I had the privilege of interviewing Michael Kilpatrick on the latest episode of Secrets of the Soil. We discussed his incredible journey as a farmer and his innovative approach to regenerating soil and growing a successful farm.
Here are three key takeaways from my conversation with Michael:
1️⃣ Soil Health is Key: Michael emphasized the importance of listening to the soil and understanding its needs. By focusing on soil health and reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides, farmers can improve fertility levels and contribute to climate resiliency.
2️⃣ Covered Production for Year-Round Harvesting: Michael shared the benefits of covered production, especially in terms of weather resilience and year-round harvesting. With 16 hoop houses covering a total of 64,100 square feet, his farm generates $100,000 a year, showcasing the profitability and flexibility of this approach.
3️⃣ Marketing and Customer Acquisition: Michael recognizes the challenges and benefits of marketing in the farming industry. He prioritizes initiatives like email newsletters and emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with customers for sustainable sales growth.
To dive deeper into Michael Kilpatrick’s inspiring journey and learn more about his thriving farmer framework, tune in to the latest episode of Secrets of the Soil. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights for all farmers and agricultural enthusiasts! 🎧✨
#regenerativefarming #soilhealth #coveredproduction #agriculture #podcast #secretsofthesoil
Who is Michael Kilpatrick?
Michael Kilpatrick is the owner of Growing Farmers/In the Field Media, LLC and a farmer (The Farm on Central), educator, and inventor who lives in Ohio. He’s the host of the top-rated Thriving Farmer Podcast as well as the Thriving Farmer Summit series, which has been viewed by over a quarter-million farmers.
He’s managed large farms and businesses, consulted for industry experts around the world, and spoken at dozens of conferences. Michael believes that anyone can build a profitable farm by following the simple business and management skills that he teaches in the Small Farm University, his company’s educational platform and community for thriving farmers.
Website & Social Media Links:
www.facebook.com/growingfarmerswithmichael
www.instagram.com/growingfarmers/
https://www.youtube.com/growingfarmers
Introduction to Soil's Secrets
From humble beginnings focusing on traditional tillage to pioneering a regenerative farming approach, Michael Kilpatrick’s transformative journey embodies the essence of agricultural evolution. In the third episode of “Secrets of the Soil,” we explore how Michael’s Thriving Farmer framework has reshaped his farm management and enriched his soil’s vitality.
The Transformative Power of Organic Matter
From Tillage to Mulch Mastery
Seventeen years into his farming career, Michael witnessed firsthand the positive impacts that incorporating organic materials like grass clippings, straw, and hay had on soil quality. As he transitioned to using mulch crops and biodegradable plastics, the soil’s moisture retention, cleanliness, and disease resistance profoundly improved. Even more telling was the subsequent enhancement of earthworm populations and overall soil health despite ongoing tillage. Filled with carbon-rich amendments, Michael’s soils thrived, underscoring the critical role of organic matter in creating fertile ecosystems.
Cover Crops and Permaculture Planning
Cultivating Cover & Considering the Future
Beyond mulching, Michael’s commitment to cover crops further underscores his dedication to soil health. Reminiscing about converting a sandy garden into fertile land through the double digging method during his youth, he recognized the merits of peat moss and cow manure early on. Now, as he plants perennials and plans for the future with his wife, they adopt a permaculture lens, carefully designing their eight-acre property for long-term profitability and sustainability. Their vision extends to creating a legacy that transcends individual ownership, hinted at by their decision to keep their names off the farm in anticipation of passing it onto future caretakers.
Revenue, Resilience, and Relationships
The Holistic Approach to Farming
The financial health of the farm is as crucial as the soil’s, with Michael emphasizing marketing and customer acquisition tactics, such as the effectiveness of email newsletters. His innovative use of covered production in the form of hoop houses allows for year-round harvests, flexibility in response to weather, and resilience — generating impressive additional revenue. The farm’s strategic location, proximity to family, and fostering of community relations, especially with a supporting church, further amplifies its success.
Investments and Infrastructure
Building a Future-Proof Farm
Investing in the future, Michael shares insights into the financial savvy needed to construct a resilient and profitable farm. From securing loans to understanding cash flow, he encourages aspiring farmers to grasp the “money game” and explore funding options. Significant investments in infrastructure, like a nursery/greenhouse with sophisticated systems, highlight the importance of forward-thinking and professional support in modern farming.
Regenerative Techniques and Community Engagement
From Soil Health to Social Enterprise
Michael’s regenerative practices are also intertwined with community-building. By circumventing traditional sales models with ingenious solutions like a farm stand constructed from an old transit bus, he has created a direct-to-consumer business that thrives on transparency and customer engagement. His practices signify a profound shift toward ecological farming that fosters a closer bond between people and their food sources.
Sowing Seeds of Transformation
Michael Kilpatrick’s transformative approach to farming invites us into a world where the health of the soil is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the community and the environment. By intertwining regenerative agriculture techniques with smart business practices and an unyielding commitment to the future, the Thriving Farmer framework emerges not only as a blueprint for agricultural success but also as a testament to the power of nurturing the earth. Listen to episode 3 of “Secrets of the Soil” to dive deeper into Michael Kilpatrick’s insights and the rich tapestry of his farming philosophy.
