Melanie Jones sits down with Roger Blackwell, President of Chestnut Growers of America, to talk about the momentum building in the U.S. chestnut industry. Together they explore what’s changed, what’s ahead, and how growers across the country are uniting to shape the next chapter of this remarkable tree crop.

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🌐 What the Heck is SEO (and Why Should Chestnut Growers Care?) 

Hi friends—Melanie Jones here with United Chestnuts, and today we’re breaking down a big, messy topic in a way that makes sense for farmers: 👉 SEO (Search Engine Optimization) If you're a grower who wants to sell more chestnuts, trees, or host visitors to your orchard—but don’t have time to become a digital marketing expert—this episode is for you. We’ll cover:

• Why chestnut growers need SEO—even if you’re not “online people”
• Simple ways to get your orchard found in Google, Facebook, and TikTok
• What terms like AEO and GEO actually mean (and how they help)
• How United Chestnuts is making this easy with tools, templates, and support

💻 Learn more and join the movement: unitedchestnuts.com/resources 🌰 Chestnuts are coming back—and we’re building the system to support them.

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Today we’re out in the orchard with Nora D’Antuono from the Ecdysis Foundation, talking real‑world regenerative agriculture: soil health that sticks, biodiversity that pays back, and farmer‑led research through the 1000 Farms Initiative. We dig into tools like the BugBox and Xerinx, why insects are powerful indicators of farm health, and how community + data help farmers move from “hope” to “proof.” Recorded at EBB Farms (Western Kentucky)—the chestnut-growing testbed powered by the United Chestnuts movement. You’ll hear:

• What 1000 Farms is measuring—and why it matters to your bottom line
• Simple biodiversity practices that fit real schedules and budgets
• The role of the BugBox/Xerinx in tracking ecosystem health
• How growers are sharing data, stories, and momentum

Resources: unitedchestnuts.com/resources
Resources: ecdysis.bio
Connect: United Chestnuts Community (FB), Ecdysis Foundation, Blue Dasher Farm Tags: #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #1000Farms #Ecdysis #Chestnuts #UnitedChestnuts #EBBFarms

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🎙️ Branching Out: Growing Together

At EBB Farms, our Grow-Bag Strategy makes all the difference. We raise each seedling in a three-gallon breathable grow bag inside protected nurseries. They’re watered daily, weeded, and carefully staked — building a dense, fibrous root system that establishes quickly once planted. Before shipping, we gently shake off the soil and send the tree dormant, so you get the very same strong, orchard-ready trees we plant ourselves. In this episode, we explain why it pays to reserve your chestnut trees early. Demand is high, and these bare root seedlings are already in motion. Learn how they’re raised, what sets them apart, and why they often show faster growth in the field. 👉 Reserve now, and be ready to plant success.  Details at unitedchestnuts.com/ebb-farms

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At Pick N Grin Farm in western Kentucky, Willie Huston is doing more than raising crops—he’s cultivating a way of life rooted in observation, resilience, and joy. From silvopasture to biomimicry, mob grazing to music, Willie shares how tending the land has shaped his livelihood, his family, and his community. This episode is a reminder that restoring the earth begins with paying attention to what’s already there. What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Willie blends chestnuts, livestock, and wildflowers into a thriving farm ecosystem
• The role of curiosity and observation in regenerative farming
• Why diversity—of crops, community, and skills—creates resilience
• The link between music, creativity, and land stewardship
• Tips for starting your own small-scale farm with purpose

Listen in, and let’s grow together.

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What drives you to grow chestnuts—not just in year one, but year ten? In this episode, Melanie revisits a question that keeps surfacing in our orchard, at conferences, and in every email from new growers:

“What’s your why?” Drawing from personal experience and stories from growers like Brad and Sandy Russell, we explore what happens when you follow your reasons all the way down. Plus, Melanie shares a simple, powerful reflection tool you can download to clarify your own path. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your “why” matters more than your business plan
• How surface reasons often evolve into deeper ones
• Real motivations that keep chestnut growers going
• What to ask yourself when things get hard
• How to use the 7-question “Find Your Why” exercise

More Resources to Explore

• Listen to: Finding Our Why: Why Chestnuts, and Why Now
• Download the Seven Whys Reflection Tool
• Read: The Advantages of Tree Crops
• Watch: Brad + Sandy Rusell on The Branching Out: Growing Together podcast or Brad Russell on The Branching Out: Growing Together podcast

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🎙️ You’re listening to Branching Out: Growing Together, and I’m your host, Melanie Jones.

Today’s solo episode is all about starting with your why—a nod to the wisdom of Simon Sinek, and a principle we live by here at EBB Farms and United Chestnuts. Because when it comes to choosing what to grow—especially tree crops—your reason matters.

Maybe you want to improve your soil. Maybe you want to plant a long-term food source, build a family sanctuary, support wildlife, or leave a legacy that’s nutrient-rich and carbon-smart. Whatever your why, tree crops offer something powerful: a regenerative, perennial path forward. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the most common reasons people are turning to chestnut orchards and tree crops—and share how they connect to broader movements in agroforestry, food security, and land stewardship.

If you’re just starting out—or even just dreaming—this is a great place to begin. 📍 You can read the full blog and explore our other tools and resources at unitedchestnuts.com. Let’s grow something good, together.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

This Small Business Week, we’re digging deep into how chestnuts can power more than just your pantry — they can build a business.Melanie shares what she’s learned from financial advisor and grower Joel Hubbard and Propagate’s Jeremy Kaufman about building real business models around chestnut orchards. From land structure and taxes to agroforestry and next-generation planning, this episode is packed with insight for farmers, landowners, and dreamers alike.

You’ll hear:

• Why Joel believes chestnuts belong in your investment portfolio
• How Jeremy is helping farmers scale agroforestry across the U.S.
• Funding, planning, and structure tips for your chestnut orchard
• The emotional and financial power of planting for future generations

If you’re thinking about how to grow smarter, this one’s for you.Learn more and subscribe at unitedchestnuts.com and follow Branching Out: Growing Together for more interviews, field notes, and stories from the chestnut community.

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This offshoot episode is based on our recent conversation with Dave Skinner of Whitetal Properties, where we discuss "How to Buy Land with Purpose: Strategies from Dave Skinner."

What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to take the next step.

You’ll learn:

• What shifted in land buying trends post-COVID
• How to choose the right real estate agent for land
• Ideas for generating income from rural property (beyond farming)
• The real ROI of land compared to traditional investments
• Why passion for the outdoors still drives the best decisions

Want to learn more about land and chestnuts? Subscribe to the podcast and visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources, nursery info, and upcoming events and subscribe to the United Chestnuts YouTube channel. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

What should you really know before buying a piece of land? In this episode, I sit down with Dave Skinner of Whitetail Properties to talk about the journey from passion to profession — and all the ways you can turn land ownership into a meaningful investment. Whether you’re dreaming of a hunting property, a chestnut orchard, or a cabin in the woods, Dave offers practical insights that will inspire you to take the next step.You’ll learn:

• What shifted in land buying trends post-COVID
• How to choose the right real estate agent for land
• Ideas for generating income from rural property (beyond farming)
• The real ROI of land compared to traditional investments
• Why passion for the outdoors still drives the best decisions

Want to learn more about land and chestnuts? Subscribe to the podcast and visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources, nursery info, and upcoming events.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Podcast Description: In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, Scott Smith shares his journey from growing up in the chestnut industry to running a successful orchard in Michigan. We dive into the realities of modern chestnut farming, including harvesting methods, marketing strategies, and why diversification is the key to success.Episode Highlights:

• The transition from handpicking to mechanized harvesting
• How Scott built a market for his chestnuts (now in 17 grocery stores!)
• The role of grower collaboration and cultivar registration
• How breweries are using chestnuts—and what that means for farmers
• Why chestnut farming is as much about community as it is about crops

Tune in now to learn how to grow, sell, and thrive in the chestnut industry.Join the conversation! Visit unitedchestnuts.com for resources and follow us on social media for more chestnut farming insights.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore the evolving landscape of chestnut farming and industry collaboration through United Chestnuts and EBB Farms.🌰

United Chestnuts is expanding beyond just one farm—it’s becoming a national platform to support chestnut growers who want to focus on farming without the burden of branding and marketing. We discuss how this initiative aims to unite growers, streamline sales, and educate consumers about chestnuts.

🌱 EBB Farms continues to stand as a leading example of hands-on, chestnut cultivation. We talk about the farm’s role in both growing premium chestnuts and educating the next generation of farmers.

If you're interested in growing, selling, or simply enjoying chestnuts, this conversation is packed with insights into how we can all grow together!🔔

Subscribe for more stories from farmers, innovators, and industry leaders shaping the future of chestnut farming.

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🎙 Welcome to Branching Out: Growing Together! 🌱🌰

In this episode, we’re diving into the financial side of farming and entrepreneurship with Joel Hubbard, CPA—a seasoned expert in accounting, tax strategies, and business financial planning. But Joel isn’t just a numbers guy—he’s also a passionate chestnut grower and the owner of Georgia Chestnuts, where he’s actively contributing to the growth of the chestnut industry. 🌰🌿

Joel brings valuable insights on how growers, landowners, and small business owners can navigate taxes, manage cash flow, and build long-term financial stability. Whether you're starting your orchard, expanding your farm, or just trying to make sense of the numbers, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you grow—both financially and sustainably.

🌎📈 Check out the previous episode of Branching Out with Joel Hubbard in the podcast playlist.

Hit like & subscribe and let’s get into it! 🎧👇 #BranchingOutPodcast #ChestnutFarming #GeorgiaChestnuts #UnitedChestnuts

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Life is full of twists and turns, but those unexpected moments often hold the greatest opportunities for growth. In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we explore how to navigate career pivots, personal challenges, and the unpredictability of life with resilience and adaptability.Through deeply personal stories, you’ll discover:

• How to embrace unexpected opportunities and turn setbacks into stepping stones.
• Lessons from farming: adapting to life’s natural rhythms and letting go of control.
• How personal challenges, like loss and an ADHD diagnosis, can lead to profound growth.
• Why progress isn’t linear—but it’s always possible with persistence and flexibility.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom on creativity, self-discovery, and the power of showing up—even when the path forward looks uncertain.

Listen now and join us as we continue branching out and growing together!

➡️ Learn more at unitedchestnuts.com
📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment below!

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 In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, we dive into the growing opportunities in U.S. chestnut farming with Jessica Shade from USDA NIFA. Discover how programs like the Specialty Crop Research Initiative are driving innovation and collaboration between growers and researchers. Jessica shares actionable insights on funding, industry challenges, and how you can play a part in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

🌐 Learn more: SCRI Website

🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes on sustainable farming and agricultural innovation.Let me know if you’d like additional adjustments!

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In this episode of "Branching Out Growing Together," we sit down with Kathy Dice, co-founder of Redfern Farms, to explore the transformative potential of chestnut farming. Learn about the benefits of chestnuts as a sustainable crop, the role of agroforestry in combating environmental challenges, and the power of community in farming. From the challenges of startup farming to integrating livestock and wildlife, Kathy shares invaluable lessons for anyone passionate about agriculture and sustainability. Tune in for expert tips, delicious chestnut recipes, and a vision for the future of farming!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Tom Wahl of Red Fern Farms joins Melanie on the Branching Out: Growing Together podcast live from Chestnut Growers of America and Northern Nut Growers annual conference.  

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An exciting new addition to the chestnut-loving community! Melanie Jones, a partner at United Chestnuts, and her husband Brad host the "Branching Out" podcast. 

The first guest is Roger Blackwell, President of Chestnut Growers of America and the Michigan-based chestnut cooperative Chestnut Growers, Inc.

Melanie explains, "We launched the podcast to support our industry's growing interest in learning, connecting, and sharing industry-related stories and information from different perspectives. The timing is ideal for this." Subscribe to the weekly blog at unitedchestnuts.com and consider joining the United Chestnuts Community group on Facebook. United Chestnuts sells chestnut trees and chestnuts, of course!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

Join Melanie Jones, the host of the Branching Out podcast, in a captivating conversation with James "Mike" Nave. Uncover the secrets, challenges, and passion behind chestnut cultivation. Subscribe now for more insightful episodes on tree cultivation and horticulture.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.

In this podcast episode with Michael Parks, Melanie, and Michael engage in a lively discussion about the chestnut community and the importance of educating consumers about chestnuts. They highlight the need for ongoing education, noting that there is still much work to be done to increase awareness and consumption, especially among various cultural groups.

They discuss the balance of supply and demand in the chestnut market, emphasizing the complexities of this discussion and much more.

How do you feel about the balance between low-tech and high-tech solutions in your work as a chestnut farmer? 

How do you currently sell your chestnuts without relying heavily on technology? 

How do you approach sustainability in your farming practices? 

Melanie Jones, a partner at United Chestnuts, and her husband Brad host the "Branching Out" podcast. Melanie explains, "The podcast—available on YouTube, Spotify, Audible, and iHeartRadio—supports our industry's growing interest in learning, connecting, and sharing industry-related stories and information from different perspectives.

Subscribe to the weekly blog at unitedchestnuts.com and consider joining the United Chestnuts Community group on Facebook. United Chestnuts sells chestnut trees and chestnuts, of course!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/branching-out-growing-together--5924771/support.