{"podcast":{"title":"Rooted Agritourism","slug":"rooted-agritourism-6069338","podcast_index_feed_id":6069338,"rss_url":"https://media.rss.com/sunnymarymeadow/feed.xml","website_url":"https://rss.com/podcasts/sunnymarymeadow","image_url":"https://media.rss.com/sunnymarymeadow/20250829_020827_937b273e6cf8369c49b5b4e524a703f7.jpg","author":"Liz Fiedler","episode_count":186,"summary":"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 profitability. Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Webs…","last_synced_at":"2026-06-24T00:18:07.444370+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/rooted-agritourism-6069338"},"episode":{"title":"Crafting Cider from the Ground Up: Milk and Honey Cider’s Agritourism Journey","slug":"crafting-cider-from-the-ground-up-milk-and-honey-cider-s-agritourism-journey","published_at":"2025-09-29T11:10:09+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/rooted-agritourism-6069338/crafting-cider-from-the-ground-up-milk-and-honey-cider-s-agritourism-journey","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/rooted-agritourism-6069338","url":"https://rss.com/podcasts/sunnymarymeadow/2210221","audio_url":"https://content.rss.com/episodes/185131/2210221/sunnymarymeadow/2025_09_11_03_56_36_794c5320-2b5e-4cef-a452-73944731b9ee.mp3","summary":"In this episode of 'Rooted Agritourism,' Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen from Sunny Mary Meadow interviews Peter Gillitzer, co-owner of Milk and Honey Cider in St. Joseph, Minnesota. The conversation explores the journey of Milk and Honey Cider, from the challenges of growing cider-specific apple varieties to turning those apples into craft cider. Peter shares insights into the agronomic and economic aspects of apple farming, addressing topics like grafting, soil requirements, pest management, pruning, and the importance of understanding one's strengths in farming. The discussion extends to the cider-making process, including fermenting, aging, blending, and addressing how Milk and Honey balances customer demand with their craft. The episode highlights the collaborative spirit within the local farming community and the importance of supporting local agritourism. 00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism 00:19 Meet Peter Giler: Co-Owner of Milk and Honey Cider 01:37 Starting with Apples: The Journey Begins 02:31 Challenges and Trials in Apple Growing 04:57 Understanding Cider and Mead 10:47 The Economics of Apple Farming 18:50 Harvesting and Production Insights 19:56 Grading and Processing Apples 20:30 Cider Production Benefits 21:15 Collaborations and Diversification 22:58 Community and Competition 25:58 Cider Making Process 29:50 Balancing Production and Demand 32:45 Crafting Unique Ciders 37:32 Conclusion and Contact Information 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/ Podc…","meta_description":"In this episode of 'Rooted Agritourism,' Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen from Sunny Mary Meadow interviews Peter Gillitzer, co-owner of Milk and Honey Cider in St.…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2358,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/rooted-agritourism-6069338/episodes/crafting-cider-from-the-ground-up-milk-and-honey-cider-s-agritourism-journey/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/rooted-agritourism-6069338/crafting-cider-from-the-ground-up-milk-and-honey-cider-s-agritourism-journey.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}