November 29, 2024
Women Leading the Chestnut Industry: Kathy Dice of Red Fern Farm
Kathy joins us as a part of women leading the chestnut industry!
Life transitions often push us to ask deeper questions—what do we value, what do we cultivate, and what legacy do we leave? For Kathy Dice of Red Fern Farm, those questions led to a life rooted in sustainability, community, and chestnut farming.
In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, Kathy shares her journey—from transitioning careers to building one of the Midwest’s most beloved you-pick chestnut farms. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own farm or simply looking for a more grounded lifestyle, Kathy’s story offers lessons for anyone looking to grow something that matters.
🎧 Watch the episode on YouTube
🌳 A Tree That Gives Back: Why Chestnuts Matter
Chestnut farming isn’t just about growing food—it’s about growing purpose. With lifespans reaching over 1,000 years, chestnut trees offer a low-maintenance, high-value solution to modern agriculture.
They require:
- Minimal fertilizer or pesticides
- Strong erosion control
- Natural wildlife benefits
For Kathy Dice and her husband, Tom Wahl, these benefits were too important to ignore. And for small landowners—those with just 10 acres—chestnuts offer income potential while restoring ecosystems.
“It’s a win-win crop,” Kathy says. “Good for the land, good for people.”
As a result, chestnut farming became the natural next step in their sustainable journey.
🌿 Agroforestry in Action at Red Fern Farm
At Red Fern Farm, agroforestry isn’t a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle. Kathy and Tom integrate sheep into their chestnut groves, which helps:
- Fertilize naturally
- Control weeds
- Prune lower branches
As a bonus, this creates a closed-loop system where farming and nature work in tandem. However, Kathy Dice is honest about the learning curve: “It’s not instant success. You need to observe, adapt, and be patient.”
In other words, farming this way takes time—but the payoff is long-lasting.
👩🌾 Building a Community Through Chestnut Farming
Perhaps the most beautiful part of Kathy Dice’s chestnut farming story is the community she’s built. Through a you-pick model, Red Fern invites people to harvest their own chestnuts, creating memorable experiences.
“One man from Vietnam teared up when he saw chestnuts on the ground,” Kathy remembers. “It reminded him of home.”
Because of moments like this, Kathy sees chestnut farming as more than agriculture—it’s cultural restoration.
💡 Lessons From Kathy Dice on Chestnut Farming
Kathy’s advice for new growers is grounded and practical:
- Start with a shared vision
- Embrace frugality and purpose
- Involve your partner or family
- Expect slow growth—and be okay with it
“We didn’t take vacations for years,” she admits. “But now, people come to our farm for their retreats.”
Clearly, the tradeoff was worth it.
🌰 Turning Dreams Into Action
For Kathy Dice, chestnut farming started with a tree. For you, it might begin by visiting EBB Farms. Whether you’re ready to shop chestnut trees, explore chestnuts as a sustainable crop, or learn more about women in the chestnut industry, we’re here to help. Reach out to [email protected]!
📘 You can also listen to more inspiring stories on our podcast or contact us with your questions. We’d love to help you start your own chestnut farming journey.
After all, change doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right mindset and support, it grows. Just ask Kathy Dice.
You may enjoy these blogs:
