In this episode of the Small Town Stories podcast, Ben Smith of Smith Family Farms shares his journey as a first-generation farmer in Meade County, Kentucky. Haley and his wife run the operation together. He discusses the operations of their cow-calf business, the importance of direct-to-consumer sales, and the challenges faced in meat processing and logistics, especially post-COVID-19. The conversation highlights the significance of community support and the pride in providing quality, locally sourced beef to consumers. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of the beef industry, consumer behavior, and sustainable farming practices. They discuss the challenges faced by producers, the importance of community engagement, and the impact of their farming practices on both the environment and local economies. The conversation highlights memorable experiences that underscore the significance of their work and their aspirations for the future of their farm.
—--Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Small Town Stories and Farming
03:08 Ben and Haley's Journey as First Generation Farmers
06:06 Understanding the Cow-Calf Operation
08:58 Direct to Consumer Beef: The Process Explained
11:56 Community Support and Local Business Dynamics
15:03 Challenges in Processing and Logistics
17:54 Navigating the Direct Consumer Market
20:04 The Complexity of the Beef Industry
23:31 Challenges in Beef Production and Market Dynamics
25:16 Sustainability Practices in Modern Farming
30:21 Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
32:34 Memorable Experiences in Farming and Customer Impact
36:16 Future Aspirations and Goals for the Farm
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About Smith Family Farm
Phone: 270-547-8484
Website: https://smithfamilyfarmky.com
Location: Brandenburg, KY
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Small Town, Bold Stories is hosted by Brian Chism. Produced and brought to you by NextHome Chism Realty, where we believe in putting community first—because real estate is about people, not just properties. #HumansOverHouses Stay connected at NextHomeChismRealty.com
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farming, small town, direct to consumer, beef, sustainability, agriculture, community, animal welfare, first generation farmers, local business,NextHome, NextHomeChismRealty, #humansoverhouses, BrandenburgKY