A conversation with Andrew Kesterson of Belle Meadow Farm in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. More detailed show notes coming soon!

In this episode of the Shine Springs Farm Shinecast®, I’m featuring a conversation with Dr. Scot Duncan, a professor of biology at Birmingham Southern College and the author of Southern Wonder, Alabama’s Surprising Biodiversity. Scot and I talk about ecosystem services and other benefits of nature. We recorded this conversation in a coffee shop, so you’ll notice a bit of background noise, despite the pro mics and mixer I set up on a table in the corner. My apologies for that. It's not too bad, but slightly distracting. It's been a while (understatement) but I'm very pleased to be back with the Shine Springs Farm Shinecast. Look for an explainer episode next to let you know why I've been away and what's coming for the Shine Springs Farm Shinecast. I think you're going to like it. You can get more information at http://shinecast.net and http://shereemartin.com In the meantime, I hope you'll check out the Shine Springs Farm Facebook page here: http:www.facebook.com/ShineSpringsFarm  

On Tuesday night, June 4, Sheree took the recorder outside and walked around the Farm to reflect and report on what's been happening at Shine Springs Farm in the past few weeks.

On May 26, two hives of bees arrived at Shine Springs Farm. Sheree shares some of the details about her first four days as a beekeeper.

In episode 019 of the Shine Spring's Farm Shinecast Sheree talks with Corie Pierce co-owner of Bread & Butter Farm near Burlington, Vermont.  Sheree also shares a brief story of George Jones' visit to Shine Springs Farm. Shownotes available here: http://benfranklinfollies.com

This Newsletter edition of the Shine Springs Farm Shinecast features a discussion of Sheree's vision for the Shinecast and other related projects and how you can help guide the future of the Shinecast. Sheree also gives an in-depth look at the varieties of tomatoes growing this season at Shine Springs Farm (and in her backyard garden) and shares a Parsley Green Smoothie experience. 

David Snow of Snow's Bend Farm talks about how he and partner, Margaret Ann, chose sustainable farming as their life's vocation and the opportunities and challenges of sustainable farming. Sheree ponders whether it's irresponsible to put up bird houses if that makes it easier to snakes to trap and devour the baby birds. 

In this episode of the Shinecast Sheree talks with Skye Borden, a 28-year-old lawyer, who recently returned with her husband to live on family land in Central Alabama and grow their own food.

In Episode 015 of the Shine Springs Farm Shinecast, Sheree emerges from the winter hibernation and explains what happened to the interview with Tim Zweber of Zweber Family Farms. And she gives an update on the farm dogs, Koda and Shine.

Happy New Year: Episode 014 of the Shine Springs Farm Shinecast features Mitch Reid, program director for the Alabama Rivers Alliance, who talks about water policy, an overview of the history of water rights and water management and efforts in Alabama to develop a statewide water management plan. Mitch also talks about the economic development aspects of water and water policy. We're also joined by Adam Johnston, Alliance coordinator for the Alabama Rivers Alliance who talks about upcoming events where citizens can provide input into the water policy process and learn more about water policy, water rights and the importance of having a statewide water policy.