End of the Farmer to Farmer Podcast

9/6/2018

Dear Friends,

Today I write to share the news that the Farmer to Farmer Podcast is no more. I have grown too ill to continue its production, and I do not expect to get better.

When I set out to start the Farmer to Farmer Podcast – a process that began about four years ago now on a drive to Northfield, Minnesota – I thought of it as a marketing tool for my consulting business. I had no idea of the reception it would get in the market farming community, and I certainly did not expect it to take on a life of its own. The reception it did get, and the life that it took on as a result, was wonderful and heartwarming, and has served as a deeply rewarding capstone to my career, especially in the face of a serious illness these past thirty months.

Stopping the podcast now definitely leaves a lot of work that will go undone. My calendar and notes are littered with interviews to schedule that now will not come to fruition, and it makes me sad to see so much let without conclusion.

I had thought about trying to do some sort of summary show, but that’s beyond my capacity at this point. And I thought of trying to end things with a big-name interview, but big names aren’t really what the podcast is all about. So I’m just going to leave it with that last episode with Jan Libbey farming away in North Central Iowa, getting up every day and trying to build something that makes the world a little better. I hope that for the community as a whole, bringing together a diversity of voices from across North America has made every Thursday a little richer and a little easier.

We intend to keep the show’s archives available at the same locations as before, including the audio files and the website.

Thank you for all of your love and support of this show and my work. I can’t imagine a better community than organic, sustainable market farmers in which to have spent my adult life. You are all amazing.

Thank you for listening. Be safe out there. And keep the tractor running!

Chris

64 Comments

Jeremiah Squilla

9/6/2018 08:33:46 am

Wow, I am surprised and saddened by this news! I have learned so much from this amazing resource that you have created and can not begin to thank you enough! This was truly a great service to the farming community that you loved and you should be proud of what you have accomplished. I was thinking that it would be great if someone could take the podcast over for you but then I couldn't imagine anyone with the level of experience and personality that could do it justice. I do not know what your illness is but wish you the best of luck with it and will keep you in my prayers. Thank you Chris for all that you have done for this community, but please take care of yourself now.

Bryan Brown

9/10/2018 11:39:17 pm

Cant say enough how much this podcast has helped me . Thanks Chris for giving me great ideas and education while I work. I will truly miss this podcast and hope I will be able to download every episode. Chris you absolutely have helped farmers around the world and your context will be a void in my life. May you have the time and rest to heal. Thanks

Jeremiah

10/30/2018 02:36:44 pm

I just want to share the sad news that Chris has passed away on Sunday October 28th. He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace Chris.

Sarah Jane Williamson

6/5/2019 11:42:36 am

I am so sorry to hear of your illness, please know that you have changed the lives of many farmers, including this one. Your expertise and humility have made this podcast a learning and connecting experience for me, I have lived it! Best of luck to you

Vicki

9/6/2018 08:40:46 am

I am so sorry to hear this news. I have enjoyed your podcasts since the beginning. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hoping you find better health. Take care!

Dave

9/6/2018 08:46:35 am

I am sad to hear of this. I have learned so much from your podcast. While only just a home gardener, the tips and tricks do help! May knowing of all the help you have given to the listeners help you through your illness.

Emily Swezey link

9/6/2018 08:55:29 am

As a beginner farmer the podcast has meant so much to me. I've learned so much and been inspired so many times. It would be my secret wish that someone pick up the torch for you; I know how unlikely that is. I hope your health has a miraculous turn around. I'd take that in exchange for the loss of the podcast. Best wishes, prayers and love.

flora link

9/6/2018 08:56:08 am

I have never been a big podcast listener (blame it on my short attention span or love of music) but Farmer to Farmer is something I have always looked forward to listening to, and have taken so many mental and written notes from. Thank you for strengthening the farming community with your hard work, and sending good wishes for your healing journey.

Daniel

9/6/2018 09:17:06 am

Very sorry to hear this. I doubt I will ever earn the title of Farmer, but as a lifelong learner, please know that your podcast was of great importance to me.

I hope that your expectations are proven wrong, and that you are able to return to health.

Denise Pizzini link

9/6/2018 09:36:14 am

Listening to your podcast and learning from all the great farmers who have shared their stories of learning and success has inspired me to start farming full time. I listen while I work and learn so much and feel connected with the community you have brought together. I'm saddened by this news, beyond words. I know you have a mountains of support out there for you to heal up. Come on Chris!!!

DANIEL J MOE link

9/6/2018 09:37:10 am

Best wishes to you Chris. I too have been ill all of 2018 but turned a corner this August to let my farming continue. Please take comfort in all the GREAT work you have done that will NOT go unnoticed. May God heal you as He has me and that you will be able to be part of the community for many years to come. Blessings.

Sal Dominelli

9/6/2018 11:37:24 am

Hey Chris. One of my morning chores is to scoop the horse poop in their run, and it would make the job so much more fun to be listening to your one of your podcasts while I worked. Thank you.

Ray Tyler link

9/6/2018 11:46:41 am

Chris!
My head aches as I read this.
Most every persons goal in life it to do meaningful work that will impact and change peoples life the better
You have done that very well.
Thank you for your work, life and friendship.
May you find peace.

Julie

9/6/2018 12:07:51 pm

Chris, Your podcast has been so informative and inspiring. In this field it can be really hard to both of those things simultaneously! I loved the technical questions, the personal sharing. Your work has been such a gift to many thousands of hardworking people. We are so grateful!

Lainie link

9/6/2018 12:34:34 pm

Dear Chris,

My heart aches to read this news. You have made such an impact on the farming community throughout your life, and F2F is the icing on the cake. You and it will be sorely missed, my friend. Be in peace.

Elena

9/6/2018 01:06:09 pm

Chris I'm so sorry to hear—wishing you the best as your journey has met this unexpected fork in the road.

9/6/2018 01:54:16 pm

Thank you for everything you have done for the farming community Chris. You are a blessing to all of us. You have helped me and my small farm in countless ways.

Umi

9/6/2018 01:56:14 pm

I only came across this podcast a few months ago and in that time learned so much, thanks Chris

Tesla Knott

9/6/2018 02:30:03 pm

Chris, thank you so much for the tremendous contributions you have made through the Farmer to Farmer podcast. Your insights, humor, and thoughtful conversations have deeply enriched my life and learning as a young person interested in organic agriculture. I have been listening for only a few months now but I have learned so much, and it has encouraged me to keep dreaming of what is possible. My thoughts are with you Chris, and I hope you are able to find comfort and happiness even throughout the struggle of illness. All the best to you!

Sarah

9/6/2018 05:30:25 pm

I'm going to parrot what everyone else has been saying but thank you for all the work you've put in to this podcast Chris. its been truly wonderful to hear your voice on an almost weekly basis throughout the years as I've worked the fields podcast blearing.

I'm sad to hear that you're ill - and wishing you a soulful continuation - and lots of good days (hours, moments) ahead - because that's what its all about

Sophie

9/6/2018 06:14:14 pm

You are amazing Chris, thank you for being you, take care!

Karen Scott link

9/6/2018 06:53:29 pm

I am so sorry about your illness and I send you prayers for peace and healing.

My farm has really grown learning from the network of farmers you've brought to us every Thursday. I told you once that you really are a rockstar in our organic small farm community. Thank you for your work!

Daniel Fullmer

9/6/2018 07:00:30 pm

Chris, I and so many farmers are very grateful for your wisdom, strength, tenacity and farming experience. You have made the best farming podcast ever but even more you have brought to light the experience of many farmers across the country and propelled the market garden community forward in countless ways. Thank you for sharing you energy and knowing when to direct it inward.

Brenna

9/6/2018 08:31:28 pm

Chris, the things I have learned from your podcast have inspired me and have changed the way I farm and therefore my life. I can't thank you enough for all your personal, concrete interviews. Nothing quite like it. so much work. All the details, so illuminating on true market farming. I am so sorry to read that you are so ill. Sending you love and well wishes from a zone 3b in Canada.

Mike

9/6/2018 10:00:06 pm

I am not a farmer, but have listened to every single podcast. I woke up to the news this morning and cried. Not for missing a podcast, but for the person behind it who I have never met. Your efforts have meant so much to my backyard operation and I really appreciate it. Best of luck to you. Beat this!!

Stephen Willis

9/7/2018 05:16:31 am

We all have to do what is best for yourself and family. What I do want to do is to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your inspiration of living the dream of farming. Without your podcast I would still be a backyard gardener. You brought knowledge and wisdom to all that listen and follow you with your innovative wit, desire and passion to pass on knowledge and your experiences to the less informed. Farmer to Farmer gave me the courage to toss working manufacturing after 37 years to do what always has been my passion. It's not been easy but, what is easy?

Most people at this stage of life start thinking about their legacy. You've done it all and made your mark in agriculture and education. What I'm not sure you realize is the mark you've made that is some of the most important aspects of life are your integrity and morality that you projected in your work and in each episode of Farmer to Farmer.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you face your next challenge.

Tracey Blackwelder

9/7/2018 06:41:46 am

Thank you Chris for all you’ve done for the farming community. I’m so grateful. I’ve learned SO much from the Farmer to Farmer podcast! I’m sending love and prayers your way. 💕

Paul Bradshaw

9/7/2018 09:00:58 am

Hi Chris from Australia. I am saddened to hear of your illness and the end of podcasts. Between you and me I just wanted to share there have been a few times I have had to explain why IN THE DARK I have continued working on the farm "to get a job done" but really man I hadn't finished the podcast I was listening to!!. Thanks for being an exceptional person, an educator and a sharer

Martin Vandepas

9/7/2018 10:01:21 am

I just want to say thank you for the farmer to farmer podcast. I've been working part time on farms for the last few years and trying to figure out if I want to run my own farm and what it would be. Your interviews have helped me see so many farm possibilities and learn from their mistakes and successes. I'm sure my future farm will be more successful and less frustrating because of your show. When I think of the impact your show has had on me multiplied by so many new and existing farmers around the world, it's mind boggling! The FTF back catalog of hundreds and hundreds of hours of experienced farmers trying to share their knowledge is priceless and I truly appreciate you for making this possible!

S. Berry

9/7/2018 10:40:57 am

30 months is a long time to be ill and try to keep juggling all of your responsibilies. I am just coming out of 3 years of intense illness so I emphathize with you and wish you well. It takes bravery and courage to let go of projects that you love to take time to focus on your loved ones and the things that bring your mind and body comfort.

I literally just discovered your podcast today (through your interview of Rashid Nuri) and signed up. I am saddened by this unwelcome news, but please take some comfort in the wonderful archives of very personal conversations that you are leaving for us all to discover. And we will all hope for the day that you can add again to the collection. Be well and take good care.

Tom Cary

9/7/2018 11:24:12 am

Chris - Thanks for all your work helping share the knowledge of the many farmers out there. You have made a great difference in many people's lives and one can't wish for a lot more than that. Take care and may you be at peace with comes next.

Jess

9/7/2018 01:19:03 pm

Thank you Chris. The podcast made such an impact for me and so many others. Thank you for helping connect farmers. At times the podcasts were an in-season coping strategy, to remember that I'm not alone out there. And it was such a delight to hear about farmers and farms throughout the country and feel that solidarity. They also, of course, served the practical purpose of farmer-to-farmer resources - learning and thinking through all the challenges of this work. I am so very grateful for your talents and this resource you created.

Alberta T

9/7/2018 01:24:03 pm

I just discovered your podcast last week, while I was home with the stomach flu. Thank you for the invaluable work you have done in sharing the stories of other market gardeners. The podcasts I've listened to already have me thinking about what to do next year. I also am crying at this unwelcome news; prayers for your journey.

Jan Erdman

9/7/2018 06:51:28 pm

Chris, I am so sad to hear this news. Thank you for all that you have done for MOSES, for Organic farming and for all of us. Thank you for leaving a wonderful legacy. Hugs,
Jan Erdman

Lauren Langworthy link

9/7/2018 08:40:26 pm

You’ve brought us all together - helped us experience each others’ successes - allowed us to learn from each other’s hardest times - and given us the tools, concepts, and mental support to make our farm aspirations into realities. We send the warmth of our farmer love to you and your inner circle from around the world and down the country road. Thank you for everything, Chris!

Delanie Trusty link

9/8/2018 05:37:36 pm

Chris - we have enjoyed listening to you for all of your episodes. Every Thursday we would wait for it to come out and my husband and I would text asking if it had been listened to yet. You have been a tremendous blessing to the farming community. We are praying for you to get better. The farming community needs you!!!
Thanks for all your hard work, and how you have shared your knowledge!

Kate

9/9/2018 10:17:41 am

I've learned so much listening to your informational and inspiring podcast. The world needs small farms now more than ever before. I hope you feel some satisfaction in knowing you've made a significant contribution to the future. May you have a peaceful journey and thank you.

Reuben Parker-Greer

9/10/2018 12:34:39 am

Dear Chris,
Thank you for all the amazing work you've put into the farmer to farmer podcast.
In my mind you created the best small farm podcast out there. I particularly enjoyed your in depth enquiry into topics often glossed over in other podcasts, helping listeners get to the nitty gritty knowledge we need for our operations..... Your efforts have been both educational and inspirational......thank you Chris!
Best wishes for your health, healing and future hopes and dreams.
Cheers
Reuben

Daniel

9/10/2018 03:24:23 pm

Hey Chris,

Thank you so much for all you have given to our community. We are still beginning farmers here, and your show has given us so many paths to consider and learn from, new and well seasoned. You're show has been such a profound resource, such a tangible extension of our life and work, guiding us directly and indirectly as the business and seasons ebb and flow.

I have dabbled in photo/audio journalism and storytelling in the past, and because of such, hope that there is some way for the FTF show to be passed forward, even without the depth of your experience. I would not presume to have the ability, or time, to be a part of it, but it seems unfathomable for it to end.

You can't be replaced though. I hope you find peace in your journey forward. I have been battling illness and injuries for the past decade, but have found small scale farming in that period and it has helped me ride the edge of physical health while doing something meaningful. I have been lucky that my health has been manageable to this point. I wish you strength in your path.

Thank you!

Michael B

9/11/2018 06:39:04 am

I am so sorry to hear that you are ending the podcasts. I actually just found this site yesterday, 9/10/18. Thank you for all this wonderful content, it will be of great help to me. I wish you all the best and take care.
Michael

Chris B

9/11/2018 12:54:14 pm

Thank you for everything you have contributed, Chris. I and obviously so many others have been inspired by this resource. I can honestly say I never would have stuck with farming as a career if it hadn't been for your work. Hoping and praying that you heal up and prosper moving forward.

Aren

9/11/2018 11:17:48 pm

Chris, your email last Thursday hit me like a brick. I'm so grateful for your work, your encouraging and constructive approach, and the generosity of your gifting us all with FtF and the Purple Pitchfork. Wishing you peace, rest, and all the luck in the world in getting healthy.

Karen

9/16/2018 11:29:44 pm

Chris,
Take care of yourself. Know that we who have listened to you are better farmers and people for it.

In winter 2017 I scoured the internet for farming podcasts and got hooked on yours, exclusively. We started a farm in spring 2018 and I listened to you in the mornings while I washed and bagged kale, chard, and mixed lettuce in my garage.

Thank you, Chris, for providing this invaluable resource for us.

Karen

Matt Eiland

9/17/2018 06:33:55 pm

Dear Chris,

Thank you for this valuable resource. As a young farmer I have continually made the time to listen to this as it has fed my passion and inspiration to one day, maybe start my own business. I wish you the best!

Shawn Hendrickson link

9/25/2018 06:48:03 pm

Chris, thank you for the wealth of knowledge and inspiring humanity you've exposed me to through your podcast. I found out about your podcast only recently, and wow - it's like the mentor I've never had. I'm currently in my second year in a new compost business (listening to your podcasts intently while I build my compost piles), and just partnered up with a new CSA farm project, looking forward to a whole new world of possibilities. Just wanted you to know how much your efforts have guided me in building a good life for myself and my community.

Raju Rajan

9/25/2018 09:16:15 pm

Chris -- I recently started listening to your podcasts and find them so very engaging, inspiring and educational! By making your podcasts about people, their work, dreams, soil, weeding, community, profitability and values, you shone a light from a unique perspective on the entire farming community.

I am so very sorry to hear that you're ill. You sounded like a wonderful human being that I'd have loved to know in person.

I hope you get to finish the final episode. Otherwise (like the Game of Thrones books) I'll have to keep guessing how it all ends!!

Raju Rajan

Colette

10/1/2018 10:26:59 am

I am new to the world of farming and was only recently introduced to your podcasts. What an amazing and inspiring resource you have created, one I will be sharing widely. I am so sorry to hear you will not be able to continue, and wish you grace and strength in whatever comes next. Thank you.

Sasha Faminoff

10/3/2018 07:02:15 am

Dear Chris,
Thank you so very much for this wonderful collection of conversations. You have created something amazing here, well done a thousand times! Nothing lasts forever, and this podcast is superb exactly as it is so no worries about where you left off :-) and thanks so much for leaving it available to us, it will remain a valuable resource for so many.
Finally, good on you for making the (very hard, I know) decision to prioritize yourself and your health. I wish you good rest, and satisfaction with what you have so generously given of yourself. Keep the rest for you!!
Much love,
Sasha

Annie Heuscher

10/5/2018 08:04:18 am

Chris!
I’m so sorry to hear about your illness. My heart is with you and I hope you are managing to have some pain-free days. I hope your heart can be filled with the warmth of gratitude from all of the so many, many folks you’ve helped and inspired. We were so lucky to have you in Montana a few years ago! Thank you for all your wonderful work and passion.

Alex Stisser

10/6/2018 09:09:01 am

Dear Chris,
Thank you. You created a practical and valuable resource for so many to share.

Lincoln

10/9/2018 05:42:14 pm

Chris, thanks for everything you’ve done with Farmer to Farmer. As an aspiring farmer, this podcast has not only stimulated my thoughts and emotions during hours of work, but has planted in me seeds of hope that continue to fuel my dreams. Get well soon.

Robin Bodony

10/9/2018 11:10:18 pm

Your podcast is literally what got me back into farming, after being relatively burned out on the whole thing. I couldn't have done it without all of the inspiration I got from listening to your show. All the best to you and thank you so much for all of your amazing work! My thoughts are with you.

Ellen Rockne

10/11/2018 02:42:47 pm

Your name coming up here has brought me to pause, sendinglove to you and your beautiful family, and the countless others whose lives you have touched. All the very best to you, Chris.

Beth Gabbett

10/16/2018 02:04:52 pm

Chris, well done.
Love and blessings to you and your family. Our hearts ache; you have inspired many.Thank you.

Jessie Marshall

10/21/2018 12:32:29 pm

I’m so sorry to hear that you are not well enough to continue this noble enterprise. However, please rest assured that your legacy will live on as listeners new to the podcast, like me, will discover and learn from the interviews and conversations you’ve created. Mahalo nui loa from Hawaii.

Billy

10/24/2018 04:08:46 pm

Thank you from myself and all the farmers I've talked to over the years about what we've learned from the way you ask questions, respond to answers, and share knowledge. It's made my life, and countless friends lives, better.

Femi Oladosu

10/30/2018 02:29:58 am

I started farming Vegetables in Nigeria and I was so blown away by you podcast, listen to it and was inspired on my journey to become a farmer.
Thank you for doing such a wonderful job of educating me and many other who I have shared your wisdom.

Erin

10/30/2018 02:25:47 pm

Praying your health is restored. Praying you will also pick up the holy bible and accept Jesus Christ as your lord and savior. He offers hope, peace and rest.

Phillip

11/15/2018 12:28:05 pm

I am so saddened to hear this about your health and the end of the podcast. Your podcast has gotten me to and from work everyday since I found it about a month ago. I have learned so much and have gotten so motivated to get my farm started. I pray that your health improves.

Dan link

12/14/2018 12:53:32 pm

Chris, here's a little testament to how far reaching your podcast became. Myself and many friends over here - all of us market gardeners pretty much - in the UK have really enjoyed your podcasts, found so many things of interest, been opened to a wider community of like minded (and like handed!) souls, and have often reflected about what a great interviewer you are - asking brilliant questions. I have had to commute to the market garden where I work over the past year and the blessing in disguise has been the opportunity to listen to you and your interviewees en route. I am saddened, and so sorry to hear that you are unwell. Thank you for gracefully letting us - this wider community know - and I wish you the very very best with your journey of health and its challenges.
With appreciation and affection from afar,
Dan

Jeremiah

12/14/2018 12:59:17 pm

Sadly Chris has passed away. On Oct 28th. There is more information on his Facebook page.

Nicola Source Farm Foundation Jamaica link

7/19/2019 09:50:58 pm

This podcast was recommended to me by a international Farmer to Farmer volunteer in Jamaica. Since I learnt of the podcast I have recommended it to all the organic farmers we work with in Jamaica. I am so sad to hear of your passing but also happy that we were able to have so many interviews from you Chris. You have shared your wealth of knowledge and experience with us. You have given a unique voice to our industry in a time when we needed real heroes. Your work continues and is timeless. Rest Well and Much Peace from the Organic Farmers of Jamaica.

Michael Rooney

9/25/2019 08:22:11 am

Chris, I kept wondering why there have been no recent podcasts from you but with all the work on the farm up here in northern Vermont. I never checked. Today my wife told me the reason. It surprised me totally.

As so many people have said, your podcast is a great help. Thank you for all you put into it.

Have you thought of asking one of your many contacts to take your notes and try to continue the podcast either permanently or on a temporary basis until you are ready to pick it up again? (Note the positive expectation.) While they will not be able to do the great job you have done, they could do well enough to help your many many listeners.

Persevere and best regards,
..michael..

Jeremiah L Squilla

9/25/2019 04:57:24 pm

Sadly Chris has passed away. On Oct 28th 2018. There is more information on his Facebook page.

End of the Farmer to Farmer Podcast

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