506 Troy Fiechter BioTownAg

We are live at Prudue talking with Troy Fiechter of BioTownAg

Can eating local honey help with allergies? Listen to Phillip Raines who became a first generation farmer by raising bees

In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey chats with Holly Payne from Bigelow, Arkansas, who shares her unique journey from theater costume designer to farmer. Holly discusses her background, including her time in Milwaukee and her husband Aaron's biochemistry expertise, which they now apply to their farming venture. The couple started a small farm during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially as a hobby, but it quickly evolved into a full-time business focused on raising Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs and producing high-quality pork products, including sausages. Holly emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming practices and the joy of growing food that tastes like it did in their childhoods.   Throughout the conversation, Holly shares insights into the challenges and rewards of farming, including the need for effective marketing and the importance of building relationships with customers. She also highlights the significance of using animal fats in cooking and how they can enhance flavor. The episode wraps up with Holly offering practical cooking tips and encouraging listeners to embrace the joy of cooking with quality ingredients. This engaging discussion showcases the couple's passion for farming and their commitment to providing delicious, sustainably raised food to their community. takeaways "We started looking for a new bit of property." "It's all about food for us." "You have to have a five-year plan." "You need to do the research, you need to do the math." "Cooking shouldn't be intimidating." "You have to be willing to put yourself out there." "Our life is great, but we don't get new cars every year." "It's hard to go wrong with a pork shoulder." "You can make tacos with chorizo easily." "So many farms fold in the first five years."

In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey interviews Lauren and Ben Neal from Columbia, Tennessee, who share their inspiring journey in agriculture and entrepreneurship. The couple discusses their unique backgrounds—Ben grew up on a small farm while Lauren was a city girl from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They delve into how they met through the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and their decision to start a cow-calf operation after getting married. The conversation highlights their challenges and triumphs, including the impact of COVID-19 on their business and the launch of Lighthill Meats, a butcher shop that emphasizes clean, minimally processed foods.

In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey speaks with Kevin Thompson, the Director of the Middle Tennessee Ag Research and Education Center (M-TREC) at the University of Tennessee. They discuss Kevin's background in agriculture, the impact of black vultures on cattle production, and the importance of diversification in farming. Kevin shares insights on precision livestock technologies, the role of horses in cattle management, and the significance of teaching stockmanship. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocates in agriculture to educate the public and promote sustainable practices. Kevin Thompson is the Director of M-TREC at the University of Tennessee. M-TREC focuses on research and education in agriculture, particularly beef and poultry. Kevin's background includes managing a large family farm and academic achievements in animal science. Black vultures have become predatory, impacting calf survival and producer safety. Research is being conducted to understand and mitigate the impact of black vultures on cattle. Diversification in agriculture can improve economic stability for producers. Precision livestock technologies are being implemented to gather real-time data on cattle. Teaching stockmanship is essential for low-stress cattle handling. Horses are preferred for cattle management due to their low-stress impact on livestock. Aspiring farmers should seek entry-level opportunities and be willing to learn from mistakes.

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews Belinda Bowman, a sixth-generation farmer from Ontario, Canada. Belinda shares her journey through grief after the loss of her partner, Troy, and how it has shaped her life and farming practices. She discusses the importance of animals in her healing process, the challenges of parenting, and her desire to help others who are navigating similar experiences. The conversation also touches on the differences between farming in Canada and the U.S., the impact of social media on agriculture, and the importance of authenticity in sharing one's story.   takeaways Belinda is a sixth-generation farmer on a first-generation mortgage. The loss of her partner, Troy, profoundly impacted her life and farming. Animals played a crucial role in her healing process after loss. She emphasizes the importance of relationships during grief. Belinda wants to help others navigate their grief and trauma. Parenting has its own challenges, especially after loss. She feels a strong connection to the farming community. Belinda is open about her mental health struggles and healing journey. She believes in the power of authenticity on social media. Farming in Canada presents unique challenges compared to the U.S.

In this episode of Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey interviews fifth-generation farmer Tristan Schwartz from Gilman, Wisconsin. Tristan shares his unique journey into farming, influenced by his family history and a pivotal friendship with neighbor Tom Victory. He discusses his innovative farming techniques, including the use of traditional equipment and sustainable practices, while emphasizing the importance of community and memories in agriculture. takeaways Tristan Schwartz is a fifth-generation farmer from Wisconsin. He moved to Wisconsin from Missouri to pursue his dream of dairy farming. Tom Victory, his neighbor, played a significant role in his farming journey. Tristan uses traditional farming techniques, including a one-row corn picker. He emphasizes the importance of memories in farming and community. Tristan has a retirement pasture for cows that have served him well. He practices sustainable farming by using compost instead of commercial fertilizers. Tristan believes in mixing old and new farming techniques for better profitability. He encourages young people in agriculture to never stop trying and to find unique opportunities. Tristan's story highlights the importance of passion and community in agriculture.

Imagine losing your farm... Moving to another state... Moving back years later... Finding out the farm was never foreclosed... Listen as I talk to Jim Sailer

Let me see the coolest thing you have in your shop/mancave  Is it as cool as a custom painted vintage Refrigerator from Cody Wessels?

Listen as we talk with Ben and Ashley Menges, ranchers from Arizona