Farming on Purpose

How to Redefine Success on the Farm and at Home with DL Lautenbach

 “Just know that spring always follows winter. And sometimes that's the only thing we can hang on to.”  
DL Lautenbach shares his heartfelt journey on the Farming on Purpose Podcast, discussing the challenges and triumphs of balancing farming, family, and entrepreneurship. He highlights the power of small victories, embracing honesty, and redefining success on your own terms. From recalibrating his life after struggles to finding joy in everyday progress, DL inspires listeners to lean on their community, celebrate incremental wins, and focus on what truly matters in agriculture and life. 
Key Topics: 
The challenges and misconceptions of small-scale farming. 
The importance of honesty and recalibrating your goals. 
Celebrating incremental progress and small victories. 
Finding balance between farming, family, and personal well-being. 
Leaning on community support and focusing on shared successes. 
To connect with DL, you can find him on TikTok and YouTube.  
LINKS 
Marketing Routine class, do so here! 
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 
Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 
 
Episode 85: Resiliency: The Secret to Success in Farming and Ranching 
 
Episode 17: Mental Health is Not a Dirty Word in Agriculture with Jason Meadows 
Episode 12: Beginning Farming and Resetting Your Farm Practices with DL Lautenbach 
 
 
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 future of production agriculture. 
 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

From Wisconsin Roots to Tennessee Dreams: A Farmer’s Journey with Family, Motherhood, and Entrepreneurship

“I get to pass on a legacy of skills, just like my parents did for me, and just like their, their family that taught them and I get to take it on to the next generation and I hope at the very least they'll teach their next generation.” 
Janelle Anderson shares her inspiring journey from rural Wisconsin to building a ranching life in North Dakota and starting fresh on raw land in Tennessee. Balancing family, motherhood, and entrepreneurship, she discusses the challenges of homesteading, mentoring others, and prioritizing food sovereignty. Her story highlights resilience, the importance of passing down skills, and the joy of creating a meaningful life rooted in family and farming. 
Key Topics: 
Janelle's upbringing in rural Wisconsin and its influence on her life. 
Transitioning to a ranching lifestyle in North Dakota and starting from scratch. 
The challenges and rewards of balancing family, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. 
The move to Tennessee and adapting to life on raw land. 
Shifting priorities to focus on family and intentional living. 
Mentoring others in homesteading and sharing agricultural knowledge. 
Emphasizing food sovereignty and passing down essential skills to the next generation. 
Lessons learned about resilience, flexibility, and building a meaningful life. 
To connect with Janelle and learn more about simple living, visit her website or find her on Instagram and Facebook. Also, checkout the app Seedtime to help you on your gardening journey!  
LINKS 
Marketing Routine class, do so here! 
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 
Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 
 
Episode 98: From City Life to Farm Life: How Jessica Lewis Built Back to Roots Farm 
 
Episode 103: Building a Ranch From Scratch: How One Family's Faith and Grit Created Their Legacy 
 
Episode 93: Finding Your Path to Homesteading: Lessons from Ryan Mitchell's Journey 
 
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 future of production agriculture. 
 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

Building a Ranch From Scratch: How One Family's Faith and Grit Created Their Legacy

“ I sometimes pinch myself. It's hard. Ranching isn't easy. It's not easy and I don't want to give that impression, but to get to do what you love so much and are so passionate about it…” 
Laura Hicks started ranching at 19, building from nothing alongside her husband Mike in South Dakota. They went from running others' cattle to developing their own herd while raising two sons who now ranch with them. Through health battles, tough seasons, and the challenges of passing down the operation, Laura's story shows how faith, grit, and family can build something lasting. Her journey from a two-room house with no running water to a successful multi-generational ranch proves that success comes in many forms. 
Key Topics: 
Starting from scratch at age 19 and building a ranch with no initial land or cattle 
Raising kids while ranching - managing safety and developing work ethic 
Herd development through replacement heifers and improving cattle temperament 
Multi-generational transition - bringing sons into the operation 
Diversification through sheep operation  
Managing health challenges as a ranch family  
Balancing ranch life with other pursuits (writing books, dog trials) 
Homeschooling while ranching 
Role of faith and community in ranch success 
To connect with Laura and learn more about her story, visit her website or find her on Instagram and Facebook. 
LINKS 
Marketing Routine class, do so here! 
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 
Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 
 
Episode 68: Getting Started with Stockdogs  
 
Episode 54: Growing a Heritage Sheep Operation in California 
 
Episode 34: Irons in the Fire with Ranch Mom Jesse Thompson 
 
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 future of production agriculture. 
 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

Special Christmas Eve Episode "Christmas Eve Puppies: A Bedtime Story"

 
A Note to Parents 
Dear listeners, 
 
Tonight's episode is something special - a departure from our usual conversations. As Christmas Eve approaches, I wanted to create something a little different.  
 
This episode is a bedtime story designed to help your little ones settle into sleep on Christmas Eve, beginning with a gentle relaxation exercise and flowing into a story that captures both the wonder of Christmas and the beauty of childhood on the farm. The story's pacing, sound design, and narrative structure are all crafted to help children wind down while feeling connected to the special magic of both Christmas and farm living. Growing up, I often demanded “kitty stories” from my dad which were the adventures of our farm cats, dramatized for long car rides and bed time. I enjoy continuing this tradition of sorts in making up stories about a cantankerous pigeon for my own kids. My own kids often listen to bedtime podcasts with a sci-fi and fantasy theme, and I’ve been wanting to create a farm kid version to take for a test run. 
 
The Story Behind the Story 
This story holds a special place in my heart because it's inspired by a real Christmas Eve from when my oldest son was just 16 months old. Our Australian Shepherd, Dezi gave birth to a beautiful set of puppies on Christmas Eve, choosing our couch over the prepared whelping box we had set up. I love how this story shows how the best gifts often come in their own time and their own way - a lesson that seems especially poignant during the Christmas season. 
 
Episode Details 
- Runtime: 35 minutes 
- Recommended age: 3-10 years 
- Best enjoyed: While getting ready for bed on Christmas Eve 
- Audio level: Mixed specifically for bedtime listening 
 
Regular Programming Note 
Don't worry - we'll be back to our regular farming discussions in our next episode. But tonight, we're taking a moment to share the magic of farm life through a child's eyes. 
 
Wishing all of you a peaceful Christmas Eve and a joyful Christmas morning. 
 
Lexi 
Host, Farming on Purpose 

From Conventional to Regenerative: One Family's Journey to Building a Sustainable Farm

“ So yeah the balance of the family and the business and the farming and all that, just trying to get more systematic and efficient so that we can balance it all.” 
Abby and Brooks Bowser started farming conventionally at age 20, but after realizing their corn and soybean operation wasn't sustainable, they transformed their Southern Michigan farm into a regenerative cattle operation. Now they run Bowser Family Farms, raising cattle and pigs on pasture while Abby manages both their retail meat business and a flower farm. Their story shows how determination, adaptation, and family support can help build a thriving small farm. 
Key Topics: 
Transitioning from conventional to regenerative farming 
Small farm financial sustainability 
Starting farming at a young age 
Balancing multiple businesses (meat retail and flower farming) 
Seasonal time management as a farming family 
The importance of systematic approaches in agriculture 
Learning to adapt and change initial farming plans 
Moving from commodity crops to direct-to-consumer sales 
Family life while building an agricultural business 
Marketing challenges for local farm products 
LINKS 
Farming on Purpose hits 100 episodes! To celebrate, we're giving away exclusive merch and two fantastic children's books: "A Day on the Farm with Mama" by Andrea LeFevre and "Charlie Learns to be a Cowboy" by Danika Kester. 
Enter by December 31st: 
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts OR 
Share any of our posts to your Instagram story 
Winner will be announced January 1st! 
Thank you for joining us as we explore success stories in agriculture and build stronger farm families, stronger food systems, and stronger rural legacies. Here's to the next 100 episodes!  
Marketing Routine class, do so here! 
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 
Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 
 
Episode 84: From Dairy Farm Dreams to Self-Made Farmer: Derek Penrod's Journey 
Episode 62: Your Life's Bingo Card and Flower Farming with Liz Fiedler of Sunny Mary Meadow Farms 
Episode 80: Barn Restored into Butcher Shop Supports Growing Business Dreams 
 
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 future of production agriculture. 
 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

Celebrating 100 Episodes: Finding Purpose in Agriculture

“I think the most important thing is focusing on what our priorities are, because those priorities give us a purpose even when goals become unattainable or the course shifts or something happens in life that changes our trajectory. If we know what our priorities are.  We can choose to focus on those every single day.” 
After 100 episodes of the Farming on Purpose podcast, this milestone episode reflects on key lessons learned about agriculture, family farming, and finding your path. From starting as a new mom uncertain about her role on a 20-acre farm to now raising the potential seventh generation on family land, the journey highlights how priorities shape daily decisions, patience pays off in farming, and entrepreneurial thinking opens new possibilities in agriculture. This episode celebrates growth while looking forward to future conversations about strengthening farm families and food systems. 
Key Topics: 
Personal growth journey: Moving from a 20-acre farm to managing a multi-generational family operation 
The postpartum transition period and finding new purpose in agriculture 
Setting priorities versus focusing only on goals in farming 
The reality of timelines in agriculture - why things take longer than expected 
Understanding generational farming challenges, especially around transitions 
The role of entrepreneurship in modern farming's future 
Financial realities: The balance between land payments and cattle payments 
The need for more positive storytelling in agricultural media 
Building stronger farm families while strengthening the food system 
LINKS 
Farming on Purpose hits 100 episodes! To celebrate, we're giving away exclusive merch and two fantastic children's books: "A Day on the Farm with Mama" by Andrea LeFevre and "Charlie Learns to be a Cowboy" by Danika Kester. 
Enter by December 31st: 
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts OR 
Share any of our posts to your Instagram story 
Winner will be announced January 1st! 
Thank you for joining us as we explore success stories in agriculture and build stronger farm families, stronger food systems, and stronger rural legacies. Here's to the next 100 episodes!  
Marketing Routine class, do so here! 
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 
Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 
 
Episode 85: Resiliency: The Secret to Success in Farming and Ranching 
Episode 86: Farm Time Machine - What a Beginning Farmer and Farm Wife Wishes She Knew Sooner  
Episode 31: Expanding Local Food Businesses and Food Education with Bruce's Bullseye 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 future of production agriculture. 
 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

Working Full Time While Building Her Farm Dream with Brenna Beard

 “Some years you're going to make more money than other years and I think as long as you  don't outpace your budget, then you'll end up being just fine.” 
Meet Brenna Beard, a beginning farmer who's building her operation while working full-time in ag sales. Starting with just 35 acres of her dad's land, she's doubled her acres and even bought her first piece of ground - all while living 50 minutes from the farm. Her story shows how the next generation is finding creative ways to keep family farms alive, proving you don't need hundreds of acres or fancy equipment to get started in farming. 
Key Topics: 
Starting small in farming (35 acres to 75 acres) 
Managing a full-time career while farming 
Family farm transition challenges 
Working with custom operators for equipment needs 
Trying new farming practices vs traditional methods 
Purchasing first piece of farmland 
Balancing time between work and farm  
Marketing challenges for beginning farmers 
Future plans for expansion 
Working with family and clear communication 
Using vacation time for planting and harvest 
Preserving 200-year family farming legacy 
Want to follow Brenna's farming journey? Find her on Instagram and YouTube. 
LINKS 
Marketing Routine class, do so here! 
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 
Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 
 
Episode 52: Growing a First Generation Operation with Millennial Rancher Calli Williams  
Episode 43: Returning to & Growing on the Ranch with Kristin Harms 
Episode 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 future of production agriculture. 
 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  
 

From City Life to Farm Life: How Jessica Lewis Built Back to Roots Farm

“Teaching classes and being able to plant the seed itself for other people to get excited for things that have been lost in our generation has also just been something that has brought  tons of happiness and joy.”  
City girl turned farmer Jessica Lewis shares how she built Back to Roots Farm in Thomasville, Georgia, starting with bottle baby goats and growing into a thriving business teaching homesteading skills. With her seven-year-old daughter already sharing her passion for farming, Jessica shows how starting small and being willing to pivot when markets change can lead to success in agriculture, even without prior experience. 
Key Topics: 
Transition from city life to farming with no prior experience 
Starting with bottle baby goats and expanding to multiple enterprises 
Adapting business when markets change (from goats to chickens/soaps) 
Teaching homesteading skills through classes (soap making, canning) 
Balancing farming with family life 
The learning curve of starting a farm (mistakes and lessons learned) 
Challenge of finding mentors in modern agriculture 
Raising children in a farming lifestyle 
Operating a small-scale farm vs traditional large-scale operations 
Pivoting from production agriculture to education/value-added products 
You can find Back to Roots Farm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit their website to learn more about their classes and products. 
LINKS 
Land-finding guide: thetinylife.com/fop.  
Marketing Routine class, do so here! 
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 
Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 
 
#16 Building a Homestead with Terra Larsen of Everest Acres 
#54 Growing a Heritage Sheep Operation in California 
#70 For the Kids: From City to Farm 
 
 
 
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 future of production agriculture. 
 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  
 

Finding Joy in Farm Life with Heather Nienhueser

“My life does revolve around farming but I also think we have good boundaries where I’m not resentful of that.”  
Nebraska farm wife Heather Nienhueser shares her journey from ag banker to stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur. She discusses building a successful family popcorn business, navigating farm transitions, and finding joy in farm life. Through her candid stories about balancing motherhood, business, and farm life, Heather offers practical advice for other farm families – from getting through busy seasons to planning successful generational transitions. 
Key Topics: 
Farm Life & Family 
Business & Entrepreneurship 
Farm Transition 
Work-Life Balance 
Healthcare & Benefits 
Home Projects 
To connect with Heather, check out her Instagram, blog,  and website.  
LINKS 
Land-finding guide: thetinylife.com/fop.  
Marketing Routine class, do so here! 
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 
Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 
 
#95 Sisters, Mothers, Ranchers: How Three Women Are Building a Legacy at Giles Ranch Beef
#87 Farm Succession Planning: Securing Your Family’s Legacy
#86 Farm Time Machine - What a Beginning Farmer and Farm Wife Wishes She Knew Sooner
 
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 future of production agriculture. 
 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

From The Archive-Beginning Farming and Resetting Your Farm Practices with DL Lautenbach

“The opportunity is out there, you’re just going to have to do a better job than trying to compete with Walmart on price and volume.” 
In this episode from the vault, farmer DL Lautenbach shares his journey of rebuilding after losing his 400-head operation in 2008. Starting with just five borrowed calf hutches, he shows how thinking differently and staying scrappy helped him build back up. DL's story reminds us that success in farming isn't always about size - it's about finding creative solutions, putting family first, and defining success on your own terms. 
Key Topics: 
Starting Over  
Creative Problem Solving 
Mindset and Lifestyle Changes 
Family First Farming 
Smart Financial Management  
Finding Your Advantage 
Modern Market Adaptation 
For those looking to connect with the DL Lautenbach, you can find him on TikTok and Facebook.  
LINKS 
Land-finding guide: thetinylife.com/fop.  
Marketing Routine class, do so here! 
Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  
Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 
I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 
Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 
#72 Advice from a First-Generation Farmer on Surviving Trends 
#57 Living Your Authentic Ag Journey with Matt Brechwald of Off-Farm Income
#84 From Dairy Farm Dreams to Self-Made Farmer: Derek Penrod’s Journey
 
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 future of production agriculture. 
 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.