Bootstrap Farmer Radio

Join us as we sit down with Jill Ragan of Whispering Willow Farm and learn about her journey to successful farm life. From publishing her book, "Tiny But Mighty Farm," to making the transition with her husband, Nate, to build out the market farm of their dreams. She shares advice for those looking to make similar transitions and discusses her ongoing partnership with Bootstrap Farmer. Grab a SIGNED copy of the Tiny but Mighty Farm: https://thewhisperingwillowfarm.com/products/book Shop The Whispering Willow Store: https://thewhisperingwillowfarm.com/   https://www.youtube.com/@BootstrapFarmer  ► Check out our Free Resources: https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/pages/resources FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL HERE FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BootstrapFarmer/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/bootstrapfarmer/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bootstrapfarmer #farmlife #marketgardener #WhisperingWillowFarm #TheTinyButMightyFarm #BootstrapFarmer #growfood #encouragement

Milan Turner was just a beginner gardener, but his journey to inspire others and bring change to his South Atlanta community started with a single basil plant. Now, he's created something amazing - a demonstration garden to provide fresh food access for people living in neighboring food deserts. Learn how Milan started, went viral, and created a vision of localized change that is sure to give everyone actionable ways to make small changes where they live. Partnering with Bootstrap Farmer, we hope this inspiring story will encourage others to create positive change in their own communities. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Bootstrap Farmer calls ATL Grow 02:26 Milan’s first plant 06:07 Reflecting on generational gardening roots 07:29 “I’m way too detached from my food” 07:51 1st patio garden 10:00 Gardening with the kids 11:03 Cooking with fresh herbs 14:04 Square foot gardening over planting 20:37 There is a lot to learn about gardening 21:29 The online garden community 23:17 Discovering Bootstrap Farmer Heavy Duty Trays th

Answering your questions about heating hoop houses, supplies & why Bootstrap Farmer packages items in the quantities we do.  For more growing resources, visit: https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/pages/resources Like this podcast? Leave a review to let us know!

In this podcast, you'll learn how to get the most out of your hoop house and low tunnel. Then take a deep dive into the value of visiting other farms to learn more about what your own farm needs. We'll also look at the research and development cycle necessary for creating new products and how long it takes to move production overseas to the USA. https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/pages/resources

In this series, Drew Demler of Big Tex Urban Farms will break down the top lessons from thousands of questions he has been asked about hydroponic farming. Big Tex Urban Farms is a demonstration greenhouse at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Drew and his team oversee many systems of hydroponic farming including deep water culture, vine crops in dutch buckets, microgreens, NFT, aeroponic towers, grow racks: all in a greenhouse plus a container farm utilizing shallow water culture completely indoors. Each week through Big Tex Urban Farms the State Fair of Texas donates 100% of its harvested crops to local community centers, schools, churches, and food banks. In 2022 they surpassed 1,000,000 servings of hyper-local food donated to these community organizations in South Dallas.  Today's PC is the combination of the first 11 videos in the Elements of Hydroponics Series produced by Bootstrap Farmer. Videos can be watched on Bootstrap Farmer's YouTube channel Follow Drew at https://www.instagram.com/drewdemler/ ht

Part 2 with The Nakid Gardeners Tory & Sidney Holland on their NRCS High Tunnel Grant. Nick discusses other examples of navigating NRCS projects around the country. For move NRCS info and downloadable paperwork to get your grant started, visit: Video Link: https://youtu.be/I0qeGTxIsUE https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/pages/nrcs-high-tunnel-initiative

Do you want to learn about gardening and homesteading but be able to do things your own way? Do you want some solid gardening tips without feeling boxed into a mold in order to fit in? We've got the Podcast for you! We sat down with The Nakid Gardeners to talk about how they started their YouTube channel, what their priorities are for their homestead and their future, and how they chose their property. There is tons of actionable and practical advice in this video, plus tons of comedy. Get out your notebooks and get ready to laugh! The Nakid Gardeners have taken over the Bootstrap Farmer podcast studio. IG @the_nakid_gardeners https://www.youtube.com/@UCSFMfq1ktuNA_KgnOVeS7GA  https://www.youtube.com/@BootstrapFarmer ► Check out our Free Resources: https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/pages/resources FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL HERE FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BootstrapFarmer/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bootstrapfarmer/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bootstrapfarmer #bootstrapfarmer  @TheNakidGardeners 

Randy Cummings & Nick are on the road this week and we found some time to discuss growing in the heat of the Summer. We lean on Randy’s many visits to southern farms for tips and tricks to keep plants thriving when the sun is beating everything down. Nick also hits the high points of growing a multi variety salad blend.    TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Growing in the Heat 00:41 Crop Selection in Extended Seasons 01:30 Adjusting Price when Cost Increases 02:25 Heat Tolerant Lettuce for Summer Production 02:55 Lettuce Types 04:31 Why You Should Buy Seeds by Count, Not Weight 05:26 Visiting Farms in Summer 06:55 Germinating Seeds & How Indoor Growing is Affected by Summer Temps 09:11 Preparing Starts for Transplanting 10:05 Drip Irrigation 11:18 Protecting the Root Zone 12:37 Sizing Hydroponic Equipment to Reduce Heat Buildup 13:36 Harvesting Early & Plant Spacing for Petite Cuts 14:56 Your Crops Have to Pay Rent 15:27 Salad Mixes 21:44 Wood Mulch  23:54 Calibrating Application Equipment 25:09 Layers of Protecti

Amanda Vanhoozier & Nick continue their discussion on farmers markets and the farm to table movement. We take a look at the importance of authenticity, telling your own story, and staying true to your clients.    Big companies, media, and local people outside of small farming have easy access to twist how food and farming is perceived. Consumers are wise to these mistruths and are hungry for better food and transparent relationships.    #farmtotable, #farmersmarkets, #slowfood, #localfood    www.bootstrapfarmer.com  https://www.instagram.com/bishophillfarmflowers/

Farmers Markets today are ubiquitous parts of our lives. From big cities to small rural towns once a week people and interact with today's growers. But how did we get here? Join us for a front-row seat into what it was like in the early days of the Dallas Farmers Market and how it came to be what it is today. We sit with Amanda Vanhoozier, former market director for the Dallas Farmers Market, to discuss the market's many facets, including its transition from the public to the private sector. Amanda shares some of her struggles during a rocky transition, how markets today have changed drastically from the days of truck farms and family-grown produce, and how we are finding our way back. The Dallas Farmers Market is a case study of how many markets came to be and how farming has driven economies and infrastructure growth.Ever since humans moved from hunter gatherers to today farmers have been the catalyst for change. Understanding our industry's history has never been as important as right now.  Timestamps: 0:0

Large venture backed agriculture is largely backed by experienced CEO’s from outside industries who know how to run large companies. What do large companies put in place to sell for a profit? How can they spin average truths to outpace their competitors? What do different departments do within a corporation to push the ball forward? Randy Cummings discusses how larger farms go about day to day operations and market development. We cover how small farms can use these best practices to build and grow smaller decentralized food for your local market. If we are to collectively put a big dent in local food what can we learn from big Ag that can lead to tweaks in small business ownership that will make the mass market take notice? We discuss farm location relative to the market Different staff or operational staffing departments to consider like Public Relations, Compliance, Media, Merchandisers & Sales GMO misconceptions Labeling & presentation Packaging Media coverage Contingency plans & risk manageme

Bootstrap Farmer’s Nick Burton and Randy Cummings discuss current and rising market trends in Agriculture. They also bring insights for growers looking into diversifying their operations or branding into new markets. Are you interested in broadening your knowledge about current agricultural trends? Whether that be with edible flowers, microgreens, cultivating mushrooms, or cut flowers. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:37 Exploring Market Trends in Agriculture 3:59 Diversification and Leveraging What You are Already Doing 6:03 Setting Yourself Apart with Speciality Products 7:37 Finding a Demand for Your Products 8:08 Leveraging Your Farm for Photography 13:00 Relationship Building in Farming 14:58 Why is Flower Farming Rising in Popularity? 15:55 Utilizing all 4 Seasons as a Local Flower Farmer 20:14 Flower Production Under a High Tunnel 21:30 Demand for Succulents 22:53 Mushroom Farming 24:03 Resources for Staying Up to Date on Trends 26:59 Farm and Homestead Influencers 28:45 Non-Farming Ways to Work in Agriculture

Ever wonder what the difference is between seeds labeled “microgreens” versus your garden variety? We have answers. Randy Cummings talks all about the seed breeding process and why it is important for the success of your farm to know your supplier and to make sure they offer the resources to back up your seed investments.  Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:04 Seeking out Quality Seed Suppliers 3:07 Pinpointing Ideal Germination Temperatures 4:43 Resources and Guidance Available from Seed Companies 10:41 Seeking out Experts in Your Area and In the Field 15:14 Sustainability in Agriculture 22:13 Seed Production to Packet 27:37 Why Quality Control Matter in Seed Production 29:53 Warranties on Seed 31:50 Diversification on the Farm 35:55 Knowing Your Market When Seed Buying 40:55 What is Different about Microgreen Seeds vs. Garden Seeds? 49:22 Perspective from a Sales Rep on Microgreen Seed Sales 51:20 What it Takes to Develop a New Variety Commercially 57:53 Personal Seed Saving and Heirlooms 1:02:03 Being Proactive abou

We are very excited to welcome industry veteran Randy Cummings to Bootstrap Farmer.  Randy served small farming the past 10 plus years from the seed supply side of the industry. His deep knowledge of farmer's needs, industry trends, and technical expertise will deepen Bootstrap Farmers roster.  This introduction explains why we are so pumped to have him aboard.    www.bootstrapfarmer.com 

A very by chance-last minute opportunity to meet up with two of our favorite people. Amanda Vanhoozier of Bishop Hill Farm Flowers and Karl Binger on a rained out day. Amanda who has been involved with farmers markets since 2002 both behind the booth and running of markets. Karl in the beginning of year 3 on his homestead turned market farm. With several hundred farm visits behind her Amanda and Karl discuss where Paris Natural Farms is in their journey.   www.bootstrapfarmer.com

Ordering trees from a wholesale nursery this season? Watch this video for tips on when to order and what to expect when your shipment comes. Bootstrap Farmer is on-site at the Bob Wells Nursery in Mineola, Texas, followed by an exclusive interview with nursery owners Ed and Rachel Donnelly, where they discuss the process and the care taken when shipping out trees for wholesale orders. Learn more about what makes this nursery unique and how they have managed to draw customers from all over, both online and at their retail location.  Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:39 Starting the Tree Nursery 5:50 Budgeting for a Nursery Business 7:35 Acquiring Bob Wells Nursery 9:03 Demonstration Gardens, Workshops, and Experiences at Bob Wells 13:30 Starting a Local Seed Exchange 14:15 Drawing Outside Customers 18:40 Competing with Big Box Stores and Loss-leader pricing 21:20 Converting from Wholesale to Retail 25:36 Workshops and Classes 30:19 Nursery Seasonal Schedule 33:43 Forecasting and planning for demand 38:22 Online orderin

Green spaces are slowly disappearing in the ever-growing urban sprawl of today’s world. Farmer Rishi is getting back to the roots of his property and offering agricultural immersion for his surrounding community at Sarvodaya Farms & Nursery. We tour a plant nursery in this video, unlike any you have probably seen. Explore this diverse property with us and learn how this business model provides full-time jobs and a learning environment for perennial gardening, grafting, and soil regeneration. The Sarvodaya Institute is interested in providing an enriching environment for people to visit, learn, and replicate -even if it's just on their patio with one plant. https://sarvodayainstitute.org/    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bootstrapfarmer/ FOLLOW SARVODAYA FARMS & NURSERY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sarvodayafarms/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/farmerrishi WEBSITE: https://sarvodayainstitute.org/pages/about-us #bootstrapfarmer #hightunnel #hoophouse #soilhealth #perennialfarm #pere

Earth Grower’s owner Brian Maisenbacher has dedicated his life to becoming the best farmer he possibly can be. He is mission-driven to help others have success in growing food and medicinal crops for their communities and their families.   He is passionate about finding solutions to help farmers become more regenerative and profitable. Brian has wholeheartedly spent over a decade working on farms, heritage orchards, cattle ranches, doing landscaping, and designing home gardens and farms around Arizona, California, and the Midwest.  He has also spent time working in Kenya to help build farms and provide fresh water for children's homes and churches with Love Mercy Organization. Periodically he teaches agricultural classes with Earth Citizens Organization Farm in Cottonwood Arizona.   He studied Permaculture Design at Oregon State University, Korean Natural Farming with Chris Trump, Microbial Density and Diversity Analysis with Dr. Mary Lucero, as well as Microscopy and the Soil Food Web with Dr. Elaine Ingham.

Customer Service Manager, Rikki Dionisio discusses the customer service side of Bootstrap Farmer. Rikki covers how that team covers product support, order support, and growing support. Topics include: Orders, returns, international shipping, tax exemptions, training, communication, and working with other teams like creative, special projects, wholesale, and administration. And as always- interview bloopers.

Bootstrap Farmer's Customer Service Manager, Rikki, joins us to talk about her recent trip to Dallas, where she went on several farm tours and met some of our local farmer friends. Rikki discusses how this up-close experience with growers using our products and with the manufacturers that produce them is what makes the brand so unique. Listen as she recounts some of the lessons she learned and how she tries to help other growers keep calm and reassured during the hectic growing season. 00:00 Intro 01:54 Touring the Fabrication House 03:54 Bootstrap Farmer Warehouse Tour 04:31 Dallas Trade Show 06:33 Meeting Amanda from Bishop Hill Farms 11:52 Meeting Sky Flower Farm 15:09 Dinner with Calvin our Lead Injection Moulder and Drew Demler 18:58 Visiting Profound Microfarms 22:42 Visiting Urban Dirt Company 24:58 Helping Growers Navigate Challenges 26:51 Visiting Double 07 Farmers 29:24 Visiting Paris Coffee Shop with Automated Grow Rack 30:15 Warehouse Walk-through 38:27 Karl’s Farm and Beta Testing 45:00 Final Tho