210. Darcie and Darbie Zirkle on Their Conventional, Multigenerational Family Farm

Are you open to new ideas and technology when it comes to the younger generations on your family farm? What do you keep from the older generation and incorporate from the newer one? Today’s guests on the Thriving Farmer Podcast are Darcie and Darbie Zirkle, the twins of Zirkle Farms, located in Champaign County, Ohio. Zirkle Farms became a Century Farm in 2005. The family has multiple generations, all working together to make the farm evolve and thrive.Join us to hear all about the Zirkle’s family business and how they have evolved over the years on their Century Farm. You’ll hear: What it was like for Darcie and Darbie growing up on the farm 1:38 Seed variations 5:46 How Zirkle Farms has implemented technology 7:16 The biggest challenges facing family farms today, according to Darcie and Darbie 12:36 The farm’s process of passing ownership down to the next generation 15:54 Changes they would they like to see in their business 21:49 Darcie and Darbie’s stance on the general demonization of American farmers 28:27 What they see for the future of the farm 30:11 Their advice for someone thinking about getting into family farming 36:08 About the Guest: Darcie and Darbie Zirkle were born and raised in Champaign County, OH where they now raise row crops and beef cattle on their family farm. Zirkle Farms is a Century Farm with 1500 acres of crops and 60 head of cattle.   Note: This podcast is a bit different than the majority of our guests. I feel it is important to hear how many of the farmers think that are your neighbors, fellow co-op shoppers, and farm bureau members.   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! Harvest Hosts provides a cost-free opportunity for small businesses and farms to increase revenue simply by inviting self-contained RV members to stay one night on their property. In return, Members patronize or donate to the business.  The program is free for farms to join and to share their offerings. There is no requirement to have hook-ups or services, just a place to park one RV.In exchange for the overnight stay, Harvest Hosts Members are encouraged to make a purchase of at least $20 at each host location they visit. Based on a 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 $15,000 in additional annual revenue.  Become a Host For more information on how you can become a Host, contact Harvest Hosts at [email protected]  Be sure to mention the ​​Thriving Farmer Podcast on your application! Become a  Member If you have an RV and are interested in joining as a Member, visit HarvestHosts.com today.