172. David Haakenson on the Value and Benefits of Bringing Customers to the Farm

What is a pragmatic farming approach in a high precipitation climate?   Today on the show we’re hosting David Haakenson, 2nd generation owner of Jubilee Farm, located in Carnation, Washington. Jubilee Farm is proud to provide the greater Seattle area with a diverse selection of nutritious vegetables, fruits, meat, & flour, all of which are cultivated using organic farming practices. Jubilee’s produce is available through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription program, in which members of the public support the farm by committing to purchase shares of its produce for a season. About half of Jubilee Farm previously had been conserved by the King County Farmland Preservation Program. When there was an opportunity to partner with King County to preserve the remaining half through the County’s Transfer of Development Rights Program, PCC Farmland Trust jumped at the chance. Tune in today to hear about Jubilee’s interesting history in the particularly wet Washington climate!   You’ll hear:   What David does on Jubilee Farm 1:08 How many acres of cropping takes place on Jubilee 6:08 How Jubilee Farm manages the high precipitation Northwestern climate 12:27 What kind of on-farm commerce is facilitated by Jubilee 36:37 How David structures his team to ensure all integral tasks get completed 38:32 Jubilee’s spring plant sale 50:40 What David would change if he could return to the beginning of his farming journey 57:09   About the Guest   David Haakenson (pronounced “Hawkinson”) is a second generation farmer in Carnation, WA.  He and his family run and live on the farm his parents started when David was a child, with no experience in farming! After spending time learning what didn’t work, David’s father learned about the CSA model and soon became the second CSA in the region and is still successfully operating today.   Resources:   Website: https://jubileefarm.org   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jubileefarmcarnation   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jubilee_farm/ 

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If you’re looking to build a profitable farm that works, The Thriving Farmer Podcast is for you. Learn the latest tricks and strategies from successful farmers, strategize with in-depth interviews with leaders in the industry, and connect with stories of farmers just like you. With over 15 years of farming background, your host Michael Kilpatrick has the experience and authority to bring you practical advice, ask the hard questions, tease out the gold nuggets, and help share what it’s really like to build a truly profitable, sustainable farm. In the interviews, we focus on building farms that last, setting up your systems, knowing your customers, building your team, and treading that ever-challenging work/family/life balance.