246. Sam Oschwald Tilton on Mechanical Weed Control in the Midwest

How much do you know about mechanical weeding?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Sam Oschwald Tilton who is the organizer of the upcoming Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day in Ohio. After earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, Sam has worked many roles in vegetable farming from tool development to teaching on sustainable horticulture. He currently serves as a Direct Market Vegetable Educator offering education and support to Milwaukee-area vegetable growers.  Tune in to hear all about the latest in weeds and cultivation.   You’ll hear: About Sam’s inspiration to get started in farming 1:40 How a farmer would get started in mechanizing their farm work 4:03 What is in Sam’s weed seed bank 8:56 About the roles of extension offices in farming 23:24 All about the upcoming Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day 30:22 About the many different weed control vendors that are attending the Field Day 35:09 About the Guest: Sam Oschwald Tilton serves in a shared position between FairShare and UW-Madison Extension as a Direct Market Vegetable Educator offering education and support to Milwaukee-area vegetable growers.  He also organizes the annual Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day.  Sam has worked in many roles on vegetable farms in Wisconsin – as a field hand, running his own CSA, and managing an educational farm in Sheboygan. He has a Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, where he researched organic weed control. And for three years, he was an instructor of Sustainable Landscape Horticulture at Lakeshore Technical College. Sam especially appreciates sharing his love of plants with children in his community.   Resources: Field Day Website - 2023 Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day FairShare CSA Coalition - https://www.csacoalition.org/about-us     This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.  Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.” Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business. To learn more, visit:  GrowingFarmers.com today!