Rooted Agritourism

In this episode of 'Rooted Agritourism,' host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen speaks with Jenny Bredeken from Full Circle Farm. They discuss Jenny's entrepreneurial journey from Minnesota to Honolulu, exploring her passion for fermentation and sourdough bread that led to the creation of their farm and micro bakery. Jenny shares her experiences in reconnecting people with the origins of their food, the challenges of farming, and transitioning to wholesale markets. They also delve into the support of family legacy and the importance of local, fresh products. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about agritourism, rural entrepreneurship, and the power of following one's dreams despite the obstacles.00:00 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism00:24 Meet Jenny Bredeken from Full Circle Farm01:24 The Origin Story of Full Circle Farm01:49 From Hawaii to Minnesota: A Journey of Passion05:29 The Birth of a Sourdough Business07:28 Challenges and Triumphs in Agritourism09:43 Building a Sustainable Future16:56 The Realities of Farming22:00 Current Offerings and Future Plans23:06 The Importance of Fresh Milled Flour23:50 Nutritional and Flavor Benefits of Fresh Flour24:45 Storing and Prioritizing Freshness26:06 The Value of Buying Local27:06 Pricing Strategies for Artisan Bread29:29 Challenges and Lessons in Wholesale33:16 Balancing Passion and Practicality35:21 Future Plans for the Farm37:59 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing ThoughtsPodcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Welcome to Rooted Agritourism: Embracing Growth and DiversificationIn this episode, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, introduces the rebranded podcast, Rooted Agritourism, previously known as the Flower Farmer Forum Podcast. Liz explains the motivation behind the name change, emphasizing the podcast's broader mission to include value-added agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. She discusses the importance of diversification in modern farming, particularly in Stearns County, Minnesota, and the role agritourism plays in sustainable income generation. Listeners can expect new episode formats, guest interviews, personal growth topics, and updates on practical resources for their agri-businesses. Liz also details the revamped membership model for the Foundations of Pedaling Perishable Products course. This episode is a call to action for rural entrepreneurs and dreamers to connect, grow, and support each other in innovative agricultural ventures.00:00 Welcome to Rooted Agritourism00:19 The Evolution of Our Podcast00:52 Why the Name Change?02:45 The Bigger Picture in Agriculture04:45 The Future of Agritourism06:12 What's New with Rooted Agritourism07:55 Conclusion and Call to ActionPodcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode, Liz and Abbey discuss the book 'Die with Zero' by Bill Perkins, which challenges conventional views on wealth and financial planning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maximizing life experiences over merely accumulating wealth. They explore the concept of giving while alive, the timing of financial gifts, and the significance of investing in memorable experiences. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on how to live a fulfilling life now, rather than postponing enjoyment for the future.TakeawaysThe goal is to maximize your total life experiences.Wealth should be viewed as a tool for creating memorable experiences.Timing is crucial when it comes to giving money to loved ones.Investing in experiences can yield greater happiness than accumulating wealth.Life experiences have a limited window; seize them while you can.It's important to live intentionally and enjoy life now.Memory dividends can be created through shared experiences.Don't wait until you're gone to give; do it while you can.Living like you're retired can start now, not just at 65.The 'Die with Zero' mentality encourages thoughtful spending on experiences.The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.To Join the Book Club:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1Connect:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

In this episode, Liz and Jade Delaney discuss the themes of joy and happiness as explored in the book 'Joyful' by Ingrid Fetell Lee. They delve into the importance of creating joyful environments, the role of nature, and how small moments of joy can lead to greater happiness. The conversation emphasizes the need to be intentional about finding joy in everyday life and the significance of celebrations. Personal reflections and experiences are shared, highlighting the impact of joy on mental health and well-being.TakeawaysJoy is about intentional shifts in our environment.Happiness is a deeper, ongoing pursuit, while joy can be fleeting.Creating joyful spaces can enhance our daily lives.Nature and vibrant colors play a significant role in our joy.Finding joy in small moments can lead to greater happiness.Celebrations are essential for fostering joy in our lives.We often operate on autopilot, missing opportunities for joy.It's important to reflect on what brings us joy.Joy can be a powerful coping mechanism during tough times.We should prioritize joy over societal expectations. The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.To Join the Book Club:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1Connect:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

SummaryIn this episode, Liz and producer Abbey discuss the book 'Joyful' by Ingrid Fattel Lee, exploring how design and aesthetics can impact happiness. They share personal anecdotes about the joy derived from everyday objects, the significance of color in mood, and the importance of creating joyful experiences in both personal and professional settings. The conversation emphasizes the need to surround oneself with items that evoke joy and the potential for design to enhance emotional well-being.TakeawaysDesign and aesthetics significantly impact happiness.Everyday objects can evoke feelings of joy.Color choices in our environment affect our mood.Personal expression through design is important.Creating joyful experiences is essential in business.It's okay to let go of items that don't bring joy.Surrounding ourselves with joyful items enhances well-being.Engaging with personal stories can deepen connections.The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.To Join the Book Club:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1Connect:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

In this engaging conversation, Liz and Todd Musig discuss the launch of a new self-help book club and the importance of personal growth for business owners. They delve into Todd's journey of publishing and co-authoring, exploring the themes of his book 'Juggling Elephants,' which addresses the challenges of balancing work, family, and self-care. The discussion emphasizes the need for intentionality in managing life's various responsibilities and the significance of celebrating wins along the way. Todd shares insights on future projects and the ongoing evolution of his work.TakeawaysYou can't grow as a business owner if you're not growing as a person.Self-publishing can be a viable route to reach your audience.The metaphor of juggling elephants illustrates the challenges of balancing life.Intentionality is key in managing work and personal life.Quality acts in each life ring are more important than balance.Saying no is essential for maintaining focus on priorities.Celebrating small wins contributes to overall motivation.Daily planning helps in managing time effectively.Family meetings can enhance communication and planning.It's important to take time for self-care amidst busy schedules.The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.To Join the Book Club:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1Connect:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

In this episode of the Back to Better podcast, host Liz engages with Jones Loflin, author of 'Juggling Elephants'. They explore the themes of work-life balance, the importance of background and shared experiences, and the concept of juggling various responsibilities in life. The conversation delves into the significance of focusing on the right 'ring' at the right time, recognizing when to take breaks, and the role of purpose in achieving happiness and success. They also discuss the importance of communication and support in personal and professional relationships, and how to celebrate successes along the way.TakeawaysThe concept of juggling elephants represents the challenges of managing multiple responsibilities.Understanding your background shapes your perspective and influences your actions.It's essential to focus on the right 'ring' in life: work, self, or relationships.Time management and focus are crucial for productivity and success.Recognizing when to take breaks can enhance overall performance and well-being.Purpose is a driving force behind happiness and success in life.Clear communication of expectations can prevent misunderstandings and create a supportive environment.Finding joy in everyday life contributes to overall happiness.Celebrating small successes can boost motivation and morale.The role of a ringmaster is to manage and influence the various aspects of life effectively.The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.To Join the Book Club:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1Connect:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

In this engaging podcast episode, Liz and Bailey discuss the intricacies of balancing career and family life, exploring themes of time management, success, and the concept of having it all. Bailey shares her experiences as a senior learning consultant and a mother of three, detailing her work schedule, travel dynamics, and the importance of tracking time. The conversation delves into the definitions of success and significance, emphasizing the need for self-examination and the pursuit of fulfillment in both personal and professional realms. The episode concludes with reflections on flexibility in work and parenting, and the evolving nature of work-life balance.TakeawaysLiz and Bailey discuss the challenges of balancing career and family life.Bailey shares her experience as a senior learning consultant and mother.The importance of tracking time for both work and personal life is emphasized.Success is redefined beyond traditional metrics, focusing on personal fulfillment.The concept of 'having it all' is explored and critiqued.Golden hours for productivity are identified as crucial for effective work.Flexibility in work schedules is essential for managing family responsibilities.Negotiating work hours can lead to better work-life integration.The distinction between success and significance is highlighted.Self-examination is key to understanding personal values and goals.The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.To Join the Book Club:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1Connect:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

SummaryIn this episode, Liz and Abbey discuss the book 'I Know How She Does It' by Laura Vanderkam. They share their thoughts on the book and how it applies to their own lives. They discuss the concept of managing time and finding balance between work, family, and personal life. They also talk about the importance of being aware of when you are working past the point of diminishing returns and the value of quality time with family. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of flexibility and finding what works best for each individual's unique situation.TakeawaysManaging time and finding balance is essential for success in all areas of life.Being aware of when you are working past the point of diminishing returns can help increase productivity.Quality time with family is important and should be prioritized.Flexibility in scheduling and finding what works best for you is key to achieving a balanced life.The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.To Join the Book Club:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1Connect:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.To Join the Book Club:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1Connect:https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

Register for the Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-eed11a8c-b87c-42f7-b405-7747a71eafa2In this episode, Liz discusses the upcoming rebranding of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast and dives into the concept of the cannibal business model, which occurs when business offers compete with each other, leading to burnout and inefficiency. She shares strategies for building a smart farm ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of crop planning, subscription services, and delegation. Liz invites listeners to join her upcoming webinar, where she will elaborate on these concepts and the future direction of her business.TakeawaysThe cannibal business model drains energy and resources.Efficient crop planning aligns with sales strategies.Subscriptions provide guaranteed revenue and streamline operations.Repurposing products can enhance efficiency and profitability.Delegation is crucial for maintaining business health and personal sanity.Clear communication with team members prevents confusion and inefficiency.Evaluating business practices can reveal areas for improvement.Smart growth focuses on intentional design rather than hustle.The upcoming webinar will provide deeper insights into these strategies.Rebranding aims to enhance the podcast's strategic direction and content consistency.Helpful Links:Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorConsult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-productsFarmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Register for the Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-eed11a8c-b87c-42f7-b405-7747a71eafa2In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the importance of creating a sustainable business ecosystem in flower farming. She emphasizes the power of dahlias as a versatile product that can be monetized through various channels, including education, event design, and content marketing. The conversation also explores the concept of 'One Product, Many Markets' and how farmers can apply this framework to diversify their offerings without increasing their workload. The episode concludes with a reminder to avoid the cannibal business model, where offers compete against each other, and encourages listeners to view their farms as platforms for growth and innovation.TakeawaysCreating a sustainable business ecosystem is crucial for success.Dahlias are versatile and can be marketed in multiple ways.Education is a powerful tool for monetizing products.Creating experiences for customers enhances sales.Content marketing is essential for building trust.Diversification can prevent burnout in farming.Recurring revenue models can stabilize income.Farmers should view their farms as platforms, not just products.Intentional crop planning aligns with customer needs.Avoiding competing offers is key to a successful business model.Helpful Links:Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorConsult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-productsFarmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Register for the Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-eed11a8c-b87c-42f7-b405-7747a71eafa2In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the journey of building a flower farm business that thrives on sustainability and diversification. She emphasizes the importance of creating a smart farm ecosystem that not only focuses on selling flowers but also on building relationships with customers and exploring multiple revenue streams. The conversation highlights the lessons learned from past experiences, the significance of agritourism, and the need for a structured approach to business growth.TakeawaysBuilding a smart farm ecosystem is key to sustainability.Diversification should focus on doing existing offerings better.Not all offerings are worth pursuing; focus on profitable ones.Agritourism can enhance the customer experience and revenue.Creating layered revenue streams is essential for growth.Understanding your customer journey can lead to better sales strategies.A flower can serve multiple purposes beyond just being a product.Frameworks can help streamline business operations and offerings.It's important to maintain a balance between work and personal life.Investing time in understanding your audience can lead to better business decisions.Helpful Links:Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorConsult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-productsFarmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the often-overlooked responsibilities of flower farmers, particularly in the context of agritourism. She emphasizes the role flower farmers play in shaping public perception of agriculture and the importance of educating visitors about the realities of farming. The conversation explores the spectrum of farming, the balance between small and large farms, and the civic role that flower farmers take on when they open their farms to the public. Liz encourages farmers to embrace their role as educators and to engage in meaningful conversations with their customers about the complexities of agriculture.TakeawaysFlower farmers shape public perception of agriculture.Agritourism carries a hidden responsibility.It's important to educate visitors about farming realities.The spectrum of farming includes both small and large operations.Local farming matters, but so does big agriculture.Flower farming is not just about selling flowers.Farmers must engage in conversations about food sourcing.Education builds trust between farmers and consumers.Agritourism can be a joyful experience.Farmers are educators, whether they want to be or not.Helpful Links:Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorConsult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-productsFarmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum, host Liz discusses strategies for managing extra flowers in a flower farming business. She emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and pre-selling to avoid excess inventory. The episode provides creative solutions for moving flowers, such as partnering with local businesses, utilizing QR codes for audience building, and running giveaways. Liz also warns against discounting flowers, as it can attract bargain hunters and undermine the business's value. The conversation concludes with a reminder to focus on building a brand and audience while managing flower sales effectively.TakeawaysPlan your crops intentionally to align with sales periods.Pre-sell flowers to reduce the need for last-minute sales.Use creative marketing strategies to move extra flowers.Partner with local businesses to increase visibility.Utilize QR codes to capture email leads.Avoid discounting flowers to maintain brand value.Engage with nursing homes for community outreach.Run giveaways to build your email list.Collaborate with photographers for styled shoots.Focus on long-term strategies for sustainable growth.Helpful Links:Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorConsult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-productsFarmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Foundations of PPP: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPWorkshops: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/workshopsIn this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses her recent intermission from selling and growing flowers, the evolution of her online course into a community membership, and the importance of taking breaks to refocus on business foundations. She shares insights on automating email marketing, the upcoming pivot of the podcast to include agritourism and specialty crop farming, and the need for investment in growth to better serve the community.TakeawaysTaking breaks can lead to better business outcomes.Evolving from a course to a community enhances engagement.Automating processes frees up time for strategic growth.Building a strong foundation is crucial for sustainability.Seasonal sales strategies can improve revenue.Community connections are vital for business success.Investing in personal growth benefits the entire business.The podcast will expand its focus to include agritourism.Flexibility in business operations can lead to better results.Don't be afraid to pause and refuel your energy.Helpful Links:Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorConsult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-productsFarmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergan discusses the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities, particularly in Stearns County, Minnesota and the Stearns County Comprehensive Plan for 2040 that has a focus on agriculture. She explores the balance between growth and preservation, the importance of supporting small farmers, and the role of agritourism and value-added agriculture in sustaining rural economies. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional growth that benefits both the agricultural sector and the community as a whole.TakeawaysWhat kind of growth do we want in our rural communities?Stearns County is experiencing rapid growth and urban sprawl.Change is inevitable, and we must remain curious about it.The Stearns County 2040 Comprehensive Plan addresses agricultural sustainability.Support for small farmers is crucial for rural economies.Value-added agriculture can provide multiple income streams.Agritourism helps reconnect consumers with agriculture.The interconnected pillars of rural development include agriculture, living, business, connectivity, and nature.Intentional growth can support small businesses and generational farming.Community involvement is essential in shaping the future of rural areas.Helpful Links:Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorConsult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-productsFarmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergen discusses the numerous benefits of locally grown flowers, emphasizing the importance of having a well-prepared elevator pitch to advocate for local blooms. She highlights the unique qualities of local flowers, including their freshness, sustainability, and support for the local economy. Liz also introduces a new resource, FarmersToFlorist.com, aimed at fostering collaboration between flower farmers and florists.TakeawaysLocally grown flowers offer unmatched quality and freshness.Having an elevator pitch is crucial for advocating local flowers.Local flowers support the local economy and community.Sustainability in flower farming is a gradual process.Unique varieties of flowers are often only available locally.Florists value the quality and convenience of local flowers.Price should not be the main focus when selling local flowers.Educating consumers about local flowers is essential.FarmersToFlorist.com aims to connect farmers and florists.Networking opportunities can elevate the local flower industry.Downloadable PDF talked about in the episodeHelpful Links:Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorConsult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-productsFarmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Free Download: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/cut-flower-care-tipsIn this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses how to care for locally grown flowers from the perspective of the customer. She emphasizes the unique qualities of these flowers, the importance of educating customers on their care, and sustainable practices in flower farming. The episode provides practical tips for prolonging the life of bouquets and highlights the significance of supporting local agriculture.TakeawaysLocally grown flowers have fewer chemicals and are safer for the environment.Educating customers on flower care enhances their experience and satisfaction.Changing the water daily is crucial for flower longevity.Flowers should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat.Avoid storing flowers near fresh fruit to prevent wilting.Trimming stems at an angle helps flowers absorb water better.Removing leaves below the waterline prevents bacterial growth.Locally grown flowers celebrate nature and support sustainable agriculture.Providing customers with care tips can improve their results and happiness.Utilizing email marketing can help build a customer base.Helpful Links:Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the 'Miracle on 34th Street' philosophy, emphasizing the importance of customer service and community support in the flower farming business. She shares personal anecdotes about her journey in the floral industry, the challenges of meeting customer needs, and the significance of maintaining integrity and generosity in business interactions. Liz also opens up about her recent personal struggles, including a miscarriage, and announces her upcoming book, 'Flowers Bloom Anyway,' which reflects on her experiences with grief and resilience.TakeawaysThe Miracle on 34th Street motto emphasizes customer service.Building loyalty comes from making customers feel valued.Directing customers to others when you can't help builds trust.An abundance mindset is crucial in business.Playing offense rather than defense leads to success.Integrity and generosity are key to brand reputation.Personal experiences shape business philosophies.Grief can lead to personal growth and new insights.Creating positive experiences is essential for community strength.The journey of entrepreneurship includes both challenges and triumphs.Helpful Links:Flowers Bloom Anyway waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorConsult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-productsFarmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852