Shared Soil

Hosted by University of New Hampshire Extension

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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Aug 2026

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About the show

A podcast by University of New Hampshire Extension dedicated to creating community, honoring challenges, and encouraging personal and professional growth for all women in agriculture. Hosts Kendall Kunelius and Rebecca Dube create a relatable and welcoming space to learn and celebrate, that aligns with UNH Extension's commitment to expanding access, strengthening connections, and enhancing well-being for all. ----------------------- The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. UNH, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and New Hampshire counties cooperating. Direct inquiries to unh.civilrights@unh.edu.

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30 recent

August 4, 202653 min

Agricultural Fairs

Kendall and Rebecca discuss the significance of agricultural fairs in New Hampshire with 4-H staff Hannah Majewski and Janell George, highlighting the educational and community aspects of fairs where 4-H members showcase their projects and learn valuable skills. Show notes: Janell George, Rockingham County 4-H Program Assistant and NH State Fairs Liaison - Janell.george@unh.edu Hannah Majewski, NH 4-H Animal Science Field Specialist The Big E Fair - https://www.thebige.com/ Vermont and New Hampshire Fair Association – vtnhfairs.org List of New Hampshire Fairs - https://www.vtnhfairs.org/copy-of-fairs-1 Farm, Forest and Garden Expo - https://www.nhfarmandforestexpo.org/ NH Sheep and Wool Festival - https://nhswga.org/nh-sheep-wool-festival/ New Hampshire 4-H - https://extension.unh.edu/new-hampshire-4-h 4-H Pledge: "I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world." UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

July 1, 202642 min

Christmas in July

Kendall and Rebecca talk with Christa Howe of Christa's Christmas Tree Farm in Colebrook, NH about the year-round work involved in Christmas tree farming. Christa notes her journey into the business, the long growth cycle of trees, and the importance of both wholesale and retail sales. They discuss seasonal tasks like planting, mowing, shearing, and harvesting, as well as the need for detailed record-keeping and budgeting due to the crop’s long investment period. Show notes: Microsoft Excel: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/excel Google Sheets: https://workspace.google.com/products/sheets/ Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ Google Earth: https://earth.google.com/web/ John Deere: https://www.deere.com/en/ UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

June 1, 202643 min

Making Hay When the Sun Shines

Kendall and Rebecca discuss haying in New England, emphasizing the importance of timing and quality. Carl Majewski, a forages and field crop specialist, explains the process of making hay, from mowing to baling, and highlights the significance of cutting grass at the right stage for optimal nutritional value. They discuss the benefits of growing grass in New England, and the importance of soil and hay testing to ensure quality feed. Kendall and Carl note the impact of weather on hay production and the need for proper storage and equipment maintenance. Show notes: Carl Majewski: carl.majewski@unh.edu Sarah Allen, Dairy Production State Specialist: sarah.allen@unh.edu Some Hay Testing Options: Dairy One: https://dairyone.com Cumberland Valley Forage Lab: https://www.foragelab.com/ Equi-Analytical Hay Analysis: https://equi-analytical.com/ NH County Offices providing hay probes for use: Hillsborough County – Kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rockingham County – Jesse.wright@unh.edu Merrimack County – jessica.descoteaux@unh.edu Carroll County – Olivia.saunders@unh.edu Grafton County – heather.bryant@unh.edu Sullivan County – seth.wilner@unh.edu Coos County – william.hastings@unh.edu Hay Testing Video: https://extension.unh.edu/resource/taking-hay-sample-video Soil Testing Information and resources: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/soil-testing-services Upcoming Extension workshops: https://extension.unh.edu/events UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

May 6, 202633 min

Tick Talk

Kendall Kunelius and Rebecca Dube discuss the dangers of ticks with Extension Diagnostic Service Program Manager Shyloh Favreau. Shyloh notes that ticks are obligate blood feeders that can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and highlights the increasing tick population in New Hampshire, particularly the black-legged tick, and then advises on personal protection measures such as clothing choices and tick checks. Shyloh also introduces UNH's tick testing service, which identifies and tests ticks for pathogens, providing results within three days. The service aims to help individuals make informed medical decisions post-tick bite. Show notes: Shyloh Favreau: shyloh.favreau@unh.edu or 603-862-3200 Biology and Management of Ticks in New Hampshire: https://extension.unh.edu/resource/biology-and-management-ticks-new-hampshire-fact-sheet Center of Disease Control Ticks page: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/index.html Permethrin on treated clothing – EPA: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/repellent-treated-clothing UNH Extension Tick Testing page: https://extension.unh.edu/tick-testing Questions on tick testing email address: unh.ccwl@unh.edu UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

April 1, 202639 min

Farm Succession Planning 101

Kendall and Rebecca discuss succession planning in agriculture with Seth Wilner, an Extension specialist with 26 years of experience. Seth defines succession planning as the strategic transfer of farm management and ownership to the next generation, emphasizing its importance in minimizing taxes, reducing family conflict, and ensuring business sustainability. He highlights the need for farmers to start planning early, maintain basic records, and assemble a trusted team of advisors. Seth also stresses the emotional and logistical challenges, particularly when dealing with family dynamics and remote stakeholders. He advocates for patience, grace, and the support of experienced mentors to navigate this complex process. Show notes: Seth Wilner – seth.wilner@unh.edu Farm Credit East – www.farmcrediteast.com Environmental Mediation Center – www.emcenter.org/nhamp/ Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

March 1, 202649 min

Young Farmers in New Hampshire

Kendall and Rebecca discuss the experiences of young farmers in New Hampshire with Lindsay Matras, who runs a small dairy and sugaring business, and Gracie Phillips, who manages an organic orchard and educational center. Both farmers share their challenges and successes, highlighting the importance of family influence, the need for diversification, and the impact of technology and community support. Show notes: Lindsay Matras – thesudsycow@gmail.com The Sudsy Cow – www.thesudsycow.com Matras Maple Sugarhouse & Dairy – www.matrasmaple.com Gracie Phillips – heartsongfarmwellness@gmail.com Heartsong Farm and Lost Nation Orchard – www.heartsongfarmlostnationarchard.com ‘The Apple Guy’ – Michael Phillips - The Apple Grower: A Guide for the Organic Orchardist NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan - https://www.nhfoodalliance.org/new-hampshire-food-agriculture-strategic-plan Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu The Little Red Hen Farm & Market - https://www.littleredhenfarm.net/ Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

February 3, 202630 min

Community Engagement as a Marketing Channel

In the first episode of Season Three of the Shared Soil podcast, Kendall and Rebecca discuss the North Country Farm Trail, an initiative by Kate Savage to promote agritourism and local agriculture in the North Country of New Hampshire. The Farm Trail aims to connect local consumers with a wide range of agricultural products and services, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and local services like insurance and maple syrup production. The initiative offers three promotional packages for farmers, from a free basic package to more comprehensive options. Show notes: North Country Farm Trail: www.northcountryfarmtrail.com Kate Savage: northcountryfarmtrail@gmail.com WREN (Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network): www.wrenworks.org Will Hastings: william.hastings@unh.edu Olivia Saunders: olivia.saunders@unh.edu UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

December 15, 202510 min

Thank You To Farmers

We wanted to create a bonus episode for this season, kind of like a holiday card, thanking all of the farmers and people who work in agriculture in New Hampshire and beyond. So we’ve gathered a bunch of people to share what they are thankful to New Hampshire agriculture for. Show notes: Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu Carl Majewski – carl.majewski@unh.edu Caroline Beaton – caroline.beaton@unh.edu Jeremy Delisle – Jeremy.delisle@unh.edu Sarah Allen – sarah.allen@unh.edu Mary Choate – mary.choate@unh.edu Amber Vinchesi-Vahl – amber.vinchesi@unh.edu Katrina McKay – katrina.mckay@unh.edu Seth Wilner – seth.wilner@uh.edu Amy Loader – amy.ouellette@unh.edu

December 1, 202543 min

Depreciation Demystified

Depreciation is the reduction in the value of business equipment over time, which impacts both taxes and financial statements. Kendall Kunelius and Rebecca Dube review depreciation with Sam Stoddard from Farm Credit East. They discuss special depreciation methods, building leases, and the importance of accurate record-keeping and financial management for farmers. -------------------------------------------------- Show notes: Farm Credit East: https://www.farmcrediteast.com/ Samantha Stoddard: samantha.stoddard@farmcrediteast.com Harvesting a Profit: https://www.farmcrediteast.com/en/FINANCING/Beginning-Farmer-Programs/Harvesting-a-Profit Cornell Cooperative Extension: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu Generation Next at Farm Credit East: https://www.farmcrediteast.com/en/FINANCING/Beginning-Farmer-Programs/GenerationNext SCORE: https://www.score.org/ Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

November 3, 202540 min

Let’s Talk About Tree Fruit

Summary: Kendall and Rebecca discuss the New Hampshire tree fruit industry with UNH Extension fruit and vegetable field specialist Jeremy Delisle. They explore the challenges farmers face, including extreme weather events and market shifts. They also discuss the resilience of New Hampshire farmers, the use of integrated pest management, and the impact of community and grower associations. Show notes: Integrated Pest Management (IPM): https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/integrated-pest-management-ipm Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) in NH: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/network-environment-weather-applications-newa-new-hampshire Poverty Lane Orchards (Farnum Hill Ciders): https://farnumhillciders.com/orchards Apple Hill Farm: https://applehillfarmnh.com/ UNH Extension – https://www.extension.unh.edu Multi-Cultivar Grafting Trap Trees Report: https://portal.nifa.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/1020950-multi-cultivar-grafting-a-novel-low-cost-grower-friendly-attract-and-kill-approach-to-manage-key-apple-pests.html Natural Resources Conservation Service - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0 Jeremy Delisle – Jeremy.delisle@unh.edu Kendall Kunelius – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu Thumbnail Photo for episode: Apple close-up.jpg