Growing Farms Podcast

There's a 70-day window to turn a national labeling initiative into real marketing momentum for your farm, and most farmers don't know it exists. The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA) has filed petitions with USDA and FDA to establish consistent "pasture raised" standards for egg labeling. That's newsworthy, and local news organizations are actively looking for exactly this kind of national-story-with-local-impact angle. In this episode I walk through how to pitch your story to local media, use the coverage to deepen customer relationships, and keep people engaged all the way through the comment deadline. Comment deadlines: USDA June 5, 2026 | FDA June 6, 2026 Templates, scripts, and how to submit a comment: Farmmarketingsolutions.com/action

Facebook is one of the most talked-about marketing tools in the farming community. But when does it actually make sense to use it? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff from Regenerative Success to talk through: The difference between organic posting and paid Facebook campaigns Whether you need a strong social presence before running ads Why relying entirely on Facebook can be risky How subscription farms can use Facebook strategically What farmers should think about before spending money on ads If you're raising pastured poultry, selling direct-to-consumer meat, or trying to grow a subscription model, this episode will help you think more clearly about where Facebook fits in your overall marketing plan.

Before you worry about websites, social media, or sales funnels, you need to answer one basic question: do you actually know your numbers? In this episode, I break down why understanding your costs, margins, and unit economics is the foundation of effective farm marketing. If you don't know what it costs you to produce food, every marketing decision that follows is a guess. This episode is part of a larger series focused on building a durable marketing foundation for small farms and homesteads, starting with clarity instead of tactics. If you're raising chickens, selling farm products, or thinking about turning a farm project into a real enterprise, this is where it starts.

If you're starting a livestock operation, your fencing system can make or break your farm. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Cadman of Shady Grove Ranch—an experienced farmer and engineer—to talk through the essentials of livestock fence systems for beginning farmers. We cover: How to choose the right fence for your animals Pros and cons of electric fencing, woven wire, and temporary setups Mistakes new farmers make (and how to avoid them) How to design a livestock fence that fits your land and budget Building for durability, flexibility, and multi-species grazing Whether you're raising chickens, pigs, sheep, or cattle, good fencing is critical to your success. This episode will help you save money, reduce stress, and build a better system from day one. Resources & Links: More episodes and farming guides: https://farmmarketingsolutions.com Learn more about Matt's farm: https://shadygroveranch.net Support for pastured poultry farmers: https://apppa.org

In this reflective solo episode, I take a walk through the spring woods with my dog, Zip, and share thoughts on content creation, social media algorithms, and connecting with a small but meaningful audience. It's an unfiltered moment to talk about farming, marketing, and why I create videos with specific people—like farmer Sydney—in mind. Whether you're a livestock farmer, a fellow content creator, or just need a break from the noise, join me for a slow walk, a few rants, and a reminder to enjoy the birdsong.