In this episode, host Kristina chats with Duke Jackson, production manager at the Old Fort Farm in Hesperus, Colorado and owner of Sol Vista Farm. Duke talks about the trials and successes of starting a farm, the programs at the Old Fort Farm that support beginning agrarians, and the beauty and struggles of working a full-time job and running a veggie farm. Duke, along with three other neighboring farmers, saw a need and opportunity to support each other and founded the Grasshopper Collective. Duke explains the reasoning behind deciding to close down Sol Vista Farm this year and how the Grasshopper Collective is shifting to a new model as a seed garlic company.

Music attribution:
A Folk Story by Alex Cristoforetti

1:07 introducing our guest, Duke Jackson

1:59 Duke’s journey into agriculture

5:30 Sol Vista Farm: getting started, trials, and successes

9:28 Duke’s position at the Old Fort Farm and the Farmer-in-training program

14:33 the Old Fort Farm’s incubator program

18:35 Coming to the decision to shut down Sol Vista Farm

22:57 advice for farmers and ranchers who are experiencing burnout

24:55 founding the Grasshopper Collective

29:16 Shifting the collective to a seed garlic company

31:24 Duke’s experience in the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union

35:10 Rapid questions round