141. The Ericksons on Soil Management, Compost Tea, and Farming in New Zealand

Have you ever considered moving your farming operation? Today we’re taking it across the pond with Steve, Jenny, and Sequoia of Chaos Springs Farm, located in Waihi, New Zealand. Originally located in Utah, Chaos Springs makes compost and soil management tools to help growers take control of their soil fertility. They make it a point to pay close attention to all four realms of soil function: soil biology, minerals, energetics, and the plant-soil relationship. Chaos Springs also grows a selection of fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables. Hear all about what farm life is like on the other side!   You’ll hear: What kicked off their farming journey 1:30 How they prepared for the move 5:08 What different enterprises are involved with the farm 10:36 The goals of their social media marketing 18:04 How they handle compost filtration 31:42 The main benefits of compost tea 38:31 What kind of themes Chaos Springs markets in social media 43:08 About the thought process behind building the composting business 47:05 Where they see the farm headed in the future 50:25   About the Guest:Jenny & Steve have been farming since 1983. First in Utah, running Ranui Gardens, then in 2001 they purchased a Farm in New Zealand where they farm today. Sequoia, their daughter runs the social media for the company from Toronto.   Resources:Website - https://www.chaossprings.co.nz/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ChaosSprings/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chaossprings/   Harvest Hosts Resources: If interested in being a host, please be sure to mention ​​Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application! Harvest Hosts Facebook  Harvest Hosts Instagram  Become a Host Information We are Harvest Hosts, a platform that connects over 180,000 RVers to local businesses and attractions. Based on our recent survey, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 per night at each Host Location they visit; well-established Hosts are reporting an average of $13,000 in additional annual revenue. Our model is a cost-free opportunity for hosts to share their offerings with our members by opening up space for an overnight stay. We simply tell our members about you and they schedule their visit in advance. In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Host members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. We hope to see you as a new host location of ours soon. If you have additional questions, please contact our Account Executive, JD at [email protected]. Don't believe us? Hear more from a host!