247. Susan Koehler and Nathan Boone on Securing the Future of Farming

How can land trusts support the next generation of farmers?  On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Susan Koehler and Nathan Boone. Susan is the Farmland Preservation Program Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. She is working alongside Nathan who is a seasoned organic farmer and agricultural consultant. Together, with the help of the NWA Food System Initiative,  they are providing support to new and beginner farmers through the preservation and enhancement of wild and farmed land. Tune in to hear about their mission to preserve and enhance the land and farming community in Northwest Arkansas through the permanent protection of land.  You’ll hear: What the NWA Land Trust does 1:52 About Nathan’s background and more about his involvement in the project 5:12 What their long-term intentions for the property are 9:58 About the types of farmers they are looking for 18:10 About the Guests: Susan Koehler is the Farmland Preservation Program Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust located in Fayetteville AR. Susan works to help farmers who want to voluntarily protect their operations with agricultural focused conservation easements. In addition, her programs are geared to provide support to new and beginning farmers trying to access farmland. Susan works with a number of farms and local food advocates in her community through the NWA Food System Initiative.  Nathan Boone is a seasoned organic farmer with more than 20 years of experience in specialty vegetable, flower and grain production in New Mexico, California, Indiana and Southern Turkey.  He also works as an agricultural consultant in beginning farm business planning and financial management, food safety training and transitioning to organic production.  Resources: Website - The Farmland Lease Program Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nwalandtrust/   This week’s podcast episode is sponsored by Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.  Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.  Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed. You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org