In this episode, I (Kate Kavanaugh) sit down with Cole Mannix of Old Salt Co-Op to talk about vertically integrating the agriculture of the middle with systems that are built to serve ranchers and consumers alike. Cole talks about his innovative business (and funding) structure, the upcoming Old Salt Festival in Helmville, Montana in June (I went last year and spoiler alert: it’s amazing) and the business they’re building to serve a regional food system. At least, those were all the topics that brought us to the table to talk. But what came out was something a bit different - it was about what it means to live a good life and a good death, about how limits can give us surprising freedom, and what it means to build a business that you can truly live in. This episode is about taking risks and dreaming really big dreams, really digging into what it means to build bridges and communities, and about what we might leave our children. Cole, with a varied background in biology, philosophy, and theology who grew up on the Mannix Family Ranch, had a lot to say, and to be honest, I just sat and listened.  Find Cole and Old Salt: Old Salt Festival Instagram Old Salt Coop Instagram Old Salt Outpost Instagram Old Salt Co-Op Festival Early Bird Tickets Old Salt Co-Op Old Salt Producer Webinars Resources Mentioned: The Cross and the Machine by Paul Kingsnorth The Haimish Line Support the Podcast: Substack Leave a one-time Tip Connect with Kate: Instagram email: [email protected] Current Discounts for MBS listeners: 15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1510% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH KateK20 for 20% off Herbal Face Food