The Thriving Farmer Podcast

Do you know all the ins and outs when it comes to keeping your farm’s foundation primed to thrive?

Today, we are delighted to host Dr. Elaine Ingham on the Thriving Farmer Podcast. Dr. Ingham is an American microbiologist and soil biology researcher. She’s also the Founder of Soil Foodweb Inc. The mission of Soil Foodweb Inc is to empower individuals and organizations to regenerate the soils in their communities. Dr. Ingham has advanced our knowledge about the soil food web for over 4 decades. Widely recognized as the world’s foremost soil biologist, she’s passionate about empowering ordinary people to bring the soils in their community back to life. Dr. Elaine’s TM Soil Food Web Approach has been used to successfully restore the ecological functions of soils on six continents. If you feel your farm’s soil has room for improvement, this episode is absolutely crucial!

You’ll hear:

What made Dr. Elaine passionate about soil 1:49

How farmers have handled smaller crops using Dr. Elaine’s systems 9:55

What Dr. Elaine has found to be the optimal method for applying compost 14:51

What Dr. Elaine recommends to newer farmers beginning with their compost 23:06

If Dr. Elaine recommends inoculating the new compost pile with the previous one 36:43

The difference between compost tea and compost extract 38:1

Dr. Elaine’s source for nematodes 43:03

About the long term impacts on a farm when proper care is given to the soil 46:23

How Dr. Elaine delineates the differences between soil grown and hydroponic food 1.04:03

Dr. Elaine’s stance on the efficacy of soil repair 1.09:24

What Dr. Elaine’s educational courses offer and who the target audience is 1.12:52

About the Guest:Dr. Ingham uncovered the Soil Food Web nearly 4 decades ago and has been pioneering research about Soil Food Web ever since. Widely recognized as the world’s foremost soil biologist, she’s passionate about empowering ordinary people to bring the soils in their communities back to life.

Dr Elaine’sTM Soil Food Web Approach has been used to successfully restore the ecological functions of soils on more than five million acres of farmland all over the world.

Resources:

Website - https://www.soilfoodweb.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OfficialpageSFWcourses/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.elaines.soil.foodweb.school/

How can land trusts support the next generation of farmers?

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Susan Koehler and Nathan Boone. Susan is the Farmland Preservation Program Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. She is working alongside Nathan who is a seasoned organic farmer and agricultural consultant. Together, with the help of the NWA Food System Initiative, they are providing support to new and beginner farmers through the preservation and enhancement of wild and farmed land.

Tune in to hear about their mission to preserve and enhance the land and farming community in Northwest Arkansas through the permanent protection of land.

You’ll hear:

• What the NWA Land Trust does 1:52
• About Nathan’s background and more about his involvement in the project 5:12
• What their long-term intentions for the property are 9:58
• About the types of farmers they are looking for 18:10

Susan Koehler is the Farmland Preservation Program Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust located in Fayetteville AR. Susan works to help farmers who want to voluntarily protect their operations with agricultural focused conservation easements. In addition, her programs are geared to provide support to new and beginning farmers trying to access farmland. Susan works with a number of farms and local food advocates in her community through the NWA Food System Initiative.

Nathan Boone is a seasoned organic farmer with more than 20 years of experience in specialty vegetable, flower and grain production in New Mexico, California, Indiana and Southern Turkey. He also works as an agricultural consultant in beginning farm business planning and financial management, food safety training and transitioning to organic production.

Website - The Farmland Lease Program Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nwalandtrust/

This week’s podcast episode is sponsored by Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.

Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.

Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed.

You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org

How can farmers integrate trees into vegetable production to enhance yield, biodiversity, and resilience?

In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Raskin and Andy Dibben, co-authors of Silvohorticulture, the first detailed guide on agroforestry for vegetable farms. With extensive experience in commercial horticulture and agroforestry design, Ben and Andy provide practical insights into how farmers can successfully integrate trees into their growing systems.

Tune in to learn how agroforestry can optimize farm productivity, improve soil health, manage pests, and reduce costs—all while fostering biodiversity and resilience in changing climates.

• Farming Beginnings: How did Ben and Andy get into agriculture? [1:44]
• Origins of Silvohorticulture: What inspired their book and approach? [3:15]
• Managing Tree Roots: How do they prevent competition with vegetables? [15:43]
• Crop Compatibility: What crops thrive in their agroforestry systems? [19:33]
• Lessons from Other Farms: What innovative agroforestry practices have they seen?[28:42]
• Sustainable Coppicing: What tree species are ideal for coppicing? [40:16]
• Getting Started: What advice do they have for new farmers? [45:34]
• Hindsight Lessons: What would they change if they started over? [53:02]

Don't miss this episode on how silvohorticulture can revolutionize farming by integrating trees with vegetable production!

To learn more about Ben and Andy's book, visit Silvohorticulture.

Ben Raskin has 30 years of experience in farming and horticulture. As the agroforestry lead at the Soil Association, he coordinates agroforestry at Eastbrook Farm in Wiltshire, writes books such as The Woodchip Handbook, and serves as an independent consultant.

Andy Dibben is an organic vegetable farmer with over 15 years of experience. As Head Grower at Abbey Home Farm, he advocates for removing harmful agrochemicals from food production and promotes sustainable farming practices.

📲 Connect with Ben and Andy:

• Ben’s Website: www.benraskin.uk
• Andy’s Farm: The Organic Farm Shop
• Ben’s Instagram: Follow @benlraskin
• Ben’s Facebook: Like Ben Raskin

The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP.

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How can traditional organic practices create healthier soils and better-tasting blueberries?

In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael sits down with Hugh Kent of King Grove Organic Farm in Florida. Alongside his wife, Lisa, he grows certified organic blueberries using an innovative, sustainable growing system. Recently, they’ve shifted from wholesale to direct retail sales, inspired by their experience with buyers and a belief in the potential of direct sales for farmers.

Hugh discusses this plus the benefits of real organic practices, and the challenges they’ve faced, from labor management to irrigation. Tune in to hear about their journey to bring truly organic blueberries to your table and the lessons learned along the way.

• Location and Scale: Where is King Grove Organic Farm situated, and how big is it? [1:02]
• Vinegar as a Herbicide: How does Hugh use vinegar for weed control and soil health? [10:48]
• Labor Challenges: How do they manage labor needs during peak harvest season? [22:01]
• Switch to Retail Sales: Why did King Grove shift from wholesale to direct retail? [30:15]
• Real Organic Certification: What role does Real Organic certification play in their marketing strategy? [37:49]
• Navigating Irrigation Needs: How does King Grove manage irrigation across their 20-acre blueberry field? [45:27]
• Consumer Trends: How has the shift to online grocery shopping impacted their sales? [52:10]

Don’t miss this episode as Hugh Kent shares how King Grove Organic Farm is transforming organic blueberry production with a shift from wholesale to direct retail sales!

Hugh Kent is the owner of King Grove Organic Farm in Eustis, Florida. Alongside his wife, Lisa, Hugh grows certified organic blueberries using regenerative practices that enhance soil health and sustainability. The farm is known for its commitment to true organic principles and has recently made the leap from wholesale to direct retail sales, focusing on quality and customer engagement.

Connect with King Grove Organic Farm:

• Website: King Grove Organic Farm
• Instagram: Follow @KingGroveOrganic
• Facebook: Like King Grove Organic Farm

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our sponsor, Farm on Central!

It’s time to start planning for your spring garden! Farm on Central offers a wide selection of pre-order options so you can secure your favorite varieties early, from willows and elderberries to blackberries, garlic, and turmeric. Place your pre-order now at shop.FarmonCentral.com and get ready for planting season!

How can regenerative farming practices help address the challenges facing almond farmers in California?

In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Jimmy Simonian, owner of Simonian Production Services in Fresno, California. Jimmy and his wife, Jennifer, started farming with no prior experience. However, through dedication and a commitment to organic and regenerative practices, they’ve built a thriving almond farm.

From navigating California’s water challenges to improving soil health with innovative techniques, Jimmy shares his insights into the evolving landscape of farming.

Tune in to hear Jimmy’s journey and the challenges and innovations shaping modern almond farming!

Episode Highlights:

• Diverse Crops: What crops does Jimmy grow on his farm? [2:15]
• Optimizing with Bees: How does Jimmy work with bees on the farm? [6:50]
• Cover Crops: How does Jimmy implement cover crops? [10:22]
• Soil Biology: What steps does Jimmy take to enhance soil biology? [12:16]
• Labor on the Farm: How many H2A workers are employed at Simonian Production Services? [21:48]
• Water Management: How does Jimmy manage water on the farm? [24:28]
• Almond Industry Challenges: What’s happening with the California almond industry? [32:43]
• Sap Testing: What is the sap test, and how does it improve almond quality? [39:59]
• Long-Term Goals: What are Jimmy’s long-term goals for Simonian Production Services? [55:20]

Don't miss Jimmy's insights on how sap testing is helping to improve almond quality and why regenerative practices are the future of sustainable farming.

About the Guest: Jimmy Simonian is the owner of Simonian Production Services, located south of Fresno, California. With no prior farming experience, Jimmy and his wife, Jennifer, took on the challenge of organic almond farming, earning their certification after three years of dedication. Today, they focus on regenerative farming techniques that prioritize soil health, microbial activity, and nutrient-dense food production. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture has led them to innovative solutions like sap testing, compost teas, and eliminating fungicides in favor of mineral nutrition. Jimmy is passionate about growing high-quality food and believes that consumers deserve better.

If you'd like to connect with Jimmy, please email him at [email protected].

Looking for high-quality, organic almonds grown with regenerative practices? Farm on Central's online shop has partnered with Simonian Production Services to offer premium, nutrient-dense almonds straight from their farm in California’s San Joaquin Valley. With a focus on soil health and sustainable farming, Jimmy and his team ensure that every almond is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Whether you're a chef, retailer, or just love great almonds, reach out today to learn more about bulk ordering and direct farm-to-consumer sales!

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