Episodes

• 2011

• The Renegade Farmer: Lisa Kivirist, author Farmstead Chef

  The Renegade Farmer is pleased to present Lisa Kivirist, writer, farmer, speaker, activist, and author of books such as Ecopreneuring, Rural Renaissance and her most recent book, Farmstead Chef. Lisa Kivirist and her husban John Ivanko are innkeepers of the award-winning Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast, completely powered by the wind and sun, in Wisconsin. They are both also national speakers and marketing consultants. They contribute to projects for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and the non-profit organization, Renewing the Countryside, providing success stories and practical resources for rural entrepreneurs and farmers. Kivirist is also a distinguished W.K. Kellogg Foundation Food and Society Fellow and program director for the Rural Women's Project of the Midwest Organic Sustainable Education Service. As a writer, Lisa has contributed articles to such publications as Hobby Farm Home, Mother Earth News, and other notable arenas involving self-sustainability and farming. Her latest book, Farmstead Chef, is co-authored with Ivanko, and showcases the creative and budget-friendly side to eating lower on the food chain, while taking responsibility for the food we put into our bodies -- by growing it, sharing it and savoring it. After your meal, pull up a chair and enjoy inviting slice-of-life “Kitchen Table Talk” features: interviews with local food heroes and visionaries transforming our food system. Join us for words on great food, sustainability, and much more!
  December 11, 2011

  27 min

• The Renegade Farmer: Annette Cotrell author, The Urban Farm

  The Renegade Farmer is pleased to interview Annette Cottrell, co-author of the Urban Farm Handbook. Cottrell started her SustainableEats blog in 2009 as a way to document her mid life food crisis. One of her young sons refused to eat anything but processed snack foods while the other consistently confused potatoes with tomatoes. As a result, Annette swore to avoid grocery stores for a year in an effort to connect her children with recognizable local foods. During the year that followed, she rebuilt her family’s diet around home-made, nutrient-dense foods, many of them grown in her densely-planted urban lot in Seattle or sourced from local farmers and ranchers. The Urban Farm Handbook, co-authored with journalist Joshua McNicols, was a natural progression from her blog. It uses personal success stories, charts, grocery lists, recipes, and more to help readers choose options and make a game plan for weaning themselves off of the commercial supermarket. Throughout The Urban Farm Handbook you’ll find “Opportunities for Change”— steps you can take to achieve a more sustainable urban kitchen, whether it’s simply shifting your buying dollars from one type of market to another, ripping out your front lawn, or getting those dairy goats you always wanted. If you've ever wanted to know how to gain freedom from the supermarket culture--no matter where you live--this show's fo you!
  November 13, 2011

  29 min

• The Renegade Farmer: Jared Flesher, "The Farmer and The Hors

  The Renegade Farmer is pleased to be interviewingaward-winning journalist Jared Flesher about his film: The Farmer and the Horse, a film that digs into difficult questions about sustainability, self-sufficiency, and why we do the work we do. Flesher’s film goes beyond the usual platitudes of smiling organic farmers talking about the good life. Farming is hard work, especially if you don’t use a tractor. The story takes on the intricate relationship between people, horses and horsedrawn farming, and explores ideas and the meaning of farming in the modern era. Three young people take the unconventional route of horse-drawn farming in the middle of NEW JERSEY. Their journey is an eye-opening account of what a passion for farming can accomplish. This is a documentary every young farmer should see. So should everyone who cares about land use, the environment, and good food. Jared will be discussing this, along with his new movie Sourlands. Don't miss this great interview!
  November 6, 2011

  26 min

• The Renegade Farmer: Raw Milk Activist Michael Schmidt

  **FOLKS *** We have a tentative date for interview depending on Mr. Schmidt's health*** Michael Schmidt has launched himself onto the national scene for doing a simple thing--standing up for what he feels is the right thing to do. Raised in Germany with a Masters in Agriculture, he created the first certified organic farm with cheese processing facilities, and today cheese from this farm is distributed throughout Germany. He also began practicing biodynamic principles in farming, and transferred these to his current farm, Glencolton, in Ontario Canada, which he and wife Dorthea purchased in 1983. With previous knowledge of cows and diary structure, Schmidt set about to create a dairy based on biodynamic principles, which was scrupulously clean, and dealt with the concerns of the cow. Because of this work, Glencolton soon became popular amongst those who heard about his farm, and so a cowshare at Glencolton was set up. In 1994, however, the government heard about the Schmidt's program and actively raided the farm, at various times, taking milk, butter and other products and throwing it into the TOXIC waste dumps ("it's too dangerous to even put in a regular dump), destroying property, potentially harming animals, and even setting up surveillance on the Schmidts. The ensuing trials had prosecutors claining that raw milk had no health benefits, but did nothing but carry TB, Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Streptococci and Staphylococci (this despite centuries of humans drinking unpasteurized milk). In the years that followed, Michael has fought back through publicity campaigns and his farm has continued to suppy raw milk to those who tout it's benefits. His latest fight involves him undergoing a hunger strike until he speaks with Ontario's Premier, Dalton McGuinty. Join us as we speak with this remarkable man!
  October 30, 2011

  30 min

• The Renegade Farmer: Deborah Niemann-Boehle/Homegrown and Ha

  The Renegade Farmer is pleased to be interviewing expert homesteader, writer, and author, Deborah Niemann-Boehle. Known for her popular Antiquity Oaks Blog as well as speaking about self-sufficiency nationewide, Deborah joins us to discuss her new book, Homegrown and Handmade. This guide to self-reliance shows how making things from scratch and growing at least some of your own food can help you eliminate artificial ingredients from your diet, reduce your carbon footprint, and create a more authentic life. This comprehensive guide to food and fiber from scratch proves that attitude and knowledge is more important than acreage. Written from the perspective of a successful, self-taught modern homesteader, this well-illustrated, practical and accessible manual will appeal to anyone who dreams of a simpler life. Boehle's own journey began nearly a decade ago when sheand her family moved to Antiquity Oaks, and she experimented with various aspects of raising garden foods and livestock, making fresh dairy products, and much more. Homegrown and Handmade is a reflection of these journeys, and lessons learned, and covers A-Z topics in homesteading, no matter where you live. Join us as we learn the art and craft of caring for yourself, eating better, and much more!
  October 23, 2011

  29 min

• The Renegade Farmer: Dean Sparks of NYFoods and Eggs-change

  Ten years ago, New York farmers Dean Sparks and Dan France discovered they shared a passion for organic farming—producing local foods that are wholesome, nutritious and great tasting, as well as kind to the earth and animals. That’s why they founded Nyfoods, a farmer-owned food business that supplies outstanding organic dairy from local farms within a short drive of New York City. The first product, organic nymilk, is supplied by the dairy cows raised by like-minded family farmers throughout New York. Nyfoods also offers organic nyeggs, a line of Nycheese, Nybutter and Nyogurt. In addition, Brooklyn-based Blue Marble Ice Cream began sourcing organic nymilk in 2011 for its boutique ice creams. He believes a there is still great divide between farmers and retailers still which poses challenges within the marketplace, and Nyfoods seeks to address these disparities. A dedication to great food carries over to the vision Sparks has mapped out for Nyfoods and its local operations. With families and community leaders increasingly concerned about the availability of fresh, healthy foods in so-called “food deserts” throughout all regions of the United States, Nyfoods in 2011 launched the Eggs-Change relief program in its backyard with Nyeggs. Organic eggs from pastured hens are a versatile source for nutritious protein that’s hard to find in many communities. Today Nyeggs are distributed free of charge to patrons of the Mott Haven Farmers’ Market in the South Bronx. Also, a portion of every Nymilk purchase is contributed to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), a regional organization that creates a sustainable, ecologically sound and economically viable food system. Join us as we talk with Dean about his groundbreaking company, his dedication to organic food and food justice, and how you, too, can contribute to a world of fair food.
  October 16, 2011

  28 min

• The Renegade Farmer: The Farmer's Table Chef Chris Grebner

  Chris Grebner graduated with honors from Le Cordon Bleu Portland’s Culinary Arts program, which emphasizes French cooking techniques using modern technology. While working with local restaurants and catering companies in Portland, Oregon, Chris decided he wanted to get even closer to the average dining table. This is where Spoon&Fork comes into the picture. With a passion for sustainability and local produce, Chris hopes to narrow the gap between the farm and the table even more by using produce directly from the farmers when possible. He uses organic and sustainable products because he believes it’s the responsible thing to do, not to mention more delicious. He created The Farmer's Table as a way to celebrate farms in his native Iowa, and he hosts each dinner from The Farmer's Table at various native farms, while each full course meals boasts farm fresh ingredients, also collected from local farmers. Join us as we discuss the importance of eating local, ideas and ideals of the Farmer's Table and much more about wholesome FARM fresh food!
  October 9, 2011

  29 min

• The Renegade Farmer Interviews Cathy Linker Lafrenz

  The Renegade Farmer is proud to present a great example of FarmWOMAN success! Cathy Linker Lafrenz was one of the dynamic farmers we met while on our bee tour of Iowa! We were mightily impressed with her business sense, strong support of fellow farmers, particularly women, her farm, classes in sustainability, speaking, and much more! Cathy runs the first U-Pick flower farm in Iowa, also known as Miss Effie's Country Flowers and Garden Stuff. She boast various classes in natural food and food creation, is an advocate for the small, organic farmer, has spoke in state and local levels, and much more! Plus, she's a hoot, to boot. Learn the secrets of working a successful farm, food, flowers, and various other fantastical farm information!
  June 12, 2011

  30 min

• e Renegade Farmer Interviews creators of "Queen of The Sun"

  The Renegade Farmer is proud to interview the creators of the movie "Queen of The Sun," a documentary that focuses on the plight of the bee, and our role in either their destruction or survival. This interview is a "reunion" of sorts for Zan Asha, host of The Renegade Farmer Radio Show, and the films creators, as Zan Asha was part of the film! From the creators: QUEEN OF THE SUN: What are the Bees Telling Us? is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from Taggart Siegel, acclaimed director of the grass-roots hit THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN. Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana Shiva. Together they reveal both the problems and the solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature. Don't miss this show!
  June 5, 2011

  30 min

• The Renegade Farmer Interviews Jere Gettle/Baker Creek Seeds

  The Renegade Farmer is proud to present our interview with farm entrepreneur visionary Jere Gettle, of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Jere Gettle always had a passion for growing things, and at age 3, he planted his first garden. Ever since that day, he wanted to be involved in the seed industry. So at the age of 17, he printed the first small Baker Creek Heir­loom Seed catalog in 1998. The company has grown to offer 1,400 varieties of vegetables, flowers and herbs—the largest selection of heirloom varieties in the U.S.A. Baker Creek carries one of the largest selections of seeds from the 19th century, including many Asian and European varieties. The company has become a tool to promote and preserve our agricultural and culinary heri­tage. Our company and seeds have been featured in The New York Times, The Associated Press, Oprah Maga­zine, Martha Stewart, and many others. Gardeners can request a free 128-page color catalog that now mails to over 250,000 gardeners nationally. Please join us as he discusses his love of gardening, his business, his work in other countries, and against GMOs! Don't miss this great interview!
  May 29, 2011

  30 min

• The Renegade Farmer Interviews Kristin Canty/Farmageddon

  The Renegade Farmer is proud to interview filmmaker Kristin Canty, whose documentary, Farmageddon, takes a deeper look the American government's ill treatment of small farmers. From the author: Armed police point guns at watermelons and USDA officials incinerate healthy sheep in this powerfully empathetic new documentary about ongoing problems with our nation’s food supply. If previous food films revealed how standard practices of massive agro-businesses maximize profits while minimizing consumer safety, Farmageddon shows, for the first time, how the U.S. government actively colludes with these businesses to keep our food unsafe. Beginning with one mom’s story of a sick child cured by raw milk that’s banned by the FDA, and criss-crossing the country to capture the tragic tales of family farms that were raided by the government for distributing real food, Farmageddon exposes the covert war on American farmers and co-ops that supply fresh, unprocessed foods to consumers concerned about personal, ecological and economic health. These heartbreaking stories will enrage anyone who believes in freedom in America, and expose the hypocrisy of ideologues who only advocate open markets when their campaign contributors stand to benefit. Join us for this eye-opening interview!
  May 15, 2011

  30 min

• The Renegade Farmer Interviews Janet Hurst: Homemade Cheese

  If you love making (or eating!) cheese, then this is the interview for you, as the Renegade Farmer interviews Janet Hurst, author of Homemade Cheese: 50 recipes from Artisan Cheesemakers. Making cheese at home is one of the joys of a self-sufficient lifestyle, along with gardening, canning, and raising chickens. Author Janet Hurst is a twenty-year-veteran home cheesemaker, who shows you how to easily craft your own cheddar, feta, chèvre, mozzarella, and 50 more cheeses. Included are profiles of 20 artisan cheesemakers—from Cypress Grove, Vermont Butter and Cheese, Shelburne Farms, Does Leap, Pure Luck, and more—and their favorite recipe. Join us for this tasty journey!
  May 8, 2011

  28 min

• The Renegade Farmer Interview: Nicole Faires of "The Ultimate Guide To Homesteading"

  The Renegade Farmer is proud to interview Nicole Faires, author of "The Ultimate Guide To Homesteading," and modern day nomad. The mother of 3 small girls, and lifelong homesteading advocate, Nicole has compiled many years of research into her book. Further, she and her family are converting a Bluebird school bus and plan to take it cross country to interview organic farmers! Join us as we discuss all things organic, homesteading, family, and nomadic journey!
  April 10, 2011

  30 min

• The Renegade Farmer Says NO to GMOs

  If you've followed us for any amount of time, you know that The Renegade Farming advocates farming in most forms EXCEPT for industrial farming. Why? Because the ills of pesticides, corporate greed, worker/farmer abuse, animal abuse, and much more are rife when agriculture, largely the domain of man working with nature, becomes a mass produced "entity." As bad as this is, we abhor only one aspect of "farming" more--genetically engineered crops. "What's that, you say?" Yes, crops that are GENETICALLY altered, and then mass produced and SENT TO YOUR supermarket. GMOS are genetically modified organisms, and they DO exist. Biotech companies have, for decades, been stealthily creating engineered crops under the guise of "helping find solutions for crop dearth," what they are really perpetrating is nothing short of a crop monopoly; these companies alter a crop, or a seed, then PATENT this new creation--which means they own it--with the idea that YOU will eventually have to PAY them to even grow it, or harvest it. Eventually, the hope to overtake the world with this scheme, and YOU are at risk! Join us as we discuss the basics of what you need to know about GMO's, GMO politics, how the GOVERNMENT is involved, how companies like DOW and Bayer are involved, the problem with Monsanto, genetically modified ANIMALS (it's true) and how you can STOP the GMO madness! JOIN us for this important show!
  April 3, 2011

  30 min

• The Renegade Farmer Interviews The Grower's Exchange

  The Renegade Farmer takes pride in interviewing Briscoe White, Founder of The Grower's Exchange. Almost 25 years ago, The Growers Exchange opened in an abandoned Texaco gas station on a busy urban street corner in Richmond, Virginia. Since then, they've focused on providing top quality plants and garden-related products in the widest possible selection. By 2005, we had outgrown their local market of passionate green-thumb customers, so they closed shop and moved into our new permanent digs on the Web. The Grower's Exchange provides high quality herbs and other gardener's delights and garden tools. See more at: www.thegrowers-exchange.com
  March 27, 2011

  28 min

• Renegade Farmer 24: Interview on Old Time Country Wisdom

  The Renegade Farmer is proud to interview Michael Dregni, editor of "Old Time Country Wisdom", a compilation of classic country know-how. Collected from the writings of Texas folklorist Jerry Mack Johnson, "Old Time Country Wisdom" is packed with more than 1,000 projects, pastimes, recipes, and down-home knowledge along with over 450 vintage illustrations. Jerry Mack Johnson (1923-2001), was a Texas folklorist who grew up on a ranch in West Texas, worked as a cowboy, rodeo clown, professional bull rider, miner, prospector, merchant seaman, oilfield worker, catfish farmer, salesman, and school teacher. He was the author of numerous books of lore, including Down Home Ways, Country Wisdom, and Country Scrapbook. Old-Time Country Wisdom & Lore is a compilation of his best and most useful advice and information. We will be discussing many aspect of the book, including how to read the clouds to predict the weather, make a long-lasting campfire, can fruits and vegetables, braid a rug, use a divining rod to find water, make a hammock, brew strawberry tea, tap trees to make maple syrup, find the best fishing spots, make homemade cheese and butter, build a rubber-band boat and other childrens toys, fashion a backpack, keep the house spic-and-span, make gravestone rubbings, stitch a quilt, form adobe bricks, tan animal hides, dip wax candles, and much more! Don't miss out on this informative and entertaining interview! As our world becomes more and more complicated and dependent on speed and convenience, there has been a rising interest in looking back at simpler, more basic ways of living.
  March 20, 2011

  26 min

• Renegade Farmer 23: Rachel Kaplan and K. Ruby Blume, authors of "Urban Homesteading"

  The Renegade Farmer is excited and proud to interview Rachel Kaplan and K. Ruby Blume, authors of the forthcoming "Urban Homesteading: Heirloom Skills for Sustainable Living" book. The book, due out in April, explores the world of Urban Homesteading, with advice on various aspects of Urban Farming. Urban homesteading is a growing movement in this country, part of the global re-imagining of culture on the other side of governmental indifference and corporate greed. Concerned about climate change and peak oil? Thinking about localizing your food sources? Wondering how to manage water, waste and energy better? Interested in community building and local self-reliance? Looking for resources for taking care of yourself while taking care of the world? "Urban Homesteading" will answer these questions and provides an inspirational how-to and why-to for the urban homesteading movement. Richly illustrated with drawings and photographs, and featuring interviews with homesteaders “on the ground”, Urban Homesteading will give you an introduction to urban permaculture, creating a personal sustainability plan for yourself and your neighborhood, and how-tos on the basics of do-it-yourself ecological living in the city. We will also discuss the recent controversy of the "Urban Homestead" and "Urban Homesteading" trademark, which affects this book, as well as thousands of others who have used those terms for decades. DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!
  March 13, 2011

  29 min

• The Renegade Farmer 22: Interview with Eric Herm, author "Son of A Farmer, Child of The Earth"

  The Renegade Farmer is proud to do our second interview with author and 4th generation farmer, Eric Herm. Farming alongside his father on his Texas ranch, Eric quickly became aware of "Big Ag" and it's overtly industrialized practices, which WEREN'T practical for soil or crop health. His curiosity about the government's role in our natural resources eventually led to the publishing of his eye opening book "Son of A Farmer, Child of The Earth." In it, Herm will lead you to the startling truth about pesticides, bottled water, soil health, factory farming AND MUCH MORE. Be informed about what's REALLY going on with your food, water, and more! Join us for this important interview and discussion!
  February 20, 2011

  29 min

• The Renegade Farmer 21: Interview with Jenna Woginrich author of "Chick Days" / "Made From Scratch"

  Greetings and welcome to the second season of the Renegade Farmer Radio Show! This season promises several exciting guests and our first guest of the season is NO exception. Cold Antler's own Jenna Woginrich is a writer for The Huffington Post, her own Cold Antler blog, and has been profiled various times for her unique farming adventures through four states, starting in her early twenties. She is the author of TWO books that detail her handmade life, the latest being Storey published "Chick Days" which is an absolute beginner's guide to raising chickens, told with flair that only Jenna can deliver. Please join us as we talk all thing farm, chicken, and maybe a little old mountain music and more! See more of Jenna:www.barnheart.com More of Storey: www.storey.com/ More of The Renegade Farmer:www.therenegadefarmer.com
  February 13, 2011

  29 min
• 2010

• The Renegade Farmer 20: Catherine Friend of "Hit By A Farm!"

  Hello Renegade Farmers! Join us as we interview writer, farmer, and author of "Hit By A Farm: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Barn," Catherine Friend. A former ‘city girl,’ Friend lives on a small farm in southeastern Minnesota, where she and her spouse raise sheep and cattle. She writes adult nonfiction, fiction, and children’s books. “I suppose I should focus on just one, but I can’t bear to give any of them up,” says Friend. The Compassionate Carnivore won the Minnesota Book Award in General Nonfiction. Her memoir, Hit By a Farm was selected by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as one of the best books of 2006. Her children’s picture book, The Perfect Nest, was chosen by the Wall Street Journal as one of five best ‘read alouds,’ and was nominated for numerous state reading awards. She was awarded the Loft/McKnight Artist Fellowship for Writers, and her adult adventure novels have won several awards. Friend has a M.S. in Economics and a B.A. in Spanish. She works as a freelance editor, teaches writing workshops, and authors the blogs “Farm Tales” and “The Inkslinger.” She volunteers on her local library and arts council boards, calls her parents on a regular basis, and is especially proud she’s learned how to take the wool from her sheeps’ backs and knit it into very cool socks. We hope you will join us for what promises to be an insightful (and perhaps funny!) look at farm life, and balancing farming with other pursuits/careers!
  June 27, 2010

  61 min