Season 5, Episode 4
1/27/2017 Show Notes:
-The Ijam's Nature Center Annual Seed Swap with Ashlind Bray. http://ijams.org/events/special-event-ijams-annual-seed-swap/
-The story of "Kermit's Smoky Mountain Pole Bean" from Cades Cover, Tennessee, saved by Ben Cohen of Small House Farm, Sanford Michigan. http://www.smallhousefarm.com/#
*Keep scrolling for more information on Ben Cohen
- A "Potluck Radio" segment from Fred Sauceman with Ron Harwell from the Kansas City Barbeque Society on getting a doctorate in barbecue.
- A humorous story concerning "Peas" from John Coykendall, Seed saver from Knoxville, Tennessee.
-Connect with Cades Cove Preservation Society and see a section of the website devoted to Kermit Caughron here: http://www.cadescovepreservation.com/kermitcaughron.html

Ben Cohen is the owner of Small House Farm which is located in the village of Sanford, MI. Small House specializes in cold pressed oils and a number of other unique products for the health conscious, Earth friendly consumer. They also grow dozens of heirloom seed crops annually. 

Ben has worked tirelessly over the past few years to develop a network of heirloom seed libraries and seed stewards across his home state of Michigan, which is now home to nearly 40 community seed sharing programs! He has worked hand in hand to help a number of these new seed banks become established as well as equip them with the tools they need for their projects to thrive.  

“In today’s world it is more important than ever for every community to have an independent and reliable source of fresh food. A localized seed bank is essential to making this possible. Every neighborhood needs to stand up and reclaim these traditional skills that were once vital to our existence.”

Ben is a practicing herbalist and hosts workshops throughout the Midwest region teaching about the many benefits of locally grown and wild harvested plants. Ben Cohen also teaches seed saving classes and is an avid seed saver.  Small House has grown seed crops commercially for Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, The Rare Vegetable Seed Consortium and Annie's Heirloom Seeds. 

Ben also organizes a seed swap in his home town in Michigan that has become an annual gathering space for hundreds of seed stewards from multiple states: www.centralmichiganseedswap.com

To learn more about Small House Farm please visit www.SmallHouseFarm.com