Norma Ruiz | #117

"I don't know what the future of this farm is." Nora Doelman is very up front when she talks about how hard it is to keep a family farm going in western Washington. See her and her family's dairy in beautiful Elma, WA on this all-new episode, and learn more about why it's an ongoing struggle to save family farming here in the Evergreen State. The post Nora Doelman | #119 appeared first on Real Food Real People.

Small Farmer Jess Jager of Your Friends Farm shares a story of getting judged—and dismissed—as a farmer, based on her appearance. She and host Dillon Honcoop tackle the thorny issues of sexism, stereotyping and judging by appearances that more farmers face than you might expect. The post Small Farmer Jessica Jager On Stereotypes & Appearances appeared first on Real Food Real People.

"There's just a massive disconnect." But Nicole Derting of Post 5 Cattle Co. wants to reconnect local communities with locally-grown food, and with how she runs her ranch and sells her beef, she's putting her money where her mouth is. In this episode, Nicole explains so miuch about how beef is raised here in WA, and shares so much wisdom about the state of the food system, and why she's so passionate about bringing change. The post Nicole Derting | #118 appeared first on Real Food Real People.

Despite having no background in dairy farming, Norma Ruiz had the courage to take over a Bow, Washington creamery and dairy, learning as she went. We visit the farm and learn how she raises cows, producing milk to make artisanal cheeses at Golden Glen Creamery, just a stone's throw from shores of Puget Sound. The post Norma Ruiz | #117 appeared first on Real Food Real People.

Francisco Sarmiento is following in his father's footsteps, not only as a farm worker, but now as a fruit farming educator in the world's apple capital, Wenatchee, Washington. Join us as we visit his college fruit science lab, hear Francisco's personal story and passion for growing food, and check out an actual orchard! The post Francisco Sarmiento | #116 appeared first on Real Food Real People.

Online farmer harassment… Yes, sadly it’s a real thing, and chef & farmer Ona Lee of Clara's Canning joins Dillon live from her farm to explain. Join us for our first-ever live episode as we tackle this troubling trend, and of course get an update on Ona Lee’s farm and business! The post Chef & Farmer Ona Lee on Online Harassment appeared first on Real Food Real People.

Season 4 kicks off with a visit to MyShan Dairy to hear Shannon Smith's amazing story, see the farm, and find out about the unique niche they've found in the dairy case! The post Shannon Smith | #115 appeared first on Real Food Real People.

A battle with stage 4 cancer and a dangerous flood could have ended their farm, but Shelli DeJager and her husband Pete have managed to keep their small family dairy near Everson, WA alive. Hear Shelli recount the dramatic details of survival, and find out why her children won't be able to keep the farm despite their desire to continue the family's farming legacy. The post Shelli DeJager | #114 appeared first on Real Food Real People.

Despite his passion from a young age for raising cattle, becoming a full-time rancher didn't seem to be in the cards for Pete Charriere. Hear what changed to make that dream a reality for Pete, and why he remains so passionate about raising top-quality beef in Pomeroy, Washington. The post Pete Charriere | #113 appeared first on Real Food Real People.

After a career as a fish biologist around the Pacific Northwest, Steve Seymour helped reinvigorate Drayton Harbor Oyster Company in Blaine, Washington. Steve shares the story of making the oyster farm a regional destination, as well as the challenges of growing oysters and the incredible benefits they offer. The post Steve Seymour | #112 appeared first on Real Food Real People.