Branching Out: Growing Together
Branching Out: Growing Together – Your gateway to the world of small-scale nut and fruit tree farming, hosted by Melanie Jones from her picturesque chestnut farm in Kentucky. Join Melanie and her guests as they explore the latest trends, innovations, and personal stories from the chestnut industry and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned grower, a curious landowner, or dreaming of rural living, this podcast offers expert advice, practical tips, and meaningful conversations to help you cultivate success.Tune in bi-weekly for insightful interviews with industry leaders, discover actionable farming strategies, and connect with a community passionate about sustainable agriculture and rural lifestyles. At Branching Out: Growing Together, there's always a fresh perspective waiting for you. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.
Episodes
May 5, 2025 • 15 mins
This Small Business Week, we’re digging deep into how chestnuts can power more than just your pantry — they can build a business.Melanie shares what she’s learned from financial advisor and grower Joel Hubbard and Propagate’s Jeremy Kaufman about building real business models around chestnut orchards. From land structure and taxes to agroforestry and next-generation planning, this episode is packed with insight for farmers, landown...
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This offshoot episode is based on our recent conversation with Dave Skinner of Whitetal Properties, where we discuss "How to Buy Land with Purpose: Strategies from Dave Skinner."
What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment...
What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment...
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April 19, 2025 • 32 mins
What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to take the next step.You’ll le...
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April 18, 2025 • 36 mins
Podcast Description: In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, Scott Smith shares his journey from growing up in the chestnut industry to running a successful orchard in Michigan. We dive into the realities of modern chestnut farming, including harvesting methods, marketing strategies, and why diversification is the key to success.Episode Highlights:
- The transition from handpicking to mechanized harvesting
- How Scott bui...
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March 2, 2025 • 21 mins
In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore the evolving landscape of chestnut farming and industry collaboration through United Chestnuts and EBB Farms.🌰
United Chestnuts is expanding beyond just one farm—it’s becoming a national platform to support chestnut growers who want to focus on farming without the burden of branding and marketing. We discuss how this initiative aims to unite growers, streamline sales, a...
United Chestnuts is expanding beyond just one farm—it’s becoming a national platform to support chestnut growers who want to focus on farming without the burden of branding and marketing. We discuss how this initiative aims to unite growers, streamline sales, a...
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February 23, 2025 • 47 mins
🎙 Welcome to Branching Out: Growing Together! 🌱🌰
In this episode, we’re diving into the financial side of farming and entrepreneurship with Joel Hubbard, CPA—a seasoned expert in accounting, tax strategies, and business financial planning. But Joel isn’t just a numbers guy—he’s also a passionate chestnut grower and the owner of Georgia Chestnuts, where he’s actively contributing to the growth of the chestnut industry. 🌰🌿
Joel br...
In this episode, we’re diving into the financial side of farming and entrepreneurship with Joel Hubbard, CPA—a seasoned expert in accounting, tax strategies, and business financial planning. But Joel isn’t just a numbers guy—he’s also a passionate chestnut grower and the owner of Georgia Chestnuts, where he’s actively contributing to the growth of the chestnut industry. 🌰🌿
Joel br...
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January 25, 2025 • 23 mins
Life is full of twists and turns, but those unexpected moments often hold the greatest opportunities for growth. In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore how to navigate career pivots, personal challenges, and the unpredictability of life with resilience and adaptability.Through deeply personal stories, you’ll discover:
- How to embrace unexpected opportunities and turn setbacks into stepping stones.
- Lessons f...
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December 21, 2024 • 36 mins
In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we dive into the growing opportunities in U.S. chestnut farming with Jessica Shade from USDA NIFA. Discover how programs like the Specialty Crop Research Initiative are driving innovation and collaboration between growers and researchers. Jessica shares actionable insights on funding, industry challenges, and how you can play a part in shaping the future of sustainable agricultur...
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November 30, 2024 • 35 mins
In this episode of "Branching Out Growing Together," we sit down with Kathy Dice, co-founder of Redfern Farms, to explore the transformative potential of chestnut farming. Learn about the benefits of chestnuts as a sustainable crop, the role of agroforestry in combating environmental challenges, and the power of community in farming. From the challenges of startup farming to integrating livestock and wildlife, Kathy shares invaluab...
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November 29, 2024 • 26 mins
Tom Wahl of Red Fern Farms joins Melanie on the Branching Out: Growing Together podcast live from Chestnut Growers of America and Northern Nut Growers annual conference.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.
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November 29, 2024 • 56 mins
An exciting new addition to the chestnut-loving community! Melanie Jones, a partner at United Chestnuts, and her husband Brad host the "Branching Out" podcast.
The first guest is Roger Blackwell, President of Chestnut Growers of America and the Michigan-based chestnut cooperative Chestnut Growers, Inc.
Melanie explains, "We launched the podcast to support our industry's growing interest in learning, connecting, and sharing industry-...
The first guest is Roger Blackwell, President of Chestnut Growers of America and the Michigan-based chestnut cooperative Chestnut Growers, Inc.
Melanie explains, "We launched the podcast to support our industry's growing interest in learning, connecting, and sharing industry-...
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November 29, 2024 • 60 mins
Join Melanie Jones, the host of the Branching Out podcast, in a captivating conversation with James "Mike" Nave. Uncover the secrets, challenges, and passion behind chestnut cultivation. Subscribe now for more insightful episodes on tree cultivation and horticulture.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.
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October 17, 2024 • 34 mins
In this podcast episode with Michael Parks, Melanie, and Michael engage in a lively discussion about the chestnut community and the importance of educating consumers about chestnuts. They highlight the need for ongoing education, noting that there is still much work to be done to increase awareness and consumption, especially among various cultural groups.
They discuss the balance of supply and demand in the chestnut market, emphasi...
They discuss the balance of supply and demand in the chestnut market, emphasi...
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September 20, 2024 • 21 mins
Join host Melanie Jones as she interviews Brad Russell, a former corporate professional who made the bold decision to leave his career at Walmart and pursue chestnut farming full-time. Brad shares how he balanced both worlds before making the leap, the challenges he faced scaling up his farm, and how he turned his passion for agriculture into a thriving business. Tune in to discover how you too can create new opportunities from you...
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August 3, 2024 • 73 mins
In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, our host, Melanie Jones sits down with Amy Miller, COO of Route 9 Co-Op, to discuss her fascinating childhood on a chestnut tree farm in Appalachian, Ohio. Raised by academic parents amidst a large Amish community, Amy's story is a compelling blend of cultural diversity, agricultural innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Tune in to learn how her upbringing infl...
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May 13, 2024 • 24 mins
Curious about chestnut farming? Farmer Bob Stehli spills the beans on everything from selecting the perfect site and planting chestnut trees to the challenges and rewards of harvesting these delicious nuts on the latest episode of the Branching Out Podcast. Join host, Melanie Jones and Bob as they explore the impact of chestnut blight and the importance of collaboration among growers. Learn how organizations like the Northern Nut G...
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April 22, 2024 • 47 mins
In this episode of the Branching Out podcast, we dive into the world of nut tree cultivation with Buzz Ferver. We explore the challenges and advancements in breeding blight-resistant chestnut trees, suitable for colder climates like Vermont. Buzz also shares his passion for various nut trees beyond chestnuts and the potential they hold for sustainable gardening practices.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/...
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/...
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March 8, 2024 • 42 mins
Join host Melanie Jones as she chats with Craig Clark, the "nursery nerd" turned chestnut pioneer. Explore the exciting world of tissue culture and its potential to transform the chestnut industry. Learn about the challenges, successes, and future possibilities of this innovative technique.
Subscribe to Branching Out for more inspiring stories from the diverse world of chestnut crops!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.s...
Subscribe to Branching Out for more inspiring stories from the diverse world of chestnut crops!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.s...
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February 10, 2024 • 38 mins
Dive into the world of chestnuts with guest Landon Evans, an expert in exercise physiology and nutrition. Discover the myriad health benefits of chestnuts, from their low-fat content to their rich vitamin and mineral profile. Explore storage tips and the importance of incorporating chestnuts into a healthy diet.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.
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December 16, 2023 • 29 mins
In this episode, Melanie Jones engages in a heartfelt conversation with Abby Johnson, sharing insights into her remarkable journey in chestnut farming. From challenges to triumphs, Abby's narrative unveils the intricacies of the industry and the commitment required to thrive. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and valuable lessons in sustainable agroforestry.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branc...
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branc...
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