Best Farmers Market Pros Podcasts (2024)

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Ep 308: Ashley Colpaart: Prepping Partnership: Farmers Markets and Shared Kitchens 41:57

3d ago41:57

41:57

When The Food Corridor offered a Shared Kitchen-101 workshop at the 2023 InTents Conference, it was a sell out. It's no wonder. In a survey of food businesses operating out of shared kitchens, farmers markets were the most commonly used sales channels, with over 50% responding that they sell at one or more farmers markets. A shortage of kitchens ul…

1
Episode 126 - One Year into a SARE Grant for Raising Pigs in the Woods 1:09:34

37m ago1:09:34

1:09:34

In this episode, we revisit with Charles Lafferty to discuss the one year mark (halfway point) of his SARE grant. Charles shares the successes and challenges of the first year with pigs in the woods. You can find out more about his efforts at: skylinepastures.com Check out his Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@skylinepastures8445 Come jo…

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Ep 307: Jimmy DeBiasi: Harvesting Maine's Bumper Crop 59:15

2h ago59:15

59:15

Selling farmers market gift certificates are a great way to help dedicated customers introduce friends, relatives and associates to the world of fresher food and local community. Now kick that idea up 350,000 notches. Maine Federation of Farmers Markets proactively sells employers on using market dollars as part of their workplace wellness programs…

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Ep 306: Free Speech at Farmers Markets with Wendy Chen and Lihlani Nelson 54:32

8d ago54:32

54:32

With election season upon us, managing free speech issues at farmers markets is top of mind. This week we're chatting with Wendy Chen, of the Center for Agricultural and Food Systems at Vermont Law School for a quick update on court decisions that might affect how you manage free speech at your market. And we're spotlighting an episode originally b…

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Episode 125 - Developing the Ideal Automatic Pig Feeding and Watering System 55:34

15d ago55:34

55:34

In this episode, I talk with Ross Lewis a young farmer in Virginia. Ross is a civil engineer and has used his design knowledge to come up with a pretty ingenious automatic feeding and watering system for his breeding stock. We will describe it in this audio podcast but the link to his Youtube video explaining it below. Ross's Youtube Video Hickory …

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Ep 305: Farmers Market Week Update 31:36

8d ago31:36

31:36

We know you're busy this week. Us too! Catt's on the road speaking at conferences and visiting Midwest markets. Brijet's rocking National Farmers Market Week in San Diego. You're doing the same, right? So take just a minute and tune in while we chat with Erica Meadows of the Mt Washington Farmers Market in Kentucky. They gained the most votes in Am…

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Ep 304: Ask the Pros! 44:23

16d ago44:23

44:23

We have a mixed bag of topics in this month's Ask the Pros episode. With hot weather advisories, fires and floods becoming more common, we've been getting a lot of questions about when closing a market is justified. Weather or not, farmers need to move their produce so it's not a decision managers take lightly. We're chatting about that and a varie…

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Episode 124 - Raising and Registering Idaho Pasture Pigs at White Bison Farm 1:06:34

1M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

In the episode, I talk with Dave and Jodi Cronauer from White Bison Farm in northern Wisconsin. They have a lot going on at their farm including raising bison for meat, GypsyVanner Horses (not for meat), and Idaho Pastured Pigs (those are for meat). They also maintain the IPP nation registry. To learn more about them, visit their website: https://w…

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Ep 303: Report From Rome: World Farmers Market Coalition 42:53

23d ago42:53

42:53

Join us for a report from Catt's trip to the World Farmers Market Coalition's second General Assembly, in Rome, Italy this month. Delegates from some 70 countries and organizations gathered, representing hundreds of farmers markets and policy making bodies. They heard about the international coalition's current projects and contributed to its visio…

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Ep 302: InTents Conference Request For Proposals Announcement 51:54

1M ago51:54

51:54

We're about to share so much news about 2025's InTents: the National Farmers Market Conference. Today, we're starting with the announcement that the Request for Proposals opens in just a few days. We're adding a special farmer and vendor track in 2025, so possibilities abound. Are you ready to share your expertise about a topic with market managers…

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Episode 123 - Step by Step Instructions on How to Start a Hog Roasting Business with Carl Blake 59:29

1M ago59:29

59:29

In this episode, I talk with Carl Blake about his new book Pork For Profit: The Business of Whole Hog Roasting. This book is a comprehensive step by step guide on how to build and manage a hog roasting business. This is a great side gig for pastured pig farms or can even be a full time gig in some areas. Be sure to check out his book on Amazon here…

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Ep 301: Wendy Chen: Volunteering to Keep it Legal 41:59

1M ago41:59

41:59

Volunteers are the lifeblood of many farmers markets and we know that even market managers are sometimes labeled as volunteers. That labor of love is admirable. Is it legal? That depends, and it's complicated. Wendy Chen joined us at InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference earlier this year. Her work at the Center for Agricultural and Food …

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Ep 300: Celebrating 300 Episodes of Tent Talk 37:27

1M ago37:27

37:27

It's hard to believe that we've produced 300 episodes of Tent Talk, the farmers market podcast, since we started almost five years ago. You'd think we might run out of things to talk about, but nope! There are so many ideas to explore, questions to ponder, and issues to delve into. We love creating opportunities for market businesses and operations…

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Episode 122 - Overcoming Farrowing Issues and Other Challenges for a First Year Farmer 1:12:29

2M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

In this episode, I talke with Brian MacFarland of Five Forks Farm in Bruceton Mills, WV. Brian and his wife are just at the one year mark of having pigs on pasture. Farrowing has been tough for them the last year, but they are using these experiences to grow and hone their craft when it comes to raising pigs. Brian shares his "failures" in a honest…

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Ep 299: Market Interns: Eat, Work, Learn! 31:35

2M ago31:35

31:35

Call it internship, apprenticeship or learning by doing, it's all about training the next generation of farmers, foodmakers and market managers on the job. On this week's episode we talk about how interns can help your market and ways to make those programs beneficial for both sides. A true internship provides education and that takes effort. Deter…

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Ep 298: Nino Budabin McQuown: National Farmers Market Week Prep 27:49

2M ago27:49

27:49

It's the 25th anniversary of National Farmers Market Week. Get ready to get ready with the Farmers Market Coalition Toolkit, it's available now. Get ahead of the game with early press releases and outreach to your local policy makers. Order your temporary I Love Farmers Market tattoos. Plan a celebration and don't forget to slip in a little educati…

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Episode 121 - Explosive Growth from 2 Pigs to a Large Scale Farming Operation in Less Than 36 Months! 1:25:09

3M ago1:25:09

1:25:09

In this episode, I talk with Bryson Lipscomb of Triple Oaks Farm in Virginia about how he and his wife took a simple hobby farm and in less than 3 years turned it into a large scale operation that has them both working full time now on the farm. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. htt…

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Ep 297: Sagdrina Brown Jalal: Juneteenth is Just a Beginning 41:22

3M ago41:22

41:22

Juneteenth is coming up, are you ready? With the mid-week holiday coming up, we're seeing observances and events scheduled this coming weekend also the following Saturday and Sunday, June 22nd and 23rd, in addition to June 19th itself. Sagdrina Brown Jalal joined us last year to discuss how to honor that day at our markets. This year we'll be ampli…

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Ep 296: Vendor Story: Not Your Nonna's Sauce Co. 51:21

3M ago51:21

51:21

We love a good vendor story almost as much as we love Not Your Nonna's nut-free pesto, full of locally grown basil. Adrianna Zizzo operates her pasta sauce business in six farmers markets a week. Her fledgling business weathered pandemic protocols shortly after she launched. This summer her business is celebrating its five year anniversary. Devoted…

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Episode 120 - Managing Red Wattles, Beef, Sheep, and the Frozen North as a retired Navy Officer 54:57

3M ago54:57

54:57

In this episode, I talk with Maj Jim Brickson (retired) about his farm/homesteading efforts on 50 acres in Northern Minnesota. Jim and his wife are both retired from the military and looks to enjoy the golden years on the farm. We talk about some of the challenges that poses as well as how to manage aging and farming work. Check out the Brickson Yo…

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Ep 295: David Thayer: America's Farmers Market Celebration 2024 40:17

3M ago40:17

40:17

It's a celebration, it's a contest, it's two exciting things at once and it kicks off this coming weekend. American Farmland Trust has operated America's Farmers Market Celebration for 16 years now. It offers a great chance to make your market more visible and engage your shoppers. The cash prizes are an added bonus. This year's contest is shorter …

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Ep 294: Welcome Back to Tent Talk 41:40

3M ago41:40

41:40

We’re baaaaack! Did you miss us? After our short recording hiatus, listen in to find out where we’ve been and where we’re growing next.🌱 It’s been a busy spring, and we’ve got a lot cookin’ over here. Follow along as we answer burning questions, including: How Catt and Brijet keep it real (hint: still schlepping barricades) The location for 2025's …

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Episode 119 - Adjusting and Evolving Market Setup for Maximum Efficiency - Sheraton Park Farms 1:01:18

3M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

In this episode, I talke with Chuck Lewis of Sheraton Park Farms about how his farmer's market setup has evolved over time to produce the most efficient and profitable setup for his farm. Chuck dies into the details of cost and things to consider when setting up for a market. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebo…

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Ep 293: Brent Preston: Farming for Good 38:46

3M ago38:46

38:46

The work you do farming, or bringing small farmers and shoppers together, is vitally important. Brent Preston spoke at InTents: The Farmers Market Conference 2019 about his time as an organic farmer, the effects of farming on the environment and how farmers and consumers can change those. His book The New Farm: Our Ten Years on the Front Lines of t…

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Ep 292: Encore Episode: Promotional Vendors at Your Service 25:12

4M ago25:12

25:12

Would you get a chiropractic adjustment or purchase a time share at the grocery store? If you answered no, then why would you expect to find those services at the farmers market? This week on Tent Talk we discuss the pros and cons of hosting service providers and informational/promotional booths at your farmers market. Knife sharpeners, food prep s…

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Episode 118 -Exploring the Pros and Cons of an AGH X Hampshire cross with Evergreen Farm 49:14

4M ago49:14

49:14

In this episode, I speak with Tyler Hill of Evergreen Farm in Pennsylvania. Tyler is working 53 acres with chickens, sheep and pigs. Pigs are his most recent addition and through providence, he ended up with a breeding pair of AGH X Hampshire. We explore the challenges of this cross and what he has liked and what he plans to do differently. Also, j…

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Ep 291: Encore Episode: Pirate Vendors 32:56

4M ago32:56

32:56

Pirate vendors, aargh! No, we’re not talking about buccaneers that sail the seven seas, we’re talking about sellers and solicitors that set up in or around a farmers market as unofficial vendors. Though usually well-intentioned, hawkers, buskers, petitioners, and street vendors can confuse shoppers about where and when the actual farmers market beg…

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Episode 117 - Discussing Processing Woes and How to Overcome Them 1:29:02

4M ago1:29:02

1:29:02

In this episode, Rob Dowdle and I am have a comprehensive discussion on issues we have all faced with processors. Our conversation turns from the sad horror stories to how to manage issues and tips on how to prevent them in the first place. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://…

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Ep 290: Encore Episode: Make Your Farmers Market Opening Grand 37:39

4M ago37:39

37:39

Opening a new farmers market or starting a new season at an existing one is exciting. A lot goes into getting ready to launch, and building up to a truly grand opening. Building awareness and anticipation for both the community and your family of farmers and vendors means a busy opening day. Planning for the natural cycles of a new market will keep…

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Episode 116 - Building educational opportunities at Revercomb Farms in Virginia 52:20

5M ago52:20

52:20

In this episode, I talk with Mindy Lipinski of Revercomb Farms in VA about how they manage their pigs on pasture and how they have added education opportunities to not only share their knowledge and experience but also to create additional income for the farm. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pa…

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Ep 289: Encore Episode: Communicate with your Market Community 58:42

5M ago58:42

58:42

Communicating with your farmers market community can take a lot of forms nowadays. Do you send emailed vendor advisories? Use a private Facebook or Instagram group? Smoke signals or carrier pigeons, maybe? One way or another it's important for farmers, vendors and managers that everyone stays in the loop. In this episode Catt and Brijet and Justine…

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Episode 115 - Building a Destination Location farm store in Point Blank, TX 50:37

5M ago50:37

50:37

In this episode, I talk with Stephanie Walker of Vincent Farms in Point Blank, TX. Stephanie shares how she has transitioned to full time farming and how she is building a distination location with her farm store. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/the…

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Ep 288: Market That Merch 38:11

5M ago38:11

38:11

What do farmers market people bring home from vacation? Our first stop is always is the local market, and farmers market merch is our favorite souvenir. Selling shopping bags, t-shirts, water bottles and magnets can add to your income stream and also provide a valuable marketing tool. Depending on local regulations, farmers and vendors can also use…

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Ep 287: Welcome to the Info Booth 33:34

5M ago33:34

33:34

Your Info or Welcome Booth is your market home away from home. It's often the place that shoppers and farmers and vendors find your team, where you sell fun merchandise, and where you process SNAP EBT transactions. All the things that apply to making farmers' and vendors' booths effective apply here too. Listen in as Catt and Brijet discuss how to …

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Ep 286: Taking Funding for Granted with Melissa Siwiec 40:33

5M ago40:33

40:33

What project could you complete if you had funding? The deadline for submitting Farmers Market Promotion Program grants is just 51 days away. This week, we chat with Melissa Siwiec, executive director of Pennsylvania's historic Lancaster Central Market, about the process of applying for and then implementing an FMPP funded project. The process seem…

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Ep 285: Live From InTents 2024 34:51

5M ago34:51

34:51

Our Live from the InTents Conference episode has become an annual tradition, and it's one of our favorites every year. Tent Talk producer Leandra Hays sat down with conference attendees and asked them to share the best part of their market day. They made us laugh, and cry and sometimes say, "What the heck?" Drop a note in the comments to share the …

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Ep 284: Moving Your Market 30:22

6M ago30:22

30:22

Moving a market is not as simple as scooting a tent or two down the street (not that scooting any tents is without drama.) Sometimes you lose part of your site to a construction project, sometimes a conflicting annual event happens and you have to move the entire market for a day. Finding a new site that can accommodate an established event is a pu…

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Ep 283: Best of Tent Talk: Application Excavation 55:52

6M ago55:52

55:52

Are you a farmer or small food business trying to navigate finding spaces to sell at farmers markets? Are you a farmers market manager buried in application emails and trying to find the perfect needles in that haystack? In this episode we're chatting about how we process applications for our markets and approaches used by some of our fellow market…

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Ep 282: Social Media is a Team Sport 37:00

6M ago37:00

37:00

Plenty of us have a love-hate relationship with social media.There's nothing like it right now for keeping shoppers up to date on market offerings days and times, and helping your farm or bakery stand out at a busy market. It's free, sort of. It takes so much time. It's so effective, until they change the rules. It's a trick to find the sweet spot …

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Ep 281: Farmer Julie Stoner Has Eggs in a Few Baskets 29:46

6M ago29:46

29:46

Farmers Julie of Stoner Family Farms has diversified her products to achieve better sales at her farmers markets. Her farm is a family operation, and the market business is her baby. Bringing her daughters into the tent helps lighten the load, and teaches them all the things that small business owners learn along the way. Listen in as Julie shares:…

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Ep 280: 2024 InTents Conference Preview 33:42

6M ago33:42

33:42

The 8th annual InTents Farmers Market Conference is just around the corner, starting 3 weeks from today. Listen in to hear more about this year's schedule and what's coming up here in San Diego and live online. There's still time to register, just use the link in our bio or on the home page at farmersmarketpros.com Learn all this and more in this y…

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Ep 279: Maya Madsen: Black History Month and Beyond 53:43

6M ago53:43

53:43

We've known Maya Madsen since the beginning of her phenomenal Black woman-owned business' journey. You've heard from her before. We check in often enough to consider her an unofficial Tent Talk podcast co-host. From the start she told us she meant to create a vegan cookie empire and she's done what it takes to accomplish that. She not only makes de…

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Ep 278: Hatching New Vendor Businesses 33:01

7M ago33:01

33:01

How can talented food makers learn to be successful farmers market vendors? In this week's episode of Tent Talk we're chatting about vendor education. Being passionate about your product is important; being fully prepared will increase sales and reduce stress. That makes small businesses enduring. Whether you're starting a new business or you're a …

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Episode 114 - How Adding On Farm Processing Builds a Better Business Model in Western NY 53:41

7M ago53:41

53:41

In this episode, I talk with Joe Blakeslee about his farm in western New York and how adding on farm processing has helped his business model be stronger. This is an approach growing in popularity among small farms. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/t…

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Ep 277: Chef Saeed is on Fire 43:51

7M ago43:51

43:51

Enjoy this week's Vendor Story episode. Hot sauce is a fast growing category at our farmers markets nowadays, and Chef Saeed is on fire with his fermented sauces featuring unique flavor combinations. It's not just the taste that makes a food business successful though. In our Vendor-101 program we talk about the 4 Ps: Product, Packaging, People and…

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Ep 276: Back To Basics 49:20

7M ago49:20

49:20

With lots of new farmers markets ramping up for their first or second season, let's take it back to the basics. Experienced manager? Stay with us, sometimes a little refresher can be a great thing. Farmer or vendor? Let's see if you think this is sound advice. There's a lot to know and a lot to do to launch a farmers market and get through those ea…

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Ep 275: 2024 InTENTions 52:30

8M ago52:30

52:30

It's a new year, a blank slate. January always feels like a good time to think about what's working, what's not, and create your list of things to change and things to do at your market, and personally. We're all about setting InTENTions (see what we did there?). Market managers and market vendors coast to coast, from Florida to British Columbia, j…

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Episode 113 - Progress with on Farm Processing 47:24

8M ago47:24

47:24

In this episode, I speak with Kyle Perreault about his on farm processing and the progress he has made since we last spoke. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig We made it to 20 patrons on Patreon which allows us to expand the Pasture Pig …

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Ep 274: Ringing The Bell on 2024 2:37

8M ago2:37

2:37

Happy New Year! 2023 was a lot, full of changes, excitement, highs and lows. We're welcoming 2024 and looking forward to focused growth, outreach and some exciting collaborations. Unless the universe throws us onto a whole new roller coaster of course, and then we'll do what farmers market pros do: we'll make the very best of whatever we encounter.…

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Episode 112 - Pastured Pig Operation with Asian Heritage Hogs?? 52:27

8M ago52:27

52:27

In this episode, I speak with Jordy Buck from Michigan. He is exploring a niche marketing with Asian Heritage Hogs (Potbellies) on his farm. It is interesting to hear how he is raising out these smaller pigs with very little inputs. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.face…

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