Farm Talk with Paul Ward

Tomatomania!- A Celebration Event of America’s Favorite Garden Vegetable

Paul meets with Scott Daigre from Tomatomania to talk about their 150+ hybrid and heirloom tomato varieties, how the seasonal celebration events came to be, and tips for growing your own favorite garden vegetable.

The Superior Flavor of Fresh Thai Coconuts and Artisan Products you Can Purchase at Southern California Farmers Markets with Mingle’s Coconuts

Paul meets with Mingle’s Coconuts in Ojai, California to talk about their handcrafted fresh Thai coconuts, how the family got started in the coconut business, what it's been like operating at many Southern California Farmers Markets during COVID and the many artisan products they sell. 

Interview with Tami Chu of Edible of Ojai & Ventura County

Paul meets with Tami Chu who is the editor, publisher and owner of Edible of Ojai & Ventura County magazine. Edible is a local food magazine that is published quarterly with the seasons. They celebrate the stories of local farmers, artisans and people who bring food to the table, they feature seasonal recipes and focus on celebrating the culture around the food on the table and the people who bring it.

Interview with Suzannah Underwood of Underwood Family Farms

Paul and Suzannah discuss her family's five generations of family farming in Ventura County, from growing  tomatoes and other vegetables to operating a year-round public events calendar at the 200 acre Underwood Farm Center in Moorpark.  Fall Harvest on the Farm is currently in full swing, with weekends dedicated to antique tractors, the wild west and pumpkin picking.  

Farm Talk Podcast: Interview with President of Sierra Pacific Farms, Doug O’Hara

In this episode of Farm Talk, Paul interviews the President of Sierra Pacific Farms, Doug O’Hara. They discuss how a grove management company manages different crops, such as lemons and avocados, the cost benefit of redeveloping an orchard and what it takes to start from bare dirt and turn it into a high production orchard. 

 

Farm Talk is sponsored by The Escrow Hub and The Money Store. Be sure to check out next month’s episode!

Interview with Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Chief, Greg Fish

In this episode of Farm Talk, Paul interviews the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Chief, Fish Greg. They discuss important fire safety measures, fire safety evacuation plans, what it takes to become a firefighter and the tenacity it takes to handle dangerous life threatening situations. 

Farm Talk is sponsored by The Escrow Hub and The Money Store. Be sure to check out next month’s episode!

Interview with Alex Frecker of Frecker Farms

Frecker Farms is a certified organic row crop farm located in Carpinteria, California. In this episode of Farm Talk, Paul and Alex Frecker talk about the community aspect of farming and the reward in selling produce in local farmers markets, the speed in which Frecker Farms grew from a mere 4 acres to 30+ acres in a matter of a few years, what it means to be an organic farm and their focus on community. When COVID hit, Frecker Farms had to pivot and figure out a way to still serve their community during a unique time in the world. They ended up selling produce boxes which is still something the farm is continuing to do. Their main source of business is farmers markets, wholesale, selling to local restaurants as well as other direct marketing strategies. Farm Talk is sponsored by The Escrow Hub and The Money Store. Be sure to check out next month’s episode!

Interview with President of Many Mansions, Rick Schroeder

On this episode of Farm Talk, Paul Interviews the President of Many Mansions, Rick Schroeder. 

Many Mansions is a Southern California based non-profit affordable housing and service provider with a focus on developing and managing affordable housing properties for persons and families that are low income.

The interview takes place at Many Mansion's Ormond Beach Villas, which is 60 units of affordable housing, expressly for veterans with disabilities or who were homeless.

 

Interview with Poseidon Brewing Company's Co-Proprietor and Head Brewer, Brian Oliver

On this episode of Farm Talk, Paul Interviews Brian Oliver at Poseidon Brewing Co. Brian is a Navy-trained construction diver and Poseidon’s co-proprietor and head brewer. They talk about Poseidon’s pride in using local vendors to make their craft beers, different flavors and ingredients that go into their beer and what its been like operating during this past year.

The Wharf - Ventura, CA: Feed, Western Wear and Specialty Store with Todd Butterbaugh

On this episode of Farm Talk, Paul interviews Todd Butterbaugh, partner of The Wharf in Ventura, CA. The Wharf is over 100 years old, and has been a Ventura staple for over 60 years. The store is known for specializing in feed, Western wear and gifts.