newsletter Big Conversations & Better Tea
I don’t know about you, but this week felt… big. Like the kind of week where you look back and think, wow, those were some important conversations.
The Good, The Hard, The Real of Farming in Cook County
The University of Illinois Extension invited me into their office this week to talk about the good, the bad, and yes… the ugly… of being a farmer in Cook County.
Technically, we’re an “urban farm.”
Which always makes me laugh a little because while we’re in Cook County, our farm definitely doesn’t feel urban when you’re standing in the middle of it.
They asked thoughtful questions:
- What’s the hardest part of farming?
- What works to attract new customers?
- What are you most proud of?
- How can Cook County actually help?
And I’ve got to say… our story resonates.
It ended with hugs. I’m not sure that’s standard procedure for Extension meetings, but it happened. And it was powerful. Encouraging. The kind of moment that reminds you that this work matters — not just for food, but for people.
AI, Agriculture & Small Business (Yes, Really)
In a completely different direction, I also found myself in one of the craziest conversations of my life.
I wrote to Ambrook (our accounting software) saying “You guys have got to be thinking about this…”
A couple days later, I’m on a call with the cofounder and the head of their new AI division talking about the future of AI in agriculture, food systems, and small businesses.
It was fascinating. Big ideas. Real impact. And honestly… hopeful.
If you’re curious, I shared more about that conversation here:
👉 https://kakadoodle.com/post/AI+Superpower+for+Small+Businesses
Sometimes the conversations that start with a simple question turn into something way bigger than you imagined.
Let’s Talk Tea ☕️
Our loose leaf tea from Tony at Sacred Blossom Farm in Wisconsin has quickly become the third best-selling item at our new Farm Market.
And if you haven’t stopped by yet — we’re open every Saturday (Yes, today) from 10am–2pm. This is where you can see so many of the products we sell online in real life. And honestly? It’s become one of the most important parts of our week. The community. The conversations. The support. It’s so special.
Now back to the tea.
Tony grows and blends his teas with deep intention. No chemicals. No shortcuts. Just carefully grown herbs from healthy soil in Wisconsin. You can taste the difference — it’s vibrant and clean, not dusty and flat like so many store-bought teas.
Why we love it for our family:
- Supports digestion naturally
- Packed with antioxidants to help support immune health
- Gentle, calming options that are perfect for winding down
- No mystery “natural flavors” — just real plants
It’s such an easy swap if you’re trying to move toward cleaner choices without making your life harder.
You can grab it here:
👉 https://kakadoodle.com/shop/product/622
If you want to see the heart behind it, Tony even made this beautiful video introducing us to their tea:
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP9mi4Ie9M4
And Then… Bread 🥖
I use Google News for most of my news feed. The other day, an article popped up about glyphosate levels in common bread brands.
The bread with the highest glyphosate residue?
The one our kids love.
The one we’ve been buying for years.
It wasn’t organic, but the ingredient list looked clean. Which just shows you — “clean-looking” and actually clean aren’t the same thing.
So we’re done.
And this is why we care so much about chemical-free sourcing. Not because we’re trying to be extreme. But because we shouldn’t have to decode ingredient lists or wonder what’s hiding in basic foods like cleaning-looking bread.
Back to Important Conversations
Part of the Farmpreneur program (which I’ve lovingly starting referring to as “group therapy for farmers”) was all about getting clear on your vision — and then actually saying it out loud.
And with all of the conversations we've been having lately, I think we’re starting to see that clarity pay off.
But here’s the honest truth: not everyone responds positively.
Some people are confused.
Some think we’re a little crazy.
Recently someone told us, “I’d never put my family through what you are.”
And you know what? That’s fair. This life isn’t for everyone.
There are moments when MariKate and I wonder if we’re cut out for this. It’s hard — really hard. The cost is high. Emotionally. Financially. Mentally.
If I’m being honest, if we had known the true cost before we began, I’m not sure we would have said yes. It would have felt impossible. And yet… here we are.
And when the conversations (and our own thoughts) get tough, we always come back to this:
We wouldn’t trade our life with anyone.
We’re proud of what we’re building. Not just a farm. Not just a business. But a life that aligns with what we believe is best for our family — and for this community.
Will Rosenzweig, who led much of the Farmpreneur experience, ended our time together with a quote that MariKate and I have been holding close:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy…
The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision…
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
And honestly?
That’s what this season feels like.
Commitment.
Boldness.
And a little bit of magic we never could have planned for.
