In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with flower farmer and community visionary Cathryn Henning of Bee Worthy Farms for a deeply honest and hopeful conversation about what it really takes to make small-scale farming viable in today’s world. Now in her third year in business, and with nearly a decade of experience in non-profit farming, Cathryn is all about adapting her work in a shifting culture and climate, while growing community alongside crops.

We unpack the layers of burnout, joy, beauty, and strategy that go into running a land-based business that is both regenerative and financially sustainable. Cathryn shares her journey from milking goats to running a flower farm in San Diego, and how she’s redefined success through practices of reciprocity, seasonal alignment, and community care.

We explore how ease can be cultivated not by chasing external markers of success, but by building internal and relational systems that support longevity, on the land and within ourselves. You’ll also hear the origin story of Bloom Club, Cathryn’s newest community-supported model that invites people into direct, reciprocal relationship with her farm.

Whether you're a land steward, aspiring grower, or someone dreaming of a more connected way of living, this episode is a beautiful exploration of farming as lifestyle, livelihood, and love letter to the Earth.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Why Cathryn pivoted from vegetables to flowers, and the hidden hustle of each

• How reciprocity shows up in land stewardship and business decisions

• The myth of the “struggling farmer” and how to reframe it

• Building community into your business without losing yourself

• Aligning your farm operations with the seasons (and your nervous system)

• The vision behind Bloom Club and reimagining agritourism

• Practical ways farmers can invite support, set boundaries, and avoid burnout

Resources & Links:

• Bee Worthy Farms Website

• Follow Cathryn: @beeworthyfarms

• Bloom Club: Member-only access pass to the farm to reconnect—with nature, creativity, learning, and the quiet magic of seasonal rhythms

• Connect with Hannah: @hannahkeitel
  

In this solo episode of Hands in the Soil, we return to a commonly misunderstood topic in the food system: does certified organic mean pesticide-free? Building on a previous episode released a year ago, I dive deeper into the nuances of pesticide use in organic agriculture to clarify what the organic label really means—and what it doesn’t.

I explain the difference between organic and synthetic pesticides, how regulations work under organic certification, and why it's still essential to ask questions about where your food comes from. I also explore how integrated pest management and regenerative practices can help farms reduce or even eliminate pesticide use altogether.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Why certified organic doesn’t mean pesticide-free
• The difference between synthetic and organic pesticides
• How some synthetic pesticides are still allowed in organic certification (and why that matters)
• The loophole of EPA conditional registration and toxicity testing gaps
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and alternatives to pesticide use
• How farm scale, soil health, and biodiversity impact pest control
• Critiques of organic certification and the difference between small regenerative farms and large-scale organic monocultures
• Why knowing your farmer is often more valuable than any label
  

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Hannah: @hannahkeitel

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we’re joined by Dr. Kaitlin Reed (Yurok/Hupa/Oneida), an enrolled member of the Yurok Tribe and associate professor of Native American Studies at Cal Poly Humboldt. Dr. Reed also serves as the Co-Director of the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab and Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute - the first lab of its kind in the California State University system.

Dr. Reed shares the story behind this student-led initiative, which provides a groundbreaking space to engage with Indigenous sciences, collaborate with tribal nations, and amplify Indigenous bio-cultural sovereignty. We explore the meaning and depth of food sovereignty, why it matters beyond access and insecurity, and how the Lab is creating pathways for environmental justice, cultural revitalization, and community healing.

We also celebrate the Lab’s recent recognition as a 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award recipient - a $350,000 grant supporting the Lab’s continued work advancing Indigenous knowledge and food systems.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab and its student-led founding

• What sets this Lab apart in the CSU system and Western academia

• How Indigenous food sovereignty differs from mainstream food access models

• Cultural, ecological, and spiritual dimensions of traditional food systems

• How the Lab operates with grassroots support and community programming

• The significance of receiving the James Irvine Foundation Award

• Future visions for the Lab, including an Indigenous Food Network

• How students, communities, and allies can get involved

… And so much more!

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Food Sovereignty Lab: nasp.humboldt.edu/fsl

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we’re joined by Jasmine and Joseph Wiens, the founders of Lost Ranch Winery in Temecula Valley. Since launching Lost Ranch in 2020, Jasmine and Joseph have been pioneering regenerative agriculture and low intervention winemaking on their working ranch. Their vision? To produce beautiful wines while deeply honoring the land, environment, and community.

Lost Ranch grows and sources grapes from organic and regeneratively farmed vineyards, with a commitment to no-till practices, native cover crops, and minimizing synthetic inputs. They’ve also brought in animals like sheep and chickens to support natural weed and pest management, an approach that not only enhances soil health but helps restore biodiversity. In this episode, we explore their journey into sustainable viticulture, the meaning and magic of low intervention wines, and how they’re shifting the narrative in the wine industry.

Tune in to learn more about:

• What it means to practice regenerative agriculture in a vineyard setting

• The story behind founding Lost Ranch Winery in Temecula Valley

• How low intervention winemaking differs from conventional processes

• Why grape varietal selection matters for sustainability and flavor

• Their use of livestock and native plant systems in soil regeneration

• The aesthetic vision behind their natural, welcoming tasting room

• How Lost Ranch engages the local community through education and events

• Strategies for sustainable distribution and working with local eateries

… And so much more!

Jasmine & Joseph's Resources & Links:

• Visit Lost Ranch Winery: www.lostranchwinery.com
• Follow on Instagram: @lostranchwinery

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we’re joined by Chris Burroughs, founder of Garden 31, a San Diego County-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through regenerative agriculture and life skills training. Chris's work focuses on empowering at-risk youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities by providing opportunities for growth, healing, and connection to the Earth.

Chris shares the story behind Garden 31, highlighting the organization's mission to build resilient communities through sustainable agriculture, mentorship, and systemic change. We explore the magic of gardens as spaces for healing, connection, and empowerment, and discuss why real, lasting change must address the roots of societal challenges rather than simply treating symptoms.

Whether you're passionate about food justice, community empowerment, or systemic transformation, this conversation offers a heartfelt and inspiring look at what is possible when hope and action meet.

Tune in to learn more about:

• How Garden 31 empowers marginalized communities through regenerative agriculture

• The connection between local agriculture, community health, and systemic change

• Innovative programs like school gardens and youth mentorship initiatives

• The long-term vision for an agricultural life academy

• Why gardens are powerful spaces for healing and growth

• The importance of community collaboration and engagement

• How food distribution models can be tailored to better serve community needs

• Opportunities for volunteering and supporting Garden 31's mission

• What true systemic change can look like in practice

… And so much more!

Chris's Resources & Links:

Visit Garden 31: www.garden31.org

Follow on Instagram: @garden.31

Connect with Hannah:

Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Sargent, founder of Longroots Ranch in Boulder County, Colorado. Peter grew up on horse and cattle operations in Pennsylvania and Wyoming and spent a decade as an environmental organizer before combining those two worlds in a regenerative agrivoltaic operation.

We explore Peter’s journey into farming, the concept of agrivoltaics—which merges agriculture with solar energy—and how this practice benefits soil health, livestock, and energy production. Peter breaks down how solar grazing works, its potential to transform land use, and the challenges of managing animals within solar arrays. He also shares his perspective on conscious meat consumption, the importance of nose-to-tail eating, and what it means to consume meat “in season.”

Whether you’re curious about renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, or how to be a more ethical meat consumer, this episode offers a rich and grounded conversation at the intersection of farming and environmental innovation.

Tune in to learn more about:

• • The practical realities of integrating sheep with solar arrays
  • How carbon sequestration ties into both grazing practices and climate solutions
  • Tips for eating meat more ethically, including seasonal awareness and full-animal use
  • What makes solar grazing economically viable for farmers and energy providers
  • Behind-the-scenes challenges that most people don’t see in small-scale livestock operations
  • How thoughtful land stewardship can benefit ecosystems, communities, and farmers
  • … And so much more!

Peter’s Resources & Links:

• Visit Long Roots Ranch: www.longrootsranch.com/

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel
  

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Bianca and Ethan Nati, the passionate growers behind The Growers Grange. Over the past three years, they built their small-scale farm from the ground up outside of Portland, Oregon. However, they are now in the process of closing their farm business, and this conversation takes an honest look at the challenges of making farming a financially and emotionally sustainable career.

Bianca and Ethan share their journey into agriculture, from their early inspirations to the hard lessons they learned along the way. They reflect on the romanticism of this work versus the realities of running a farm as a business, the systemic challenges that make small-scale farming so difficult, and their advice for aspiring farmers. We also explore what’s next for them as they transition out of farming as a profession but continue their love for growing food.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The journey of starting The Growers Grange and what led to its closure

• The realities of farming as a business versus a personal or family tradition

• Why small-scale farming is financially and physically demanding

• Common misconceptions about farming and the romanticized vision many people hold

• Why Ethan and Bianca believe small-scale agriculture is unsustainable for many new farmers

• Key challenges in today’s agricultural industry and possible solutions

• The differences between sustainable farming and conventional farming in terms of financial viability

• How interpersonal relationships are affected by the stress and demands of farming

• The importance of valuing your health and relationships while pursuing a farming career

• What Bianca and Ethan plan to continue growing in the future for pleasure rather than profit

… And so much more!

Resources & Links:

• Visit The Growers Grange website: https://thegrowersgrange.square.site/
• Find a farm or land link program near you: https://farmlandinfo.org/farm-link-finder/

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we’re excited to dive back in with Ian McSweeney, a dedicated land steward and advocate for equitable farmland access. Ian’s work centers on the human connection to land and each other, viewing food and agriculture as both separating and connecting forces. As Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of The Farmers Land Trust, he has helped protect over 12,000 acres of farmland, securing land access for future generations.

We discuss the Farmland Commons model—a transformative approach to farmland conservation that ensures land remains in the hands of farmers and communities for generations to come. Ian breaks down how the model works, who can implement it, and the critical differences between 501c3, 501c2, and 501c25 nonprofit structures in this context. Ian’s insights provide a roadmap for farmers, conservationists, and community members interested in reshaping farmland ownership and resilience. Whether you're a farmer looking for secure land access or an advocate for sustainable food systems, this episode offers valuable knowledge and inspiration.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The importance of securing farmland for future generations

• How the Farmland Commons model operates and the steps for replicating it

• The challenge of transitioning farmland ownership and how to bridge the gap between retiring farmers and aspiring land stewards

• The need for stronger networks within farming communities

• Innovative approaches to land acquisition, including property mapping and direct outreach to landowners

• … And so much more!

Ian’s Resources & Links:

• Visit The Farmers Land Trust: thefarmerslandtrust.org

• Follow on Instagram: @thefarmerslandtrust

• Facebook: The Farmers Land Trust

• YouTube: The Farmers Land Trust

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel