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Rooted Agritourism — Home & Garden
Rooted Agritourism

Rooted Agritourism is the go-to podcast for rural entrepreneurs building diversified, sustainable, and story-driven farm businesses. Hosted by Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen—flower farmer, educator, and founder of Sunny Mary Meadow cut flower farm—this show goes beyond blooms to explore the full spectrum of agritourism and value-added agriculture.

Whether you’re launching a U-pick field, hosting farm events, bottling your own products, or dreaming up the next big rural business idea, you’ll find honest insights, real-world strategies, and a whole lot of encouragement here. Each episode blends personal experience, practical tools, and conversations with innovative ag-based business owners who are redefining what it means to grow on your own terms.

From marketing perishable products to navigating burnout, building memberships, and scaling farm income streams—Rooted Agritourism is your weekly companion for building a life and business deeply rooted in purpose, place, and profitability.

Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/

Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/

Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Copyright: © Bloom & Grow LLC

Latest Episodes:

Club Calves, Cattle Auctions & Agritourism: A Conversation with JT Weber Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen speaks with her father, JT Weber, about their experiences in value-added agriculture and the beef industry. They discuss the evolution of their family business, from dairy farming to focusing on elite genetics in Angus and Sim Angus cattle. JT shares insights on the intricacies of raising club calves for show, the importance of muscle, skeletal width, and other attributes in cattle, and his journey from South Dakota State University to becoming a successful cattle buyer and auctioneer. They also touch on topics such as the impact of drought on cattle supply, the controversy around grass-fed versus grain-fed beef, and the vital role of family support in achieving their business goals. The episode provides a deep dive into rural entrepreneurship and agritourism, emphasizing direct-to-consumer sales and adding value to agricultural products.

00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism

00:19 Meet the Special Guest: My Dad

01:28 Dad's Journey in Agriculture

03:48 The Beef Industry and Club Calf Business

08:40 The Evolution of Our Business

17:15 Connecting with Ranchers and Seed Stock

19:34 Understanding the Beef Industry: Ranchers vs. Feeders

20:15 The Process of Finishing Cattle

22:06 The Debate on Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef

24:39 Pricing and Market Trends in the Beef Industry

27:12 Challenges and Opportunities in Cattle Ranching

28:54 Order Buying and Building Customer Relationships

31:18 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Personal Reflections

34:25 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/

Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/

Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

From Seed to Sourdough with Jenny Bredeken of Full Circle Farm Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'Rooted Agritourism,' host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen speaks with Jenny Bredekenfrom Full Circle Farm. They discuss Jenny's entrepreneurial journey from Minnesota to Honolulu, exploring her passion for fermentation and sourdough bread that led to the creation of their farm and micro bakery. Jenny shares her experiences in reconnecting people with the origins of their food, the challenges of farming, and transitioning to wholesale markets. They also delve into the support of family legacy and the importance of local, fresh products. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about agritourism, rural entrepreneurship, and the power of following one's dreams despite the obstacles.

00:00 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism

00:24 Meet Jenny Bredekenfrom Full Circle Farm

01:24 The Origin Story of Full Circle Farm

01:49 From Hawaii to Minnesota: A Journey of Passion

05:29 The Birth of a Sourdough Business

07:28 Challenges and Triumphs in Agritourism

09:43 Building a Sustainable Future

16:56 The Realities of Farming

22:00 Current Offerings and Future Plans

23:06 The Importance of Fresh Milled Flour

23:50 Nutritional and Flavor Benefits of Fresh Flour

24:45 Storing and Prioritizing Freshness

26:06 The Value of Buying Local

27:06 Pricing Strategies for Artisan Bread

29:29 Challenges and Lessons in Wholesale

33:16 Balancing Passion and Practicality

35:21 Future Plans for the Farm

37:59 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/

Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/

Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Rooted Agritourism Trailer Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Rooted Agritourism: Embracing Growth and Diversification

In this episode, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, introduces the rebranded podcast, Rooted Agritourism, previously known as the Flower Farmer Forum Podcast. Liz explains the motivation behind the name change, emphasizing the podcast's broader mission to include value-added agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. She discusses the importance of diversification in modern farming, particularly in Stearns County, Minnesota, and the role agritourism plays in sustainable income generation. Listeners can expect new episode formats, guest interviews, personal growth topics, and updates on practical resources for their agri-businesses. Liz also details the revamped membership model for the Foundations of Pedaling Perishable Products course. This episode is a call to action for rural entrepreneurs and dreamers to connect, grow, and support each other in innovative agricultural ventures.

00:00 Welcome to Rooted Agritourism

00:19 The Evolution of Our Podcast

00:52 Why the Name Change?

02:45 The Bigger Picture in Agriculture

04:45 The Future of Agritourism

06:12 What's New with Rooted Agritourism

07:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/

Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/

Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Why the Cannibal Business Model Is Killing Your Flower Farm (Farm Ecosystem Mini Series Part 3) Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Register for the Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-eed11a8c-b87c-42f7-b405-7747a71eafa2

In this episode, Liz discusses the upcoming rebranding of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast and dives into the concept of the cannibal business model, which occurs when business offers compete with each other, leading to burnout and inefficiency. She shares strategies for building a smart farm ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of crop planning, subscription services, and delegation. Liz invites listeners to join her upcoming webinar, where she will elaborate on these concepts and the future direction of her business.

Takeaways

The cannibal business model drains energy and resources.
Efficient crop planning aligns with sales strategies.
Subscriptions provide guaranteed revenue and streamline operations.
Repurposing products can enhance efficiency and profitability.
Delegation is crucial for maintaining business health and personal sanity.
Clear communication with team members prevents confusion and inefficiency.
Evaluating business practices can reveal areas for improvement.
Smart growth focuses on intentional design rather than hustle.
The upcoming webinar will provide deeper insights into these strategies.
Rebranding aims to enhance the podcast's strategic direction and content consistency.

Helpful Links:

Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/author

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

How to Turn Your Dahlias into Multiple Revenue Streams (Farm Ecosystem Mini Series Part 2) Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Register for the Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-eed11a8c-b87c-42f7-b405-7747a71eafa2

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the importance of creating a sustainable business ecosystem in flower farming. She emphasizes the power of dahlias as a versatile product that can be monetized through various channels, including education, event design, and content marketing. The conversation also explores the concept of 'One Product, Many Markets' and how farmers can apply this framework to diversify their offerings without increasing their workload. The episode concludes with a reminder to avoid the cannibal business model, where offers compete against each other, and encourages listeners to view their farms as platforms for growth and innovation.

Takeaways

Creating a sustainable business ecosystem is crucial for success.
Dahlias are versatile and can be marketed in multiple ways.
Education is a powerful tool for monetizing products.
Creating experiences for customers enhances sales.
Content marketing is essential for building trust.
Diversification can prevent burnout in farming.
Recurring revenue models can stabilize income.
Farmers should view their farms as platforms, not just products.
Intentional crop planning aligns with customer needs.
Avoiding competing offers is key to a successful business model.

Helpful Links:

Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/author

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Build a Farm Ecosystem, Not Just a Farm Stand (Mini Series Part 1) Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Register for the Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-eed11a8c-b87c-42f7-b405-7747a71eafa2

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the journey of building a flower farm business that thrives on sustainability and diversification. She emphasizes the importance of creating a smart farm ecosystem that not only focuses on selling flowers but also on building relationships with customers and exploring multiple revenue streams. The conversation highlights the lessons learned from past experiences, the significance of agritourism, and the need for a structured approach to business growth.

Takeaways

Building a smart farm ecosystem is key to sustainability.
Diversification should focus on doing existing offerings better.
Not all offerings are worth pursuing; focus on profitable ones.
Agritourism can enhance the customer experience and revenue.
Creating layered revenue streams is essential for growth.
Understanding your customer journey can lead to better sales strategies.
A flower can serve multiple purposes beyond just being a product.
Frameworks can help streamline business operations and offerings.
It's important to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
Investing time in understanding your audience can lead to better business decisions.

Helpful Links:

Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/author

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

More Than Flowers: The Hidden Role of Farmers as Public Educators Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the often-overlooked responsibilities of flower farmers, particularly in the context of agritourism. She emphasizes the role flower farmers play in shaping public perception of agriculture and the importance of educating visitors about the realities of farming. The conversation explores the spectrum of farming, the balance between small and large farms, and the civic role that flower farmers take on when they open their farms to the public. Liz encourages farmers to embrace their role as educators and to engage in meaningful conversations with their customers about the complexities of agriculture.

Takeaways

Flower farmers shape public perception of agriculture.
Agritourism carries a hidden responsibility.
It's important to educate visitors about farming realities.
The spectrum of farming includes both small and large operations.
Local farming matters, but so does big agriculture.
Flower farming is not just about selling flowers.
Farmers must engage in conversations about food sourcing.
Education builds trust between farmers and consumers.
Agritourism can be a joyful experience.
Farmers are educators, whether they want to be or not.

Helpful Links:

Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/author

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

How to Sell Extra Flowers Without Discounting Them Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum, host Liz discusses strategies for managing extra flowers in a flower farming business. She emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and pre-selling to avoid excess inventory. The episode provides creative solutions for moving flowers, such as partnering with local businesses, utilizing QR codes for audience building, and running giveaways. Liz also warns against discounting flowers, as it can attract bargain hunters and undermine the business's value. The conversation concludes with a reminder to focus on building a brand and audience while managing flower sales effectively.

Takeaways

Plan your crops intentionally to align with sales periods.
Pre-sell flowers to reduce the need for last-minute sales.
Use creative marketing strategies to move extra flowers.
Partner with local businesses to increase visibility.
Utilize QR codes to capture email leads.
Avoid discounting flowers to maintain brand value.
Engage with nursing homes for community outreach.
Run giveaways to build your email list.
Collaborate with photographers for styled shoots.
Focus on long-term strategies for sustainable growth.

Helpful Links:

Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/author

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

How I Took an Intermission on my Flower Farm in the Middle of Summer without Impacting Revenue Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Foundations of PPP: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Workshops: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/workshops

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses her recent intermission from selling and growing flowers, the evolution of her online course into a community membership, and the importance of taking breaks to refocus on business foundations. She shares insights on automating email marketing, the upcoming pivot of the podcast to include agritourism and specialty crop farming, and the need for investment in growth to better serve the community.

Takeaways

Taking breaks can lead to better business outcomes.
Evolving from a course to a community enhances engagement.
Automating processes frees up time for strategic growth.
Building a strong foundation is crucial for sustainability.
Seasonal sales strategies can improve revenue.
Community connections are vital for business success.
Investing in personal growth benefits the entire business.
The podcast will expand its focus to include agritourism.
Flexibility in business operations can lead to better results.
Don't be afraid to pause and refuel your energy.

Helpful Links:

Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/author

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

How Comprehensive Planning Shapes the Future of Rural Agriculture Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergan discusses the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities, particularly in Stearns County, Minnesota and the Stearns County Comprehensive Plan for 2040 that has a focus on agriculture. She explores the balance between growth and preservation, the importance of supporting small farmers, and the role of agritourism and value-added agriculture in sustaining rural economies. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional growth that benefits both the agricultural sector and the community as a whole.

Takeaways

What kind of growth do we want in our rural communities?
Stearns County is experiencing rapid growth and urban sprawl.
Change is inevitable, and we must remain curious about it.
The Stearns County 2040 Comprehensive Plan addresses agricultural sustainability.
Support for small farmers is crucial for rural economies.
Value-added agriculture can provide multiple income streams.
Agritourism helps reconnect consumers with agriculture.
The interconnected pillars of rural development include agriculture, living, business, connectivity, and nature.
Intentional growth can support small businesses and generational farming.
Community involvement is essential in shaping the future of rural areas.

Helpful Links:

Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/author

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

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