241. Jill Ragan on Growing a Tiny but Mighty Farm

Published: July 25, 2023, noon

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What\'s holding you back from full-time farming? \\xa0

On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we\\u2019re joined by Jill Ragan, Owner of Whispering Willow Farm, located in Central Arkansas. Along with her husband, Nathan, Jill\\u2019s mission is to create an environment where people come together, foster sustainable practices, and build a resilient local food system. Jill teaches others how to plan and steward their own farms through her social media, online courses and her recently released book The Tiny But Mighty Farm.

Tune in today to hear all about Jill\\u2019s journey from working a 9-5 job to full-time farming!

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You\\u2019ll hear:

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  • How Jill got into farming 2:00
  • How Jill sources the farm\\u2019s soil 11:50
  • About what tools they use for production 15:06
  • What the Whispering Willow team looks like 18:06
  • What Jill would change if she could start the farm over again 21:52
  • About Jill\\u2019s motivation to write her book The Tiny But Mighty Farm 24:20
  • What the most common questions are that Jill has received 29:49
  • About Jill\\u2019s experience with selling to restaurants and breweries 32:20
  • Jill\\u2019s advice for an aspiring farmer 39:48

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About the Guest:\\xa0

Jill Ragan, along with her husband Nathan, are the owners of Whispering Willow Farm in central Arkansas. Along with their three daughters, their family is striving to stay connected to their local community by sharing food and flowers with those around them. Through various outlets like her growing YouTube channel and her new book The Tiny But Mighty Farm, Jill teaches about gardening and, most importantly, flourishing on your home farm no matter the size.\\xa0

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Resources:

Jill\'s book - The Tiny But Mighty Farm
Website - www.thewhisperingwillowfarm.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whisperingwillowfrm/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whisperingwillowfarm15
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@WhisperingWillowFarm

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