Farming on Purpose

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. 
 

Farm Kid Parenting and Moving the Farm Across State Lines with Kerissa Taylor of 1984 Farms

“Everybody has their role and that’s another thing, know your role; delegate as well. Because when you try to do everything on your own, that’s when it’s going to fall apart. That’s where overwhelm sets in.”
In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Kerissa Taylor of 1984 Farms. I recently came across Kerissa and her family’s farm on Instagram and I’m so glad I did! Kerissa shared how she and her husband, Steve, along with their 6 kids, started their farm in Colorado and recently moved everything to Missouri to continue living out their dream life. Kerissa and I also talked about raising our kids on the farm and the ups and downs that come with it. 
About our guest: Kerissa Taylor, 1984 Farms - Colorado
Kerissa Taylor is owner of 1984 Farms with her husband, Steve Taylor. Kerissa is a homeschool mom of 6 kids, first-generation livestock farmer, and lover of nutrition and horses. She is also the face of their farm business, 1984 Farms. Steve and Kerissa started their farm business from childhood dreams, using it as the main "curriculum" for their children, and to restore the original “American Dream” and family. They do this through empowering you to take and keep ownership of your food and education. They moved their farm from Colorado to Missouri to expand their farm and business. They moved away from everything they've  ever known to secure their farming future for themselves and their posterity.
You can connect with Kerissa on her Instagram and Facebook. You can also check out 1984 Farms products on their website. 
 
At a glance:
[3:28] Starting the farm
“We jump in with both feet every time.”
[22:36] Goat milk recipes
“Balancing education because you’re so immersed in learning about taking care of animals but you’ve also got to learn the business side and marketing and every role you have to fill on that side.”  
[35:32] Giving kids responsibilities and skills
“We’re very intentional about what we do and it’s because of the examples that we’ve seen and we’re doing our best to replicate because of the outcome of the humans that had those experiences.”
[50:12] The move from Colorado to Missouri
“We knew we needed to expand, we needed to get property, we wanted to own our property so we could manage it; we also wanted resources.”
 
You may also enjoy…
#8 Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett
#21 Systems for Managing Life & Work on the Farm with Natalie Egger
#33 Part Time Farming Goals and Family Farm Succession with Shifting Family Dynamics with Jordan Farquhar
 
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.

Homesteading Skills with a Farm Family with 14 Hands Ranch

“I would say we are more of a farm than a homestead but to me it’s more this is how our grandparents were living and how they were raised and they were pretty self-sufficient and independent people and we just feel like that for us right now is the best thing we can do.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend and neighbor, Jada Sharp. Jada shared with us how her and her family got started on their farm with goats and sheep and how their farm has changed along with her family’s roles. Jada also dove into how a few bars of goat milk soap and bottles of goat milk lotion lead to her starting her business, 14 Hands Ranch.
 
About our guest: Jada Sharp, 14 Hands Ranch - Kansas
Jada lives with her husband and five kids at 14 Hands Ranch in the beautiful state of Kansas.  They raise sheep, dairy goats, and livestock guardian dogs.  Jada spends most of her time trying to keep up with laundry, homeschooling, taking care of their ranch, and running their ranch business where they offer yarn & roving from their Finnsheep and a variety of handcrafted goat milk soaps & lotions.
They have recently started a new business venture with the purchase of a 100 plus year old building in their local community.  The family is renovating it into a venue (Sikes Venue) and short term rental space. It is all hands on deck for this project just like it is on the ranch!
You can connect with Jada on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. You can also check out 14 Hands Ranch products on her website.  Use the code FarmingOnPurpose for 15% off an order of $10 or more!
 
At a glance:
[4:46] Started with dairy goats and hair sheep
“Then we expanded from there and added on.”
[10:03] Goat milk recipes
Started making soaps and lotions for family and a few friends then it grew to a small business, 14 Hands Ranch.
[24:19] New venture
“We’re hoping to do weddings, some small events, graduation parties, we’re open to whatever.”
[34:46] New skills to learn
“The bees were probably the biggest learning curve.”
 
You may also enjoy…
#8 Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett
#28 Behind the Scenes of Ranch Mom Life & Ag Homeschooling with Lindsey Huseman
#43 Returning to & Growing on the Ranch with Kristin Harms
 
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. 

Kansas Hop Farming and Entrepreneurship with The Tipsy Farmer

“There’s so many things to do on the farm. So many jobs and so many places to fit in but, I just didn’t  feel like any of them were where I wanted to be or where I wanted to fit.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Brandi Lahey, or you might know her as The Tipsy Farmer. I had so much fun learning about Brandi’s journey growing hops and all that goes into growing, harvesting, and drying hops. Brandi shared why she started The Tipsy Farmer Mobile Bar and the highs and lows that came with it. 
 
About our guest: Brandi Lahey, The Tipsy Farmer Mobile Bar - Kansas
Brandi is a hop farmer who started a mobile camper bar business, The Tipsy Farmer Mobile Bar, to help promote the craft beer made with hops on her farm. Brandi lives in Southwest Kansas on her husband's century old farm and Brandi loves meeting new people and hosting local events that bring her rural community together.
You can connect with Brandi on her Instagram and Facebook. You can also check out The Tipsy Farmer products on her website. 
 
At a glance:
[10:40] How Brandi started growing hops
It started with some hops by the chicken coop.
[27:40] Harvesting and drying the hops
“I don’t know that our way is super ideal but it’s what works for us just because we are so small.”
[31:35] The Tipsy Farmer products
Teas, soaps, and more!
[37:55] Hops are specialty crops
“I have to be very careful when spraying stuff and I had to register them on USDA Specialty Crop.”
[41:23] The Tipsy Farmer Mobile Bar
From camper to stationary bar.
 
You may also enjoy…
#7 How Veterans are Learning to Start Small at the SAVE Farm with Tod Bunting
#46 Supplementing Farm Income with That Fit Agvocate
#48 Farming on 320 square feet with Leafy Green Farms
 
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.