Club Calves, Cattle Auctions & Agritourism: A Conversation with JT Weber
In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen speaks with her father, JT Weber, about their experiences in value-added agriculture and the beef industry. They discuss the evolution of their family business, from dairy farming to focusing on elite genetics in Angus and Sim Angus cattle. JT shares insights on the intricacies of raising club calves for show, the importance of muscle, skeletal width, and other attributes in cattle, and his journey from South Dakota State University to becoming a successful cattle buyer and auctioneer. They also touch on topics such as the impact of drought on cattle supply, the controversy around grass-fed versus grain-fed beef, and the vital role of family support in achieving their business goals. The episode provides a deep dive into rural entrepreneurship and agritourism, emphasizing direct-to-consumer sales and adding value to agricultural products.00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism00:19 Meet the Special Guest: My Dad01:28 Dad's Journey in Agriculture03:48 The Beef Industry and Club Calf Business08:40 The Evolution of Our Business17:15 Connecting with Ranchers and Seed Stock19:34 Understanding the Beef Industry: Ranchers vs. Feeders20:15 The Process of Finishing Cattle22:06 The Debate on Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef24:39 Pricing and Market Trends in the Beef Industry27:12 Challenges and Opportunities in Cattle Ranching28:54 Order Buying and Building Customer Relationships31:18 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Personal Reflections34:25 Conclusion and AcknowledgementsPodcast 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
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From Seed to Sourdough with Jenny Bredeken of Full Circle Farm
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
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Rooted Agritourism Trailer
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
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Why the Cannibal Business Model Is Killing Your Flower Farm (Farm Ecosystem Mini Series Part 3)
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
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How to Turn Your Dahlias into Multiple Revenue Streams (Farm Ecosystem Mini Series Part 2)
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
Rooted Agritourism is the go-to podcast for rural entrepreneurs building diversified, sustainable, and story-driven farm businesses. Hosted by Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen—flower farmer, educator, and founder of Sunny Mary Meadow cut flower farm—this show goes beyond blooms to explore the full spectrum of agritourism and value-added agriculture.Whether you're launching a U-pick field, hosting farm events, bottling your own products, or dreaming up the next big rural business idea, you'll find honest insights, real-world strategies, and a whole lot of encouragement here. Each episode blends personal experience, practical tools, and conversations with innovative ag-based business owners who are redefining what it means to grow on your own terms.From marketing perishable products to navigating burnout, building memberships, and scaling farm income streams—Rooted Agritourism is your weekly companion for building a life and business deeply rooted in purpose, place, and profitability.Podcast 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
New Zealand