36: Balancing Motherhood & Farming At The Raddest Farm Around | Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch

In this episode we sit down with Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch, whose colorful “punk rock” style meets old-school farming roots and new motherhood. Jaymie shares her journey of taking over a “left for dead” property and turning it into a beautiful thriving market garden, right in the community where she and her husband grew up. She details how her farm's success is tied to key initiatives, including a self-serve farm stand that is open seven days a week and a woodchip boiler system that heats their greenhouses for early tomato production. Jaymie reflects on raising a baby on the farm, both the joys and challenges, and how it has reshaped both her life and her leadership. Throughout, themes of community, culture, heritage, and family are highlighted in this wide-ranging and delightful conversation.

Timestamps

[4:11] “New rurals” vs “old school” conventional farmers

[10:04] Story of Rutabaga Ranch and acquiring the farmhouse

[12:12] Interconnectedness of rural life and relying on neighbors

[17:25] Farm overview

[20:10] The joy of working with family and building a lasting legacy

[24:25] Unexpected community support for the farm stand

[28:51] Self-serve farm stand breakdown

[33:41] Innovative waste-wood heating system

[55:08] Using “waste material” and the ecological benefits of wood chips

[1:04:31] The importance of showing that farming can be fun and not “miserable”

[1:10:15] Balancing a profitable farm with motherhood and quality of life

[1:22:35] Profitability of early tomatoes and their role in the farm’s income

[1:32:57] Is participating in local agricultural fairs “punk rock”?

[1:39:44] How Jaymie got into market gardening

[1:53:58] Rapid-fire Q&A including book recommendations, advice, and failures

Sponsors

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Links/Resources

Market Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com

Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass

Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter

Blog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog

Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books

Growers & Co: https://growers.co

Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/

The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/

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Guest Social Media Links

Jaymie Thurler:

Website: https://rutabaga-ranch.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rutabagaranch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rutabagaranch

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier