Episode 43

full
Published on:

25th Jul 2024

Chatting with the Founder of Farming with Friends, Tristan Griffin

In this final episode of season three, hosts Caite and Arlene engage with Tristan from Farming with Friends, exploring the remarkable journey of transitioning from various professional roles to founding a non-profit that intricately combines regenerative farming, community engagement, and employing individuals with disabilities. The episode delves into Tristan's passion for farming, motivated by his daughter's developmental needs, his pursuit of healthier living, and a desire to utilize hands-on work in a meaningful way.

Tristan shares insights on the challenges and rewards of integrating multiple types of agriculture on their 87-acre farm, which includes a significant portion of fruit trees, laying hens, meat chickens, and their recent addition of Katahdin sheep. The discussion expands to cover Tristan's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for his employees with disabilities, emphasizing personalized roles and the importance of community involvement. Throughout, the episode highlights the need for flexibility, understanding, and the drive to create a nurturing space for both his family and the farm's broader community.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Family and Farming Integration: Tristan's journey into farming was largely influenced by his daughter Scout's developmental needs and his desire to engage his family in meaningful outdoor activities.
  • Non-Profit Goals: Farming with Friends emphasizes regenerative agriculture, creating employment for people with disabilities, and fostering community engagement.
  • Community Support: Leveraging his background in fundraising, Tristan underscores the importance of community involvement and support, which have been pivotal in the success of their non-profit.
  • Adaptive Employment: The farm provides varied, adaptive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, tailored to meet each person's unique abilities and strengths.
  • Work-Life Balance: Tristan discusses the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Timestamp Summary

  • 0:00 Farm Life Updates and Podcast Season Finale
  • 3:00 Back to School Preparations and Summer Reflections
  • 6:00 A Weekend of Reunions, Time Capsules, and Farm Life
  • 11:00 Top Episodes, Exciting Guests, and Patreon Exclusives
  • 12:00 A Farmer's Journey: Growing Crops, Raising Animals, and Building Community
  • 18:00 From Texas to Ohio: A Journey of Love and Agriculture
  • 20:00 Leveraging Diverse Career Skills for Community-Focused Farming
  • 24:00 Launching Farming With Friends to Empower People With Disabilities
  • 29:00 Challenges and Blessings of Raising a Child with Smith McGinnis Syndrome
  • 32:00 Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities in Agriculture
  • 38:00 Challenges and Joys of Parenting a Child with Special Needs
  • 39:00 Letting Go of Control for a More Peaceful Life
  • 41:00 Parenting, Homeschooling, and Embracing Individuality in Children
  • 46:00 Parenting Through Diagnosis, Twins, and COVID
  • 47:00 Parenting Challenges and the Joy of Engaging with Older Kids
  • 49:00 Integrating Individuals with Disabilities into Farming and Community Roles
  • 55:00 Creating Inclusive Spaces for People with Disabilities
  • 1:07:00 Balancing Family, Faith, and Farming Challenges
  • 1:13:00 Balancing Farming, Parenting, and Setting Healthy Boundaries
  • 1:16:00 Balancing Farm Life and Family Time
  • 1:18:00 The Importance of Nature and Agriculture in Children's Lives
  • 1:23:00 Parenting Challenges and Creative Solutions for Four Unique Children
  • 1:28:00 The Importance of Community Engagement for Farmers
  • 1:31:00 Cussing and Discussing the Challenges and Joys of Adulting


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About the Podcast

Barnyard Language
Real talk about running farms and raising families.
Real talk about running farms and raising families. Whether your farm is a raised bed in your backyard or 10,000 acres and whether your family is in the planning stages or you've got 12 kids, we're glad you found us!

No sales, no religious conversion, no drama. Just honest talk from two mamas who know what it's like when everyone is telling you to just get all your meals delivered and do all your shopping online, but your internet is too slow and you've got cows to feed.

About your host

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Caithlin Palmer