The Rookie Farmer Podcast
The Rookie Farmer Podcast is the go-to resource for aspiring market gardeners and small-scale farmers. Hosted by Alec Smith, farmer at Crop Culture Farm in New Bern, Georgia, this podcast provides wisdom, knowledge and real-world experience to support the rising movement of small-scale agriculture. Each episode features discussions with veteran growers, industry experts, and fellow "rookie" farmers who share lessons learned in starting up and running profitable, sustainable farms. Alec dives into topics like effective crop planning, selling to chefs and restaurants, creative CSA models, and much more. He also provides regular updates on his own half-acre vegetable farm as it grows. Whether you are a new grower just starting out or a few seasons into your farming journey, The Rookie Farmer Podcast will inform and inspire you to take your small farm to the next level. Tune in and join a passionate community of small-scale farmers who are revolutionizing the food system, one farm at a time.
Episodes
In this episode of The Rookie Farmer podcast, the tables are turned as host Alec welcomes podcast host Diego Footer as he shares his journey from finance professional to farm tool innovator and reveals the inside story behind Modern Grower. He breaks down the logistics behind sourcing and supplying tools, the costs that come with it, and the quality associated with different product price points. He also talks about tools and equip...
In this episode, host Alec welcomes his farm mentors Nicolas and Jeni of Cryistal Organic Farm in Newborn, Georgia as they talk about their 30-year farming journey: the differences in small-scale farming landscape, the changing market, and the growing amount of farming resources becoming more and more accessible. They also share practical steps about diversifying with high-value herbs that can be sold to retail either fresh, dried,...
In this episode, Alec looks back at his first year of growing food and selling them. He shares how much they made the past year, talks about some practical advice for navigating farmers markets with established competition, and drops some emotional wisdom that keeps him grounded through the ups and downs of farming.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Breaking into market gardening isn't just a dream—it's a tangible reality for those willing to learn and adapt.
In this episode, host Alec is joined by fellow rookie farmer Colton Simpson of Simpson's Market Garden in White Plains, Maryland. Colton shares his journey going from a 2,500 square foot plot to a 1.5-acre operation, nailing down how strategic planning and market insight can transform a small backyard garden into a thrivi...
Any farmer worth their salt knows that seed choice can make or break the entire farming season.
In this episode of The Rookie Farmer Podcast, host Alec welcomes Michelle Hochkeppel from High Mowing Organic Seeds as she illuminates the world of seeds and the seed supply chain. She dives into the difference between heirloom and hybrid varieties, how to assess seed quality, and how to leverage your favored seed company--and local seed...
Farming isn't just a job—it's a strategic business that demands constant innovation and personal growth.
In this episode, Alec Smith talks about how they're handling scaling up the farm this 2025 growing season: hiring out help, growing in a greenhouse, and exploring new niches to stand out in their market. He also shares a personal realization that comes with running a business while raising a family: learning what to prioritize a...
Small-scale farmers, the path to low-cost certification is here: Certified Naturally Grown (CNG).
In this episode, host Alec welcomes CNG Executive Director Alice Varon to shed light on what Certified Naturally Grown is, how to apply for it, and why it works well as a certification of choice for many small-scale producers. They talk about the mechanics behind its peer-to-peer inspections and how it provides a supportive, community-...
Small farms can generate a good income with the right strategy - and Sun and Soil Farm does just that. In this game-changing podcast episode, Richard and Brittany of Sun and Soil Farm in Madison, North Carolina break down exactly how they diversified their income streams, optimized their crop selection, and created multiple revenue channels beyond traditional vegetable sales all to make a good living of $50,000 a year.
In this second farm vlog, farmer Alec shares a good problem to have as they expand their farm operations: selling out of everything they grow at their new market. He also talks about what he learned from the challenges the farm faced with unusual weather conditions and what he plans on doing moving forward.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
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Join rookie farmer Gabby Fultz on her inspiring journey to build a regenerative farm from scratch in Durango, Colorado. Gabby shares her triumphs and challenges as a young Native American woman reconnecting with her Navajo farming heritage while juggling the demands of school, starting a business, and greening the desert.
From rotational goat grazing to growing specialty crops for the local co-op, Gabby openly discusses the realiti...
In this episode, farmer Alec welcomes agronomist and soil scientist Bill McKibben from Logan Labs for a dive deep into all things soil. They talk about the intricacies of soil testing, why it can be challenging to grow crops depending on the soil type, and how to properly go about amending soil. Before the episode ends, Bill also shares a sneak peek into some cutting-edge research on soil amendments.
In this first farm blog episode, farmer Alec Smith introduces himself and shares the story of how he first found out about regenerative agriculture, his journey of getting his start in the market farming space, and how he's taken the steps to build his own sustainable market farm. He quickly recaps his first year of running Crop Culture Farm and the opportunities that opened up for him this winter, and gives a quick update of what'...
Welcome to The Rookie Farmer Podcast, a brand new series on the Modern Grower Podcast Network hosted by Rookie Farmer Alec Smith!
Farmer Alec kicks off the show with guest farmer Zach Richards of Levity Farms in Blairsville, Georgia. They pack a lot in this episode, from biodynamic farming for new farmers, getting started with selling produce to chefs and restaurants, unique ways to go about veggie boxes, as well lessons farmer Za...
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