In this episode, I visit the southern Oregon coast to sit down with Gavin, the young owner of Qualman Oyster Farm in Charleston. Gavin shares how he found his way into oyster farming and what it takes to operate inside the protected South Slough Estuary, where every oyster is hand-planted and every decision is shaped by tides, timing, and the quality of the mud beneath his feet.

Gavin breaks down the essentials of growing oysters year-round, the challenges posed by invasive species like sand shrimp and green crabs, and how sustainability and regulation intersect — sometimes in helpful ways, sometimes not. He also talks about leasing estuary ground from the government, the science behind healthy shellfish beds, and how the industry can move forward with policies that support both farmers and ecosystems.

It’s a thoughtful look at the future of oyster farming through the lens of someone who genuinely loves the work and is committed to building something meaningful on the Oregon coast.

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In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Michael from Lost Coast Ranch, tucked out on one of the most remote and rugged stretches of Northern California. Michael’s lived an adventurous, humble life across the region, and we talk about the path that eventually led him to the Lost Coast and the land he now stewards.

He walks me through how he keeps healthy grass in such a harsh environment, from traditional ecological knowledge to pasture rotation, broadcast burns, and learning season by season. We also get into the realities of marketing beef out there, the challenges of organic labels, and the differences he sees between Wagyu and Angus cattle. Along the way, we even circle back to Sarah and Lee from Humboldt Grassfed Beef and the work they’re doing in the community.

Recorded right on the Lost Coast, this conversation blends ranching, philosophy, and the history of the land in a way that only a place like this can bring out.

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In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sat down with Sarah and Lee from Humboldt Grassfed Beef, a fourth-generation family ranch in Northern California. We talked about what it really takes to raise cattle the right way — from managing healthy pastures to producing high-quality, grass-finished beef. They walk me through the ranch’s evolution over the years, the day-to-day realities of running a herd, and how good grazing practices translate into better soil, better beef, and a more resilient business.

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This week on Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Franck Carisey from Uluwehi Coffee Farm, tucked into the green, cloud-covered slopes just above Kona, Hawai‘i. Franck and his partner have built a small but mighty operation producing award-winning coffee that captures the true character of the island.

We talk about how they found themselves running a coffee farm in Kona, what makes the region’s growing conditions so distinct, and how subtle differences in microclimate translate into flavor. Franck also breaks down the differences between the varietals on his farm and the rhythm of a coffee season from bloom to harvest.

This episode wraps up my Hawai‘i series — a journey filled with good people, good stories, and a whole lot of learning about what it means to farm with respect for the land.

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In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Dash from Starseed Ranch, a lush, coastal farm tucked into the northern side of Hawai‘i’s Big Island. What started years ago as a small coconut farm has grown into a thriving landscape that blends farming, education, and cultural restoration.

We talk about the roots of Hip Agriculture, the nonprofit that now shares the land, and how their team is using regenerative practices and traditional Hawaiian food systems to reconnect people with place. From canoe crops to community programs, Dash shares how Starseed is cultivating abundance — not just from the soil, but within the spirit of everyone who visits.

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This week on Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Troy and Vi from OK Farms — a 320-acre operation rooted in the heart of Hilo, Hawai‘i. We talk about what real sustainability looks like on the ground: restoring soil health, growing diverse crops through agroforestry, and navigating the challenges of farming in one of the most beautiful and unpredictable places on Earth.

They share the story behind their new conservation easement, their approach to regenerative practices, and how these techniques are helping them build resilience from the soil up. It’s an inside look at the balance between tradition, innovation, and stewardship in Hawai‘i’s modern farming landscape.

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In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Eva Lee, co-founder of Tea Hawai‘i, tucked into the Hawaiian jungle on the lush slopes of Mt. Kīlauea. Eva has been at the forefront of Hawai‘i’s tea movement for decades, helping transform the islands into an unexpected haven for high-elevation, small-batch teas.

We talk about the art and science behind cultivating tea in volcanic soil, how elevation and environmental factors shape the flavor of different cultivars, and what it takes to grow a truly local tea industry in the middle of the Pacific. From traditional methods to modern experimentation, Eva’s passion and knowledge pour through every cup.

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In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Stephen Yundt of Puna Gold Estate on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island. Stephen is not only a farmer cultivating a diverse food forest, but also a chocolate maker bringing out the best of cacao grown right in the islands. We talk about how he and his wife Liz have transformed three acres into a thriving mix of tropical crops, the journey from cacao pod to finished bar, and why Hawaiʻi has become such a unique place for chocolate making. Whether you’re a farmer, a foodie, or just love chocolate, this conversation offers a rich taste of what it means to grow and craft chocolate in Hawaiʻi.

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