The Agri-Tourist Podcast
Agritourism involves travel, entertainment, adventure and agriculture, but, at its core, agritourism is really about connecting and educating. Join me to learn from experienced agritourism farmers and entrepreneurs, and help me build my future farm strategy.
There is nothing like the taste of a real, authentic New England maple syrup. This one is not located in Vermont – it’s located right in the Berkshires! And I even had the chance to spend a few hours touring and tasting my way through this amazing farm.
Justamere Tree Farm is located in the town of Worthington MA. The land was purchased in 1982 and owned by JP and Marian. They fell in love with a 26-acre wooded lot with a brook and hunting cabin and farmed the land for 38 years. The woods became their livelihood, the earth their roots, and the trees their grounding.
The farm is newly owned by three inspirational women – Kelly, Kim and Deb. It is now an all women-owned maple business that runs on clean, renewable energy. And it is situated on 60 acres of rolling hills filled with maples and birch.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Deb who spent most of her career as a biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and lived in many places including Connecticut, Maine, and Alaska. She believes that private landowners and sustainable agriculture play an integral role in conservation. That is why she fell in love with Justamere Tree Farm and the ethic behind the business.
Her business partner Kelly grew up outdoors as a competitive ski and mountain bike racer who is passionate about a life focused on nature and the environment. After spending time in her childhood on a farm in Ohio, Kelly has now returned to her roots.
And Kim grew up riding horses through the fields and forests of rural Alabama. She lived in Alaska for over 20 years where, among other things, she did backcountry search and rescue with her dog. Her lifelong passion for the outdoors, and the beauty of New England drew her to this new adventure.
Join me in learning about this special maple forest in the heart of the Berkshires and learn all about Justamere’s authentic and unique maple products, some favorites being the maple seasoning, maple hot cocoa, cinnamon maple sugar, and so much more.
Enjoy my conversation with Deb, of the owners of Just- A- Mere Tree Farm.
Justamere Tree Farm
Berkshire Grown
Berkshares
Great Barrington Farmers Market
Harold Grinspoon Foundation
The Global Agritourism Network (GAN) was created to support agritourism worldwide through education, research, and advocacy. Everyone with an interest in agritourism is welcome to join for free by completing the form online at Global Agritourism Network (GAN) Registration (google.com).
Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.
Vegetable Education for Kids
Heart & Beet connect kids & families to what they are eating! They learn about growing & eating organic vegetables, making healthier food & drink choices, gardening, seasonal eating, chocolate, & more. Click here to learn more.
Marketing Consultations
Jen Ross specializes in brand building, marketing strategy, partnership development, & marketing execution for farms and all types of companies. She is here to guide you or do the marketing for you - whatever you prefer! She has been helping clients in many industries for over 20 years! Click here to learn more and review some case studies!
Use our Children's Book as a Weekly Nutrition Lesson for Kids
Root for the Beet - A children’s education book series designed to inspire healthy food and drink choices, and an active lifestyle.
The HeartBeet Farms Vision
Our vision is to help create a society where people are connected to where their food comes from and have a real understanding about the importance of eating food that is high in nutrition.
The HeartBeet Farms Mission
1. Make available fresh, sustainably grown vegetables.
2. Create healthy leaders through vegetable, garden, & nutrition education.
3. Support other local business owners in achieving their goals through targeted marketing and business development services.
4. Help support the mission of don8tions- providing fresh, wholesome meals to local kids and families in need.
