Today I speak about several themes that have arisen over the past 29 weeks. And, also advise that I am taking a break from the weekly schedule. I will return to taping the podcast in October and releasing episodes starting in November. 

When I return, I am going to add my own voice and cover topcis and issues in more depth. I hope you enjoy today's episode and will pick up again in the fall when I resume with regular episodes. 

This is part two of the interview with Kenton Zerbin where he speaks more about the nuts and bolts of behind the scenes of the tiny home build and also elaborates on a couple edible landscape projects he's completed in and around Edmonton. He also let's us know how to become a sponsor for the Tiny Home Master Plan. 

Show Notes:

Kenton Zerbin

Tiny House Master Plan - YouTube Channel

Tyler and his family run a grain farm on the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan. They are transitioning from a high input level of farming into regenerative farming practices. He speaks about the difficulties and reasons for making the shift. He also elaborates on the ways in which city-folks and those not involved in agriculture can help our farmers navigate the transition. One solution does not fit all!

Tyler is also known as The Crackpot Farmer. And, was one of the people who went to Ottawa to protest the restrictions the Canadian government placed on the country. It is interesting to the the first hand account of what was taking place and his experiences of being in the midst of the protest. He laments the fact that the mainstream media's misreporting of the events that took place. And also how heartening it was to be part of a movement that managed to avoid resorting to violence to make its point despite nearly a four week occupancy. He also elaborates on his best and worst moment in Ottawa. 

Show Notes: 

The Crackpot Farmer

The Crackpot Farmer - YouTube

Mead has inspired poets and warriors for centuries. And, Lilly Weichberger is one such poet. She not only owns a small batch Artisan Meadery located in Southern Oregon but also is the mead maker. And, like traditional poets of old, she is dedicated to hand crafting a delicious variety of meads inspired by ancient traditions.

She is committed to using local and varietal honeys and pairing them with local seasonal fruit, herbs, and spices.

Established in 2015, she recently achieved a personal milestone by having one of her meads win Internationally at the Mazer Cup. 

Today we cover her mead making origin story, the trials and tribulations of being a woman in a male dominated industry, and some of the legal issues that pose great barriers to growth for small business in this industry. 

Show Notes:

Oran Mor Artisan Mead

Harmony's Way Family Farm has been raising food for decades on their family farm. They used to be certified organic. But thanks to a loyal followying who not only know and trust them, are committed to supporthing them without requiring them to pay the extra money to be certified. 

They raise animals and vegetable in a humane and ethical manner. Always putting the needs of the animals and the environment first. What began as a quest to raise healthy food for their own needs has grown into a community resource that is trusted by many. 

They use minimal inputs. So much so they still use horses and do sone have massive tractors and combines to work their land. 

Show notes: 

Harmony's Way Family Farm

The Yak Ranch has been owned and operated solely by Jennifer Rath since 2015. Established at Caroline Alberta the ranch has relocated to just outside Wildwood, Alberta in the fall of 2021. The Yak Ranch is Canada’s largest breeder of registered Tibetan Yaks in Canada. The ranch prides itself on providing quiet, top quality breed stock across Canada as well as delicious grass fed yak products to consumers across Alberta. She is obviously passionate about these animals and it shows in how she not only speaks about them but also the care and handling she provides. 

Episode Notes: 

The Yak Ranch 

Host Name: Jennifer Rath

Email: theyakranch@outlook.com

Phone: 403-741-4903

Wheelchair Accessible

Jared  was once a high school teacher but decided he wanted to be more self-determined in his own future. So, without land, without a tractor or any heavy equipment and against all odds, he began his own unique farm and fed not only his family but also a lot of people in the process. He also found himself answering a lot of questions of strangers passing by and wondering what he was up to. He discusses the policies and other obstacles to starting this business. And also why he ultimately left direct farming and marketing to start a new venture. Now he teaches online classes that give people the tools, methods, and resources to grow their own food. 

Notes:

The Vegetable Academy

Part two of Robert Zimdal interview. We cover such topics as sustainability. Bob rasies interesting questions such as the ethics of who gets to decide what is and/or should be worth sustaining. We ponder facts like the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico that is directly created by unsustainable agriculture and consider what, if anything, could be done about it. 

With his fist pounding passion and the Grandfather clock chiming in every so often, I enjoyed speaking with him so much and I hope you do too.

Notes:

Click here to learn more about Robert L. Zimdahl and find his work and books.