292. Garrett Miller on Apple Farming and Diversifying Your Farm Business

The Thriving Farmer Podcast

How can diversifying a farm business lead to greater resilience and sustainability?

In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael talks with Garrett Miller who is the owner behind Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm. Garrett is dedicated to organic practices, offering visitors artisan ciders, locally-sourced meals, and u-pick experiences in a vibrant, musical setting amidst New York’s beautiful apple country.

Tune in to hear Garrett share his journey in organic apple farming, the challenges he faces, and how he diversifies his farm business to create a thriving community hub.

Episode Highlights:

• Farming Beginnings: How Garrett got started in farming [2:48]
• Toughest Tasks: Starting with Bare Land and Building Infrastructure [12:17]
• Team Selection: Onboarding and Managing Employees [29:18]
• Funding Methods: Financing and Borrowing for Farm Projects [35:05]
• Visitor Numbers: Managing Visitor Traffic and Seasonal Variations [37:13]
• Advice for Aspiring Farmers: Garrett’s advice for starting a small farm [49:22]

Don't miss this episode on the successes and challenges of apple cider farming with Garrett Miller, as he shares valuable insights into organic practices and building a diverse farm business!

About the Guest:

Garrett Miller is the owner and operator of the Good Life Farm and Finger Lakes Cider House in New York. He describes the farm and cider house as the sum total of his life’s work. He started the farm at 22 without much of a plan, with less experience than was responsible and basically no money. These initial challenges turned out to be some of their greatest strengths. With any luck, he hopes to leave this piece of land a little better than when he found it.

Connect with Garrett:

• Website: Finger Lakes Cider House
• Instagram: Follow on Instagram
• Facebook: Like on Facebook

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

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