The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

851: Seed Conferences

A Seed Chat with Special Guest Julia Dakin

In this episode, Greg from Urban Farm U hosts a seed chat with Julia Dakin, co-founder of the nonprofit Going to Seed. They discuss Julia's work in promoting seed sovereignty and adapting crops to local conditions. Julia shares her mission of transforming agriculture from an industrialized system to one focused on community and ecological resilience. They delve into the organization's programs, including seed diversity initiatives and supporting farmers in adapting crops to their specific environments. Julia also talks about her participation in the California Organic Seed Summit, addressing issues like land access, seed cooperatives, and engaging younger farmers. The conversation highlights the importance of genetic diversity in seeds for nutrient-dense crops and resilient food systems. .

Julia Dakin is the co founder of Going to Seed, an organization dedicated to promoting seed sovereignty and teaching growers how to adapt crops to local conditions and community preferences. For several years she has been working in community driven projects that focus on adapting gardens for for climate and community resilience using ancestral techniques.

Julia leads initiatives that empower local growers to build resilient, locally adapted food systems, enhancing community resilience and food diversity.

850: Winter Growing in the Desert with Jordan Stejskal

A Rosie On The House Radio Show Replay

In This Podcast: This episode of Rosie on the House features Farmer Greg, Romey Romero and guest Jordan Stejskal discussing desert winter gardening. They include the benefits of growing plants from October to May and the variety of plants suitable for this season, such as brassicas, lettuces, and root vegetables and emphasize the importance of soil preparation using compost and fertilizers, and the considerations when sourcing manures.

The team also explores bioregional herbalism, promoting the use of local plants for medicinal and culinary purposes, and the benefits of wild foraging in the desert.

About our guest: Jordan Stasekal is a second generation Phoenix native and a lifelong plant lover. Jordan is a gardener, a home cook, a permaculturist, an educator, and a bioregional herbalist. She has studied plants, people, and their relationships with one another at Phoenix College, the Desert Botanical Gardens, The School of Evolutionary Herbalism, The Urban Farm, and Revis Mountain School of Self Reliance.

She has worked for The Urban Farm for almost four years and helps to run the fruit tree program every winter and the permaculture design course every spring.

849: Meghan Baker on Navigating Cooperative Extension Programs.

Helping farmers find success.

In This Podcast horticultural professional Megan Baker discusses the intricacies of small farm management and the vital role of Cooperative Extension agents. Megan shares her journey from a childhood fascination with nature to her current role as a small farms extension agent. She describes the key duties of a Cooperative Extension agent, including bringing university research to the local farming community, providing technical assistance, and supporting sustainable and regenerative farming practices.

Megan highlights the role of community partners such as the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project in transforming the agricultural landscape from tobacco to diversified farming. The episode also covers the importance of soil testing, disease and pest identification resources, and the benefits of forest farming. Megan emphasizes her passion for continuous learning and the significance of slow, attentive observation in agriculture. She concludes by encouraging farmers to utilize the resources and expertise provided by Cooperative Extension services..

Our Guest: Meghan Baker is a horticultural professional based in Asheville and currently serves as the Small Farms Extension Agent in Buncombe County for the NC Cooperative Extension Service. Meghan holds a MS degree in Plant & Environmental Studies from Clemson University.

As an outreach educator and technical consultant, she helps farmers navigate production and business challenges with crops ranging from vegetables to herbs to forest products. 

An avid naturalist and outdoor enthusiast, Meghan also holds certifications as a North Carolina Environmental Educator, a Southern Appalachian Naturalist and an Interpretive Guide. A native of Western North Carolina, Meghan is deeply committed to sustaining the agricultural heritage and productive lands in the region.

848: Cultivating Ancient Grains for Modern Health

A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman

In this episode, Greg and Bill discuss the dual benefits of growing ancient grains for both gut health and gardening. They explore the nutritional advantages of ancient grains, such as spelt, emmer, and einkorn, and their lesser known intolerance to gluten. They also address modern agricultural issues, including the presence of glyphosate and its impact on gut health. The conversation highlights practical aspects of growing grains, from seed selection to planting and harvesting, and the advantages of using heirloom grains in local economies. Listeners are encouraged to explore local grain varieties, connect with local growers, and consider the age-old method of sourdough bread making to enhance digestive health.

847: Jessie Dean on Farm to Teacup Tea.

And Hurricane Helene and the her business recovery.

In This Podcast: We chat with Jessie Dean from Asheville Tea Company, about her farm to teacup business approach and the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. This episode was originally recorded in July 2024 prior to the hurricane. The storm led to the complete destruction of their building, resulting in the loss of inventory, equipment, and office space. Despite the shock, the company has been actively rebuilding with immense support from their community, local farmers, and collaborating tea businesses.

Jesse discusses the transition from her career in outdoor education to starting the tea company in 2016, combining her passion for tea with sustainable business practices. She emphasizes connecting consumers with the origins of their tea, supporting local farmers, and promoting regenerative agricultural methods. Jesse also shares insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of networking, and the rewarding journey of entrepreneurship.

Additionally, they have launched a holiday tea trio and initiated a fundraiser to aid their recovery efforts. More details and donation options are available on their website.

Our Guest: Jesse Dean is the founder and CEO of Asheville Tea Company. Where they believe in creating delicious cups of tea by using a farm to teacup approach to ingredient sourcing by having direct involvement with the plants and farmers who grow their herbs.

They support the local food economy and regenerative growing methods along the way, telling the story of each ingredient. So the consumer can experience what's in their cup from seed to sip.