Stay ConnectedInsights for vegetable farmers and market gardeners who earn, or want to earn, a living growing vegetables profitably.
In each episode, I talk with a beginning or experienced farmer, diving deep into their story to find out what makes their market farm successful. I focus on in-the-field farming. Soil preparation, weed management, post-harvest processing, appropriate technology, farm tools and equipment, and growing crops.
Hosted and produced by Diego Footer’s Modern Grower Podcast Network.
Copyright: © Modern Grower
Dustin LaBat of Specklebelly Farms in Weimar, Texas shares their you-pick farming model that includes not only vegetables but also cut flowers and blackberries, which is the biggest draw. He talks about the labor, economics, and marketing strategies that go into running their farm, as well as how blackberries can be an incredibly profitable crop for market farmers. Lastly, he touches on plant sales, farm stand sales, and restaurant sales as complementary income that allows their farm to run all year round.
Check out Specklebelly Farms here!
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Everything-You-Grow-Homestead-ebook/dp/B0CJC9NTZF
In this episode, farmer Jodi Roebuck talks about navigating running a farm business during an economic downturn while making strategic investments on the farm. He also drills down the importance of having a financial buffer to cushion expenses during tough times. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
So you want to grow your own cucumbers...but where do you even start?
Farmer Jay Tracy of The Cucumber Shop walks us through the whole process of growing the best cucumbers, from choosing which cucumbers to grow, to how to start them, to the kind of soil to grow them in, to how to maintain your cucumber plants to keep them pumping out fruit for weeks and weeks!
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
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Jay Tracy of CucumberShop.com talks about common—and not-so-common—varieties of cucumbers based on their uses.
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
In this new series, we invite experts in the field of agriculture—plant breeders, soil specialists, seed specialists, flower experts, you name it!—and take a deep dive into specific topics related to their area of expertise.
Starting off the first episode, we have Jay Tracy of CucumberShop.com to shed light on cucumber terminologies and de-mystify common misconceptions about growing cucumbers.
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
In this episode, farmer Jodi Roebuck takes us through his very circuitous journey into farming. He shares how farming has been like for him as he navigated through economic downturns, the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges, and the importance of hard work, persistence, and focusing on the positives in the face of adversity. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
In this raw and honest episode, rookie farmer Alec Smith shares the invaluable lessons he learned during his first year running Crop Culture Farm.
Aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs will gain insights into the challenges, triumphs, and surprising realities of starting a profitable farm business from scratch.
Alec dives deep into the financial realities of farming, discussing the importance of setting realistic revenue goals, navigating cash flow challenges, and adapting to market conditions. He emphasizes the crucial role that family support and personal resilience play in overcoming obstacles and maintaining motivation.
From crop planning missteps to unexpected marketing wins, Alec reveals the day-to-day struggles and breakthroughs that shaped his journey. He offers practical advice on leveraging community connections, diversifying revenue streams, and continually refining systems to optimize production and profitability.
This episode serves as a must-listen for anyone considering turning their farming dream into a full-time career. Alec's transparency and hard-earned wisdom will inspire and equip you with the mindset and strategies needed to cultivate a thriving agricultural enterprise.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
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In this episode, host Diego talks to farmer Alec as he reflects on his first year running Crop Culture Farm, with emphasis on dedicating ample time for farm buildout and infrastructure before diving into full-scale production. They also talk about the value of experimentation, staying true to oneself, and not taking things too seriously when entrepreneurial challenges arise—running a business is hard enough, so give yourself some room to laugh and be flexible so you can get back up again.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Gro
In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about greenhouse efficiency. Farmer Jodi shares his transition from growing in the field to growing in a greenhouse, the benefits of growing in a greenhouse, how he maximizes space, the thought process behind choosing which crops to grow, and irrigation and trellising, to name a few. Hopefully, these tips and tricks help as many farmers gear up for spring! Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
In this episode, host Diego and farmer Alec talk about the mental struggles, challenges, and hardships of running a business. While making a living from a business can be both fulfilling and exhilarating, it can also get all-consuming and mentally exhausting, especially when financial uncertainty comes into play. Diego and Alec also talk about some practical strategies for handling anxiety and maintaining well-being, as well as the importance of having a support system in keeping mental calm.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99
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