Have you ever wondered how you can run a profitable cut flower farm? In this episode, Lennie Larkin, a business leader in the flower farming industry and founder of B-Side Farm, shares her inspiring journey from teaching to sustainable farming. Starting her career in Boston, Lennie transitioned to California, where she enrolled and then taught at UCSC Center for Agroecology, eventually establishing her own flower farm in 2014.
Throughout this episode, Lennie candidly shares the challenges she faced, including rapid growth and personal burnout. These experiences led her to seek advanced training in small business management, which dramatically transformed her farm into a model of profitability and sustainability. She emphasizes that while many flower farmers are passionate about growing flowers, they often lack the business acumen necessary to thrive. Lennie aims to bridge this gap by providing coaching and resources to flower farmers nationwide.
Lennie discusses the importance of setting realistic sales goals and understanding the financial aspects of running a flower farm. She encourages aspiring farmers to think strategically about their business models, emphasizing that while it is possible to be profitable in the first year, it is often more realistic to aim for profitability in the second or third year.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a wealth of knowledge that can inspire anyone interested in profitable cut flower farming.
In This Episode You’ll Hear About:
01:37: From Passion to Profession: A Journey from Education to Flower Farming
10:43: Bridging Agriculture and Business in Flower Farming
15:09: Lessons from Early Flower Farming Experiences
17:22: Achieving Profitability as a First-Year Flower Farmer
19:21: Strategies for Farm Profitability: Setting Realistic Goals and Efficient Practices
27:29: Optimal Farm Size for Beginners and Strategies for Efficiency
29:02: Small-Scale Farming for Profitability
32:04: Scaling A Wedding Business
35:58: Embracing Collaboration: The Value of Sourcing Flowers from Other Farms
42:52: Transitioning to Oregon: Challenges and New Beginnings in Flower Farming
49:23: Empowering Flower Farmers Through Coaching and Community
57:02: Embracing Marketing and Sales in Flower Farming
Learn More About Lennie Larkins & Flower Farming For Profit:
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