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Rooted Agritourism: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Liz Fiedler
Rooted Agritourism is the go-to podcast for rural entrepreneurs building diversified, sustainable, and story-driven farm businesses. Hosted by Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen—flower farmer, educator, and founder of Sunny Mary Meadow cut flower farm—this show goes beyond blooms to explore the full spectrum of agritourism and value-added agriculture.Whether you're launching a U-pick field, hosting farm events, bottling your own products, or dreaming up the next big rural business idea, you'll find honest insights, real-world strategies, and a whole lot of encouragement here. Each episode blends personal experience, practical tools, and conversations with innovative ag-based business owners who are redefining what it means to grow on your own terms.From marketing perishable products to navigating burnout, building memberships, and scaling farm income streams—Rooted Agritourism is your weekly companion for building a life and business deeply rooted in purpose, place, and p
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- Jun 23, 202621 min
Thermostat or Thermometer: What a County Permitting Battle Taught Me About Leadership
TakeawaysYou cannot argue people into changing their minds. You can only outlast their fear with evidence, patience, and showing up consistently.Leaders set the temperature. Whether you choose to be a thermostat or a thermometer in a conflict will determine the outcome more than the facts will.Agritourism is not a hobby. It is an economic development strategy — one that keeps farmland in family hands when traditional commodity farming can no longer carry the weight.In this solo episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen is back with one of the most honest conversations she has had on this podcast yet — and it's entirely her own story. Liz opens by catching listeners up on a whirlwind stretch: the launch of her USA Today bestselling book Flowers Bloom Anyway, her appearance on season two of Dirt Diaries on RFD-TV, a segment on Market Watch, and the official opening of her on-farm event venue and farm store at Sunny Mary Meadow.But the heart of this episode is a story she has been sitting with for almost a year: the conditional use permit battle that nearly derailed her dream before the building was even finished.Key Topics CoveredLiz's background: nurse practitioner by education, flower farmer by accident, entrepreneur by necessityGrowing Sunny Mary Meadow from $7,000 to $150,000 in flower sales in three years — and why she knew the model had to evolveWhy she rebranded from Flower Farmer Forum to Rooted Agritourism, and what that shift representsFlowers Bloom Anyway — USA Today bestseller — and the media attention that followedWhat a conditional use permit is and why agritourism businesses need one to operate legallyThe neighbor opposition, the misinformation, and what it cost her personallyThe county commissioner who accused her application of fraud and walked out of a public meetingHow she decided to stop saying "no comment" and go to the statewide pressFiling a formal complaint — and why she says it was about accountability, not revengeThe phone call from a neighbor a year later: "I think we were misinformed."Thermostat vs. thermometer leadershipSave $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/ Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/ Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
- Jun 1, 202613 min
Heated High Tunnel Lessons: What I Learned My First Year Growing Flowers in Zone 4B
TakeawaysHeated high tunnels create more control, but they also create new management challengesCrop planning and data tracking made recovering from crop losses much easierOverwintering flowers may be the key to earlier blooms and higher profitabilitySummary of the EpisodeThis week, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen shares a transparent look at her first year operating a heated high tunnel in Zone 4B Minnesota. From grant funding and installation costs to propane failures and frozen crops, this episode dives deep into what worked, what failed, and what changes are coming next season.If you've considered adding season extension infrastructure to your flower farm or agritourism business, this episode offers practical lessons about costs, crop selection, risk management, and scaling production.Key Topics Covered:Heated vs unheated high tunnelsHow NRCS grants work for high tunnel fundingHidden costs of greenhouse and tunnel infrastructureCrop losses caused by heating failuresOverwintering ranunculus and cool flowers in Zone 4BPlanning earlier blooms for Mother's Day salesScaling flower production strategicallyManaging inventory and storage for wedding flowersSave $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
- May 22, 202624 min
How I Run Multiple Businesses With Zero Employees and Still Grow
TakeawaysTraditional hiring is not the only path to business growth and scalability.Systems, freelancers, and strategic outsourcing can create more flexibility and sustainability.Delegation works best when you evaluate tasks based on skill, enjoyment, and business impact.In this behind-the-scenes episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen pulls back the curtain on how she runs a flower farm, event venue, podcast, speaking business, and multiple entrepreneurial ventures without traditional employees.Liz shares her journey through hiring W-2 employees, experimenting with assistants and agencies, and ultimately designing a business model centered around systems, contractors, software, and project-based specialists.She walks listeners through her current support structure, including freelance creatives, podcast production, PR support, website management, seasonal help, and automation experts. Along the way, she explains how intentional delegation has helped her protect her time, focus on high-value work, and create a business that supports both growth and quality of life.Whether you're an agritourism operator, rural entrepreneur, or service-based business owner, this episode offers practical insight into building a sustainable business without defaulting to traditional staffing.Key Topics Covered:Why traditional hiring did not fit this stage of business growthBuilding systems instead of relying on employeesManaging freelancers and retainers effectivelyUsing software and automation to save timeThe delegation matrix for business ownersProtecting owner energy while scalingOutsourcing without sacrificing qualitySave $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
- May 13, 20268 min
What Is Value-Added Agriculture? How Farmers Create More Income Without More Land
TakeawaysValue-added agriculture is about increasing the value of what you already produce rather than expanding acreage or inputs.Agritourism creates stronger customer relationships while allowing farmers to retain more profit margin.Experiences like workshops, weddings, pumpkin patches, and farm tours are legitimate forms of agricultural income.Direct-to-consumer sales provide more control over pricing and branding.The future of farming depends on innovation, diversification, and community connection.In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen breaks down what value-added agriculture actually means and why it is transforming modern farming. She explains how farmers can create significantly more income from the same products by shifting from wholesale commodity models to direct-to-consumer experiences and services.Using examples from her own flower farm, Dr. Liz shares how the same crop can generate vastly different revenue depending on how it is sold, packaged, and experienced by customers. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of agritourism, the misconceptions surrounding modern agriculture, and why preserving family farms requires innovation beyond traditional commodity sales.This episode is essential listening for farmers, rural entrepreneurs, flower growers, agritourism operators, and anyone exploring ways to diversify farm income and build a sustainable agricultural business.Key Topics Covered:What value-added agriculture meansWholesale vs. retail farming modelsDirect-to-consumer agriculture strategiesAgritourism business opportunitiesPricing and profit margins for farmersBuilding customer connection through experiencesThe economic importance of family farmsWhy modern agriculture includes education and entertainmentHow farmers can create sustainable income streamsThe realities of running an agritourism businessSave $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
- May 4, 202610 min
Commodity vs Community Farming: The Shift Transforming Agritourism
TakeawaysCommodity farming offers scale but limits control and profitabilityCommunity-based agriculture creates higher value through relationships and experiencesFarmers must shift from just producing to marketing and selling strategicallyIn this episode, Dr. Liz Fielder Mergen breaks down the critical difference between commodity agriculture and community-based farming. She shares a powerful real-world example of how the same crop can generate vastly different revenue depending on how it is processed and sold. Liz explains the challenges of direct-to-consumer models, the realities behind agritourism, and why building a diversified farm ecosystem is key to long-term sustainability. This episode is essential for farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in value-added agriculture and modern farming business strategies.Key Topics Covered:Commodity vs community farming explainedThe economics of value-added agricultureEliminating the middleman in the supply chainThe realities of direct-to-consumer salesBuilding multiple revenue streams on a farmWhy marketing is just as important as productionSave 30% on Farmers to Florists with code PODCAST: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
- Apr 15, 20264 min
How Liz Fiedler Mergen Built a Value-Added Farm Business from Grief and Grit
TakeawaysValue-added agriculture can help small farms create stronger margins and deeper customer relationships.Direct-to-consumer farming opens new opportunities for agritourism, flower farming, and rural business growth.Entrepreneurship often starts by solving real problems and having the courage to build through uncertainty.In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, host Liz Fiedler Mergen shares her personal entrepreneur journey from nurse practitioner to agritourism business owner. Raised on a beef farm, Liz learned early the difference between commodity agriculture and value-added farming. After purchasing a 40-acre family farm with her husband, what began as a small farm stand slowly evolved into a much larger vision. Following devastating personal loss, Liz chose to build a business rooted in purpose, resilience, and innovation. She discusses how direct-to-consumer agriculture, flower farming, coaching, and even app development became part of her growing farm business model. This conversation is a powerful look at rural entrepreneurship, farm diversification, and building a meaningful life through agriculture.Key Topics Covered:Liz Fiedler Mergen’s transition from healthcare to agritourismGrowing up in agriculture and learning value-added farm economicsThe difference between commodity farming and community-centered businessBuilding a farm stand and expanding into flowers and experiencesUsing direct-to-consumer agriculture to create revenueTurning real farm challenges into coaching and digital business opportunitiesResilience, grief, and leading an interesting life through entrepreneurship
- Feb 2, 202639 min
Podfest Publishing Panel: Real Talk on Writing "Flowers Bloom Anyway"
In this inspiring episode of Rooted Agritourism, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen shares the mic with publishing veterans and fellow authors during the Future Proof Author panel at Podfest 2026. Whether you're dreaming of writing your first book or looking to scale your author platform, this panel is packed with actionable advice on storytelling, publishing, platform-building, and book marketing for rural entrepreneurs and creative business owners.Liz opens up about her personal journey—from flower farmer and podcast host to memoir author—and how grief, growth, and entrepreneurship collided to shape her book. Joined by experts from Morgan James Publishing and other successful authors, this conversation dives into the real stories and smart strategies that help authors not only publish but thrive.Key Topics Covered:How to decide what book to write (and why it matters for your future)Marketing your book before it’s even finishedWhy your personal story is your strongest brand assetSelf-publishing vs traditional publishing insightsBuilding an engaged audience with pre-orders and waitlistsSocial media and email strategy tips for first-time authorsCreating a sustainable content and promotion planLeveraging podcast guesting and live events to grow your author platformThe importance of aligning your book with your long-term business goalsPre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
- Jan 27, 202614 min
Crop Planning for a Flower Farm that Actually Works
Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, delves into the core principles of crop planning for flower farms. Emphasizing alignment rather than control, she discusses scheduling bloom times to match sales needs. Liz shares insights from her own experiences, explaining how she uses succession planting and planning tools to optimize planting schedules and fulfill her varied event commitments. While promoting her crop planning platform Farmers to Florist, she insists the principles can be applied manually with notebooks or spreadsheets. Liz underscores the importance of early planning to make informed decisions and maximize the use of crops during their harvest windows. The episode also highlights the upcoming Flower Farmer Forum conference and provides resources for further learning and support for rural entrepreneurs.00:00 Introduction to Crop Planning00:10 Welcome to Rooted Agritourism00:40 Understanding Crop Planning for Flower Farms01:50 The Importance of Crop Planning02:32 Real-Life Examples from My Farm04:02 Planning for Different Business Models05:27 Succession Planting and Season Extension09:11 Using Tools for Efficient Crop Planning13:10 Final Thoughts and Upcoming EventsPre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
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About Rooted Agritourism
Rooted Agritourism is the go-to podcast for rural entrepreneurs building diversified, sustainable, and story-driven farm businesses. Hosted by Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen—flower farmer, educator, and founder of Sunny Mary Meadow cut flower farm—this show goes beyond blooms to explore the full spectrum of agritourism and value-added agriculture.Whether you're launching a U-pick field, hosting farm events, bottling your own products, or dreaming up the next big rural business idea, you'll find honest insights, real-world strategies, and a whole lot of encouragement here. Each episode blends personal experience, practical tools, and conversations with innovative ag-based business owners who are redefining what it means to grow on your own terms.From marketing perishable products to navigating burnout, building memberships, and scaling farm income streams—Rooted Agritourism is your weekly companion for building a life and business deeply rooted in purpose, place, and p
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