Branching Out: Growing Together

🎙️ Branching Out: Growing Together

At EBB Farms, our Grow-Bag Strategy makes all the difference. We raise each seedling in a three-gallon breathable grow bag inside protected nurseries. They’re watered daily, weeded, and carefully staked — building a dense, fibrous root system that establishes quickly once planted. Before shipping, we gently shake off the soil and send the tree dormant, so you get the very same strong, orchard-ready trees we plant ourselves. In this episode, we explain why it pays to reserve your chestnut trees early. Demand is high, and these bare root seedlings are already in motion. Learn how they’...

At Pick N Grin Farm in western Kentucky, Willie Huston is doing more than raising crops—he’s cultivating a way of life rooted in observation, resilience, and joy. From silvopasture to biomimicry, mob grazing to music, Willie shares how tending the land has shaped his livelihood, his family, and his community. This episode is a reminder that restoring the earth begins with paying attention to what’s already there. What you’ll hear in this episode:
How Willie blends chestnuts, livestock, and wildflowers into a thriving farm ecosystemThe role of curiosity and observation in regenera...

What drives you to grow chestnuts—not just in year one, but year ten? In this episode, Melanie revisits a question that keeps surfacing in our orchard, at conferences, and in every email from new growers:

“What’s your why?” Drawing from personal experience and stories from growers like Brad and Sandy Russell, we explore what happens when you follow your reasons all the way down. Plus, Melanie shares a simple, powerful reflection tool you can download to clarify your own path. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why your “why” matters more than your business planHow surface reason...

🎙️ You’re listening to Branching Out: Growing Together, and I’m your host, Melanie Jones.

Today’s solo episode is all about starting with your why—a nod to the wisdom of Simon Sinek, and a principle we live by here at EBB Farms and United Chestnuts. Because when it comes to choosing what to grow—especially tree crops—your reason matters.

Maybe you want to improve your soil. Maybe you want to plant a long-term food source, build a family sanctuary, support wildlife, or leave a legacy that’s nutrient-rich and carbon-smart. Whatever your why, tree crops offer som...

This Small Business Week, we’re digging deep into how chestnuts can power more than just your pantry — they can build a business.Melanie shares what she’s learned from financial advisor and grower Joel Hubbard and Propagate’s Jeremy Kaufman about building real business models around chestnut orchards. From land structure and taxes to agroforestry and next-generation planning, this episode is packed with insight for farmers, landowners, and dreamers alike.

You’ll hear:
Why Joel believes chestnuts belong in your investment portfolioHow Jeremy is helping farmers scale agroforestry across the U.S.Funding, p...

This offshoot episode is based on our recent conversation with Dave Skinner of Whitetal Properties, where we discuss "How to Buy Land with Purpose: Strategies from Dave Skinner."

What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to t...

What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to take the next step.You’ll learn:
What shifted in land buying trends post-COVIDHow to choose the right real estate agent for landIdeas for generating income from r...

Podcast Description: In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, Scott Smith shares his journey from growing up in the chestnut industry to running a successful orchard in Michigan. We dive into the realities of modern chestnut farming, including harvesting methods, marketing strategies, and why diversification is the key to success.Episode Highlights:
The transition from handpicking to mechanized harvestingHow Scott built a market for his chestnuts (now in 17 grocery stores!)The role of grower collaboration and cultivar registrationHow breweries are using chestnuts—and what that means for farmersWhy chestnut farming is as much about community as it...

In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore the evolving landscape of chestnut farming and industry collaboration through United Chestnuts and EBB Farms.🌰

United Chestnuts is expanding beyond just one farm—it’s becoming a national platform to support chestnut growers who want to focus on farming without the burden of branding and marketing. We discuss how this initiative aims to unite growers, streamline sales, and educate consumers about chestnuts.

🌱 EBB Farms continues to stand as a leading example of hands-on, chestnut cultivation. We talk about the farm’s role in both growing premium chestnuts an...

🎙 Welcome to Branching Out: Growing Together! 🌱🌰

In this episode, we’re diving into the financial side of farming and entrepreneurship with Joel Hubbard, CPA—a seasoned expert in accounting, tax strategies, and business financial planning. But Joel isn’t just a numbers guy—he’s also a passionate chestnut grower and the owner of Georgia Chestnuts, where he’s actively contributing to the growth of the chestnut industry. 🌰🌿

Joel brings valuable insights on how growers, landowners, and small business owners can navigate taxes, manage cash flow, and build long-term financial stability. Whether you're starting your orchard, expanding your farm, or jus...

Welcome back to Branching Out: Growing Together! In this episode, host Melanie Jones shares insights from a short presentation she’s preparing for the Kentucky Nut Growers Association—and you won’t want to miss it! We’ll start with a brief history of the chestnut in the U.S., from its dominance in eastern forests to the devastating loss caused by blight. Then, we’ll explore where we are today with the resurgence of chestnut farming, the role of Chinese hybrid varieties, and why interest in chestnuts is growing. Finally, Melanie will share her thoughts on the future, including the opport...

Life is full of twists and turns, but those unexpected moments often hold the greatest opportunities for growth. In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore how to navigate career pivots, personal challenges, and the unpredictability of life with resilience and adaptability.Through deeply personal stories, you’ll discover:How to embrace unexpected opportunities and turn setbacks into stepping stones.Lessons from farming: adapting to life’s natural rhythms and letting go of control.How personal challenges, like loss and an ADHD diagnosis, can lead to profound growth.Why progress isn’t linear—but it’s always pos...

In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we dive into the growing opportunities in U.S. chestnut farming with Jessica Shade from USDA NIFA. Discover how programs like the Specialty Crop Research Initiative are driving innovation and collaboration between growers and researchers. Jessica shares actionable insights on funding, industry challenges, and how you can play a part in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

🌐 Learn more: SCRI Website

🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes on sustainable farming and agricultural innovation.Let me know if you’d like additional a...

In this episode of "Branching Out Growing Together," we sit down with Kathy Dice, co-founder of Redfern Farms, to explore the transformative potential of chestnut farming. Learn about the benefits of chestnuts as a sustainable crop, the role of agroforestry in combating environmental challenges, and the power of community in farming. From the challenges of startup farming to integrating livestock and wildlife, Kathy shares invaluable lessons for anyone passionate about agriculture and sustainability. Tune in for expert tips, delicious chestnut recipes, and a vision for the future of farming!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker...

Tom Wahl of Red Fern Farms joins Melanie on the Branching Out: Growing Together podcast live from Chestnut Growers of America and Northern Nut Growers annual conference.  

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

An exciting new addition to the chestnut-loving community! Melanie Jones, a partner at United Chestnuts, and her husband Brad host the "Branching Out" podcast. 

The first guest is Roger Blackwell, President of Chestnut Growers of America and the Michigan-based chestnut cooperative Chestnut Growers, Inc.

Melanie explains, "We launched the podcast to support our industry's growing interest in learning, connecting, and sharing industry-related stories and information from different perspectives. The timing is ideal for this." Subscribe to the weekly blog at unitedchestnuts.com and consider joining the United Chestnuts Community group on Facebook. United Chestnuts sells chestnut t...

Join Melanie Jones, the host of the Branching Out podcast, in a captivating conversation with James "Mike" Nave. Uncover the secrets, challenges, and passion behind chestnut cultivation. Subscribe now for more insightful episodes on tree cultivation and horticulture.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

In this podcast episode with Michael Parks, Melanie, and Michael engage in a lively discussion about the chestnut community and the importance of educating consumers about chestnuts. They highlight the need for ongoing education, noting that there is still much work to be done to increase awareness and consumption, especially among various cultural groups.

They discuss the balance of supply and demand in the chestnut market, emphasizing the complexities of this discussion and much more.

How do you feel about the balance between low-tech and high-tech solutions in your work as a chestnut farmer? 

H...

Join host Melanie Jones as she interviews Brad Russell, a former corporate professional who made the bold decision to leave his career at Walmart and pursue chestnut farming full-time. Brad shares how he balanced both worlds before making the leap, the challenges he faced scaling up his farm, and how he turned his passion for agriculture into a thriving business. Tune in to discover how you too can create new opportunities from your land.

What you'll learn:
Why Brad left his corporate job for farming.The grit it takes to scale a farm...

In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, our host, Melanie Jones sits down with Amy Miller, COO of Route 9 Co-Op, to discuss her fascinating childhood on a chestnut tree farm in Appalachian, Ohio. Raised by academic parents amidst a large Amish community, Amy's story is a compelling blend of cultural diversity, agricultural innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Tune in to learn how her upbringing influences her current work and future endeavors in specialty crop research and environmental sustainability.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Curious about chestnut farming? Farmer Bob Stehli spills the beans on everything from selecting the perfect site and planting chestnut trees to the challenges and rewards of harvesting these delicious nuts on the latest episode of the Branching Out Podcast. Join host, Melanie Jones and Bob as they explore the impact of chestnut blight and the importance of collaboration among growers. Learn how organizations like the Northern Nut Growers Association are helping the American chestnut thrive again.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

In this episode of the Branching Out podcast, we dive into the world of nut tree cultivation with Buzz Ferver. We explore the challenges and advancements in breeding blight-resistant chestnut trees, suitable for colder climates like Vermont. Buzz also shares his passion for various nut trees beyond chestnuts and the potential they hold for sustainable gardening practices.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Join host Melanie Jones as she chats with Craig Clark, the "nursery nerd" turned chestnut pioneer. Explore the exciting world of tissue culture and its potential to transform the chestnut industry. Learn about the challenges, successes, and future possibilities of this innovative technique.

Subscribe to Branching Out for more inspiring stories from the diverse world of chestnut crops!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Dive into the world of chestnuts with guest Landon Evans, an expert in exercise physiology and nutrition. Discover the myriad health benefits of chestnuts, from their low-fat content to their rich vitamin and mineral profile. Explore storage tips and the importance of incorporating chestnuts into a healthy diet.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

In this episode, Melanie Jones engages in a heartfelt conversation with Abby Johnson, sharing insights into her remarkable journey in chestnut farming. From challenges to triumphs, Abby's narrative unveils the intricacies of the industry and the commitment required to thrive. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and valuable lessons in sustainable agroforestry.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Join Melanie Jones and her guest Joel Hubbard in Episode 7 of the Branching Out Podcast as they unearth the secrets to financial success in the chestnut industry. Joel, a CPA, sheds light on the art of maintaining a balanced portfolio, emphasizing the importance of diversified investments in cash, stocks, bonds, and even chestnut orchards. Explore the roots of Melanie and Joel's professional relationship, discover the surprising profitability of chestnut farming, and gain practical tips for navigating the world of land investments. Tune in to this enriching conversation that goes beyond the numbers, weaving together financial wisdom and the thriving legacy...

Join Melanie Jones on the Branching Out podcast as she delves into the sustainable journey of Brad and Sandy Russell, owners of Chestnuts in the Ozarks. Discover their vision for chestnut farming and their inspiring transition from Corporate America to nurturing the largest chestnut orchard in Arkansas.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Kaufman, COO of Propgate, to delve into the world of agroforestry and the journey of chestnut farming. Uncover the benefits of diversification, the importance of ecosystem services, and how agroforestry can transform the future of agriculture. A conversation that will inspire and inform.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Discover the ideal chestnut trees for your orchard and the co-op advantages for chestnut growers in this insightful interview with Melanie Jones and Greg Miller.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Join Melanie Jones and Dr. Ron Revord in this exciting episode of the 'Branching Out Podcast' as they explore the latest chestnut innovations in Agroforestry. Discover how these remarkable trees are revolutionizing farming and combating climate change. Brought to you by United Chestnut Farm.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.