Farming on Purpose

Alaskan Agriculture and a look at the Remote Food Supply Chain

“The state of Alaska hasn’t been very agriculturally-minded. There’s been comments made by some legislators that in the past said that agriculture doesn’t really matter, we get all of it from the lower 48, it’s ok. So we don’t have a lot of infrastructure to support agriculture but we are trying to change that.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Hailey Edwards. Hailey shared what it’s like living in Alaska and spoiler alert: it’s not like those Alaskan reality television shows make it seem. Hailey also explained what the Alaskan food system looks like and some of the struggles they face that people in the lower 48 do not. Hailey’s family farm used to be a dairy but they are transitioning to the cattle industry and Hailey talked about why they made the change and how she’s using nontraditional methods in their operation. 
About our guest: Hailey Edwards, Shaw Creek Cattle Company - Alaska
Hailey is a first generation Alaskan and third generation farmer.  She lives with her husband Casey on the farm she grew up on, and they own two  businesses, a towing and recovery company, and a mobile artificial insemination business for cattle. Since 2021, Hailey and her family have been building and creating Shaw Creek Cattle Company, a direct to consumer beef business set to launch later this fall. 
If you are interested in connecting with Hailey, check out her Facebook or Instagram.
At a glance:
Gardening in Alaska and the obstacles of a short growing season and moisture issues.
Alaskan agriculture and the different climates within the state.
Hailey’s family farm and the transition they made from the dairy industry to the beef industry.
How to expand the Alaskan agriculture community and make newcomers feel more welcome.
You may also enjoy…
#23 Our Food Supply Chain and the Farm to Fork Gap of Food Accessibility
#25 Our Food Decision Impacts on Food Insecurity
#39 Making Rural Food Decisions - Trends, Stress, Change, Nutrition, and Dietary Guidelines with Dr. Bailee Cooper
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.

Bridging the Gap in Ag Culture with Megan Larson

“We really need more people outside of the community advocating, but we also need more people to say, ‘ Hey, your job is stressful. I could not do it. I could never do what you do, but I support you.’”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Meg West. Even though Meg did not grow up in the agriculture industry, it is her passion to advocate for those in agriculture. Meg explains why she loves the western lifestyle and why it is important for her to advocate for mental health resources and accessibility for people in the ag community. Meg started a campaign on social media using #AgLetsTalk to start the conversation about mental health and to help break the stigma that is associated with mental health.
About our guest: Meg West, Megan Nicole Fitness - Nevada
Meg is a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and advocate for western lifestyle and agriculture. Meg has started a campaign on social media called #AgLetsTalk to help break the stigma and raise awareness for mental health struggles in the ag community.If you are interested in connecting with Meg, check out her personal Instagram or her fitness Instagram.
At a glance:
Meg’s passion for advocating for the western lifestyle and mental health. 
The misinformation in the ag industry and how it impacts the farmers and ranchers. 
Educating non-agriculture people to better support and speak up for farmers and ranchers.
How to make mental health resources more accessible in the ag community.
You may also enjoy…
#4 The Power of Courage in Farm Management Discussions with Elaine Froese
#31 Expanding Local Food Businesses and Food Education with Bruce's Bullseye Farms
#45 Diversifying the Ranch with Jess at Perigo Hay and Cattle
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.

Behind the Scenes of Ranch Mom Life & Ag Homeschooling with Lindsey Huseman

“That is something that I absolutely love about where we’re living and our neighbors is just everybody helping out and you know you always have somebody that you can call.” In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lindsey Huseman. Lindsey and her husband, Mark, manage Huseman Ranch with the help of their two kids ages 7 and 9. Lindsey explained what it's like for her to homeschool her kids and be active on the farm. It was quite the shift for Lindsey to go from being a high school Ag teacher to a farm mom homeschooling her kiddos during the pandemic. Lindsey also shared some stories from the farm and how having such a supportive village has impacted her and her family.
 
About our guest: Lindsey Huseman, Huseman Ranch - Kansas 
Lindsey and her husband, Mark, manage Huseman Ranch, which includes commercial cow/calf pairs and alfalfa production. They feel blessed with the opportunity to care for the land and cows and raise their two children in central Kansas. She's a ranch wife, and also describes herself as a homeschool mom, cowboy cook, feed truck driver, cowgirl, dog mom, skincare guru, curriculum writer, and laundry extraordinaire. If you know, you know... today's pioneer women are multi-faceted. 
If you are interested in connecting with Lindsey, check out her Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to check out Lindsey’s website to see some of her favorite recipes and more! 
 
At a glance: 
How everyday is different on the farm with kids.
Learning the ropes in the operation of the farm.
Homeschooling and raising kids as a farm mom and taking care of yourself. 
Importance of having a supportive community to be successful and help your kids grow and learn.
Embracing the crazy and the season of life you’re in.
You may also enjoy…
#8 Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett
#19 Homesteading Skills with a Farm Family with 14 Hands Ranch
#40 How I Found Family Centered Off Farm Income
 
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.

Market Shifts in Direct to Consumer Marketing in the Beef Industry with Linnea Langusch

“Video is such a powerful tool when it comes to communicating about agriculture with consumers because it’s not a big Hollywood production that’s getting edited. It’s just somebody in their field talking about their cattle. It’s just real and authentic.” 
In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Linnea Langusch. Linnea dives into her research she performed while working on her Master’s degree. Linnea shares how COVID-19 made her shift her research and how it affected the beef industry.  She then explains what obstacles the beef industry faced during the peak times of COVID-19 and how many farmers and ranchers had to rely on direct to consumer marketing.
 
About our guest: Linnea Langusch
Linnea is a Wisconsin native living in Oklahoma. She recently graduated from Oklahoma State University where she obtained her Master’s degree in Ag Communications and researched direct to consumer marketing in the beef industry while there. Linnea has a strong passion for agriculture and loves to promote all things agriculture! If you are interested in connecting with Linnea, check out her Instagram. If you would like to read Linnea’s study, check out her article.
 
At a glance: 
How COVID-19 shaped Linnea’s research while obtaining her Master’s degree.
Direct to consumer marketing in the beef industry.
Difference in rural and urban consumers have on direct to consumer businesses and marketing,
How marketing can help empower people with their food and increase food accessibility.
 
You may also enjoy…
#23 Our Food Supply Chain and the Farm to Fork Gap of Food Accessibility
#31 Expanding Local Food Businesses and Food Education with Bruce's Bullseye Farms
#51 Looking ahead at Ag Finance with a 4th Gen Farmer and Ag Lender
 
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 

Point Where You Aim with Ashley Jackson

“I would say trajectory is a keyword. When you pull back a slingshot or a bow and point it somewhere, it’s going to go wherever you point it. Where you’re aiming is where you’re going.” 
In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ashley Jackson. You might know Ashley as The Boot Babe on Instagram or TikTok. Ashley started The Boot Babe to be more inclusive for all types of women to share the experience of wearing cowboy boots. Ashley also shared how important it is to be involved in your community especially if you want to see change and the importance of being a leader.
About our guest: Ashley Jackson, The Boot Babe - Idaho
Ashley is an entrepreneur, investor, and rapid transformation coach. She's helped over 100 business owners hit 8 figures plus in sales and owns a media company called The Boot Babes and gives away a pair of Free Boots each month. She hosts podcasts, is an MC and helps others start their podcast and speaking journey. She grew up on a horse ranch in southeastern Idaho and is a conservation advocate and voice for wildlife. She ran on the ticket for Idaho governor in 2022 and believes that each person has a duty to get involved in their community and make a difference.
At a glance:
Starting The Boot Babe business so women could learn how to buy cowboy boots and have fun with the experience of wearing cowboy boots.
The commonality in cowboy boots.
How welcoming the ranching community is and how you can find a place for yourself if you want. 
The importance of getting involved in your community.
The food system and what role you play in it and how Ashley would like to make it more fun for people to get involved.
You may also enjoy…
#5 Tips for Managing your Mindset as a Young Producer
#32 Shifting Perspectives with Michaela Gasseling
#37 Looking Beyond Your Starting Point with Karoline Rose Bohannan
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.

Our Food Decision Impacts on Food Insecurity

“Food impacts everything we do. Food decisions are so complicated, so seeking to better understand those decisions and the importance of those decisions to ourselves and our families is the best way for us to make sure other families get fed.”
In this episode, I continue the conversation about food accessibility and dive a little deeper into it. (If you missed the first part of this conversation, check out episode 23.) For clarity and to make sure we are all on the same page, I define some of the terms I talk about that go along with food accessibility. I also go over a few articles I found that explain different aspects of food security and why they are important. If you are interested in checking out the articles I mention in the episode, click on the links below!
I would really love to hear what you think and have to say about food accessibility, so please reach out so we can continue this important and impactful conversation!
Links & Resources:
https://www.myplate.gov/app/shopsimple
https://www.brookings.edu/research/beyond-food-deserts-america-needs-a-new-approach-to-mapping-food-insecurity/
https://www.flfreezer.com/news/the-5-as-of-food-security-how-to-fight-food-spoilage-in-the-warehouse-and-at-home/
https://localfood.ces.ncsu.edu/food-access-food-security/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/modeling-an-equitable-michigan-food-system
At a glance:
I explore the 5 A’s of food security: availability, accessibility, adequacy, acceptability, and agency.
Misinformation in food marketing.
Go over graphs that breakdown the parts of the food system.
Ways we can impact the food system.
Why food security is important to us individually and as a society.
You may also enjoy…
#14 Time vs. Money and Opportunity Cost on the Farm
#35 Local Food: A System, Not a Trend with Rick McNary of Shop Kansas Farms
#39 Making Rural Food Decisions - Trends, Stress, Change, Nutrition, and Dietary Guidelines with Dr. Bailee Cooper
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.

The Financial Planning and Grace that Makes Multi Family Farms Possible with Lydia Hiesterman

“I feel like we’re able to do what we do because we have evolved over time.”
In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lydia Hiesterman. Lydia shared a little about her family’s farm operation and the complexities that come with farming with multiple families. Lydia expressed the value of planning and farm succession and shared her personal experience with farm succession. Lydia also gave advice on how to find and select a financial advisor that would work for you and your family’s needs.   
 
About our guest: Lydia Hiesterman, Thrivent - Kansas
Lydia is a financial advisor, farmer, and mother of 4 kids.  Lydia spent the first part of her career working in agriculture business until she decided to start her business as a financial advisor.  She has been an advisor for 7 years and also helps her husband manage their family’s grain and cattle farm.  She has specialized in working with farmers and small business owners and believes that women especially play a key role in managing their families financial success. 
If you are interested in working with Lydia as your financial advisor, check out her website!
 
At a glance:
Farming with family and multiple family units.
The importance of planning and farm succession.
Working with clients as an Ag Financial Advisor by assessing risks on the farm and planning for the future and retirement.
Sharing how to find a financial advisor that would be a good fit for you.
You may also enjoy…
#21 Systems for Managing Life & Work on the Farm with Natalie Egger
#51 Looking ahead at Ag Finance with a 4th Gen Farmer and Ag Lender
#53 Ranching with an Eye on Financial Feasibility
 
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
 
DISCLAIMER: This episode is not financial advice. This content is for educational purposes only. In order to make the best financial decision that suits your own needs, you must conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed financial advisor if necessary. See thrivent.com/social for additional information.

Our Food Supply Chain and the Farm to Fork Gap in Food Accessibility

“It's not realistic for most of us at this point in time to assume that we can be completely independent of the food system and what it has evolved to be."
In this episode, I talk about a topic that I find very important and has been on my mind for quite some time. Safe and accessible food is a privilege and one I believe everyone should have. In this episode, I discuss what quality food is and how it can be different for everyone. I also share my experience with disconnection from food and how it has shaped my thinking about food, as well as my experience with the food shortage that I experienced during peak COVID times and the realization that hit me regarding how we can be more involved in our food production, processing, and preparation. I would really love to hear what you think and have to say about food accessibility, so please reach out so we can continue this important and impactful conversation! 
 
At a glance:
I touch on what quality food is and how food experience is important.
Our disconnection from food as a society and how that is a privilege. 
My experience with food shortage and scarcity and the realization I had.
A safe and accessible food supply should be something everyone has, but most of us need to spend more time figuring out what that means.
 
You may also enjoy…
#14 Time vs. Money and Opportunity Cost on the Farm
#25 Our Food Decision Impacts on Food Insecurity
#39 Making Rural Food Decisions - Trends, Stress, Change, Nutrition, and Dietary Guidelines with Dr. Bailee Cooper
 
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.

The Power of Positive Perspective in Health & Ranch Business with the Native Cowgirl Cheyenne Glade Wilson

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. And if you think about that, that goes along with your lifestyle, your eating, everything.”
In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Cheyenne Glade Wilson, or you might know her as the Native Cowgirl. Cheyenne shared a little about her health journey and how it’s impacted other parts of her life. Cheyenne also talked about how the Native Cowgirl got started and how that platform has been able to share her passion of empowering rural women to women all over. 
 
About our guest: Cheyenne Glade Wilson, The Native Cowgirl - Montana
Cheyenne is a fifth generation rancher and grew up on her family's working cattle ranch in southeastern Montana. This is where her intense love of horses and livestock began. Cheyenne with her husband and son run black angus cattle and raise draft-cross horses. Their ranch is known as the Lazy Six Nine Ranch and Cheyenne is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe. 
Cheyenne strives daily to spread positivity and awareness of modern day ranching. One of her passions is empowering women to live life at a higher level. She strives to perpetuate the ever-evolving role of women in agriculture through her blog and podcast (The Native Cowgirl), public speaking, videography/photography, published writing, and social media outlets. Cheyenne loves helping rural entrepreneurs level up in what they are passionate about. Cheyenne is also a certified health coach and lover of all things positive. She loves helping people discover how simple it is to become the best version of themselves in all categories of their lives. She also enjoys helping her clients overcome their business and health/wellness obstacles while smashing out their goals. 
You can connect with Cheyenne on her Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or her website. Check out Cheyenne’s blog and podcast! 
 
At a glance:
[6:12] Eating healthy with real foods
“To me, real food is something that grows in or on the Earth and is something that walks, flies, or swims in or on the Earth.”
[16:22] The Native Cowgirl
“With words you can paint a mental picture and I enjoy doing that, but I also love showing the beauty that is out in nature.”
[29:10] Empowering rural women
“Doing multi-faceted things is not a new concept. If you look back at the pioneers, they did multiple things to make it work for themselves.”
[43:43] Heritage and traditions of ranching
“If we don’t stand up for our traditions and our way of life it’s going to disappear.”
You may also enjoy…
#11 Toss Your To-Do List for a Minute
#13 Self Awareness and Good Movement through the Enneagram with Terryn Drieling
#17 Mental Health is Not a Dirty Word in Agriculture with Jason Medows
 
About your host:
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 

Systems for managing life & work on the farm with Natalie Egger

“The thing about motherhood, and I say this about my business too, cookiecutter solutions don’t work. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for you or for your child. Each child is different and it is like a learning process for each of them because they’re all so different.” 
In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Natalie Egger. Natalie discussed how she started her business helping clients get more organized and be more efficient with their time. As a mother of 5, Natalie shared how she uses her business practices in her home life and how everyone could benefit from some optimized practices such as time blocking.  If you’re in need of organization or efficiency skills, this is the episode for you! 
 
About our guest: Natalie Egger, Egger Consulting - Canada
Natalie is a process improvement and efficiency expert who helps quickly organize administrative office work for clients. Natalie is passionate about helping rural businesses through digital courses,1:1 sessions, and group coaching. She recognizes how much they sacrifice and wants to help reduce their daily pressures.
You can connect with Natalie on her Instagram or her website. 
 
At a glance:
[6:20] Ties to agriculture
“I started working with bookkeepers and lawyers and found that a lot of people being referred to me were in the agriculture business.”
[14:02] Optimizing systems
“There’s nothing wrong with trying something new, but you have to find a way that it works for you.”
[32:05] Time blocking
“It’s such a highly customized system and process that does really make the biggest impact for you because  you start seeing where you’re spending your time and why certain things may or may not be getting done.” 
[40:21] Shifting through seasons
“The more you plan in advance the better.”
[59:39] Future of a business and the people it’s left to
“I think when we are leaving our legacy that’s organized and streamlined in a way that makes sense for that business, that reduces a lot of stress.”
You may also enjoy…
#6 A Look at Identity and Communication on the Family Farm with 6th-Generation Nebraska Farmer Hannah Borg
#11 Toss Your To-Do List for a Minute
#41 Habits & Routines for Your Season With Thea Larsen of Cowgirls Over Coffee
 
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.