What are some of the challenges of organic farming, and how can you overcome them?

Today, we’re joined by Ryan Lichttenegger, co-founder of Steel Wheel Farm, located in Fall City, Washington.

Steel Wheel Farm is a small, first-generation family farm with one goal in mind: To improve the way in which produce is grown, harvested, and distributed. They believe that quality food begins with the farmer, and because of that, they provide only fresh, local, and naturally-grown items.

Ryan was raised in rural Minnesota next to a seasoned, well-educated dairy farmer. He brings his midwestern roots and passion for the land to the Northwest. A creative thinker, Ryan received his degree in digital animation before returning to his roots in farming.

Tune in to hear about their unique farming journey!

You’ll hear:

What Steel Wheel Farm is all about 1:17

How Steel Wheel grows, harvests, and sells grains 4:21

What the seeding process and weed control is like at Steel Wheel 7:14

What their procedure is for grain rotation 11:44

How big the Steel Wheel team is 16:21

How conducive to farming the weather in Fall City, Washington is 21:19

Which greenhouse Ryan prefers 26:26

Farmers markets Steel Wheel attends 27:31

What Ryan enjoys most about farming 32:48

What Ryan would change about his approach to the farm if he could go back in time 33:33

The biggest mistake Ryan sees newer farmers making 34:55

How Steel Wheel manages fertility 37:12

Ryan’s favorite farming tool 44:50

About the Guest:

Ryan Lichttenegger of Steel Wheel Farm. Steel Wheel Farm is a first-generation farm in the Snoqualmie Valley growing food to feed humans better.  Ryan believes that growing good food begins with the farmer and strives to grow the healthiest foods using natural, regenerative, and organic growing practices.    

Resources:

Website: www.steelwheelfarm.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteelWheelFarm 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelwheel.farm/ 

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

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