161. Harvesting Dreams and Building a Farm Together with Aaron and Stephanie Moody

Aaron and Stephanie Moody are the passionate and dedicated couple behind Moody Family Farm in Bernardston, Massachusetts. Both working as full-time special education teachers, they have embarked on a fulfilling journey into agriculture, combining Aaron’s nostalgic ties to farming from his childhood and Stephanie’s newfound enthusiasm for New England farm life. Their venture, which began in 2014 with grazing cattle, has blossomed into a commitment to sustainable farming practices and community engagement, all while raising their two boys in an environment enriched by the values of hard work and self-sufficiency.Topics covered in the podcast episode include:The Moody family's transition from city life to country farming.Challenges and successes in starting a farm on a budget.Transitioning to regenerative farming practices.Experiences with rotational grazing and meat processing.Opening a farm store and community engagement.Diverse livestock farming and the importance of USDA inspections.Expanding the livestock herd and exploring silvopasturing.Inspirations from resources like "Salad Bar Beef" by Joel Salatin.The balance of managing teaching careers with farm responsibilities.Lessons learned and aspirations for sustainable farming.Listeners should tune into this episode to gain a heartfelt and insightful look into the world of small-scale, sustainable farming. The Moodys' journey offers practical wisdom and inspiration for aspiring farmers and those interested in agriculture. Through candid discussions on their successes and missteps, listeners can learn valuable lessons about community support, resource management, and the rewarding challenges of farming. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about self-sufficiency and regenerative agriculture, as it provides both a realistic portrayal and a hopeful vision of farming life.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeMoody Family Farm on InstagramVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteGBT AngusOnline Bull AuctionGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis PalfreyChapters(00:00) - Introduction to Moody Family Farm (00:34) - Fast Five Questions (01:14) - Grazing Grass Podcast Overview (01:54) - Noble Grazing Essentials Event (02:42) - Farm Updates and Tips (04:17) - Aaron and Stephanie's Farming Journey (04:54) - Backgrounds and Early Influences (06:04) - First Steps into Farming (07:16) - Teaching Careers and Farming (08:00) - Expanding the Farm (10:33) - Challenges and Learning Experiences (14:24) - Regenerative Practices and Community Support (26:29) - Marketing and Processing Challenges (27:08) - Future Plans and Family Involvement (30:30) - USDA Loan and Moving Challenges (31:59) - Winter Farming and Historical Insights (37:26) - Sweater Weather and Historic Homes (37:45) - Functional Traits for Your Cow Herd (38:50) - Renovating Abandoned Pastures (40:08) - Challenges and Successes in Pasture Restoration (43:40) - Expanding the Herd and Exploring New Species (47:22) - Building Community and Relationships (54:09) - Famous Four Questions (01:08:50) - Final Thoughts and Farewell