Dawn's Dirt

In this episode, Dawn dives into her no-BS journey from a scrappy kid with mud on her boots to a powerhouse farmer and entrepreneur. She pulls no punches as she talks about the grind of running a greenhouse, fighting through layers of red tape, and wrestling with anxiety and grief along the way. Dawn's got strong feelings about food sovereignty and isn’t shy about telling it like it is when it comes to local food systems. This episode is full of her trademark humor, grit, and unapologetic take on the ups and downs of farm life. She reflects on the heartbreak of selling her own farm, the reality of dealing with bureaucratic headaches, and her passion for teaching others how to grow their own food. At the core, Dawn's message is clear: it’s time to take back control of our food, support local farmers, and build deeper connections with the people who put food on our tables.   Episode Highlights: farming, agriculture, personal story, mental health, food sovereignty, farmers markets, greenhouse, bureaucracy, family dynamics, resilience, farming, food system, community, relationships, agriculture, local food, pandemic, bureaucracy, gardening, food security   Takeaways:  Dawn’s roots in her family’s greenhouse business set the stage for her journey in agriculture Farming brought unforeseen challenges, from bureaucracy to mental health battles The importance of resilience in a high-stress, unpredictable industry like farming Why farmers markets are crucial alternatives to wholesale channels for local farmers Building strong, personal relationships with customers became key to her success Dawn’s fierce advocacy for food sovereignty and taking control of our food sources Links Mentioned   Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/

On this episode of Dawn’s Dirt Podcast, Dawn and Betsy get down to the nitty-gritty of homesteading and milking cows, diving into Betsy’s bold journey from city life to the homestead grind. They don’t hold back on the truth about why health issues led Betsy to raw milk, the hard work that goes into milking, and all the hoops Canadians have to jump through thanks to the tight legal leash on raw milk. Dawn’s listeners are in for the real dirt here—raw milk isn’t just a fad, and Dawn dishes out the facts on why it’s in demand and why local food matters. Dawn and Betsy also smash some common myths around raw milk and break down what it takes to make homesteading work, starting small and rallying a solid support crew. From the benefits of natural foods to building up immunity by getting down in the dirt, this conversation is all about taking back control of your health, your food, and your community. If you’re up for a challenge, Dawn and Betsy’s conversation will give you the guts—and the knowledge—to dive into the wild world of farming and food production, loud and proud, just like Dawn's Dirt Podcast.   Episode Highlights: milking cows, raw milk, homesteading, health journey, cow breeds, milk production, legal restrictions, holistic health, family farming, sustainable living, sustainable farming, local food, community support, self-reliance, natural foods, immunity, backyard farming Takeaways:  Transitioning to homesteading can be a fulfilling lifestyle change Health issues in kids may drive exploration of alternative diets Understanding casein protein types is essential for informed choices Raw milk demand is growing, creating opportunities for small farmers Clean milking practices are key to positive health outcomes Starting small and building a support system boosts homesteading success Teaching kids about food origins nurtures self-reliance   Links Mentioned Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/

In this inspiring episode of Dawn’s Dirt, Brett Howe, a dedicated gardener, shares her journey into the rewarding world of growing her own food. Brett opens up about the challenges she faced, the techniques she mastered, and how gardening has transformed her family’s approach to food and wellness. Together, we explore the importance of mentorship in gardening, the financial perks of homegrown produce, and the shift in perspective towards food sustainability and health. Brett reflects on the pride and fulfillment that come from producing her own food, along with the invaluable lessons in work ethic and family values she’s gained along the way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to dive into gardening and discover the powerful benefits of fresh, homegrown food. Episode Highlights: gardening, food sustainability, coaching, family values, homegrown food, vegetable gardening, self-sufficiency, health, organic gardening, food education Takeaways:  Growing your own food strengthens family bonds and teaches kids about food origins Gardening requires dedication but offers substantial financial savings Mentorship and coaching can boost gardening success and reduce beginner mistakes Homegrown food provides unmatched taste and satisfaction Gardening fosters time management skills and resilience Choosing a gardening lifestyle leads to greater self-sufficiency and well-being Links Mentioned   Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/ Bret’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brethowe_coaching/   

In this episode of Dawn’s Dirt, Dawn dives into her journey as a former greenhouse owner, giving us an insider’s look at the world of large-scale vegetable farming. She shares the ups and downs of greenhouse management, from heating and irrigation to tackling pests, all while highlighting the critical role of customer relationships. With years of hands-on experience, Dawn has a treasure trove of insights and is now channeling her passion into coaching others to grow their own vegetables. Get ready to learn from Dawn’s expertise and discover the joys of cultivating your own fresh produce! Episode Highlights: farming, greenhouse, hydroponics, pest management, agriculture, vegetables, customer relationships, farming insights, coaching, Dawn's Dirt Takeaways:  Running a greenhouse is a demanding, year-round job Greenhouse heated with a hot water system Hydroponics provides precise nutrient delivery Pest management is essential in greenhouse work Customer relationships drive farming success Links Mentioned   Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/