849: Meghan Baker on Navigating Cooperative Extension Programs.
Horticultural professional Meghan Baker discusses the intricacies of small farm management and the vital role of Cooperative Extension agents. Meghan shares her journey from a childhood fascination with nature to her current role as a small farms extension agent. She describes the key duties of a Cooperative Extension agent, including bringing university research to the local farming community, providing technical assistance, and supporting sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
847: Jessie Dean on Farm to Teacup Tea and the Effects of Hurricane Helene.
We chat with Jessie Dean from Asheville Tea Company, about her farm to teacup business approach and the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. This episode was originally recorded in July 2024 prior to the hurricane. The storm led to the complete destruction of their building, resulting in the loss of inventory, equipment, and office space. Despite the shock, the company has been actively rebuilding with immense support from their community, local farmers, and collaborating tea businesses
846: Exploring Ancient Grain Traditions – A Rosie Replay
A Rosie on the House Radio Show Replay. Greg and Romey learn from Don Guerro about the importance of using ancient and local grains in bread-making, highlighting the cultural and nutritional benefits of these practices. He explains the history and significance of grains like Sonoran white wheat and the impact of slow fermentation techniques on gluten reduction. Don’s journey from anthropology to baking, his collaborations with local farmers, and his vision of sustainable, community-supported bread production. Lastly, Don offers insights into bread education and invites listeners to explore his methods through his website and online courses.
845: Keri Evjy on her Regenerative Journey
Greg interviews Keri Evji, founder of Healing Roots Design LLC, a regenerative landscaping company in Asheville, North Carolina. Keri shares her journey of integrating nature’s principles into her life and business, emphasizing a holistic approach to social and ecological change. She discusses her personal experiences and the inspiration behind her book, ‘Regenerative Life Design Playbook,’ which offers a multimedia toolkit for living a more connected and resilient life. Keri explores the concept of permaculture, its applications beyond gardening, and the importance of embracing our inner ecology for personal and cultural growth.
843: Planting the Fall Garden – A Rosie Replay
A Rosie on the House Radio Show Replay. Romey Romero, Farmer Greg and special guest Nika Forte discuss urban farming and the importance of fall gardening. Nika details her role as the Urban Farms Director at St. Vincent de Paul’s Urban Farm and their efforts in combating food insecurity through sustainable practices. They also emphasize the significance of healthy soil, appropriate garden placement, and choosing crops that are both enjoyable and cost-effective, with insights into seed preservation. Additionally, Nika introduces her children’s book series aimed at promoting diversity in agriculture
840: Harvesting and Storing Seeds – A Seed Chat
A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – In this episode, we discuss methods of dry and wet harvesting, particularly for tomatoes and squashes, and emphasize the importance of understanding plant families in seed collection. Various methods to ensure seed viability, such as proper drying and cool storage, are explored, along with the significance of seed diversity and the role of local seed libraries. The conversation also highlights the need for more individuals to start saving seeds to adapt to changing climates and revitalize local agriculture.
839: Jeremy Chevalier on Food Forest Innovations
The podcast features Jeremy Chevalier, a Phoenix native and serial entrepreneur, who is pioneering urban food forest initiatives with his charity, Homegrown, aiming to combat food shortages by promoting regenerative agriculture and self-sufficient communities. Jeremy discusses his journey from a conventional career to founding Homegrown, influenced by his community experiences and discoveries in soil health and permaculture. His initiatives include permaculture-based landscape services, a soil-focused real estate project, and a local food system in Phoenix that encompasses gleaning and urban farming. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement in transforming urban landscapes into food-producing areas while addressing the logistical challenges of distributing harvested produce.
838: Austin Frerick on The Food Barons of our Time
Austin shares his personal and professional journey that shaped his insights on the food system, highlighting the consolidation and exploitation in the industry through the profiles of various ‘food barons.’ The conversation explores the systemic issues related to the industrialization of agriculture, including environmental impacts and labor exploitation, and emphasizes the importance of returning to more sustainable, local food systems. Austin’s narratives provide a critique of current policies and suggest actionable steps to challenge the status quo in favor of a more equitable and regenerative food future.
836: Seed Saving Secrets – A Seed Chat
A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – In this episode, Greg Peterson from Urban Farm U and Bill McDorman discuss the fundamentals of seed saving, techniques for collecting and preparing seeds from various plants, and the benefits of maintaining genetic diversity. They also address specific audience questions about harvesting and storing seeds, and the effects of cross-pollination. The conversation emphasizes the importance of home-based seed saving for adapting plants to local conditions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
835: Growing Wild Food in Your Yard – A Rosie Replay
A Rosie on the House Radio Show Replay. In this episode of Rosie on the House, hosts Romey Romero and Farmer Greg discuss growing wild food in in your yard. They emphasize the benefits of planting food-producing plants and using permaculture principles like composting, chickens and layering plants. Greg also highlights the importance of observing microclimates, proper water management, utilizing open-pollinated seeds and having chicken workers in your yard. Additionally, he touches on community involvement, local ordinances, and the Permaculture Design Course for creating sustainable, food-producing landscapes……
