SG560: Turn Compact Spaces into Successful Market Farms with Josh Volk

Before we start to review your book and dive into the 15 farms you profiled, why don’t you tell us about yourself?

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What motivated you to write a book?

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Well Josh, your book is divided into three parts. The first is tittled ‘Why Farm Small’ and you share some strategies here. I’m curious what are some of those that stand out in your mind?

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On page 2, right when you start to talk about compact values and strategies, there’s an image of someone setting bull traps. I’m curious about the hoop structures that are in the ground?

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You’ve got a lot of different row coverings that I see throughout your book. What’s your favorite row cover and where do you source it?

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Part one also features a profile of John Jeavons, director of Ecology Action. I’m assuming his work was inspirational to you and wondering if you could tell us a bit more about him?

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I’m very curious how you found the compact farms across the country that you profile in your book. What was your method, how did you find them, and did you visit all of them?

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Before we dive into each of the 15 farms, I have to ask you about your illustrations. Each profile has an illustrated map of the farm. Who is responsible for this fantastic maps?

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Well, you start first by profiling your own farm, Slow Hand Farm on .15 acres. Is this the smallest farm featured in your book?

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Burn out is a real factor for people on these farms, correct?

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Well, let’s go down the list. Farm number 2 is Four Season Farm.

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Cook’s Farm

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Harvest Moon Flower Farm

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Peregrine Farm

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Liberty Gardens

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Kealaola Farm

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Les Jardins de la Grelinette

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Groundswell Farm

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Mellowfields Urban Farm

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Full Plate Farm

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Flywheel Farm

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Leap Frog Farm

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Cully Neighborhood Farm

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Brooklyn Grange

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Education is a big part of a lot of these compact farms, isn’t it?

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What do you commonly tell folks who want to give compact farming a try?

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I love the final paragraph and thought it’ll be a great way to close up the interview today. Could you read that for us and share some closing thoughts on your book?

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