On-Farm Trials Podcast with the PNW Farmers' Network

On Farm Trials ft. Seth Small

In this episode of the On-Farm Trials podcast, we hear from Seth Small of Small Family Farm in Walla Walla, Washington. Seth shares his experiences with a range of trials from cover crops and no-till to innovative and inspiring partnership with a local winery. Listen as Seth also describes his journey into alternative marketing of his farm’s wheat flour. The conversation explores everything from precision ag, to family homesteading history, to the connection between farms and the people who eat the food grown on farms. Don’t miss this final episode of Season 2!

On Farm Trials ft. Allen Druffel

This episode of the On-Farm Trials podcast features Allen Druffel of Bar Star Farm in Colton, WA. Listen in to hear what’s cooking (or brewing) on his farm and countertop, along with his adventures in cover crops, and cows. In the interview Allen describes his fluid approach to management goals and the balance of soil health along with a sometimes challenging landscape in the commodity market. We also hear about the intergenerational success of the Vico peer network group for supporting cropping systems innovation among friends - and so much more!

On Farm Trials ft. Aaron Flansburg (pt. 2)

In part two of this special two-part series we hear more from Aaron Flansburg of Palouse, Washington and his transition from long-term no-till practices to organic management. Listen in as we hear Aaron’s reflections and lessons-learned with fertility, marketing, weed management, and what’s new in 2025- a year after the ‘Farmwalk’ tour of his organic practices live from the field featured in part one!

On Farm Trials ft. Aaron Flansburg (pt. 1)

Part one of this special two part series features Aaron Flansburg of Palouse, Washington describing his transition from long-term no-till practices to organic management. The first episode is a recording of the June 2024 ‘Farmwalk’ live from Aaron’s farm, co-hosted by the WSU Food Systems program and the Tilth Alliance. Join the Farmwalk experience as we tour Aaron’s organic grains in the field, as he describes his trials and observations with fertility, marketing organic heritage grain, and weed management. Follow-up with part two, where we hear more on his reflections and lessons-learned a year later, along with what’s new in 2025!

On Farm Trials ft. Eero Kovero and Mark Sheffels

In this episode of the On-Farm Trials podcast, we hear from special guest Eero Kovero of Pekola, Finland- alongside his host and compatriot in direct seeding practices, Mark Sheffels, from his farm in Wilbur, WA. Eero shares his experience connecting with PNW direct seed farmers Mark Sheffels and Russ Zenner for the past 25 years. In this episode we hear about Eero’s experience on his farm in Finland, his conversion to direct seeding practices after his first adventures in the PNW, and his diversified enterprise. The conversation explores the relationship that has developed over the past 25 years between farmers, the respective challenges of farming regardless of location, the power of connecting farmers across the world, and how Eero has played a key role in direct seed adoption in Finland by being a conduit for the lessons-learned in the PNW.