Rooted Agritourism

• The Bloom Room Blueprint: Turning a Flower Farm into a Community Hub

  Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow in Central Minnesota, shares the journey of transforming her flower farm into a multipurpose event venue and farm store. Through a detailed walkthrough, she explains the architectural, legal, and financial challenges she faced and overcame to build 'The Bloom Room' and 'The Farmacy'. She discusses Minnesota's building codes, the need for sustainable infrastructure, and how the new space boosts flower sales and supports agritourism, rural entrepreneurship, and value-added agriculture. The episode highlights the venue's flexibility for hosting various events, building strong community ties, and offering educational opportunities in agritourism.00:00 Introduction to Sunny Mary Meadow00:26 Tour of the New Farm Store and Event Space01:49 Challenges and Regulations in Remodeling03:12 Building the New Event Space04:05 Permits and Legal Hurdles08:00 Designing the Perfect Space11:08 Flexible Event Hosting Options13:25 The Bloom Room and Farm Store21:19 Future Plans and Educational Opportunities22:24 Conclusion and Thank YouPodcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

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• Crafting Cider and Experiences: The Milk and Honey Cider Agritourism Story

  Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHVg-R6xh_0Flowers Bloom Anyway Waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorIn this episode of 'Rooted Agritourism,' hosted by Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, guest Peter Gillitzer, co-owner of Milk and Honey Cider in St. Joseph shares insights into their growth from a small-scale cider producer to a thriving agritourism hub. The discussion touches on the evolution of their business, the importance of offering value-added experiences, such as their tasting room and community events like trivia nights and music series. Peter recounts stories of unexpected business expansions, the importance of customer experience, and strategies for planning a master calendar of events. The episode emphasizes the significance of adaptability, community engagement, and the synergy between agricultural products and tourism.00:00 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism00:23 Meet Peter Gillitzer, co-owner of Milk and Honey Cider in St. Joseph00:55 Discussing Agritourism and Value-Added Products01:18 The Evolution of Milk and Honey Cider03:07 Challenges and Successes in Agritourism04:38 Unexpected Popularity and Adaptations09:32 Expanding Offerings and Community Engagement12:33 Planning and Managing Events16:35 Balancing Business and Lifestyle18:29 Reaching Customers: Strategies and Challenges21:18 Diversifying Events and Revenue Streams24:21 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights28:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPodcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

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• Flowers Bloom Anyway: Making the Fertilizer Framework Work for your Farm

  Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHVg-R6xh_0Flowers Bloom Anyway Waitlist: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/authorDr. Liz Fiedler Mergen of Sunny Mary Meadow in Central Minnesota presents a solo episode focused on her 'Fertilizer Framework,' a concept that emphasizes growth through interconnected and symbiotic business elements. Liz discusses the non-linear progression and deep integration of services in her agritourism business, which includes a flower farm, retail shop, workshops, and speaking engagements. She shares insights from her journey, reflecting on how personal experiences, particularly the loss of her first husband, have shaped her business ethos. The episode also highlights her upcoming book, 'Flowers Bloom Anyway,' and details about the 2026 Flower Farmer Forum Conference aimed at fostering community and growth among flower farmers. Listeners are encouraged to focus on sustainable business practices and to join the waitlist for her book and the conference.00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism00:19 A Different Episode: Solo Talk01:04 The Fertilizer Framework05:26 Personal Reflections and Growth09:14 Upcoming Events and Opportunities11:55 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPodcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

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• Heidi Montag on Butter Heads, Farming Challenges, and Ag Advocacy

  In this episode of 'Rooted Agritourism,' Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen interviews Heidi Montag, a finalist in the Princess Kay of the Milky Way program in Minnesota. They discuss Heidi's background in dairy farming, her experience in the Princess Kay program, and the unique journey of having her head carved in butter. Heidi shares her passion for promoting agriculture through social media, her involvement in multiple agricultural boards, and the challenges faced by modern dairy farmers. The conversation provides insight into the life of a young woman dedicated to both her family's dairy operation and broader agricultural advocacy.00:00 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism00:19 Meet Heidi Montag01:17 The Princess Kay Program03:36 Life on a Dairy Farm09:44 Butter Head Sculptures12:04 Promoting Agriculture and Dairy14:26 Heidi's Involvement in Agriculture15:52 Joining FFA and Becoming a Dairy Princess16:44 Passion for Politics and Agriculture17:18 Family Farming Backgrounds19:39 Challenges in Modern Farming20:52 Farm Stand and Baking Ventures21:39 Radio Segments and Public Speaking22:41 Agritourism and Zoning Issues25:38 Sustainability and Generational Farming30:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing RemarksPodcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

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• Crafting Cider from the Ground Up: Milk and Honey Cider’s Agritourism Journey

  In this episode of 'Rooted Agritourism,' Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen from Sunny Mary Meadow interviews Peter Gillitzer, co-owner of Milk and Honey Cider in St. Joseph, Minnesota. The conversation explores the journey of Milk and Honey Cider, from the challenges of growing cider-specific apple varieties to turning those apples into craft cider. Peter shares insights into the agronomic and economic aspects of apple farming, addressing topics like grafting, soil requirements, pest management, pruning, and the importance of understanding one's strengths in farming. The discussion extends to the cider-making process, including fermenting, aging, blending, and addressing how Milk and Honey balances customer demand with their craft. The episode highlights the collaborative spirit within the local farming community and the importance of supporting local agritourism.00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism00:19 Meet Peter Giler: Co-Owner of Milk and Honey Cider01:37 Starting with Apples: The Journey Begins02:31 Challenges and Trials in Apple Growing04:57 Understanding Cider and Mead10:47 The Economics of Apple Farming18:50 Harvesting and Production Insights19:56 Grading and Processing Apples20:30 Cider Production Benefits21:15 Collaborations and Diversification22:58 Community and Competition25:58 Cider Making Process29:50 Balancing Production and Demand32:45 Crafting Unique Ciders37:32 Conclusion and Contact InformationPodcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

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