Episode 441 · April 27, 2019
441: Jill Shea as a Woman in the World of Aquaponics
442: Jill Shea as a Woman in the World of Aquaponics.
In this episode
Jill’s farming story started in Orlando, Florida in exchange for free herbalism classes. Since 2006 she has been fortunate enough to both tend land and teach a variety of growing styles all over the US. She considers it a pleasure to now farm for Trifecta Ecosystems where they help cities feed themselves through aquaponic growing innovation.
Our Guest

Finding purpose in educating about indoor farming.
Don’t miss an episode!
Click here to sign up for podcast updates
Trifecta Ecosystems is creating incentives for communities to grow their own food while raising awareness about sustainable farming through education, workshops, and city projects. They do this by empowering farmers in urban environments and educating others on the true potential of aquaponics.
We had the pleasure of talking aquaponics with Jill Shea from Trifecta Ecosystems. Trifecta Ecosystems practices sustainable farming in their aquaponics farm and educates the community to grow their own food as part of the City that Feeds Itself initiative. In addition to the great community programs, we dove into how aquaponics works, is lower cost, uses less land and conserves water. The AgTech field is growing tremendously, with several great opportunities for new farmers.
- Jill’s entry into the world of herbalism, organic farming, and aquaponics
- How aquaponics is a sustainable farming method that conserves water
- Hydroponics growing vs aquaponic growing
- All the Trifecta Ecosystems programs that benefit the community
- Lower cost, less land farming with aquaponics
- The opportunities for women in the AgTech field
- The current global discussion around aquaponics
- Hobby growers vs. Commercial growers
- Job opportunities for new farmers in the aquaponics industry
- The secret to getting kids to eat vegetables
As well as
Her failure – Teaching 3rd graders farming, but forgetting to make the fun connection with the tech.
Her success – 2018 and all the life milestones she achieved in just one year.
Her drive – Exercising her creativity in farming.
Her advice – Always embrace a “delicate firmness” when farming.
Jill's Guest Post on our Blog
Aquaponics: The Gateway from STEAM Learning into the Workforce
Jill’s Book recommendations
How to reach Jill
Website: trifectaecosystems.com and citythatfeedsitself.com
Instagram: Farmer_JillS
UrbanFarm.org/jillshea
Thank you to LaCrosse Boots for sponsoring this episode
LaCrosse Boots - The go-to boots for big tasks!
Note: You can also find the books mentioned above at one of our favorite local independent bookstores and have the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting a small business.
SIX New Seed Saving Classes
3 hours of seed education
to elevate your own gardening guru by learning to save seeds.
Seed Up Saturday - Saturday February 26th
Monthly Garden Chats
Join us for chats about gardening topics with Special Guests each month.
Live Q&A to assist with your questions
Sign up for the series!
*Disclosure:Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

