Dawn's Dirt

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Jason Smith, a farmer-rancher from Eckville, Alberta, who lived through the kind of CFIA nightmare you pray never lands on your gate. Jason shares how he built a deer operation from the late 90s, followed every rule, tracked every tag, double-fenced his farm, and still ended up forced to destroy his entire herd after CFIA claimed Chronic Wasting Disease was present. Here's the gut punch: after it was all done, every single animal tested negative. We also dig into what this means for cattle producers right now as new traceability rules push toward government databases, more paperwork, and more pressure on small, family farms. If you care about food freedom, farm-to-table, and keeping farmers on the land, you need to hear this one. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: CFIA enforcement, chronic wasting disease explained, deer farming and hunting industry, quarantine and compensation process, government overreach in agriculture, paperwork and expanding regulations, traceability vs control, small farms under pressure, big ag consolidation concerns, Alberta-led solutions, farm-to-table importance, rebuilding community and family connection Takeaways:  Traceability is not the issue, government control and creeping requirements are A "rule change" often becomes layers of paperwork that producers never agreed to Small farms get crushed first when systems require constant computer reporting Biosecurity and good husbandry do not guarantee fair treatment by regulators Local farm-to-table systems strengthen trust, transparency, and community When communication breaks down, families pay the price not bureaucrats Protecting food freedom starts with producers organizing locally and loudly ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself, help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Jared from Ruben's Roots, a market gardener just outside the Battlefords in Saskatchewan who basically said "no plan, full send" and built a real business anyway. We get into the messy truth of year one (weed seed bank hell, irrigation learning curves, growing what you think will sell vs what actually sells), and how he turned carrots from his worst crop into his top earner through smarter systems, succession planting, and a few key tools. Jared breaks down his 30-inch bed setup, drip irrigation, DIY farm tools, and how he's scaling while still working a full-time job. Then we go there on organic certification, food labels, and why "naturally grown" plus trust and transparency can beat bureaucracy. If you're starting from scratch, this one is pure practical gold.   ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: market gardening, small scale farming, growing food for profit, starting a market garden, farm to table, local food systems, sustainable farming, naturally grown produce, organic vs organic certified, succession planting, vegetable crop planning, DIY farm tools, bed system farming, small farm business, market garden success Takeaways:  Let the market tell you what to grow and cut the "nice idea" crops fast Standardize your beds and systems so everything gets easier to measure and repeat Companion planting can solve problems without fancy sprays or drama Tools that save your body save your business, even DIY ones Succession planting turns random harvests into consistent income Hire for the bottleneck that burns you out, not the task you love "Local and transparent" often matters more than a certification badge   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Jared's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/reubens.roots/  Jared's Website | https://www.reubensroots.ca/  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm sitting down with Christie Green, a landscape architect in Santa Fe who's obsessed with food the same way I am, because food is never just food. We get into what it looks like to live in real relationship with what you eat, from gardening in tough desert conditions to hunting as a practice of presence, respect, and learning. Christie breaks down how to build soil that actually holds water, why "lazy gardening" is usually the smartest gardening, and how to start small without the Pinterest pressure. We also go deep on seasonality, calling out fake "farm-to-table," and why growing even one thing can flip a switch in your body and your brain. If you're craving food freedom, community, and a way back to what's real, this one's for you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: food intimacy, hunting as ritual, composting basics, building soil in dry climates, sunken beds and bioswales, lazy gardener design, container gardening, perfectionism in gardening, seasonal eating, real farm-to-table accountability, food sovereignty, respectful dialogue across differences Takeaways:  Food hits different when you know the story behind it Start small so you don't set yourself up to quit In dry climates, the goal is soil that holds water, not just water on top Put gardens where you will see them every day, not in the back 40 Gardening is an experiment, not a test you pass or fail Seasonal eating connects you back to place and to your body Food can build bridges when we lead with respect instead of being right   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Christie's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/radiclelandscape/  Christie's Website | https://www.christiegreen.net/  Christie's Book |  Moonlight Elk By Christie Green  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm sittin' down with James Cornwell of Nine Pines Farm — a farmer through and through who went from milking cows and smelling like silage to the Navy, then right back to the land where he belongs. We talk about what it really takes to build a profitable farm-to-table business without drowning in debt, why direct marketing beats begging at farmers markets, and how knowing your numbers is the difference between a farm and an expensive hobby. James breaks down pastured poultry, egg pricing, wholesale vs retail, and even the truth about "organic" chicken. We also get into faith, family, and the mindset shift that changed everything: it's not your farm… it's God's. If you want to feed people, build community, and make farming sustainable again, this one will light you up. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farm-to-table, pastured poultry, food freedom, direct marketing, small-scale farming, pricing your products, chicken math, egg profitability, wholesale vs retail, farming without debt, faith-based farming, family farms Takeaways:  Treat your farm like a business or it becomes a money-sucking hobby Know your true cost per dozen eggs and price like you mean it Direct-to-consumer sales build stronger customers than markets do Education is marketing and marketing is what keeps the farm alive "Organic" doesn't always mean access to outdoors or better welfare Scaling often requires adjusting ideals while keeping your standards Faith, family, and teamwork are fuel when farming gets hard   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Nine Pines Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Ninepinesfarm717  Nine Pines Website | https://ninepinesfarm.com/  Nine Pines Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/Ninepinesfarm  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm lighting a fire under your farmers market booth and walking you through the five biggest mistakes that are quietly killing your sales. I share stories from running a 36,000 sq ft greenhouse, 20 acres of vegetables, and a whole lot of market days to show you exactly why your pricing probably sucks, why your booth looks "fine" but isn't selling, and how your body language and phone habits are costing you real money. We dig into bundle pricing, display psychology, traffic flow, and how to turn simple "hello"s into long-term, loyal customers. If you're ready to treat your market table like a real business, charge what you're worth, and leave the market with a fuller till (and heart), this one's for you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farmers markets, pricing mistakes, bundle pricing, booth display, traffic flow, customer engagement, sales psychology, small business, vendor confidence, relationship-building, market strategy, product value Takeaways:  Price your products like a real business, not a charity Stop undercharging for eggs, produce, and preserves Use bundle pricing to naturally increase every customer's spend Make your booth look full, inviting, and easy to navigate Stand up, say hello, and actually talk to people Build relationships so customers come back week after week Get off your phone if you want to make money   ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with ranch mama and Sales Mama School founder, Sausha Davis, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business when you've got kids, cows and a whole lot of chaos. We get into her leap from a miserable six-figure corporate job into coaching, how she structures her days on the ranch so she doesn't burn out, and why she believes every woman can create her own income stream—whether that's beef boxes, horses, or farm to table sales. Sausha breaks down her "people before profit" approach to sales, the four buyer personalities every farmer and maker needs to know, and why proof of concept matters more than perfect logos or pretty branding. If you're a farm girl, homesteader or side-hustling mama who's sick of waiting for permission, this episode will light a fire under your butt in the best way. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: women in agriculture, ranch mom entrepreneur, farm to table business, women in farming, rural business coaching, sales coaching for farmers, ranch life motherhood, homestead business tips, buyer personality types, small farm marketing, online business for moms, farm to consumer sales, mindset for women entrepreneurs, building confidence in business, sustainable ranching business strategies Takeaways:  Your energy and routines set the tone for your whole farm and business Kids watching you work is a gift, not a problem Entrepreneurship is available to every woman in some form You are the catalyst for change in your life Selling gets easier when you understand different buyer personalities Proof of concept matters more than perfect branding at the start People before profit naturally creates more profit over time   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Sausha's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/salesmamaschool  Sausha's Website | https://salesmama.biz/  Sausha's YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@salesmamaschool  The Sales Mama Podcast | https://open.spotify.com/show/3kzoSWTu2sVbZDPSVD9Lfj?si=4284f21abbe846d5&nd=1&dlsi=fa2ec505bf054611 ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I dig into the shocking reality of what small farmers are up against in Canada right now—from health inspectors threatening to shut down egg sales to the CFIA killing an entire flock of healthy ostriches simply because the rule book said so. I share real stories from my own farm, greenhouse, and markets to show how red tape, inconsistent regulations, and plain old government overreach are pushing everyday farmers out while turning food freedom into a maze designed to scare people away from getting started. But there's hope—and power—when you learn how to think creatively, build local networks, and reclaim your part in the food system. If you've ever wondered why farm-to-table feels "risky," or if you've felt called to grow food but fear the bureaucracy… this episode connects the dots you need to see. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: government overreach in farming, CFIA ostrich cull, ostrich massacre Canada, raw milk laws Canada, farm to table business, farmers market fraud, small farm regulations, Canadian food bureaucracy, egg regulations Alberta, local food systems, food freedom Canada, know your farmer   ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: raw milk Canada, farm to table business, CFIA overreach, ostrich farm culling, small farm regulations, Canada dairy quota, farmers market resellers, Health Canada cloned meat, food freedom, backyard chickens, local food systems, government bureaucracy in farming Takeaways:  You don't have to let bureaucracy stop you from farming or selling food Knowing your local farmers is now a non-negotiable part of real food security Cheap grocery store food comes at the cost of small farms, quality and independence Creative thinking inside the rules can keep you compliant and still profitable Backyard gardens and chickens are powerful tools against food system control Supporting real farmers today is how you secure your family's options tomorrow You can turn almost any piece of land into a small farm-to-table business   ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with sixth-generation Wisconsin dairy farmer Tristan Swartz, the man behind "Doing It Wrong Dairy," to talk about what right really looks like in farming. We go deep into old-school dairying, why he still milks in a stanchion barn with "outdated" equipment, and how leaving calves on their mamas actually improves health, production, and peace in the herd. Tristan shares how community used to work in rural life—neighbors just showing up with tractors when you were in trouble—and why he refuses to trade integrity for corporate convenience. We also pull back the curtain on raw milk laws, COVID butchering insanity, and how creative farmers are quietly outsmarting bureaucratic rules to keep families fed.    If you're craving proof that small, scrappy, values-driven farms can feed a community and push back on a broken food system, this conversation will light a fire under you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farm childhood, old-school equipment, calves-with-mamas, community support, work ethic, side hustles, raw milk laws, food control, resilience, creativity, regenerative farming, food freedom Takeaways:  Farming doesn't feel like work when it's who you are Old equipment and "doing it wrong" can still be profitable Leaving calves with their mothers can improve health and behavior Community support on the land is worth more than fancy machines Creativity lets farmers work within the rules without betraying their values Our food system is about control and dollars, not always health Real change starts when ordinary farmers and eaters simply say "no"   ______________________________________________ Links & Resources Mentioned   Tristan's Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/doitwrongdairy    ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Kelli Foreman of Kodiak Goat Dairy, fifth-generation farmer on a storm-tossed Alaskan island,where one day you're milking A2/A2 cows and the next you're shaking a green bucket at a bear. We get real about building true food security when the boats don't come, finishing beef on kelp, running a micro raw-milk dairy the right way, and raising farm kids who can actually do hard things. We talk about community bartering over bureaucracy, making soil from manure on a literal rock, and why resilience isn't a slogan, it's a system you build at home with your neighbors. If you crave a life where food, family, and freedom actually mean something again, this one's your roadmap—with laughter, grit, and zero fluff. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: kodiak island, raw milk, a2/a2 dairy, goat dairy, food security, kelp-finished beef, farm kids, farmers market, compost soil, micro dairy, barter economy, community resilience Takeaways:  Resilience starts local—feed your own community first Empty shelves are normal there; systems must assume storms Kelp and grass can finish beef beautifully Raw milk done right requires rigorous cleanliness Barter and relationships beat red tape Make soil, make food—close the loop Do it messy, then refine as you go   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Kelli's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kodiakgoatdairy/  Kelli's Website | https://www.thelastsmallfarm.com/  Kelli's YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@thelastsmallfarm  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!  Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Trent Koehn from GreenEase to talk real farm business—how SOPs, culture, and faith turn chaos into profit, and how tiny, daily improvements can 3x your yields without selling your soul to the system. We get into lean farming, hiring right, and why problems should make you smile—because they're roadmaps to better processes, safer teams, and healthier greens. Trent shares how his family greenhouse bounced back after COVID restaurant drop-offs, why they now keep ~50¢ on the dollar, and the nerdy-but-sexy oxygen trick that crushes root rot in hydroponics. If you care about farm-to-table, small-scale profitability, servant leadership, and building tools that actually help farmers, this one's for you ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farm-to-table, hydroponic greenhouse, lean farming, SOPs, standard operating procedures, farm profitability, servant leadership, faith in business, dissolved oxygen, pythium/root rot, plug poppers & drop seeders, small-farm innovation Takeaways:  Tiny improvements compounded daily beat big swings SOPs create freedom, safety, and consistency Culture is a strategy when leaders lift people up Checklists first, then SOPs for complex tasks Track root causes, not people, to fix problems Oxygenation can solve hydroponic disease at the root Profitability follows focus, process, and servant leadership   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Trent's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/greenease.us/  Trent's Website | https://greenease.us/  Trent's YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreenEase  2 Second Lean by Paul Akers | https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/2-second-lean-play/id1503694993  ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Abey from Ruckle Farm to dig into her new book, Radical Farm: Animals, Food, and Our Future. We get real about why well-sourced animal foods support human health, animal welfare, and the land, and how to bridge the "vegans vs. ranchers" divide with curiosity instead of name-calling. Abey shares her journey from teen vegetarian to animal farmer, the ethics behind "there is no deathless diet," and practical homesteading know-how—from raw milk and cheese making to raising chickens, sheep, and cattle. We talk Victory Gardens, kids' nutrition, the true cost of food, and rebuilding resilient local food systems. If you care about nutrient-dense meals, regenerative agriculture, and taking back your food sovereignty, this one's for you. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: faith-farming-freedom, ethical meat, raw milk, regenerative agriculture, Ruckle Farm, Salt Spring Island, nutrient-dense eating, homesteading 101, Victory Gardens, kids' real food, grocery labels vs. reality, farm-to-table sales Takeaways:  There is no deathless diet—own your choices Well-raised animal foods can benefit land, animals, and people Start small: herbs, a microgarden, or six backyard hens Victory Garden math still works for modern families Labels mislead—know your farmer and ask questions Budget by growing some food and prioritizing protein Curiosity builds bridges; outrage burns them   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Abey's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abeyonthefarm/  Ruckel Farm Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rucklefarm/  Ruckle Farm Website | https://rucklefarmsaltspringisland.com/  Abey's TikTok |  https://www.tiktok.com/@abeyonthefarm  Abey's Book | https://www.radicalfarmbook.com/  Abey's Substack | https://abeyonthefarm.substack.com/    ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I get real about a hard question: if things go sideways, how are you feeding your family? I share what I learned selling farm boxes through 2020, why "I'll just come to your place" isn't a plan, and how small, steady action now (gardens, chickens, CSAs, real relationships with real farmers) builds food sovereignty fast. I talk backyard growing (even on a tiny lot), microgreens you can crank out in a spare corner all winter, and why supporting your farmer today is the best "insurance" for tomorrow. This isn't fear porn, it's love in work boots. I love people, and the most loving thing I can do is teach you to feed yourselves, your kids, and your neighbors. We the people have the power; let's use it with courage, community, and a shovel. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: food sovereignty, backyard gardens, microgreens at home, chickens in the city, CSA memberships, buying from real farmers, cutting out middlemen, building local community, preparing without panic, faith and responsibility, small-scale farm sales, proactive not reactive Takeaways:  Don't outsource your survival Start a garden now, not "someday" Microgreens can feed you year-round indoors Support actual farmers directly, not resellers Join or launch a CSA to strengthen ties Build real relationships with neighbours today Preparation is love in action   ______________________________________________ Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love! ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/    Dawn Dirt's Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Brittney Long from Faithful Farming to get real about raising kids, running cattle, holding full-time careers, and keeping Jesus at the center of it all. We talk high beef prices, why younger families struggle to enter agriculture, and how local, direct-to-consumer sales can rewrite the food system. Brittany shares the power of a strong village—Papa Day included—plus why teaching kids to "do dangerous things safely" builds grit and confidence. We dig into prayerful decision-making on buying land, the reality behind glossy homestead feeds, and why community, church, and farmers' markets are bringing food back home. If you care about faith, family, and food sovereignty, this one's for you.   ______________________________________________ Episode Highlights: family farming, faith-led decisions, black angus cattle, mom guilt, village support, kids & machinery, work ethic, local food systems, direct marketing, beef market realities, prayer in business, farmers' markets Takeaways:  Build a village and use it Lead with faith when making business decisions Teach kids responsibility through real farm work Question the big food system and buy local Social media builds trust and repeat customers Routine beats overwhelm on busy family farms Ask mentors for help and start small ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Brittney's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithful_farming/  Brittney's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@faithful_farming?_t=ZT-8z1SBwHzrdV&_r=1 ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm bringing you a powerhouse conversation with a farm-grown entrepreneur who's shaking up the food system in the best way possible. From her roots on a multi-generation farm in Northern Alberta to launching an app that's basically "Skip the Dishes for farmers," she's proof that innovation doesn't just live in Silicon Valley—it lives in the soil. She is the founder of Weat Local Market App. We talk about building a local food economy that actually serves both producers and consumers, how to cut out the middlemen and bureaucracy, and why hyper-local shopping is the future. Whether you're a farmer, homesteader, or a busy mama who wants fresh food without the grocery store games, this episode is going to light you up. Let's get real about how we buy food, who we support, and why healthier, fresher, local food is not just possible—it's necessary. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: farm-to-table, food freedom, local economy, entrepreneurship, digital tools, farmers markets, hyperlocal shopping, bureaucracy, healthier food, producer empowerment, community building, farm innovation Takeaways:  Farmers are the original entrepreneurs Local food can and should be as easy to buy as takeout Cutting out middlemen gives power back to producers Hyper-local shopping strengthens community economies Food loses nutrition the farther it travels Apps and tools can revolutionize farmers markets Supporting local food supports your own resilience   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Weat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weat.local.market/  Weat Local Market Website: https://weat.ca/  Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with "Young Cole," a 21-year-old Alberta farm kid who took his grit overseas to learn regenerative farming in Finland. We jam on real-world soil health, cover crops, EU pesticide rules (yes, glyphosate is used, but differently), and what small, mixed farms can borrow from Europe without swallowing the red tape. Cole breaks down nitrogen-fixing legumes, why Finland's tiny, rocky fields shape their practices, and how government subsidies change farmer behavior—for better and worse. We also talk about food sovereignty, farm-to-table realities, and how a few chickens and a plan can change a family's future. It's practical, hopeful, and a little mouthy—just how we like it. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: young farmer grit, regenerative farming, cover crops, soil microbiome, nitrogen fixation, EU pesticide rules, government subsidies, small-scale profitability, mixed farming, farm-to-table, food sovereignty, Alberta vs Finland Takeaways:  Regenerative ≠ organic; it's a long-game soil strategy Legumes fix nitrogen via root nodules to feed future crops EU allows glyphosate but not as a pre-harvest desiccant for human grain Subsidies shape behavior; control the money, control the farm Small fields, wet climate, and rocks drive Finnish methods Mixed farms can stack value by grazing and hay in rotation Start tiny (five chickens) and build consistent, direct relationships   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I celebrate EPISODE 50 with a big ol' thank-you and my heart on my sleeve. I share the best business advice I ever got and how handing my farm and this show back to the Lord lifted the weight and sharpened my mission. You'll hear my greenhouse-to-farmers-market journey, why I sold the farm, and how that pivot lit a fire to teach farm-to-table, build community, and put real food (and freedom) back in our own hands. We'll riff on productivity with purpose, sowing into people, and why small, local action beats top-down control every time. If you're carrying your business alone, this one will feel like a deep breath and a marching order. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: Episode 50, gratitude, faith-led business, talk to the Owner, selling the farm, 36k sq ft greenhouse, farmers markets, people over politics, food freedom, community building, teaching farm-to-table, productive on purpose Takeaways:  The most freeing CEO move is giving the business back to God When stuck, "talk to the Owner" and ask for marching orders Productivity means giving, producing, risking, and sowing into people Selling a chapter can be obedience, not failure Real food and real freedom grow locally, not bureaucratically Relationships are the real ROI of any business Teach others what you know so communities feed themselves ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Jason from Sow the Land, a North Carolina homesteader who went from city cubicles to pasture life and brought his family, grit, and 300K YouTube subscribers along for the ride. We talk cancer wake-up calls, minimalist living, selling the couch to chase land, and why growing even one tomato can change your whole life. Jason shares how they scaled from a 1.5-acre starter homestead to 14 acres with turkeys, cooney cooney pigs, pasture poultry, workshops, and a thriving online education business. We get real about entrepreneurship, bartering with neighbors, moving animals daily, and choosing meaningful work over easy money. If you're itching to start where you are, even in a city backyard, this one lights a fire under your boots. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: homestead beginnings, cancer to catalyst, minimalist reset, leap of faith, starter homestead, 14-acre expansion, cooney cooney pigs, pasture poultry, turkey raising, hands-on workshops, YouTube education, community barter Takeaways:  Start where you are…front yard, borrowed yard, anywhere One tomato plant can change your life Go all in and learn fast from failure Say yes early to discover what you love Move animals often to heal soil and grow better meat Community and bartering make the lifestyle sustainable Fulfillment beats easy money every time   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Jason's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowtheland/  Jason's Website: https://sowtheland.com/  Sow the Land YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SowtheLand  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with Brooke Vanderkley from Vanderkley Valley Farm, a mama of four, farmer, and full-tilt entrepreneur about building a profitable, values-driven homestead without burning out. We jam on seasons over "balance," scaling from 30 to 600 meat birds, pricing eggs like a pro, pivoting after hail wipes you out, and turning a farm into a family-powered brand with agritourism, Airbnb and (yup) shampoo sales. If you're ready to stop dabbling and start designing a farm-to-table business that actually pays, this one's your marching orders.   ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: seasons not balance, scaling meat chickens, soy & corn free eggs, premium pricing, agritourism & glamping, 5am routines, serving over selling, involving kids, grocery-store marketing, pivoting after setbacks, renting land in town, team-first leadership Takeaways:  Build in seasons, not "balance" Pick a profitable lane before adding more Price for value, not guilt Market relentlessly and locally Differentiate (e.g., soy/corn-free) to stand out Involve your kids and protect family time Think beyond products: add experiences and education   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned Brook's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookevanderkley/  Brooke's Website: https://vanderkleyvalleyfarm.ca/  ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In today's episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm pouring my heart out about food freedom, the farmer's mindset, and why small-scale agriculture just might save the world. We're talking grit, government overreach, and how the heck we got from homemade buns to preservative-filled grocery store shelves. I share wild stories from my farming days—broken bones, tornadoes, angry sheepdogs—you name it. But more importantly, I'm sounding the alarm (again!) that small farmers are being pushed out, and now is the time to rise. Whether you've got a backyard garden or a quarter section, you've got the power to feed your family, your community, and take back control. Let's get loud about local food, y'all. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: food freedom, small farmers, grocery store bureaucracy, Canada GAP certification, farm to table sales, farmer grit, government overreach, climate mandates, dairy quotas, big ag vs. small ag, debt-free farming, raising farm kids Takeaways:  Small-scale farming is vital for food security Bureaucracy often favors large farms over local ones You don't need massive land to start a farm business Farming builds grit and a different kind of work ethic Buying direct from farmers supports freedom Big farms are more vulnerable to government pressure You can build a profitable farm-to-table business without debt ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started! Book Your FREE Call Today!    ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com

In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I'm in the hot seat and my friend Hayley is firing off the questions—no sugarcoating, just real dirt. We dig into the myths about homesteading (spoiler: those pretty colored eggs aren't paying the bills), why vegetables are the most overlooked cash crop, and the brutal truth about making your acreage profitable. I share how women can crush it in farm-based businesses, the one mindset shift hobby farmers must make to go pro, and why community is at the heart of everything I do. We talk failures, firing stories, black markets in Cuba, and my dream for more small farmers feeding their communities. This is raw, funny, a little fiery, and packed with the kind of farm truth you won't find on Pinterest. Whether you're dreaming of chickens or ready to scale your garden into a business, this episode will light a fire under your boots. ______________________________________________   Episode Highlights: colored egg myths, vegetable production profits, entrepreneurship on small acreage, women in farming, community over competition, Cuba's producer culture, hard truths of homesteading, profitable farm mindset, running it like a business, overcoming industry stereotypes, my dad's farming legacy, feeding people in tough times Takeaways:  Pretty doesn't pay—production does Vegetables can be the most profitable crop You don't need a big acreage to succeed Mindset shift from hobby to business is essential Women can and do run successful farms Community connection is as valuable as profit Your farm must pencil out to survive   ______________________________________________   Links & Resources Mentioned   Visit Dawn's Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Dawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/   ______________________________________________   Love what you're hearing on Dawn's Dirt? Don't keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!   ______________________________________________   Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started!   Book Your FREE Call Today!   ______________________________________________ Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com