41. Reciprocity, Ease, and Community: Rethinking Viability in Small-Scale Farming with Cathryn Henning

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with flower farmer and community visionary Cathryn Henning of Bee Worthy Farms for a deeply honest and hopeful conversation about what it really takes to make small-scale farming viable in today’s world. Now in her third year in business, and with nearly a decade of experience in non-profit farming, Cathryn is all about adapting her work in a shifting culture and climate, while growing community alongside crops.

We unpack the layers of burnout, joy, beauty, and strategy that go into running a land-based business that is both regenerative and financially sustainable. Cathryn shares her journey from milking goats to running a flower farm in San Diego, and how she’s redefined success through practices of reciprocity, seasonal alignment, and community care.

We explore how ease can be cultivated not by chasing external markers of success, but by building internal and relational systems that support longevity, on the land and within ourselves. You’ll also hear the origin story of Bloom Club, Cathryn’s newest community-supported model that invites people into direct, reciprocal relationship with her farm.

Whether you're a land steward, aspiring grower, or someone dreaming of a more connected way of living, this episode is a beautiful exploration of farming as lifestyle, livelihood, and love letter to the Earth.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Why Cathryn pivoted from vegetables to flowers, and the hidden hustle of each

• How reciprocity shows up in land stewardship and business decisions

• The myth of the “struggling farmer” and how to reframe it

• Building community into your business without losing yourself

• Aligning your farm operations with the seasons (and your nervous system)

• The vision behind Bloom Club and reimagining agritourism

• Practical ways farmers can invite support, set boundaries, and avoid burnout

Resources & Links:

• Bee Worthy Farms Website

• Follow Cathryn: @beeworthyfarms

• Bloom Club: Member-only access pass to the farm to reconnect—with nature, creativity, learning, and the quiet magic of seasonal rhythms

• Connect with Hannah: @hannahkeitel