318. Blending Tradition with Agri-Tourism: Karl Wiegandt on The Berry Farm

What innovative strategies help farms thrive as community hubs in urban and tropical settings? In this episode, Michael chats with Karl Wiegandt, owner of The Berry Farm in Miami, Florida. As a third-generation farmer, Karl has transformed his family’s farm into a vibrant community hub, offering seasonal festivals, u-pick experiences, and family-friendly activities. From strawberries to sunflower fields and even a wedding venue, The Berry Farm is designed to offer something for everyone, blending tradition with innovation to connect visitors with agriculture in a meaningful way. Tune in as Karl shares how they manage crop rotations, host large-scale events, and create a unique farm experience in an urban, tropical setting. Episode Highlights: A Family Legacy: What brought the Wiegandt family to Florida? [1:11] Strawberry Seasons: When and how does The Berry Farm grow strawberries? [7:53] Crop Rotations: How do they adjust crops according to the weather? [10:39] Event Hosting: What kinds of events does The Berry Farm offer? [11:23] Biggest Attractions: Which events draw the largest crowds? [17:21] Wedding Venue Management: How do they handle their wedding operations? [26:09] Top Sellers: What’s the most profitable food offering at the farm? [27:18] Lessons Learned: What would Karl do differently if he could start over? [33:03] Don’t miss Karl’s insights into creating a farm that is as much an experience as it is a thriving business! About the Guest: Karl Wiegandt is the owner of The Berry Farm, located in Miami’s Redland area. With deep roots in farming, Karl has revitalized his family’s operation into a leading agri-tourism destination. By combining u-pick crops, seasonal festivals, and immersive farm activities, Karl continues to bring "a piece of country to Miami," making The Berry Farm a cherished part of the community. Connect with Karl: Website: The Berry Farm Instagram: Follow The Berry Farms Facebook: Like The Berry Farms The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Seedtime! Are you ready to simplify your crop planning? Seedtime is a powerful tool designed to help farmers and gardeners plan their growing season with ease. Customize your schedule based on your location, get reminders for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, and track your progress with the built-in journal. For a limited time, get $100 off Lifetime Access or 40% off your first year. Start farming smarter at PlanWithSeedtime.com. 👉🏼  Learn more about Seedtime today!