Ben and his wife, Claire, run Allicin’s Ranch where they grow over 50 varieties of garlic year round through a migrant farming lifestyle in Northern Idaho, Baja California and Argentina.
Throughout our conversation, we discuss what it means to be a migrant farmer, and all of the unique benefits and challenges that come with it. We explore the romanticized narratives about farm life, and shed light on the invisible systemic barriers that make the life of a small farmer more difficult.
Tune in to learn more about:
Why garlic is an ideal crop for migrant farming
How they continue building their soil throughout the years
How different types of animal manure impact the yield of a crop
Leaning on perennials as a way to be able to leave for stretches of time
The many varieties of garlic that exist, and why grocery stores only carry one variety
What the color of your garlic says about the quality of your soil
Insights from family members that pioneered the original organic movement
The current state of corruption behind the "USDA organic" label
The true cost of eating cheaper produce from monocrop farms
… And so much more!
Connect with Ben:
Website: allicinsranch.com
Instagram: @allicins_ranch
Website: garlicbraids.com
Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel
