Rooted Agritourism

Rooted Agritourism

by Liz Fiedler
EntrepreneurshipHome and Garden
Season 4
Heated High Tunnel Lessons: What I Learned My First Year Growing Flowers in Zone 4B
Takeaways Heated high tunnels create more control, but they also create new management challenges Crop planning and data tracking made recovering from crop losses much easier Overwintering flowers may be the key to earlier blooms and higher profitability Summary of the Episode This 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 tunnels How NRCS grants work for high tunnel funding Hidden costs of greenhouse and tunnel infrastructure Crop losses caused by heating failures Overwintering ranunculus and cool flowers in Zone 4B Planning earlier blooms for Mother's Day sales Scaling flower production strategically Managing inventory and storage for wedding flowers Save $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
S4 · E21
Jun 1, 2026
13:06
How I Run Multiple Businesses With Zero Employees and Still Grow
Takeaways Traditional 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 growth Building systems instead of relying on employees Managing freelancers and retainers effectively Using software and automation to save time The delegation matrix for business owners Protecting owner energy while scaling Outsourcing without sacrificing quality Save $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
S4 · E20
May 22, 2026
24:26
What Is Value-Added Agriculture? How Farmers Create More Income Without More Land
Takeaways Value-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 means Wholesale vs. retail farming models Direct-to-consumer agriculture strategies Agritourism business opportunities Pricing and profit margins for farmers Building customer connection through experiences The economic importance of family farms Why modern agriculture includes education and entertainment How farmers can create sustainable income streams The realities of running an agritourism business Save $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
S4 · E19
May 13, 2026
8:15
Commodity vs Community Farming: The Shift Transforming Agritourism
Takeaways Commodity farming offers scale but limits control and profitability Community-based agriculture creates higher value through relationships and experiences Farmers must shift from just producing to marketing and selling strategically In 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 explained The economics of value-added agriculture Eliminating the middleman in the supply chain The realities of direct-to-consumer sales Building multiple revenue streams on a farm Why marketing is just as important as production Save 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/rootedagritourism Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/ Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
S4 · E18
May 4, 2026
10:06
How Liz Fiedler Mergen Built a Value-Added Farm Business from Grief and Grit
Takeaways Value-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 agritourism Growing up in agriculture and learning value-added farm economics The difference between commodity farming and community-centered business Building a farm stand and expanding into flowers and experiences Using direct-to-consumer agriculture to create revenue Turning real farm challenges into coaching and digital business opportunities Resilience, grief, and leading an interesting life through entrepreneurship
S4 · E17
Apr 15, 2026
4:40
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 finished Why your personal story is your strongest brand asset Self-publishing vs traditional publishing insights Building an engaged audience with pre-orders and waitlists Social media and email strategy tips for first-time authors Creating a sustainable content and promotion plan Leveraging podcast guesting and live events to grow your author platform The importance of aligning your book with your long-term business goals Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $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
S4 · E16
Feb 2, 2026
39:11
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 Planning 00:10 Welcome to Rooted Agritourism 00:40 Understanding Crop Planning for Flower Farms 01:50 The Importance of Crop Planning 02:32 Real-Life Examples from My Farm 04:02 Planning for Different Business Models 05:27 Succession Planting and Season Extension 09:11 Using Tools for Efficient Crop Planning 13:10 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $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
S4 · E15
Jan 27, 2026
14:12
Flowers Bloom Anyway: Building Better Relationships in Life with Mark Hicks
In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism podcast, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen sits down with Dr. Mark Hicks of The Learning Love Foundation to discuss personal growth, healthy relationships, and the journey of becoming a published author. Dr. Hicks shares his experiences with love, divorce, and building a life that matters through his book, 'Learning Love Building the Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last.' They dive into the importance of relationships in both personal and professional lives, especially for those in the agritourism industry. Dr. Hicks also talks about his background in mental health counseling, divinity, and ministry, emphasizing the universal importance of learning to love. Additionally, Dr. Fiedler Mergen provides updates on her own projects, including the new event venue and her upcoming book. Tune in to gain insights into cultivating love and success in both personal life and business. 00:00 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism 00:19 Welcome to the Rued Egg Tourism Podcast 00:34 Flowers Bloom Anyway: Personal Growth and Grief 00:54 Meet Dr. Mark Hicks 01:20 The Journey of Writing and Publishing 02:14 Building Healthy Relationships 05:24 The Importance of Love in All Aspects of Life 07:27 Credentials and Experience of Dr. Mark Hicks 09:28 Upcoming Changes and Exciting News 11:03 Conclusion and Resources Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $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
S4 · E14
Jan 19, 2026
11:55
The Power of Community: Insights from the Flower Farmer Forum with Ali Anderberry
In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, discusses the upcoming Flower Farmer Forum Conference and shares a conversation with Ali from Anderbery Acres in Nebraska about how attending the Flower Farmer Forum conference impacted her flower farming journey. The episode highlights the importance of in-person connections, practical business advice, and learning through direct experiences. Dr. Liz and Ali also talk about pricing strategies, the value of attending live events, planned conference activities, and the diverse pathways to success in flower farming. 00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism 00:19 Welcome Back and Special Guest Introduction 01:33 Ali's Flower Farming Journey 04:46 Conference Experiences and Insights 10:41 Upcoming Events and Workshops 18:51 Final Thoughts and Farewell Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $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
S4 · E13
Jan 12, 2026
24:28
What 2025 Taught Me About Business, Burnout & Bravery
Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow in Central Minnesota, reflects on the highs and lows of 2025. She discusses setting measurable goals, navigating challenges, and enduring personal hardships, including infertility and community opposition to her business. Dr. Mergen provides insights into the grit required to build a thriving agritourism venture and announces exciting upcoming projects like the Farmers to Florist app and her soon-to-be-published book. She emphasizes the importance of slow, sustained effort and resilience in achieving long-term success.00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism 00:19 Reflecting on 2025: Achievements and Challenges 02:28 Building a Thriving Business: The Journey 06:46 Overcoming Community Challenges 08:46 Exciting Plans for 2026 11:39 Upcoming Goals and Final Thoughts Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Save $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
S4 · E12
Jan 5, 2026
12:54
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