James Morin - 20 Years in Finance to First-Generation Farmer

If you're a desk jockey that daydreams about starting a farm, you'll want to pay particular attention to this week's episode with James A. Morin, MBA, a first-generation farmer in Canada.

James is an interesting guy who is fully committed to the local food movement, having served on the board of a food coop and being a founding member of an online farmer’s market. With 20+ years in retail and commercial banking, James has thought very deeply about the capital investment needed to scale regenerative agriculture. During our conversation we also talk about the recent rise in popularity of soil health, getting a handle on greenwashing, the futility of farming without YouTube, and the challenges of sustainably and equitably providing food for a growing world population. I hope you enjoy this episode!

--- FULL EPISODE NOTES WITH LINKS @ https://truestewards.com/james-morin ---

--- TOPICS DISCUSSED ---

1:19 – An introduction to Kipling Ridge Farms

4:34 – Translating 20+ years in retail and commercial banking to the farm

6:15 – Expansion through increased efficiencies, focusing energy on managing the animals

8:14 – Wholesale marketing through an online farmer’s market

11:15 – Challenges with direct marketing and the traditional farmer’s market

12:06 – Bringing Kunekune pigs to market

16:26 – The financial and time commitment behind the food we purchase

20:20 – Rising popularity of regenerative agriculture, mainstream documentaries, and the potential for greenwashing

24:01 – Challenges transitioning toward a more local or regional approach to agriculture

26:50 – Poultry predators and the ecological outcomes of forest stewardship on neighboring parcels

29:11 – Those thinking of starting homesteading are advised to start small and take it slow

32:48 – Youtube and other farming resources

36:31 – Are animals bad for the planet? – The role livestock play in nature

40:12 – Capital investment needed to scale regenerative agriculture