After a short break, the podcast is back with an exciting new series that blends farming, health, and unique personal stories. The host, Dr. Bill, is lining up conversations with farmers, researchers, and innovators who are shaping the way we think about soil, plants, animals, and human health. This upcoming series takes listeners from cherry orchards in northern Michigan to hemp research fields in Illinois and everywhere in between.
Harvesting Cherries in Northern Michigan
The first stop will be with John, a farmer in northern Michigan managing a large cherry orchard. Dr. Bill first met him years ago at a soil health conference. Now, John is preparing for one of the busiest times of the year: the cherry harvest. Fun fact: nearly 90% of the world’s tart cherries are grown in northern Michigan. This episode will give listeners an inside look at the harvest process and what it means for farmers and consumers alike.
A Visit to a Lavender Farm
Another highlight from Dr. Bill’s travels includes a lavender farm in Petoskey, Michigan. The owners not only grow lavender for essential oils but also engage visitors through agritourism experiences like “cut-your-own” events and tours. A particularly moving story from the farm was the planting of a lavender field in the shape of a flag, with a veteran planting the Michigan “star” in the design. Listeners will also hear about how lavender oil is distilled, the surprising yield of only about five gallons per year, and the creative ways the farm connects with the community through events.
An Unexpected Encounter with a Cucumber Breeder
On vacation in Elk Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Bill struck up a conversation with Gary, a retired cucumber breeder who spent his career working with multiple seed companies and even founded a research firm in Florida. Gary agreed to come on the podcast to share his expertise in cucumber breeding, gardening tips, and how home growers can improve their harvests.
Hemp: A Crop With Huge Potential
Back in Illinois, Dr. Bill attended the University of Illinois’ Hemp Research Field Day. Hemp is a crop with multiple benefits including soil health, nutrition, building materials, and even mold resistance in homes. While Dr. Bill admits his own experience as a hemp farmer was not successful, he remains fascinated by its possibilities. He also met Joshua and Katelyn Blackwell, who are testing hemp farming as part of their “I Grow Homes” initiative, exploring hemp-based building materials. They will soon join the podcast to share their journey and vision for hemp’s future in farming and construction.
Supporting Small Farmers: The Illinois Stewardship Alliance
Looking ahead, the podcast will feature voices from the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting small farmers and the cottage food industry. Their advocacy and programs are helping independent growers thrive, and listeners will learn about the role they play in shaping sustainable agriculture in the state.
Looking for Listener Input
Dr. Bill also teased the idea of giving listeners a way to suggest future guests and topics, ranging from soil health and animal care to human wellness. Whether it is a farmer, a health expert, or a unique agricultural story, he wants the community to help shape the conversation.
A Season Packed With Variety
From cherries and lavender to cucumbers and hemp, the upcoming podcast season promises a wide variety of stories and lessons. It is a reminder that farming, health, and wellness are deeply connected, and that sometimes the best discoveries come from chance encounters, whether at a farm, a field day, or even while wearing the right t-shirt on vacation.