Farming on Purpose

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. 

Mental Health is Not a Dirty Word in Agriculture with Jason Medows

“It’s not that I don’t have the time; I do have the time, I choose to spend the time on other things. We all make time for the things that are most important to us. We always do. Whatever is most important to you is going to look different from time to time and from other people, but we all make time for things that are most important to us.”
In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Jason Medows and discussing a very important topic, mental health in agriculture. Jason touched on why starting his podcast, Ag State of Mind, was important for improving his own mental health and how he balances his many roles to maintain his mental health. Jason also shares how his family’s core values help him manage his expectations on the farm and in life. 
 
About our guest: Jason Medows, Ag State of Mind - Missouri
Jason is a pharmacist, rancher, podcaster, husband, and father from Crawford County, Missouri. Jason’s podcast, Ag State of Mind focuses on creating positive conversations around mental health and wellness among the agricultural community.  
You can listen to Jason on his podcast.
 
At a glance: 
[4:50]: Mental health
“I began my podcast, Ag State of Mind, because I started having my own mental health challenges.”
[9:06] “I wear a lot of different hats.” 
Jason shares how he prioritizes what is important to him. 
[13:50] Pressure in ag
“Is this going to matter in 5 years? 1 year? A month?”
[28:10] Managing expectations
“It’s hard, but we have a set of core values that we use as a family and we try to spend our time and money on things that align with our core values.”
 
You may also enjoy…
#3 An Individual Approach to Ag and Rural Mental Health
#22 The Power of Positive Perspective in Health & Ranch Business with the Native Cowgirl Cheyenne Glade Wilson
#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. 

Building a Homestead with Terra Larsen of Everest Acres

“Sharing your life online, like we talked about, has been really surprising how many people appreciate what you’re doing and are open to let you know how much they appreciate what you’re doing and that’s been a big comfort for me.” 
In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Terra Larsen about a topic that is near and dear to my heart, homesteading. Terra shared how and why she and her husband, Trevor, started homesteading. Terra talked about the expansion to their operation and introduced us to some of the stars on their farm, milk cows Helen and Ruth. Terra also opened up to some of her struggles with sharing her homesteading journey online as well as some of her good experiences such as meeting new people and forming new friendships.  
 
About our guest: Terra Larsen, Everest Acres - Utah
Terra grew up on a farm in a small town in the heart of Utah.  Her parents raised and sold purebred black Angus cattle and her mom bred and sold registered mini American Shepherds. Terra loved living on the farm until she was a little bit older and wanted to experience the city life. She moved away, traveled the world, became a firefighter/ AEMT, met and married her husband Trevor who is also a Firefighter/Aemt. Then in 2017, they moved back to Terra’s hometown where they lived for several years before moving into her grandma’s old farmhouse that they renovated. In 2020, Terra and her husband were expecting their miracle baby Everest, and they couldn’t get anything in the stores for a baby because it was all sold out. That made them realize how dependent we were on others for our basic needs, and it struck a cord for them. They then purchased a 2 acre parcel of land with a home and metal building and some old corrals that Terra’s dad actually built when her parents were first married. This being a piece of property that had been in the family and is now back in their family.  They have built everything since and now have a small homestead complete with chickens, donkeys pigs, cats, turkeys, rabbits and of course their milk cows, Helen and Ruth. Now in 2023, they sell raw milk and pasture chickens to their community and are excited to see where this journey takes their family. 
You can connect with Terra on Youtube or TikTok. 
 
At a glance:
[6:06]: Where it all started
“A milk cow is so incredibly diverse in what they can provide for you and your family.”
[17:43] Time and role management 
“We sit down and write out a schedule because we want to make sure it's equal because we both agreed to this venture.”
[26:07] Building the milk barn
“It was really fun to build it and know what we were working towards.”
[33:13] Selling raw milk
“We’re slowly getting more and more interest in our local community for our raw milk.”
[39:31] Other animals on the farm
Chickens, pigs and more.
[49:07] Making new friends and sharing online
“It took a lot for me to start posting because I am so self critical. I don’t want people to criticize what I’m doing and how I’m doing it, and that’s been hard for me.” 
 
You may also enjoy…
#2 Navigating First-Generation Dairy Farming
#12 Beginning Farming and Resetting Your Farm Practices with DL Lautenbach
#52 Growing a First Generation Operation with Millennial Rancher Calli Williams
 
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.
 

Developing Routines for Ranch Roles and Profitability with Marli Scarborough

“On Sunday I’ll try to sit down with an actual piece of paper… and just kind of brainstorm everything that’s happening that week, everything I would like to get done, and everything that really needs to get done to just get it all out there and see that list.” 
In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Marli Scarborough about a topic I love, efficiency and productivity.  First, Marli shared that with the passing of her mother, roles and responsibilities on the ranch had to adjust. Along with her dad and two younger brothers, they are figuring out what works for them in their operation. On the topic of efficiency and productivity, Marli and I both share methods that work for use. I love hearing how others operate day-to-day to see if there is anything I can use for myself or my farm. 
Marli Scarborough is a fifth generation rancher in western South Dakota. She lives and works on her family’s ranch with her dad and two younger brothers. In between ranch work and family responsibilities, she shares thoughts and snippets of daily ranch life on Instagram. 
You can connect with Marli on Instagram. 
Books mentioned in this episode: Atomic Habits by James Clear
 
At a glance:
[13:00]: Seasons on the ranch
“There’s been so many opportunities for learning in this season especially with the family dynamic change.”
[21:10] Family dynamic
“Day by day just figuring stuff out.”
[25:09] Efficiency and productivity
What Marli does to keep on track each day.
[33:40] Tying productivity to profitability
“How much of my time is spent on things that are profitable?”
 
You may also enjoy…
#14 Time vs. Money and Opportunity Cost on the Farm
#38 How to Make Growing Your Local Ag Business Easier with Sammy Gleason
#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 @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok. 

Time vs. Money and Opportunity Cost on the Farm

“Understanding exactly what value we place on our time and how we spend our time and different tasks we’re doing with our time, is what can allow us to make the best decisions possible for us and for our farm.” 
In this episode, I wanted to share the importance of making sure you put a value on your time because like the saying, “time is money.” This might be a difficult perspective to view as a farmer or a business owner, but if you think of it as, “how much would I have to pay someone else to do this task?” then it is clearer to see the value of your time doing that task. Then you have to think about, “am I using my time in a way that is cost effective to my operation?” All of these questions are important to keeping your farm or business on track as well as making sure your time is being spent doing things or investing in things that align with your goals and values.
 
At a glance:
[3:07]: Give your time a value
“If it doesn’t cost money it probably costs time.”
[12:30] Opportunity Cost
What else could we be doing with our time?
[24:00] Chicken example
Even though it didn’t make business sense, it made sense for me.
[29:30] What value do you place on your time and the tasks that you’re doing? 
Know what jobs you don’t like doing and why you don’t like them. 
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
Cattleman U Podcast Episode: Candid Thoughts from a 1st Generation Farmer: Time Management, Legacy & Motherhood
 
You may also enjoy…
#24 The Financial Planning and Grace that Makes Multi Family Farms Possible with Lydia Hiesterman
#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 @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok. 

Self Awareness and Good Movement through the Enneagram with Terryn Drieling

“The enneagram is not an end all be all. Plenty of people do just fine without knowing the enneagram, but it does help expedite the self-awareness process. And when we’re more self-aware we can be better communicators. It’s just better for us and better for our relationships the more self-aware we can become.”
In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Terryn Drieling about a topic I enjoy and find fascinating, enneagrams. Terryn briefly explains each type of enneagram's characteristics and their motivations. She then talks about how being self-aware and knowing your enneagram type can translate into other aspects and relationships of your life. While discussing enneagrams, Terryn helped me determine which type I am through a series of questions. 
Terryn also shares the personal significance to the phrase “good movement draws good movement” and how it is part of her day-to-day life.  
Terryn lives and works on a large ranch with her husband and their three kids in the Sandhills of Nebraska. She is the creator of Faith Family & Beef, where she talks about mommin’, ranching, and connection. She believes the stockmanship phrase “good movement draws good movement” applies in life as much as it does in moving cattle.
Terryn has gone from self-professed Enneagram nerd to certified Enneagram coach and co-host of the Type It Out podcast. She teaches the personality typing system in a way that’s easy to understand, immediately applicable, and helps others draw good movement.
You can connect with Terryn on Instagram, her website, or by email. You can also hear more from Terryn by listening to her podcast. 
 
At a glance:
[3:05]: Enneagrams
Your enneagram type is rooted in your motivation.
[22:40] Why the enneagram matters to Terryn
“It has impacted my relationships with my kids, my husband…just everyone I interact with.”
[29:05] The Good Movement
“One kind interaction with constructive conversation could lead to more of it.”
[36:46] Finding your type
“It is self-reflection. If you’re struggling with your type and you come talk to me, I’m going to ask you a bunch of questions and they’ll be self-reflective questions.”
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile 
 
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
#22 The Power of Positive Perspective in Health & Ranch Business with the Native Cowgirl Cheyenne Glade Wilson
 
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. 

Beginning Farming and Resetting Your Farm Practices with DL Lautenbach

“That point that I’ve heard you talk about before, about knowing what’s important to you and knowing what success means to you is so important for any of the purchasing decisions you make and has to guide everything.” 
In this episode, I got the chance to chat with DL Lautenbach, a farmer from Washington. DL shares how he got started in the cattle industry as well as some of his practices and the challenges that come with them. In our conversation, DL divulges how he and his family changed from their consumer lifestyle to a more conservative spending lifestyle and the importance of that lifestyle shift for his family. 
DL is a farmer, auctioneer, trucker, husband, and father. He has a small cattle operation in northwest Washington. He has been married for 30 years to his wife, Randi, and he has two children, Kobi and Kase. 
You can connect with DL on TikTok. 
 
At a glance:
[6:56]: Competitive advantage
Some differences in the cattle industry in Washington compared to the cattle industry in Kansas.
[19:50] Transition of lifestyles
From a consumer lifestyle to knowing what your priorities are. 
[28:50] FFA
“Any kid that has even shown a hog, sheep, or especially a steer, they’re never going to forget that. They’re going to know a lot more about where their food comes from and they’re going to respect that farmer.” 
[32:23] Trends in agriculture
“More and more people want to have experiences, they want to chase cattle or go to a brewery.” 
 
Links:
She's a Hand Ranch Camp
 
You may also enjoy…
#10 When You Have to Wait to Expand the Farm
#16 Building a Homestead with Terra Larsen of Everest Acres
#50 Building Your Dream on God's Time Through Daily Dedication
 
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. 

Toss Your To-Do List for a Minute

“There are so many stories from people in my life that I would like to hear and I need to take time to hear them.” 
In this episode, I wanted to share with you a reminder to be more present. I find it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of the holiday season and focus too much on my to-do list tasks, that I sometimes forget to be present with my family. Spending time with family and making memories is so important, and after losing my grandma this year, you realize time with your family members is not infinite. So take the time to talk with and listen to the people you hold dear.
 
At a glance:
[1:40]: Throw your to-do list away
Take time to relax and reset after the holidays.
[3:00] Enjoy the company you are in
Be present and take time to listen to people’s stories.
 
You may also enjoy…
#13 Self Awareness and Good Movement through the Enneagram with Terryn Drieling
#32 Shifting Perspectives with Michaela Gasseling
#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.