  We get into the science discussing what is possible in terms of disease resistance and what problems breeding could solve.  You'll also learn how a farmer or gardener could create some localized resilience by breeding their own seeds.  It's everything you ever wanted to know about breeding tomatoes. Learn more about...

Dr. Robert Pyne joins me to talk about the work VDF Specialty Seeds has done to develop a line of basil that is downy mildew resistant.  Throughout the episode, we core the science behind plant breeding - how to you get the traits that you want to come through, how many generations does it take, how do you stabilize a line.  The interview should give you a really good overview of how traditional p...

What do you want to leave behind - an asset that society can build off or a liability that society has to clean up?  It's never too late to start building your legacy and do good things.   Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot Podcasts by Diego Footer: Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW Vegetable Farming: https://apple.co/2lC...

Liset Garcia of Sweet Girl Farms joins me to talk about her first year of farming - how she started, what worked, and how she is evolving the business.   Follow Liset https://www.instagram.com/sweetgirlfarms   Follow Diego on IG https://instagram.com/diegofooter Follow PaperpotCo on IG https://instagram.com/paperpot Podcasts by Diego Footer: Microgreens: https://apple.co/2m1QXmW Vegetable Farming:...

James Grevious of Rebels in the Garden joins me to talk about the importance of farming for the community.  Farming inspires, provides hope, brings people together, and sets a positive example.  Our conversation goes beyond business to talk about ways farming can help change a culture and bring people together. Follow James https://www.instagram.com/rebelsinthegarden/     Follow Diego on IG https:...

Farmer Justin Gay joins me to talk about his thoughts on the murder of George Floyd while sharing his thoughts on what it is like to live life being Black in America.  While his experience is unique in his way, it showcases that there are differences between growing up black and white in a country where a lot of people assume everyone is equal.   Connect with Justin:  https://www.instagram.com/the...

Hiring troubles?  Nervous about hiring?  Then this is the episode for you.  I am joined by Farmer and HR Specialist Jeremy Tolley of Red Thread Farm.  Jeremy has spent the past 20 years of his career in HR, recruiting and training. He's hired (directly or through my staff) literally thousands of people.  In this episode, he will share 8 tips to help you hire better employees for your farm. Follow...

Entrepreneurship 101: Why You Will Fail, Flail, and Falter & How You Can Succeed Despite It (A 25+ Part Series) Episode #14: Rigidly Adhering to Ideology Each week on 15 FOR LIFE, I cover a straightforward business lesson to carry forward for life.   When your business runs better and smoother, your life runs better and more seamless.  I hope sharing my tips and experiences can help everyone in yo...

Farmer Dan Brisebois shares some of his experience selling produce and seeds online.  Their farm uses two different platforms to manage their seed sales and CSA program.  Which programs do they use for each and why?  What features does Dan like and not like?  We close the episode with some of Dan's thoughts on the future of seed and vegetables in a post-COVID-19 world.  Learn more about Dan and si...